Why Kill the Innocent

Sebastian St. Cyr #13

by C.S. Harris

A brutal murder draws Sebastian St. Cyr into the web of the royal court, where intrigue abounds and betrayal awaits.

London, 1814.

As a cruel winter holds the city in its icy grip, the bloody body of a beautiful young musician is found half-buried in a snowdrift. Jane Ambrose's ties to Princess Charlotte, the only child of the Prince Regent and heir presumptive to the throne, panic the palace, which moves quickly to shut down any investigation into the death of the talented pianist. But Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin, and his wife Hero refuse to allow Jane's murderer to escape justice.

Untangling the secrets of Jane's world leads Sebastian into a maze of dangerous treachery where each player has his or her own unsavory agenda and no one can be trusted. As the Thames freezes over and the people of London pour onto the ice for a Frost Fair, Sebastian and Hero find their investigation circling back to the palace and building to a chilling crescendo of deceit and death...

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical Mystery, Historical, Fiction, Regency, Audiobook

345 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 3, 2018

About the author

Candice Proctor, aka C.S. Harris and C.S. Graham, is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than a dozen novels including the Sebastian St. Cyr Regency mystery series written under the name C.S. Harris, the new C.S. Graham thriller series co-written with Steven Harris, and seven historical romances. She is also the author of a nonfiction historical study of the French Revolution. Her books are available worldwide and have been translated into over twenty different languages.

Candice graduated Phi Beta Kappa, summa cum laude with a degree in Classics before going on to earn an MA and Ph.D. in history. A former academic, she has taught at the University of Idaho and Midwestern State University in Texas. She also worked as an archaeologist on a variety of sites including a Hudson's Bay Company Fort in San Juan Island, a Cherokee village in Tennessee, a prehistoric kill site in Victoria, Australia, and a Roman cemetery and medieval manor house in Winchester, England. Most recently, she spent many years as a partner in an international business consulting firm.

The daughter of a career Air Force officer and university professor, Proctor loves to travel and has spent much of her life abroad. She has lived in Spain, Greece, England, France, Jordan, and Australia. She now makes her home in New Orleans, Louisiana, with her husband, retired Army officer Steve Harris, her two daughters, and an ever-expanding number of cats.

Reviews

[Margaret M - (having a challenging time and on GR as much as I can) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now this is the how historical crime thrillers should be written and served with its perfect blend of fact and fiction dished up on a Regency London platter with lashings of intrigue and suspense accompanied by tasteful characterisation to test your investigative taste buds to no end.

The Plot

The setting is Regency London where Jane Ambrose, the piano teacher to Princess Charlotte, daughter of The Prince of Wales and heir presumptive, is found dead with blunt force trauma to the head. A murder, manslaughter, or tragic accident?

Sebastian and his investigative sidekick, who also happens to be his adoring wife Hero, start an investigation that takes them to the Palace, seedy taverns in London, to high rise mansions and even to The Netherlands, as one thread becomes clearer. The untimely and shocking death of a respectable young woman must have something to do with Princess Charlotte. Or it could be her husband, brother, friend, powerful statesmen, a Dutch Courtier to the family of William of Orange. There is no shortage of plots and suspects.

Princess Charlotte is all but a prisoner in her home, but when her love letters from Captain Hesse go missing, a hunt ensues to prevent a royal scandal, or this could jeopardise the marriage union Prince Regent is trying to secure with Orange dynasty.

However, as a trail of dead bodies, unconnected to the Royal family, turn up in different parts of London, this is evidence enough that the Jane Ambrose held many secrets, and was connected to many unsavoury characters. As the plots and subplots are uncovered, we are held in an intriguing grip to the end when this complex web is revealed.

What’s Real and What’s Not

The character of Jane Ambrose and her death is entirely fictional, almost everything else is either partially or factually correct, including the betrothal of Princess Charlotte to Orange and the love-in with Captain Hesse. Even the ambiance of the Great Fog of 1814 and the layout of the Tower Bridge district in London is captured accurately. Jane Ambrose a talented pianist and composer had to publish her work through her brother, reflecting the attitudes of men at that time because women’s minds should / could not extend to such accomplishments.

The Verdict

Harris is an author who knows how to use real events to create a masterpiece of historical fiction. The fact and fictional threads are completely entwined not layered over the top as in some other novels. The plots and subplots were complex, and we stitched constantly as the investigation continued into multiple suspects which I adored. I love the writing style. The author can capture the imagery so well without going over the top with unnecessary prose, whilst at the same time it perfected the pace I enjoy in a thriller. Being kept in suspense to the end was the icing on top of a perfectly baked cake.

A highly accomplished novel and highly recommended.

I started reading the series at 7, then 16 and now 13 and all are standalone novels. Viscount Sebastian the detective appears in them all which is the only connection between all.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why Kill the Innocent by C.S. Harris is a 2018 Berkley publication.

A sad death, shocking revelations, and a wealth of palace intrigue!

A nasty spate of frigid cold, snow, and ice hold London in its grip. As Hero makes her way through the icy sludge, she literally stumbles across the corpse of Jane Ambrose. It becomes apparent immediately that Jane is not a victim of the nasty weather, but has been killed, then dumped out in the snow. As Sebastian and Hero attempt to uncover the truth about Jane’s death, once again Hero’s father, Jarvis, appears to be at the center of all that is nasty, mean, and cruel….

This is one of my favorite series, of any genre, that I read, because I am never let down or disappointed by it.

This story highlights the vulnerabilities of women in this historical time period, in shocking detail. Poor Jane Ambrose was literally at the mercy of every man she encountered or was involved with.

Not only that, the novel explores the practice of recruiting men to fight in wars they have no emotional or patriotic stake in, which left their wives and children all alone with no way to provide for themselves, which often led to very tragic and heartrending results. These passages are nearly unbearable to read about, but is a terrible historical truth, nonetheless.

Then there is Princess Charlotte and all the palace machinations at play, pitting her between two warring, competing, manipulative parents and all those who would hope to use her, and her proposed engagement, to their own advantage.

Once more, Harris has done a fantastic job of exploring the dark, seedy sides of London, from the perspectives of the very poor to the very powerful, examining the cause and effect of all those caught in their vicious nets. I’m loving the way Sebastian and Hero work together in tandem, the way their relationship continues to solidify, and the excellent points the author always drives home to the reader, while weaving such absorbing and riveting murder mysteries.
4.5 stars

[Phrynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was so nice to get a new Sebastian St Cyr novel and to be able to revisit one of my favourite literary couples, Sebastian and Hero, now with the addition of their one year old son.

