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Sebastian St. Cyr #15
Who Speaks for the Damned
Sebastian St. Cyr investigates the mysterious life and death of a nobleman convicted of murder in this enthralling new historical mystery from the USA Today bestselling author of Why Kill the Innocent....
It's June 1814, and the royal families of Austria, Russia, and the German states have gathered in London at the Prince Regent's invitation to celebrate the defeat of Napoléon and the restoration of monarchical control throughout Europe. But the festive atmosphere is marred one warm summer evening by the brutal murder of a disgraced British nobleman long thought dead.
Eighteen years before, Nicholas Hayes, the third son of the late Earl of Seaford, was accused of killing a beautiful young French émigré and transported to Botany Bay for life. Even before his conviction, Hayes had been disowned by his father, and few in London were surprised when they heard the ne'er-do-well had died in disgrace in New South Wales. But those reports were obviously wrong. Recently Hayes returned to London with a mysterious young boy in tow--a child who vanishes shortly after Nicholas's body is discovered.
Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin, is drawn into the investigation by his valet, Jules Calhoun, an old friend of the dead man. With Calhoun's help, Sebastian begins to piece together the shattered life of the late Earl's ill-fated youngest son. Why did Nicholas risk his life and freedom by returning to England? And why did he bring the now-missing young boy with him? Several nervous Londoners had reason to fear that Nicholas Hayes had returned to kill them. One of them might have decided to kill him first.
It's June 1814, and the royal families of Austria, Russia, and the German states have gathered in London at the Prince Regent's invitation to celebrate the defeat of Napoléon and the restoration of monarchical control throughout Europe. But the festive atmosphere is marred one warm summer evening by the brutal murder of a disgraced British nobleman long thought dead.
Eighteen years before, Nicholas Hayes, the third son of the late Earl of Seaford, was accused of killing a beautiful young French émigré and transported to Botany Bay for life. Even before his conviction, Hayes had been disowned by his father, and few in London were surprised when they heard the ne'er-do-well had died in disgrace in New South Wales. But those reports were obviously wrong. Recently Hayes returned to London with a mysterious young boy in tow--a child who vanishes shortly after Nicholas's body is discovered.
Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin, is drawn into the investigation by his valet, Jules Calhoun, an old friend of the dead man. With Calhoun's help, Sebastian begins to piece together the shattered life of the late Earl's ill-fated youngest son. Why did Nicholas risk his life and freedom by returning to England? And why did he bring the now-missing young boy with him? Several nervous Londoners had reason to fear that Nicholas Hayes had returned to kill them. One of them might have decided to kill him first.
1 pages, Audio CD
First published April 7, 2020
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About the author
C.S. Harris
23 books3,018 followersCandice 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.
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.
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May 12, 2020
Who Speaks for the Damned by C.S. Harris is a 2020 Berkley publication.
I can’t get enough of this series!
Nicholas Hayes, the third son of the Earl of Seaford was presumed dead after being convicted of murder and sent to Botany Bay. But, apparently, rumors of his demise were greatly exaggerated.
He returns to London, from China, with a young child in tow. Whatever his mission might have been, it must have been very important for him to have taken such a high risk. However, his enemies, who have had much to fear from Nicholas, may have snuffed out his life before he had a chance to exact his revenge.
A scandal, and the threat of long buried secrets coming to light is the last thing anyone wants as the royal families of Russia, Austria and Germany arrives in London to celebrate the defeat of Napolean.
Yet, Sabastian finds himself searching for Nicholas’s murderer, and for the missing child who accompanied him, thanks to his Valet, Jules Calhoun, who was a friend of the victim.
Sebastian’s involvement in criminal cases often puts him in danger, but his time, his beloved wife, Hero, winds up in the crossfire, infuriating Sebastian, making him more determined than ever to unearth the truth and find the vulnerable child Nicholas brought with him from China.
Oh man, this was a good book!! A long -ago scandal that had been hushed up, lovers torn apart by power and greed, a child left alone to survive on the mean streets of London, and a riveting whodunit, is enough to make this story compelling.
However, the stunning revelations, and the social and historical lessons, round out this incredible multi-layered story. Not only that, the personal connotations for Sebastian, who can’t help but notice certain similarities between his life and that of Nicholas'- a sort of ‘there, but for the grace of God’ situation, adds yet another layer of depth to the story. I couldn’t stop thinking about this book!
Is this the best book in the series so far? I probably say that after every installment, but yes, this is one the best, if not THE best!!
If you like historical mysteries, this is a series you will want to invest in. If you are a fan of the series, you want to grab a copy of this one ASAP! You won’t be disappointed!
I can’t get enough of this series!