This continues to be an excellent series which always presents an intriguing fictional mystery set against actual historical fact. This time we were in London in 1814, the year of the very last Frost Fair, the last year in which the Thames froze solid so that people could walk and in fact trade upon it. The atmosphere and the excitement of the people is described perfectly. If I could travel in time it would be an event on my list of things to visit.

Sebastian is the perfect main character for an historical mystery and carries this one off with his usual intelligence and charm. And no wonder Hero is his perfect woman. We have seen her in earlier books defending herself in bad situations. In this one she really takes control and literally shoots to kill. Perfect.

This is such a good series. Long may it continue.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars for a solid addition to this excellent historical mystery series. It is set in London, January, 1814. Alexi Sauvage has introduced Hero Devlin to a 8 months pregnant wife of a recently impressed cooper. Her husband was snatched of the street by a Royal Navy press gang. She is desperate need of food and coal. Hero and her friend Alexi assist her in the successful birth of her child.
They are returning to Hero's carriage when they stumble upon the body of a woman. Hero recognizes her as Jane Ambrose, piano teacher to Princess Charlotte, the Regent's daughter. She sends word to her husband, Sebastian St Cyr, Viscount Devlin. Sauvage has told Hero that the body was moved after death, due to the lack of blood from the wound. Devlin decides to investigate what was either a murder or manslaughter.
However, the Palace does not want this classed as a murder, because it would embarrass the Royal family. The authorities announce that she died as a result of a fall, hitting her head.
Devlin angers some powerful people by investigating and is attacked. He does solve the murder. There are many suspects with twists and turns in the plot. I was not sure of who the killer was until near the end.
I like that the author incorporates the use of terms in use in 1814 London:
Footpad=robber
cutpurse=thief
Description of Hero's clothes: "Unable to use her carriage in the snow-filled streets and scorning sedan chairs, she pulled on demi-broquins of fine morocco lined with fur, wrapped herself in a fur trimmed pelisse with a matching Swedish hat fastened up on one side, and walked."
The author discusses the plight of the poor, compared with the rich and the inequities of limited suffrage, and limitations placed upon talented women in Regency Britain.
I recommend that you read this series in order, as there are developments in Devlin's personal life throughout the series. See my review of book 1 What Angels Fear: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I read this library book in 3 days.

[Diane S ☔ · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Hero stumbles on the body of Jane Ambrose, music teacher to Princess Charlotte, her husband Sebastian St. Cyr the viscount Devlin quickly becomes involved. Knowing he has little time before the palace hushes the murder up, he ascertains that her death is not a natural one and that her body has been moved. Who among the political players of the day, or of Jane's family wanted this young woman dead?

Love this historical series, Sebastian has a very storied past, things he still does not know, but he is very unusual in that unlike most of those of status, he honestly cares about justice for all people, not just the wealthy. It is well written, and the best part is that the history is accurately portrayed, the mystery woven amongst known facts. In 1814 the last Frost fair was held on the Thames. Underestimating the thickness of the ice and snow number of people were killed. This was at the culmination of s horrid winter that included the great fog. This story takes place during this time period. The Royal family in all it's disarray and the political manuverings of this time are also described. All this and more is included in the authors note at books end.

It is the characters though that I enjoy, Sebastian, Hero, Kat, and meeting different notsbles of the day. A great mix of the personal, political and history.

ARC from Netgalley.

[Jonetta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hero St. Cyr and Alexi Sauvage are returning home following a visit to one of her patients when they stumble upon the body of a young woman in a snow drift. Hero recognizes her as Jane Ambrose, the long time piano teacher to Princess Charlotte, the sole child and heir presumptive of the Prince Regent. When the palace moves quickly to silence the official investigation, Hero and Sebastian continue and find themselves in the midst of high intrigue and danger.

Of all the books in the series, this was one of the most historically accurate and complex. The central palace figure here is Princess Charlotte, surrounded by many with secret agendas and very few with her best interests in mind, least of all her nasty father. I loved how Sebastian and Hero worked as a team, both formidable individually and a major force together. The stark realities of the era are tough to absorb, heightened by the cruelty of not only the ruling class but a brutal, icy winter upon the poor and disenfranchised.

Sometimes it was difficult to keep up with all the machinations and chess players but I managed just fine. This story has a bit of everything, including but not limited to the romance of Hero & Sebastian, mystery, suspense and history (never knew about the Frost Fair of 1814). There’s a scene involving Hero that I’ll never forget as she showed how distinctly unique she is and has now become my favorite character. This was a highly interesting story with so many, many layers.

[Caz · Rating 5 out of 5]

C.S. Harris has maintained a consistently high standard throughout her long-running  Sebastian St. Cyr  series of historical mysteries, but the last two or three books, in particular, have been outstanding – which is quite remarkable when one considers that this latest instalment, Why Kill the Innocent, is number thirteen.  The individual mysteries are extremely well-constructed and set against a superbly researched and realised historical background; and so far, each one has been self-contained, so that each book could be read as a standalone.  Notice I used the word could – because actually, this isn’t a series I would recommend dipping in and out of or reading out of order, because there are overarching plot threads that run from book to book you really don’t want to miss out on.  But unlike the other books in the series, the previous one – Where the Dead Lie –  left some aspects of the mystery unsolved and readers wondering whether the main villain of the was ever going to be made to pay for his crimes.  As we’re at book thirteen of a fifteen-book series, I’m guessing the answer is yes, but we’re going to have to wait a little while longer to see it!

Why Kill the Innocent is set in the winter of 1814, which is on record as being one of the coldest ever experienced in England.  On her way back from a charitable visit in the East End, Sebastian’s wife Hero stumbles – literally – on a body lying in the street, and is surprised to recognise the dead woman as Jane Ambrose, a talented musician who taught piano to a number of the children of the nobility – including Princess Charlotte, daughter of the Regent and Heir Presumptive to the throne.   It’s immediately obvious that Jane was murdered – she died from a blow to the head – and that the lack of blood around her indicates she was killed elsewhere. Hero immediately sends for her husband and for Henry Lovejoy, the magistrate from Bow Street who has aided Sebastian on a number of investigations and has become a friend; all of them know that once the news of Jane’s death is made public, the palace machinery will move fast to prevent any scandal being attached to the princess by covering up the truth and preventing any further investigation into the matter.  Or trying to – because Sebastian isn’t about to allow the brutal murder of a young woman to go unnoticed or her murderer to evade justice.