Nicholas Hayes, the third son of the Earl of Seaford was presumed dead after being convicted of murder and sent to Botany Bay. But, apparently, rumors of his demise were greatly exaggerated.
He returns to London, from China, with a young child in tow. Whatever his mission might have been, it must have been very important for him to have taken such a high risk. However, his enemies, who have had much to fear from Nicholas, may have snuffed out his life before he had a chance to exact his revenge.
A scandal, and the threat of long buried secrets coming to light is the last thing anyone wants as the royal families of Russia, Austria and Germany arrives in London to celebrate the defeat of Napolean.
Yet, Sabastian finds himself searching for Nicholas’s murderer, and for the missing child who accompanied him, thanks to his Valet, Jules Calhoun, who was a friend of the victim.
Sebastian’s involvement in criminal cases often puts him in danger, but his time, his beloved wife, Hero, winds up in the crossfire, infuriating Sebastian, making him more determined than ever to unearth the truth and find the vulnerable child Nicholas brought with him from China.
Oh man, this was a good book!! A long -ago scandal that had been hushed up, lovers torn apart by power and greed, a child left alone to survive on the mean streets of London, and a riveting whodunit, is enough to make this story compelling.
However, the stunning revelations, and the social and historical lessons, round out this incredible multi-layered story. Not only that, the personal connotations for Sebastian, who can’t help but notice certain similarities between his life and that of Nicholas'- a sort of ‘there, but for the grace of God’ situation, adds yet another layer of depth to the story. I couldn’t stop thinking about this book!
Is this the best book in the series so far? I probably say that after every installment, but yes, this is one the best, if not THE best!!
If you like historical mysteries, this is a series you will want to invest in. If you are a fan of the series, you want to grab a copy of this one ASAP! You won’t be disappointed!
May 27, 2022
Another 5 stars for another damned good book by C.S Harris, who is one of my favourite historical fiction authors at this time. A book that combines mystery and history with ease and tells a fascinating story of a man you will come to admire, sympathise with and cry for. A man found dead while the story of how he came to be back in England casts a shadow of doubt in his earlier conviction that saw him shipped off to a chain gang.
The Plot
Nicholas Hayes, a man exiled, and presumed dead is discovered at the affluent Pennington Tea gardens with a sickle brutally thrust into his back. A man who was once considered wellborn, handsome and refined but was saved from the death penalty for the murder of a young French woman eighteen years ago.
However, something brought Nicholas back to England accompanied by a young boy, who flees in fear for his own life. However, we don’t know of the connection between the dead man and the boy for most of the story, which adds a very touching thread to this sad but fascinating tale. I’ll say no more.
Doubting the earlier conviction and learning more of Hayes life and demise, Sebastian accompanied by would be detective wife, Hope, set out to solve the murder facing resistance and walls of silence amongst the gentry. With Seaforth, Compans, Brownbeck and Forbes, one being a cousin of the dead man, another the father of a girl Nicholas had a baby with, the plot is sure to fascinate and intrigue.
Review and Comments
Loved it.
Was saddened by the outcome. Intrigued by the cast of characters and likely suspects. Captivated by the sense of mystery and enthralled with the historical back drop just after a war when the peace was still delicate.
There is always a sense of the macabre in Harris' writing that fits well with the period setting. An author who tastefully weaves in themes of poverty and greed into her story with injustices put right. I do enjoy this combination in her storytelling.
Recommended for historical fiction lovers who enjoy a thrilling and menacing story.
The Plot
Nicholas Hayes, a man exiled, and presumed dead is discovered at the affluent Pennington Tea gardens with a sickle brutally thrust into his back. A man who was once considered wellborn, handsome and refined but was saved from the death penalty for the murder of a young French woman eighteen years ago.
However, something brought Nicholas back to England accompanied by a young boy, who flees in fear for his own life. However, we don’t know of the connection between the dead man and the boy for most of the story, which adds a very touching thread to this sad but fascinating tale. I’ll say no more.
Doubting the earlier conviction and learning more of Hayes life and demise, Sebastian accompanied by would be detective wife, Hope, set out to solve the murder facing resistance and walls of silence amongst the gentry. With Seaforth, Compans, Brownbeck and Forbes, one being a cousin of the dead man, another the father of a girl Nicholas had a baby with, the plot is sure to fascinate and intrigue.
Review and Comments
Loved it.
Was saddened by the outcome. Intrigued by the cast of characters and likely suspects. Captivated by the sense of mystery and enthralled with the historical back drop just after a war when the peace was still delicate.
There is always a sense of the macabre in Harris' writing that fits well with the period setting. An author who tastefully weaves in themes of poverty and greed into her story with injustices put right. I do enjoy this combination in her storytelling.