I don’t want to say much more about the plot, which is utterly compelling and kept me turning the pages into the small hours. Although Jane Ambrose is dead when we meet her, the picture built up of her through the eyes of others is poignant and intriguing. A musical genius at a time when ladies were never supposed to excel at anything other than being decorative, Jane had to supress her gift for performing and composing and instead spend her time teaching others. Her marriage was not happy, and her husband’s infidelities and abuse, coupled with death of her two children from illness a year earlier eventually led to a profound change in the woman who had previously been a model wife. She was clearly a woman driven to the edge, but who, instead of falling over, found or rediscovered an inner strength that gave her the will to stand up and fight for herself and others. Her desire to protect Princess Charlotte from an enforced marriage to a man bound to make her miserable meant that Jane put herself in the middle of what proved to be deadly palace intrigue and political manoeuvring – most of it masterminded by Hero’s father, Lord Jarvis, a cold, ruthless man who will do whatever it takes to maintain his position as the power behind the throne.

As usual, Sebastian finds himself baulked at many a turn of the investigation; everyone has secrets they are determined to keep and nobody can be trusted… and those in positions of power are actively trying to prevent him from uncovering the truth which, of course turns out to have implications far more wide-reaching than he could ever have suspected.

One of the many enjoyable things about this series has been Ms. Harris’ obvious love for and knowledge of the period in which it is set. She has a splendid grasp of the volatile political situation of the time, and makes very good use of that knowledge to provide a solid historical background to her stories. In this novel, however, I think the author has outdone herself. The background to the tale, the terrible relationship between the Prince Regent and his daughter, how he almost hated her for her popularity and tried to control every aspect of her life… it’s all true. The Regent really did treat his wife in the appalling manner described, and his paranoia, his excesses, his narcissism and lack of interest in the people he ruled are all matters of record, gleaned from correspondence with friends and family. Many of the secondary characters in the story are real, or are closely based on historical figures, and many of the events – such as Princess Charlotte deliberately procrastinating over an unwanted betrothal – actually happened. All these things – and more – are seamlessly and skilfully incorporated into the story without the reader ever being subjected to info-dumps or a static history lesson – which just goes to show that truth really is stranger than fiction at times.

The setting of a London so cold that the Thames froze over is hard for the modern Londoner to envisage, but Ms. Harris’ descriptions of a city blanketed in white and the Frost Fair on the river are wonderfully evocative and paint a detailed picture in the mind of the reader of what it must have looked like. But as well as the Christmas-Card imagery, she takes care to show us the other side of the pretty picture; of the extreme hardship faced by the poor when the extraordinary weather conditions led to shortages of food and fuel.

The reparation of Sebastian’s relationship with his father continues apace, and I loved watching Sebastian’s interactions with his young son. He and Hero are obviously very much in love and are devoted to each other – yet they don’t live in each other’s pockets. They know each other very well, and the trust and confidence Sebastian places in his wife is admirable, while Hero’s ability to listen and understand have become his bedrock.

The long running plot thread concerning Sebastian’s parentage doesn’t get much screen time here and the threads left over from the previous book are also not forgotten, but both are passing mentions, which I thought a wise move given that there is more than enough here to keep the reader glued to the story. There is also, clearly, more to come from the recently widowed Jarvis and Hero’s manipulative cousin Victoria, and I can’t wait to see how things pan out.

The murder mystery is satisfyingly complex, the historical detail is fascinating and I continue to adore Sebastian St. Cyr, a character who has come such a long way since we first met him as an angry, damaged and resentful veteran of war. With its masterful storytelling, intricate plotting and intriguing characters, Why Kill the Innocent is a truly gripping read and I’m sure that fans of the series need no endorsement from me to be waiting to pounce on it upon release.

[Jennifer ~ TarHeelReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Why Kill the Innocent just prior to reading the newest book in this series, Who Slays the Wicked. If you enjoy historical mysteries, this series is top notch.

Why Kill the Innocent involves a mystery for Sebastian to undertake at the royal court in 1814 London. A young musician named Jane Ambrose is murdered, and she has ties to Princess Charlotte, the next in line for the throne. This frightens everyone and causes concern and intrigue. Jane’s world is full of secrets, and once Sebastian and Hero uncover some of the mystery, more and more deceit rises to the surface. I loved the working relationship between Sebastian and his wife, Hero- how well they worked together. I was completely absorbed in this story and breezed right through it.

I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favourite historical mystery series, mainly because they are so well written and both the historical aspect and the mystery are so well done. And of course because Sebastian St Cyr is the perfect amateur detective, a gentleman who is smart and compassionate with shadows in his own past and a need for finding out the truth whatever the cost. In Hero, his wife, who is committed to fighting for social justice for the poor and downtrodden, he has the perfect partner and accomplice.

It's the winter of 1814 and London is in the grip of one of the worst winters ever when Hero, out on a mission of mercy finds the body of a young woman in the snow. She recognises the woman as a young piano teacher with the Regent's daughter, Princess Charlotte one of her pupils. Although the Palace tries to cover up the death as an accident, Sebastian fears there is more to it than that and soon finds himself involved in investigating matters the Palace would prefer him to leave alone.

One of the strong features of this series is the inclusion of real people and events in the novels. In the winter of 1814 the Thames froze for the last time and the last ever winter fair was held on it. The author evoked a great atmosphere describing the fair with all types of stalls and tents selling all manner of foods and souvenirs and street performers showing off their skills. The descriptions of Princess Charlotte and her mother Caroline's lives and their treatment by the Prince of Wales (the Regent later to be George IV) was also fascinating*. Hero as usual is concerned about the poverty of the working people and in this novel highlights the plight of women whose husbands were press-ganged into the navy and sent to fight Napolean, leaving the wives and children without any financial support. She also shows Sebastian that she is more than capable of looking after herself when threatened by a man with a knife in a lonely park. They make such a great couple when it comes to sleuthing out the truth.

*[It's interesting to note that Charlotte would be partly responsible for giving us Queen Victoria. Charlotte, married for less than two years, died at the age of 21, giving birth to a still born son. Since she was the Regent's only descendant one of his brothers, Edward was persuaded to marry at the age of 50 (to Charlotte's sister in law) producing a daughter who went on to become Queen Victoria.]

[PattyMacDotComma · Rating 5 out of 5]

5★
“ ‘Holland will be far more stable once it is turned into a monarchy—’
‘Ah, yes: because the fates of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette certainly illustrated for all just how stable a monarchy can be’” said Hero dryly.

‘—and nothing will keep this new, more powerful Dutch kingdom tied to Britain better than a marriage alliance,’ he finished with a repressive frown.”

Lord Jarvis is arguably the most powerful man in England in 1814. He’s the much-feared power behind the throne. But for all that, he does love his daughter, Hero, now Lady Devlin, who is arguing with him about young Princess Charlotte. He answers with his usual solution for taking care of things.

“Hero had never been the least troubled by his disapproval. ‘And if the Dutch people object to having their two-hundred-year-old republic replaced by a monarchy?’

Jarvis shrugged. ‘A few judicious whiffs of grapeshot will quiet any objections.’”

In more modern times, Hero would be a bra-burning, rally-crying feminist, seeking justice for the freezing, starving women and children in the bitter cold of winter. As it is, she does what she can while living comfortably with her husband and baby son in a warm house with staff.

While she is out, making her rounds to help people, she stumbles, literally, over the body of Princess Charlotte’s piano teacher, Jane Ambrose. Without losing her focus on the poor, she takes up the cause of finding justice for Jane. This, of course, puts Lord Devlin, Sebastian St. Cyr, on the trail.

The plot, as is customary in the series, becomes increasingly complicated, as bits of evidence point to different possible perpetrators, only to be foiled when they have fool-proof alibis. Sebastian, Devlin, Lord Devlin - the names are used interchangeably - is still the main character, the hero, if you will, but his wife is well-named and adds depth to the stories.

The history is particularly interesting, and the feature has to be the Frost Fair held on the frozen Thames River, the last one ever held, I believe.

“Rather than being smooth, the icy surface was rough and undulating, for the Thames had not frozen in a single sheet. And so the ‘streets’ of the fair twisted this way and that, winding around jagged, snow-covered hillocks formed by the massive ice chunks that had floated down from upriver and collided into one another, allowing the river to freeze between them.”

Shops and businesses have been struggling in the Great Fog because nobody has wanted to venture far from whatever warmth they may have indoors. A Frost Fair is exactly what they need to draw the people out.

“Sebastian stood beside the stone balustrade of Blackfriars Bridge and stared out over the uneven frozen plain that had once been the River Thames. Two straggly parallel lines of gaily painted booths and tents were beginning to form, with roving vendors selling everything from gingerbread and tea to gloves and hairbrushes. Troops of jugglers, acrobats, and tumblers performed for the growing crowd, while close to one of the arches of the bridge someone was roasting a sheep over a large iron pan full of coals and charging sixpence to watch or a shilling for a slice of mutton. The air was heavy with the scent of roasting meat, hot chestnuts, and ale.”

Colour aquatint showing the frost fair on the Thames published 18th February 1814 (Museum of London)

The dangers of setting up shop on the ice are obvious, but the magic of wandering around the booths at night is irresistible, so Sebastian and Hero rug up young Simon and take in the sights.

“The fair was a magical place after dark, with torches flaring up golden bright against a clear, glittering black sky and strings of colored lanterns dangling between parallel rows of makeshift booths and stalls. They’d dubbed the main thoroughfare ‘the City Road,’ a grand promenade that snaked down the frozen river from Blackfriars to London Bridge.”

It is a fascinating look at London during that dreadful winter, but I digress from the main story and the other dangers faced by our heroic young couple. Sebastian barely escapes serious attacks, and even Hero is feeling the threatened.

The war with the French is ongoing, and they have discovered smugglers and palace intrigue that puts them both in harm’s way. Sebastian discovers Hero cleaning her small muff gun, so-called because it was made to hide in the muff that ladies wore to warm their hands.

The Ladies’ Protector, cfmuzzleloaders.com

“ ‘Is this routine maintenance?’ he asked, watching her. “’Or did you shoot someone?’ Hero carefully replaced the barrel and locked it in place. ‘I think someone might be following me.’”

She is right. Someone is. It’s another riveting tale from a favourite historical mystery writer who paints a clearer picture of the times than most, while keeping the plots entertainingly complex. The long Author’s Note at the end gives much more detail about the period and the famous Frost Fair.

I have been pacing myself so I still have some to look forward to, but here is a list of the books I have (or want) and my reviews.

My list of Sebastian St. Cyr Historical Mysteries with reviews.

[Mei · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title is exactly what Sebastian and Hero must find out! Who killed poor Jane? And why?

The answer is really as simple as "the killer is the butler", but the road to the killer is as twisting as a maze!!

There're so many really heartwrenching and depressing moments here...

For example the poor girl, Amy, condemned to hang because she stole a ham to feed herself and her newborn baby...

“I always used to believe in God,” the girl was saying. “But I don’t know more. Why would a God who’s truly good and kind let that press gang take my Jeremy away from me like that? We were so happy. We thought we had our whole lives ahead of us.” Tears began to slide down the girl’s dirty cheeks, but a rush of what looked like raw anger now glittered in her eyes and hardened her features. “I don’t care what the chaplain says. I won’t pray to God and ask him to forgive me. For what? For trying to keep my baby alive? Why should I have to ask God’s forgiveness for that? If there is a God and he did this to us—to my Jeremy, to my Hannah—then I don’t want to see him. I don’t want to go to heaven and live with somebody who’s that cruel and uncaring.”

Or the mother whose baby died...

“It’s not right, what we do. Kidnapping men and carrying them off as essentially slaves to serve on our warships, all without a thought to the wives and children they leave behind to starve. As if their hopes and dreams—as if their very lives—matter not at all. We killed that baby— everyone who has ever kept silent about impressment, who accepts it as just or even an unfortunate necessity. We killed him.” (Hero)

While reading this series I often wanted to punch Jarvis, but here I just wanted to snidely smile a tell him a little bit of his near future: Queen Victoria!

“What’s wrong with Charlotte? She’s far more stable, responsible, and just plain likable than her father. And the people love her—they cheer her every time they see her.”
“She is a woman.”
“So was Queen Elizabeth.”
“Queen Elizabeth lived in a far different age.”
“Are you suggesting the Elizabethan era was more enlightened than our own? Or simply less challenging?”
Jarvis drew up and turned to face her. “The last thing the nineteenth century needs is a woman on the British throne …”.”