Recommended for historical fiction lovers who enjoy a thrilling and menacing story.
March 9, 2020
4 stars for another enjoyable historical fiction book in the Sebastian St. Cyr series. This is book 15 in the series and I recommend that you start at the beginning, because there are continuing plot developments in Sebastian's personal life throughout the series.
I started reading this series when I won book 10 in a Goodreads giveaway 4 years ago and enjoyed the book so much that I started reading the rest of the series.
In this book, Sebastian, aka Viscount Devlin(the English do love their titles!), is approached by his valet, Calhoun, who asks Devlin to investigate the murder of his friend, Nicholas Hayes. Calhoun has a somewhat shady background. Calhoun's underworld connections have proved useful to Devlin in the past. Devlin agrees to investigate as he has done in each of the past books(not always on behalf of Calhoun). Book 1 was actually a case of Devlin being accused of a murder that he did not commit. In that book, he proves himself innocent by finding the real murderer. Now the authorities are happy to cooperate with him, because of his uncanny abilities to find killers.
Devlin does find the murderer, after many twists and turns in an absorbing plot with well written characters.
I learned something new in this book. "Lascars were Asian sailors who served as seamen on British ships to replace the sailors who tended to die at such alarming rates in the East."
Devlin on murder: "Murder is unseemly. Making certain a killer doesn't get away with what he has done is an obligation we the living owe to the dead-no matter how unsavory we consider them to be."
Thank You Dache Rogers at Berkley for sending me this eARC through NetGalley.
#WhoSpeaksfortheDamned #NetGalley
I started reading this series when I won book 10 in a Goodreads giveaway 4 years ago and enjoyed the book so much that I started reading the rest of the series.
In this book, Sebastian, aka Viscount Devlin(the English do love their titles!), is approached by his valet, Calhoun, who asks Devlin to investigate the murder of his friend, Nicholas Hayes. Calhoun has a somewhat shady background. Calhoun's underworld connections have proved useful to Devlin in the past. Devlin agrees to investigate as he has done in each of the past books(not always on behalf of Calhoun). Book 1 was actually a case of Devlin being accused of a murder that he did not commit. In that book, he proves himself innocent by finding the real murderer. Now the authorities are happy to cooperate with him, because of his uncanny abilities to find killers.
Devlin does find the murderer, after many twists and turns in an absorbing plot with well written characters.
I learned something new in this book. "Lascars were Asian sailors who served as seamen on British ships to replace the sailors who tended to die at such alarming rates in the East."
Devlin on murder: "Murder is unseemly. Making certain a killer doesn't get away with what he has done is an obligation we the living owe to the dead-no matter how unsavory we consider them to be."
Thank You Dache Rogers at Berkley for sending me this eARC through NetGalley.
#WhoSpeaksfortheDamned #NetGalley
May 19, 2020
It always makes me happy to see that C.S. Harris has written another book in this great series. The only problem is that having read it I now have to wait again for the next one!
Aptly titled Who Speaks for the Damned the answer is of course Sebastian St Cyr, our always noble and caring main character. Whenever he discovers an injustice he is unstoppable in his pursuit of righting a wrong. In this story he works with his wife to prove that allegations against a murdered man are unjust and to find that man's lost child.
Harris writes extremely well and creates the atmosphere of London in 1814 with seemingly little effort. Her characters are all well defined and after fifteen books many of them seem like old friends. This is such a good series. Long may it continue.
Aptly titled Who Speaks for the Damned the answer is of course Sebastian St Cyr, our always noble and caring main character. Whenever he discovers an injustice he is unstoppable in his pursuit of righting a wrong. In this story he works with his wife to prove that allegations against a murdered man are unjust and to find that man's lost child.
Harris writes extremely well and creates the atmosphere of London in 1814 with seemingly little effort. Her characters are all well defined and after fifteen books many of them seem like old friends. This is such a good series. Long may it continue.
April 18, 2020
Napoleon has been defeated. In celebration the allied powers meet in London, for celebrations seemingly without end. The murder of a nobleman's disgraced son, might shatter already tenuous ties between France and England. Enter Simon St Cyr, a nobleman unlike many of the day, he has a conscience and a rigid sense of right and wrong. Although the danger to himself is great, he will not stop until he finds the murderer.
Without doubt, my favorite historical mystery series. The atmosphere is spot on and the lead characters have interesting back stories. The history of the time is authentic as the authors historical note makes clear. Such an interesting time in history, and reading about the politics of the day is also fascinating. A terrific series that I hope continues for a long time.
ARC from Netgalley.
Without doubt, my favorite historical mystery series. The atmosphere is spot on and the lead characters have interesting back stories. The history of the time is authentic as the authors historical note makes clear. Such an interesting time in history, and reading about the politics of the day is also fascinating. A terrific series that I hope continues for a long time.
ARC from Netgalley.
April 20, 2020
The Allied Sovereigns have assembled in London to celebrate the defeat of Napoleon in June 1814. Royal families from the German states, Russia and Austria are reveling in the restoration of the European monarchs. In the midst of all the festivities, the body of Nicholas Hayes, a British noble, was discovered in a tea garden. He was thought to have died 15 years earlier in Botany Bay where he was sentenced for the murder of the wife of a French emigre. Hayes was a friend of Jules Calhoun, Sebastian St. Cyr’s valet, who had Sebastian accompany him to the murder scene. Sebastian soon discovers that his own interest goes beyond helping out a friend as the investigation calls into question Hayes’ guilt for the crime that originally banished him from England.
I’ve loved this series for its historical accuracy, forthrightness and honesty about the past. It’s unparalleled in that respect, at least among my other historical fiction choices. This story surpassed my high expectations in this aspect as well as providing high intrigue and a downright confounding mystery. My education about the East India Company was apparently a farce and I learned the reality of its sordid history and devastating impact on Asian cultures. Hayes murder was cleverly entwined with the political machinations involving Allied relationships following Napoleon’s downfall, which had me paying attention to minute details and the intricacies of key relationships. If this wasn’t enough to engage me, Sebastian was teamed with Hero to work through many elements of the case, past and present.
This was the most delectable of installments to date, at least for me. Nicholas Hayes’ life was sort of a “what if” representation for Sebastian as so much of their lives mirrored each others except for the intervention of Constable Henry Lovejoy saving him from a similar fate at a similar pivotal moment in his own life. It inspired him to seek the truth on Nicholas’ behalf as there was absolutely no one to stand for him. There’s always been a noble quality about Sebastian beyond peerage and he’s never been finer than he was here in seeking the truth amidst incredible opposition. I loved everything about this story as it cleverly and skillfully steeped well defined characters, intrigue, mystery and suspense in a wealth of history. And the ending? Beyond lovely.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
I’ve loved this series for its historical accuracy, forthrightness and honesty about the past. It’s unparalleled in that respect, at least among my other historical fiction choices. This story surpassed my high expectations in this aspect as well as providing high intrigue and a downright confounding mystery. My education about the East India Company was apparently a farce and I learned the reality of its sordid history and devastating impact on Asian cultures. Hayes murder was cleverly entwined with the political machinations involving Allied relationships following Napoleon’s downfall, which had me paying attention to minute details and the intricacies of key relationships. If this wasn’t enough to engage me, Sebastian was teamed with Hero to work through many elements of the case, past and present.
This was the most delectable of installments to date, at least for me. Nicholas Hayes’ life was sort of a “what if” representation for Sebastian as so much of their lives mirrored each others except for the intervention of Constable Henry Lovejoy saving him from a similar fate at a similar pivotal moment in his own life. It inspired him to seek the truth on Nicholas’ behalf as there was absolutely no one to stand for him. There’s always been a noble quality about Sebastian beyond peerage and he’s never been finer than he was here in seeking the truth amidst incredible opposition. I loved everything about this story as it cleverly and skillfully steeped well defined characters, intrigue, mystery and suspense in a wealth of history. And the ending? Beyond lovely.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
March 6, 2025
4.5★
“ ‘There,’ said Hero, deliberately looking away. ‘By the orchestra, in conversation with Lady Jersey.’ She paused. ‘Do you even know him?’
‘Vaguely.’
‘How precisely does one go about accosting a man in the middle of a ball in order to discuss the murder of someone who once ran off with his wife?’
‘I don’t know,’ said Sebastian.‘But I’ll think of something.’ ”
This is one of the best historical mystery series. Sebastian St. Cyr (Lord Devlin) is the youngest, and only remaining, son of the powerful Earl of Hendon. Sebastian soldiered with surgeon Paul Gibson when they were younger, helped hold Paul down when his mangled leg had to be sawn off, and the two have maintained their friendship.
This is now June, 1814, in London, where Paul is the surgeon who does autopsies of all the murdered folk (or it seems like all of them) for the police.
Sebastian has a genuine desire to find justice for the ‘inconsequential’ people who have been murdered, probably by people of his own class. He and stipendiary magistrate Sir Henry Lovejoy have become friendly, so as soon as Lovejoy gets the whiff of a puzzling case, he lets Sebastian know about it.
As well, Sebastian’s wife, Hero, researches and writes articles about the poor street people and the children nobody looks after. Her father, Lord Jarvis, is the most powerful man in London and loathes Sebastian, so the three of them make a colourful trio.