Speaking of Jarvis, what's he doing with "sweet" cousin Victoria?
After she had gone, Victoria came to stand behind Jarvis’s chair and slip her arms around his neck. “Does she know?”
“Not all of it,” he said, and smiled when she playfully bit his ear.

And now I have to wait for months until the next one... Grrrrr!!!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I discovered this series a bit late in the game, but I'm sure glad I did! Why Kill the Innocent is the 13th book in the Sebastian St Cyr series. I love the mix of historical fiction and mystery. This book kept my attention from beginning to end. Interesting mystery. Great suspense and fantastic characters. I will definitely be backtracking to read the rest of this series! I hope all the books are as interesting and enjoyable to read as this one!

The basics: It's winter in London in 1814. Jane Ambrose is Princess Charlotte's music teacher. Jane is young, beautiful, a talented pianist...and dead. Sebastian St. Cyr's wife, Hero, finds her bloody, frozen body buried in snow. St. Cyr knows they need to investigate the murder fast before the Royals attempt to hush it up due to the tie with Princess Charlotte. Sebastian and Hero work together to discover the identity of the murderer.

I absolutely loved the blend of historical fact and fiction in this book. I'm not sure if it differs from other books in this series, as this is the first one that I've read. But I was definitely sucked right into this story from the start. The plot proceeds at a perfect pace and there were plenty of surprises and suspects.

So happy to have found this series! I'm going to start at the beginning and read every book!

**I voluntarily read an advance readers copy of this book from Berkley Publishing via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

[Chris C - A Midlife Wife · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story loaded with history and mystery!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This book has been an experience. I’ve read a lot of historical books in my time but I have to say the detail and the authenticity of this story added so much to the underlying theme.

One of the things I got me worried was the fact that I had never read any of the series. This was my first book and was missing the intimate knowledge of the main characters, Sebastian and Hero. While I was at a deficit to begin with it only took me a few chapters to break into the story.

There was some things to overcome in this book. One of which was, of course, my unfamiliarity with the characters and the authors writing style. The other was the amount of characters in the book. It became difficult at times to keep track of everyone.

However, once the book had ended and you look back on the minuscule threads and the authors ability to paint a picture of mystery surrounding the incident, you understand why there were so many fingers in the pie, so to speak.

For me, the first third of the book was a little more difficult to get through but by the time I got into the investigation and started connecting dots, I was thoroughly engaged and loved the minute detail the author developed.

She is definitely at the top of her game with the intricacy of her story and plot. This book is thoroughly enjoyable! For those that love history and mystery, this is an author you must check out and Why Kill the Innocent is full of the twists we crave!

I especially loved the mini history lesson at the end where she detailed the truths in the history and her creative license in developing the story. So interesting! And the cover is awesome!

I never felt like I was missing a big portion of the background by not reading the other books before. However, I will definitely check out more of this series. Great escape reading! 4 Stars!

[h o l l i s · Rating 3 out of 5]

This mystery didn't grab me quite the way the last few did but I nonetheless felt very struck by the character of Jane. She was definitely the star of this story, for me, even if almost every part of her story was tragic.

There was a tiny blink and you miss it moment but we did get one scene that makes me believe a reckoning between a certain father daughter duo will be coming very soon. Assuming a certain thing gets out. Which it always does. Dun dun dun.

Also! Another particular dynamic that was left open ended in book twelve did not resolve in this book. Dragging out the fun, I think. Curious when that'll come to a head.

This is review is v a g u e, vague.

[Empress Reece (Hooked on Books) · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars...

I was very dissapointed when I finished this book. I felt like Harris just shortchanged me as a reader and her characters with this cut and pasted drivel. I normally love this series but I didn't get any warm fuzzy feelings from this book at all. The whole time I was reading it I was completely bored and it was painstakingly obvious how particular sections of writing were exactly the same and located in exactly the same places within chapters as in previous books. I know some authors like to use an outline which I don't mind in increments but when the rest of the story is so boring that, that's all I can focus on then something is not right. I just got the impression that Harris put very little time or effort into this book. If you're tired of writing about your own characters, then it's time to move on and it's time for me to move on too! Don't put out half-assed written books and expect your readers not to notice or care because we will and we do.

*I received this ARC from Penguin Random House First-to-Read program in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

[Quenby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another home run. If I ever decide to write mysteries I am going to study CS Harris. How she manages the complexities of emerging information and plot is outstanding. For me, the biggest bonus is the historical context and the examination of moral issues. One conflict that is frequently evaluated is that between the good of the larger system vs. the good of the individual. Is it reasonable to randomly impress men by the navy? Efficient ruthless action by Lord Jarvis is compared to the price paid by individuals. It is reminiscent of the trickle down theory of economics which focuses all efforts on the top tier in the belief that what’s good for General Motors is good for the country. And certainly, if you rate countries based on international power, ruthless efficiency seems to work well. What can one person’s death compare to managing the balance of power? We call leaders who conquer other countries ‘great’. At the very least, Harris makes a consistent case for empowering the individual using painful and accurate descriptions of what happens when individuals have no choices.

Anyway, a great story.

[Ira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love this series! ❤️❤️❤️

It’s getting better and better.
I did both, read and listen at the same time and it was a fabulous experience 😀

So many tragedies and sadness in this story though, many based by the true stories happened in those Great Fog time and I don’t even know what to say about the killer either, all just very sad 😔
I feel like the only happiness in this story was the relationship between Sebastian and Hero.
I love these two so much and they really become a strong and very loving couple 💞

Oh, the author’s note is excellent too and I learn something new from this story then I went hunting the wiki for more! 😂.

I think, since this is a mystery book you don’t need to read too many reviews before you start read it, do you?😀😘

❤️❤️❤️

[Veronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m once again visiting my all-time favorite historical mystery series. It’s book thirteen now and, at this point, Sebastian and Hero are about as dear to me as any literary characters can be. The year is 1814, the month is January and our sleuthing aristocrats are anticipating their son’s first birthday even as the city is facing one of its coldest winters. When Hero literally stumbles into the murder of the piano teacher of none other than HRH Princess Charlotte herself, it’s a foregone conclusion that Sebastian will turn his acute, mystery-solving skills to the task of solving the case.