The murder victim this time is Nicholas Hayes, the youngest son of the late Earl of Seaforth. He’d been transported to Botany Bay eighteen years earlier for kidnapping a banker’s daughter, although they were, in fact, on their way to Scotland, eloping, when her father caught them.
Both were under twenty-one. Her father immediately married her off to Sir Lindsey Forbes, the very fellow in the opening quotation whom Sebastian is about to question.
Sebastian also questions her banker father, Theodore Brownbeck, about the possible reasons for Hayes’s return.
“ ‘In my experience, it’s useless to try to ascribe rationality to the dangerous incorrigibles of this world. And while Hayes may have been an earl’s son, he’d long ago betrayed his birth and breeding and cast himself down into the gutter.
. . .
I know Lady Devlin believes that the poor are somehow the innocent victims of society’s inequities, but those familiar with the frailties of the flesh and the ways of our world know better. The unfortunate, painful truth is that what the kindhearted mistake for misfortune is actually the predictable result of a fatal lack of discipline, sobriety, decency, and prudence—as Hayes’s descent into opprobrium so glaringly illustrates.’ ”
Lovely chap, isn’t he? There are at least four men who could have wanted to murder Hayes, just as they may have been targets for revenge and the reason for Hayes’s return to England, where he knew he’d be arrested on sight.
Complicating things is a cute little half-Chinese child who arrived with Hayes and found his body in the gardens where they were meant to meet that day. Was Hayes the child’s father, in which case should Ji be the rightful Earl of Seaforth? That makes Ji a target, too.
Hero is beside herself with worry. It is Hero, through her work with street musicians and others eking out a living, that she tries to find the child, who has run away from everyone, frightened.
I always enjoy how Harris has these stories play out. There’s a body, sometimes identified, sometimes not. Sebastian gets involved, Hero may get involved, different scenarios are tested and amended as details come to light, and all the while, the British court is attending to duties of State (or just attending dinners and balls), and trying to hush-hush anything that smacks of embarrassment to the aristocracy.
I like seeing the recurring characters, especially Sebastian’s dowager aunt, who is a terrific gossip.
We learn clues as Sebastian learns them and get caught up in his and Hero’s (and Lovejoy’s and Paul’s) hypotheses. If you haven't tried historical mysteries, start with this series - it’s terrific! And start from the beginning.
I’ve read them and reviewed them all this far. I still have a few to look forward to. 😊
“ ‘There,’ said Hero, deliberately looking away. ‘By the orchestra, in conversation with Lady Jersey.’ She paused. ‘Do you even know him?’
‘Vaguely.’
‘How precisely does one go about accosting a man in the middle of a ball in order to discuss the murder of someone who once ran off with his wife?’
‘I don’t know,’ said Sebastian.‘But I’ll think of something.’ ”
This is one of the best historical mystery series. Sebastian St. Cyr (Lord Devlin) is the youngest, and only remaining, son of the powerful Earl of Hendon. Sebastian soldiered with surgeon Paul Gibson when they were younger, helped hold Paul down when his mangled leg had to be sawn off, and the two have maintained their friendship.
This is now June, 1814, in London, where Paul is the surgeon who does autopsies of all the murdered folk (or it seems like all of them) for the police.
Sebastian has a genuine desire to find justice for the ‘inconsequential’ people who have been murdered, probably by people of his own class. He and stipendiary magistrate Sir Henry Lovejoy have become friendly, so as soon as Lovejoy gets the whiff of a puzzling case, he lets Sebastian know about it.
As well, Sebastian’s wife, Hero, researches and writes articles about the poor street people and the children nobody looks after. Her father, Lord Jarvis, is the most powerful man in London and loathes Sebastian, so the three of them make a colourful trio.
The murder victim this time is Nicholas Hayes, the youngest son of the late Earl of Seaforth. He’d been transported to Botany Bay eighteen years earlier for kidnapping a banker’s daughter, although they were, in fact, on their way to Scotland, eloping, when her father caught them.
Both were under twenty-one. Her father immediately married her off to Sir Lindsey Forbes, the very fellow in the opening quotation whom Sebastian is about to question.
Sebastian also questions her banker father, Theodore Brownbeck, about the possible reasons for Hayes’s return.
“ ‘In my experience, it’s useless to try to ascribe rationality to the dangerous incorrigibles of this world. And while Hayes may have been an earl’s son, he’d long ago betrayed his birth and breeding and cast himself down into the gutter.
. . .
I know Lady Devlin believes that the poor are somehow the innocent victims of society’s inequities, but those familiar with the frailties of the flesh and the ways of our world know better. The unfortunate, painful truth is that what the kindhearted mistake for misfortune is actually the predictable result of a fatal lack of discipline, sobriety, decency, and prudence—as Hayes’s descent into opprobrium so glaringly illustrates.’ ”
Lovely chap, isn’t he? There are at least four men who could have wanted to murder Hayes, just as they may have been targets for revenge and the reason for Hayes’s return to England, where he knew he’d be arrested on sight.
Complicating things is a cute little half-Chinese child who arrived with Hayes and found his body in the gardens where they were meant to meet that day. Was Hayes the child’s father, in which case should Ji be the rightful Earl of Seaforth? That makes Ji a target, too.
Hero is beside herself with worry. It is Hero, through her work with street musicians and others eking out a living, that she tries to find the child, who has run away from everyone, frightened.
I always enjoy how Harris has these stories play out. There’s a body, sometimes identified, sometimes not. Sebastian gets involved, Hero may get involved, different scenarios are tested and amended as details come to light, and all the while, the British court is attending to duties of State (or just attending dinners and balls), and trying to hush-hush anything that smacks of embarrassment to the aristocracy.
I like seeing the recurring characters, especially Sebastian’s dowager aunt, who is a terrific gossip.
We learn clues as Sebastian learns them and get caught up in his and Hero’s (and Lovejoy’s and Paul’s) hypotheses. If you haven't tried historical mysteries, start with this series - it’s terrific! And start from the beginning.
I’ve read them and reviewed them all this far. I still have a few to look forward to. 😊
April 7, 2020
I am late to this series, having wanted to read it for years but only actually getting around to it back in December, but after fifteen books, no matter how recent a fan, you have to wonder : how long will it go on?
This installment definitely felt episodic in the sense that this was removed from what I sort've expected to see come to light by now. Events I can't hint at or speak of due to s p o i l e r s. Instead this was just another vaguely run of the mill murder mystery that Sebastian involves himself in, much to the dismay of almost everyone around him, and as a result a lot of other people die in the midst of trying to cover something up from long ago, now come back to haunt them, and which is forced out into the open because they tried to cover it up.. again.
The one positive I can say (well, okay, that sounds terrible, this book wasn't bad, but..) is that some of that copy and paste feeling I had reading these books, particularly when dealing with a certain character, wasn't present this time. Some of the laziness was absent from this fifteenth book and that made everything feel much less rote, which I appreciated. Again, I just wonder, how long can things continue? I have nothing against a long series but only when the new books offer something worthwhile or fresh for the characters; that's why we read these. Not for the plot or villain of the week but for progress.
There did seem to be some nostalgia and hearkening back to book one in this installment, some what-if and it-could've-been-me which did allow for some perspective on Sebastian's part but I think we had already worked through most of that, so why was it important to rehash?
If you missed these characters, I think you'll be satisfied by the new book. If you expected that long-awaited drama to bubble up and dealt with head-on, you might be disappointed. But either way I think you'll enjoy sinking into a familiar world considering the world outside is looking mighty strange right now. This will be comforting in that respect but a new favourite? I wouldn't expect so.
** I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
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This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
This installment definitely felt episodic in the sense that this was removed from what I sort've expected to see come to light by now. Events I can't hint at or speak of due to s p o i l e r s. Instead this was just another vaguely run of the mill murder mystery that Sebastian involves himself in, much to the dismay of almost everyone around him, and as a result a lot of other people die in the midst of trying to cover something up from long ago, now come back to haunt them, and which is forced out into the open because they tried to cover it up.. again.
The one positive I can say (well, okay, that sounds terrible, this book wasn't bad, but..) is that some of that copy and paste feeling I had reading these books, particularly when dealing with a certain character, wasn't present this time. Some of the laziness was absent from this fifteenth book and that made everything feel much less rote, which I appreciated. Again, I just wonder, how long can things continue? I have nothing against a long series but only when the new books offer something worthwhile or fresh for the characters; that's why we read these. Not for the plot or villain of the week but for progress.
There did seem to be some nostalgia and hearkening back to book one in this installment, some what-if and it-could've-been-me which did allow for some perspective on Sebastian's part but I think we had already worked through most of that, so why was it important to rehash?
If you missed these characters, I think you'll be satisfied by the new book. If you expected that long-awaited drama to bubble up and dealt with head-on, you might be disappointed. But either way I think you'll enjoy sinking into a familiar world considering the world outside is looking mighty strange right now. This will be comforting in that respect but a new favourite? I wouldn't expect so.
** I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
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This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
April 17, 2020
4.75 stars.
This book broke my heart 💔.
With her other pen name, Ms. Harris is an excellent Historical Romance author, and it shows.