As Sebastian tries to pin down the sequence of events in the piano teacher's final days, he finds himself following her down paths that lead to high placed palace intrigue as well as the more mundane matters of domestic unrest in hearth and home. It’s a complicated puzzle that seems to only add more suspects and motives without ever ruling anyone out. But there is always so much more going on in a Sebastian St Cyr mystery book than just the solving of a murder. It’s these “extras” that breathe a sense of realism into the stories and lend weight and emotional depth to the actions of the characters.

As usual, Hero is staunchly on Sebastian’s side and helps him in his investigations in any manner she can. She shares his passion for justice but she also seeks it out on a much larger scale than he does. Throughout their marriage, and even before it, Hero has used her research and writing skills to highlight the plight of England’s most vulnerable citizens. Her drive for reform is one of the reasons I love her so much and why she has always been the perfect match for Sebastian. Her work has also always been the reader’s window into those seedier and sadder parts of regency England that aren’t typically featured in your usual Jane Austen story. This time around we learn a little bit about the “hardships faced by the families of men snatched off the streets by the Royal Navy’s infamous press gangs.” The plight of the young wife who provides a “face” to this harsh practice is truly heartbreaking.

”It’s not right, what we do. Kidnapping men and carrying them off as essentially slaves to serve on our warships, all without a thought to the wives and children they leave behind to starve. As if their hopes and dreams - as if their very lives - matter not at all.”

Accompanying Hero on this very personal journey is Alexi Sauvage, the French physician/midwife who has become involved with Gibson, Sebastian’s surgeon friend. I’ll admit that I hadn’t really warmed up to Alex much since her introduction way back in book nine but I actually enjoyed seeing the friendship blossom between her and Hero here. I wouldn’t mind seeing more of that in future books.

We also got some updates on a few other matters in Sebastian’s and Hero’s personal lives. There is the matter of Stephanie’s marriage. She’s Sebastian’s niece and things are going more or less as expected. There is also a brief glimpse into the Jarvis household and I really can’t wait for Hero to catch wind of that. Then there were the events of the Frost Fair, which I had never heard of, that were woven seamlessly into the narrative. Oh! And I can’t possibly forget to mention the dropping of another clue pertaining to Sebastian’s paternity - though admittedly this personal mystery is moving at a snail’s pace. Sebastian does consider the possibility that he may never know the truth and I’m starting to wonder if this might indeed turn out to be the case. With Sebastian and Hendon reconciled, would identifying Sebastian’s natural father really serve any purpose at this point? Whether we ever find out the answer or not, I hope the author is planning for many more books in this wonderful series because I won’t be ready to say goodbye to it anytime soon.

**1st reread in January 2019: revisiting this favorite series during a stressful time in real life. As always, Sebastian and Hero were the perfect hosts.**

[PoppyReads (Working away for a year) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 glorious stars and thank you Margaret for putting this on my radar.

Why Kill the Innocent was probably my first book of this period and I did love it. I liked how some bits were real and some weren't but you couldn't tell the difference until the end and you read the authors notes.

[Melanie A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, so good! The only reason I can't give it 5 stars is because there was very little about Sebastian and Hero's private lives in this one. What can I say? Their love just does it for me. 😉

[Magdalena aka A Bookaholic Swede · Rating 4 out of 5]

London, 1814. In one of the coldest winters ever is the body of a woman found in the snow by no other than Hero, the wife of Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin. She recognizes the woman as Jane Ambrose, a piano teacher to Princess Charlotte, the only child of the Prince Regent. Since Jane is connected to the royal house the investigation quickly shut down, but Sebastian and Hero will not let the murderer get away. The question is who would want to kill a piano teacher?

READ THE REST OF THE REVIEW OVER AT FRESH FICTION!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 STARS


Another winner, and another glimpse into some interesting history on the royal family. But yet we are no closer to Sebastian's plight. Hoping that the next one will shed some light on his mysterious origin, and also on his missing mother. On to book 14!

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread/listened to audiobook Feb'2023 :

5 stars - Historical Mystery

Sebastian St. Cyr is one of my all-time favorite series, and this is a terrific installment with a complex, compelling, and tragic mystery. As always, Davina Porter's audiobook narration is fantastic and riveting, and she truly brings the characters and setting to life.

My favorite thing about this series is the way each book manages to demonstrate the ways the monarchy and wealthy, titled, aristocratic upper class systematically brutalize and dehumanize women and the lower classes and poor members of society. Every book makes you feel the injustices and suffering of the Regency era. I also find the books very relevant to today, especially given the vast disparity between the wealthy 1% and the poor in our society.

The title Why Kill the Innocent is very fitting as Sebastian is trying to solve the murder of a beautiful, innocent young woman. And Sebastian's wife, Hero, and her friend, Alexi, are also trying to help, futilely, a poor, innocent young girl named Amy who has been arrested for stealing a ham to feed herself so she can care for her newborn baby after her husband was forced into a press gang (impressment of free men into forced military service) and killed.

“My baby's gonna die, isn't she? Without me to feed her and hold her and take care of her, Hannah's gonna die.”

“I always used to believe in God,” the girl was saying. “But I don’t no more. Why would a God who’s truly good and kind let that press gang take my Jeremy away from me like that? We were so happy. We thought we had our whole lives ahead of us.” Tears began to slide down the girl’s dirty cheeks, but a rush of what looked like raw anger now glittered in her eyes and hardened her features. “I don’t care what the chaplain says. I won’t pray to God and ask him to forgive me. For what? For trying to keep my baby alive? Why should I have to ask God’s forgiveness for that? If there is a God and he did this to us—to my Jeremy, to my Hannah—then I don’t want to see him. I don’t want to go to heaven and live with somebody who’s that cruel and uncaring.”

Hero and Alexi attend Amy's public hanging so that she at least has someone who cares for her in the crowd, and the scene is absolutely heartbreaking and gutwrenching.

“It's barbarism,” said Alexi, her accent unusually heavy. “How can anyone think this is right? To kill a starving seventeen-year-old girl for stealing a ham? A ham!”

Original rating/review Dec'2020 :

5 stars - Historical Mystery

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

The reason I love this series so much is because it always has a twisty plot and usually a very unexpected baddie. I can never quite figure out what is going on and the outcome usually hinges on some obscure detail I have long forgotten. The books definitely keep you on your toes. I also love how Harris blends real history with her fictional characters, and I love learning more about this period of history.

It is a bitter winter in 1814 London and Sebastian St. Cyr finds himself embroiled in yet another mystery that involves the royal court. This time his wife, Hero, literally stumbles across the body of Jane Ambrose, the piano teacher of Princess Charlotte, daughter of the Prince Regent, in a part of London no respectable woman would want to be found in.