She wrote a tragic love story here, which I wouldn’t come near if its labels as a romance or historical fiction.
We found a sad love story by knowing the victim.
Sebastian investigations, showed us layers upon layers of the victim’s life, and all heart breaking and so very sad. I just couldn’t stand with the unfairness of what happened to him 💔💔.
Anyway, the mystery always top notch in this series, this time more like who’s done it?
We knew one or everyone in those bunch and Sebastian needs to find out, who.
However, this time even thought the villain paid their crime, I didn’t really find the satisfaction I usually felt, because the tragedy continued until the end.
And why it needs to be end that way??
This is why I give 4.75 instead of 5 stars read 😬.
But for me this series never a disappointment and I hope we will have more Sebastian and Hero in the future.
Also, I think you can read this one as a stand-alone.
I don’t really see any story connections with previous books, which usually happened in this series.
Go on read this one if you want to try this series. You won’t disappointed:)
Highly recommended from me! 😘
❤️❤️❤️
This book broke my heart 💔.
With her other pen name, Ms. Harris is an excellent Historical Romance author, and it shows.
She wrote a tragic love story here, which I wouldn’t come near if its labels as a romance or historical fiction.
We found a sad love story by knowing the victim.
Sebastian investigations, showed us layers upon layers of the victim’s life, and all heart breaking and so very sad. I just couldn’t stand with the unfairness of what happened to him 💔💔.
Anyway, the mystery always top notch in this series, this time more like who’s done it?
We knew one or everyone in those bunch and Sebastian needs to find out, who.
However, this time even thought the villain paid their crime, I didn’t really find the satisfaction I usually felt, because the tragedy continued until the end.
And why it needs to be end that way??
This is why I give 4.75 instead of 5 stars read 😬.
But for me this series never a disappointment and I hope we will have more Sebastian and Hero in the future.
Also, I think you can read this one as a stand-alone.
I don’t really see any story connections with previous books, which usually happened in this series.
Go on read this one if you want to try this series. You won’t disappointed:)
Highly recommended from me! 😘
❤️❤️❤️
October 28, 2020
In London it's the summer of 1814 and the Prince Regent is hosting the royal families in celebrating the defeat of Napoleon and restoration of peace in Europe. Sebastian St Cyr, Lord Devlin and sometime amateur sleuth is home when a young part Chinese boy rushes in to tell his valet, Calhoun that an old friend of his has been murdered in the Somers Town tea gardens.
Calhoun tells Sebastian that the murdered man, Nicholas Hayes was convicted of killing a French aristocrat's wife and was transported to Botany Bay. Somehow, he escaped to China where he has made a new life for himself but has now returned to England for some unknown reason. Sebastian guesses that Hayes' murder may stem back to events in the past and attempts to unravel long hidden secrets and a conspiracy of silence.
This is one of my favourite historical mystery series and I've loved every book so far and this book is no exception. The plot is complex and involves a number of aristocrats whose secrets have been protected. Sebastian, with his sharp mind and ability to read people is an excellent amateur detective and his wife Hero makes for the perfect partner as together they care about the plight of the poor and in fairness for everyone. Now I'm eagerly awaiting the next book due out early in 2021.
Calhoun tells Sebastian that the murdered man, Nicholas Hayes was convicted of killing a French aristocrat's wife and was transported to Botany Bay. Somehow, he escaped to China where he has made a new life for himself but has now returned to England for some unknown reason. Sebastian guesses that Hayes' murder may stem back to events in the past and attempts to unravel long hidden secrets and a conspiracy of silence.
This is one of my favourite historical mystery series and I've loved every book so far and this book is no exception. The plot is complex and involves a number of aristocrats whose secrets have been protected. Sebastian, with his sharp mind and ability to read people is an excellent amateur detective and his wife Hero makes for the perfect partner as together they care about the plight of the poor and in fairness for everyone. Now I'm eagerly awaiting the next book due out early in 2021.
April 27, 2020
A dead body in a teagarden. Secrets buried from the distant past. Political intrigue mixed with London's society. Welcome to London, 1814.
Historical world-building:★★★★★
Mystery plot: ★★★ 1/2
Pacing: ★★★★
Enjoyment: all the stars, this was the perfect evening read
Who Speaks for the Damned is the 15th book in the Sebastian St. Cyr mysteries, but don't let that stop you from picking it up—I was a new reader to this world and these characters and had a darn good time.
Sebastian St. Cyr is the Viscount Devlin in early 1800s London. He's a nobleman with a past...and a habit for ferreting out crimes that the nobles would rather be left alone.