Lord Jarvis, Hero's father and advisor to the Prince Regent, wants to keep the matter quiet and say the death was an accident, but Hero knows that it was murder, and Sebastian refuses to ignore that fact. As Hero and Sebastian unravel the last days of Jane's life, they discover a tangled web of intrigue and begin to believe that Jane lead a life that was a lot more intriguing than a piano teacher would lead and that her death could well have a connection to Princess Charlotte.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good entry in this series. Not the best of the series but still hard to put down. The relationship between Sebastian and Hero is what drives the story as they search for yet another killer. It has a twisty plot and a satisfying ending. This series is one of my favorite historical series and I would highly recommend it.

[Barbara Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Series: Sebastian St. Cyr #13
Publication Date: 4/3/18

I anxiously await each new release in this series and can hardly wait to start reading. Then, I am bereft when it ends. I always think that I’ll pace myself, read slower, enjoy longer, but, I always find myself flying through because I can’t wait to see what happens next. This book falls right into that mold. I really wish this author could write as quickly as I read! I love the characters, of course, but I also love the accuracy of the history that the author weaves into the stories – and she always includes our characters meeting one real historical character – this one included the widower of Mary Wollstonecraft. Harris’ command of the English language is unparalleled – I learned several new vocabulary words. She used one word, ‘broquins’ that I can’t even find in any of the dictionaries but I remember my grandmother using it when referring to a particular type of shoe. The online dictionaries keep showing me the definition of ‘bruins’ – say what.

I love the way this author writes, her research is impeccable and her character development is superb. This book concentrated more on the mystery than on any new developments in the relationship between Sebastian and his father (Hendon) or any real hints of what is happening between Hero’s father and her cousin. There were some hints of what might be coming – a new hint surfaced about Sebastian’s natural father. There was somewhat less life-threatening excitement in this book than in the others – one small scene for each that was very quickly resolved. I’m still anxious to see whether Hero’s father (or her cousin – or both) had a hand in the death of Hero’s mother – she was ill, but maybe they helped her along a bit . . . .

Hero and her friend Alexi Sauvage traveled to Clerkenwell in a raging snowstorm during one of the worst winters in English history. Hero was researching a story on the families left behind when the men were impressed into the English military. While they were there, the woman went into labor and Alexi and Hero stayed to deliver the baby. As they headed back to the carriage, it was long past dark, the snow was blowing and the wind was howling when Hero tripped, pitched forward and landed in a deep snow drift. She froze in place as she realized she had landed on a body. When they turned the rapidly freezing body, they realized two things. First, it was a woman who had been murdered and second, Hero knew who she was.

As Hero and Sebastian investigate, there are clues and suspects everywhere – not to mention the palace intrigues and interference from Hero’s father, Jarvis as well as international intrigue. How could one sweet, gentle, caring and sad young piano teacher have so much happen to her and then end up murdered? There are so many possibilities, so many suspects and it takes a lot of effort to unravel it all – especially when more bodies start to turn up. Can they solve it before one of them becomes a victim? You’ll just have to read this exciting new entry in the series to find out.

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"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."

[Blackjack · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

Well-constructed on all levels, this 13th book features all of the key players in Sebastian's life and integrates them well into the mystery. I've become quite attached to Hero, Tom, Lovejoy, Gibson, Alexi, Hendon, and even Jarvis in a strange way, and they all play an important part in the drama that unfolds in this one. The mystery itself is quite complex, maybe more so than most of them, and I can't entirely say that I followed all of it as well as I needed. But I forced myself not to cheat and look up pivotal information on Princess Charlotte's romantic entanglements, as they are central to the mystery.

The setting of the Great Fog and the brutal London winter of 1814 that brings epics amount of snow and freezes the Thames is important to the details of the mystery and serves the story well. Hero accidentally stumbles upon a lovely music teacher's body in the snow in a poverty-stricken area of London and immediately recognizes her as Princess Charlotte's music instructor. It turns out that the victim had access to some deadly palace intrigue surrounding the Prince of Wales, his estranged wife Charlotte, and the daughter they fought over. In short, there are many who might have wanted to get rid of her, and Sebastian and Hero have their work cut out for them in determining who killed her. Hero is essential to this story and has some heroic and fist-pumping moments. Her role as Jarvis's daughter too helps grant her access to key palace players that even Sebastian struggles to interrogate. Additionally, Hero's role as a woman gives her insight into how to negotiate some treacherous and gossipy conduct. Thankfully, Harris is clear that women use gossip strategically when other avenues of political power are cut off for them rather than try to insinuate that women are inherently petty. The gossip level of intrigue in this book is off the charts though and I found this book to require additional levels of attention to detail. At the heart of this book, as is often the case with Sebastian's mysteries, is a deeply feminist tale of what life is like for women during the regency era. Female power is dangerous and women who have access to power are feared by all, even as they are too often underestimated. By the end of the book, all of the women share similar experiences that leave them tragically more aware of how vulnerable it is for a woman to be intelligent and ambitious in a society that is hostile to those traits. I find Sebastian to be more of a feminist as the books progress because of his open-mindedness to seeing life from all angles, and because of his love for perhaps the strongest of all women in the series.

Unfortunately for me, I could not guess the killer in this one despite a concerted effort. I did love so much about this book, but at times I found the gossip of who told what to whom, when, and where to be head-spinning. The larger themes though are fascinating and this is one of her best, which is truly an accomplishment given that this is such a long running series.

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Royal intrigue, a gifted female musician, the Frost Fair, Rothschild gold, and a cunning mystery draw Sebastian and Hero into a dangerous, wintry hunt.

The story opens with Hero stumbling over the nearly frozen body of Jane Ambrose, piano teacher to Princess Charlotte. The palace covers up the death, but Hero and Sebastian take up the investigation. They soon work out that any number of people, mostly powerful, are on the list of suspects.

Harris never ceases to amaze me how she is able to take the details of history, Regency era, in this case, and turn them into a cunning suspense. The main thread of this story is the tragic life and death of a talented woman set against social issues of the day- impressment of men into the Navy while their families are left destitute without them, the many minor crimes that were hanging offenses, the fate of wives who are married to abusive men, women with talent who must suppress this or let men take credit for their work, banking houses profiting from the war, royal house power struggles, suppression of the press' free speech, famine of hard winter, and more. I like how the social issues of the day are analyzed by Sebastian and Hero so that many aspects are revealed and thought through as they get to the heart of the matter.

Along with her gift to create fabulous historical settings and situations for her story, there is also her fantastic characters. I fell in love with Sebastian St. Cyr, Lord Devlin and his ongoing story from the first book. Sebastian is aristocracy, a former soldier, a child born of his mother's infidelity, a lost love in his past, and a new love in his present. Life's experiences give him a unique outlook and the skills to serve out justice for the dead. He's not infallible or untouchable. His errs have cost him deeply, but he grows and strengthens as the series progresses. He has learned so many secrets about his own past and another clue crops up, even now, when he least expects it about his mother's secret past.
I love how he sees his wife not only as the woman he loves and wants to protect, but Hero is is partner in all things. They solve the murders together, but, when not working a case, he does not interfere with Hero's important work among the poor classes. Hero investigates issues affecting the poor and writes up her finding calling for reform. Sebastian is not intimidated by her strong will or her choices. I love seeing them share intimacy and private moments as a couple and as parents to their young son. The author captures their eccentricity as individuals and a couple in that time, but also balances this just right so it never feels over the top or fake just to make them sensational. They are both very much aware of societies rules and just how far is too far and the consequences of crossing the wrong line.

Beyond the main pair of the story, the author doesn't chintz on several other recurring minor characters who make up Sebastian's circle with their own backgrounds and stories ongoing. Hero's powerful father, Lord Jarvis, who ruthlessly wields the power behind the throne and is up to his neck in intrigue, Sebastian's Irish surgeon friend Paul and the enigmatic French midwife Alexis who assist with the medical evidence side of the cases, Sebastian's father the Earl of Hendon, loyal Tom his street-wise servant, and, of late, I am very curious about Hero's mother's cousin Victoria and what she is up to as she insinuates herself into Jarvis' household and seems in on his schemes.

There was a tight mystery plot, lots of twists as Sebastian and Hero work to uncover the truth, and all that delicious family and palace intrigue. I anticipate each new Sebastian story and go into a bit of reading funk when I've finished the latest. Why Kill the Innocent is no exception. While this is a historical murder mystery, I think those who enjoy historical fiction that provides well-drawn characters, authentic historical elements, complex character and action-driven plots should give the series a go.

[LJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

First Sentence: A howling wind flung icy snow crystals into Hero Devlin’s face, stinging her cold cheeks and stealing her breath.

London is experiencing one of its most severe winters. Returning to her carriage along with midwife Alexi Sauvage, Hero Devlin falls onto the body of a woman buried in the snow. This is no pauper frozen to death, but a well-dressed woman who had been killed and dumped. This is Jane Ambrose, music teacher to Princess Charlotte, the Regent’s daughter. Entangled in politics and lies, Hero and her husband, Sebastian seek to find Jane’s killer.

The weather can be a powerful element for creating a sense of place. In this case, it also serves as an effective backdrop for meeting our two main protagonists, Hero and Sebastian, and their two friends, Paul Gibson and Alexi. The four are very strong and effective characters, but not without flaws. This makes them also seem more real.

One issue, however, is that when one becomes involved with the British Royal family, particularly in past times, there are so many connections, lines, and political machinations, the author is required to spend considerable time, and repetition, helping the reader keep it all straight. In the process, it is easy to lose focus of the plot. Still, the plot is effective in which Harris lays a pathway of clues with each character laying a step to each clue along the way. Part of the fun of the story is that Harris has created a garden of historical figures.

Another area in which the plot, and indeed, the series, becomes mired, is in Devlin’s question of his birth, and the hatred between Devlin and Hero’s father. Harris does do a good job of conveying the enmity and difference in viewpoints between the latter of these two—“Justice.” Jarvis rolled the word with distaste off his tongue. “This maudlin obsession of yours with vague and essentially useless philosophical constructs is beyond tiresome. Justice comes from God.” They are also issues for which resolution in the near future would be desirable.

Much is made of the weather as the book is set during the winter of the Great Freeze. It is nice that the time can also provide a lovely image which lightens the mood of the story—“An older man and a little girl sailed past on the ice, the man skating, the grinning child simply holding on to the tails of his coat and gliding along in his wake.” Harris also ensures one understands that this is a period of tremendous poverty and suffering—“It’s just that I have the most lowering reflection that I’m doing this simply as a pitiful sop to my own conscience. In the grand scheme of things, what does it matter if I help one desperate mother and her children when thousands more are starving to death?”—and later—“She’s in Newgate. She was arrested before Christmas trying to steal a ham and is scheduled to hang on Tuesday.”

Harris also raises the issue of press gangs and the futility of war—“This blasted war. Sometimes I think it will never end. For how many years can the nations of Europe continue fighting each other? Some of the men dying today must be the grandsons of those who fell two decades ago.” She also reflects on the—“differences in attitude and posture that distinguished the men from the women, the boys from the girls.”

“Why Kill the Innocent” is a story of duplicity. The plot is way over-complicated yet, when stripped of the overabundance of historical detail, the story is quite good.

WHY KILL THE INNOCENT (Hist May-Sebastian/Hero St. Cyr-England-1814) Good
Harris, C.S. – 13th in series
Berkeley – April 2018

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why Kill the Innocent
4 Stars

Sebastian St. Cyr finds himself embroiled in another murder investigation when his wife, Hero, literally stumbles across the dead body of Jane Somerset, Princess Charlotte's piano teacher. With the palace thwarting him at every turn, Sebastian uncovers the many secrets, both political and personal, surrounding the victim. Now if he can only determine which one led to her death...

Political intrigue plays a significant role in the story, and Harris's attention to historical detail is, as always, incredible. Despite my keen interest in British history, Princess Charlotte is one royal about whom I knew very little, and as such, the information about her life was particularly engrossing. Looking up the various historical figures mentioned in the story was an additional bonus.

The mystery itself is not the strongest. The victim is a lovely person and evokes a great deal of empathy on the part of the reader. Nevertheless, the various motives given to the numerous suspects don't always hold water, and the eventual explanation is not all that satisfying given the build up toward it.

On a final note, there is little progression in the ongoing story arc surrounding the identity of Sebastian's biological father, and this is disappointing and frustrating. It is past time for this particular plotline to come to its conclusion.

In sum, an entertaining addition to the series and I look forward to Sebastian and Hero's next adventure in sleuthing.