When a disgraced former member of society winds up dead in a teagarden, Sebastian is on the case. The man is Nicolas Hayes, the third son of the late Earl of Seaforth. Eighteen years ago, Hayes was convicted of attempted assault and murder and banished to a distant prison camp for life. Thought to be dead, Hayes' recently dead body in London comes as a shock to society and unearths secrets better left buried.
Who killed this former murderer, and why?
I really, really enjoyed this one.
Sebastian St Cyr is not your average gentleman, and he doesn't care if you know it or not. Given the time period and the historical setting, I found his character extremely unique and surprising. I loved his way of questioning the ton—with surprising elements of humor—and his core of steel when it came to class injustice.
The author also did a FABULOUS job with the sense of place and historical accuracy. It felt like 1800s London, down to the dialogue, as opposed to a historical novel with just enough details. I loved the total immersion into the time period.
And, last but not least, the mystery! Obviously can't talk about this too much without spoilers, but let's just say that C.S. Harris knows how to spin a good yarn. I was right about a few things, wrong about a few things, and in the end so thoroughly entertained by the entire experience that I just settled in for the ride.
Thank you to Berkley for an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.
Blog | Instagram
Historical world-building:★★★★★
Mystery plot: ★★★ 1/2
Pacing: ★★★★
Enjoyment: all the stars, this was the perfect evening read
Who Speaks for the Damned is the 15th book in the Sebastian St. Cyr mysteries, but don't let that stop you from picking it up—I was a new reader to this world and these characters and had a darn good time.
Sebastian St. Cyr is the Viscount Devlin in early 1800s London. He's a nobleman with a past...and a habit for ferreting out crimes that the nobles would rather be left alone.
When a disgraced former member of society winds up dead in a teagarden, Sebastian is on the case. The man is Nicolas Hayes, the third son of the late Earl of Seaforth. Eighteen years ago, Hayes was convicted of attempted assault and murder and banished to a distant prison camp for life. Thought to be dead, Hayes' recently dead body in London comes as a shock to society and unearths secrets better left buried.
Who killed this former murderer, and why?
I really, really enjoyed this one.
Sebastian St Cyr is not your average gentleman, and he doesn't care if you know it or not. Given the time period and the historical setting, I found his character extremely unique and surprising. I loved his way of questioning the ton—with surprising elements of humor—and his core of steel when it came to class injustice.
The author also did a FABULOUS job with the sense of place and historical accuracy. It felt like 1800s London, down to the dialogue, as opposed to a historical novel with just enough details. I loved the total immersion into the time period.
And, last but not least, the mystery! Obviously can't talk about this too much without spoilers, but let's just say that C.S. Harris knows how to spin a good yarn. I was right about a few things, wrong about a few things, and in the end so thoroughly entertained by the entire experience that I just settled in for the ride.
Thank you to Berkley for an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.
Blog | Instagram
April 28, 2020
This fifteen addition to the Sebastian St. Cyr historical mystery series is more of a standalone than many of the previous ones. I think for readers who are expecting development in Sebastian's personal life, or even in the lives of his family and friends, there is likely going to be disappointment, as there is surprisingly little of that here. As a fan of mysteries and especially historical mysteries though, I found the mystery here engaging, as I do with all of Harris's books. There is a very serviceable formula that is comforting too as a longtime reader. In Who Speaks for the Damned, Sebastian finds himself taking on a case of a formerly transported British aristocrat who had stealthily reappeared in London just days before he is murdered. At the heart of the mystery is a tragic love story of the dead man and his lover who were torn apart by a greedy father and political interests that overshadowed any chance for a romance much less a chance to live a normal life.
The cast of potential villains in this book did tend to blur a bit for me, but that may also be due to the fact that I was captivated by a secondary story that was more appealing. The dead man reemerged in London with a Chinese child. Who the child, Ji, is and what connections the child has to a range of important characters in this story is worth the time spent reading the book. There is also in this secondary story a feminist angle involving Hero's ability to reach a number of disenfranchised women and bring them together. I do very much enjoy Hero always, but I found her integral to this story more so than in past ones. She is both a public figure as a writer and as the wife and daughter of important men and she is also a caring private figure whose love for children softens her edges.
I am looking forward to a return of focus to some of the sidelined stories from this series. I also prefer the St. Cyr books that have a compelling historical story to tell, and though the alliance between England and France and the concomitant debate over monarchy versus democracy was interesting, it was one of the less intriguing backstories featured in this series. Having said that, Sebastian is at his best in this book as a caring sleuth who gets caught up emotionally on behalf of the victims. He's also frighteningly efficient here at killing and in impressive ways too.
The cast of potential villains in this book did tend to blur a bit for me, but that may also be due to the fact that I was captivated by a secondary story that was more appealing. The dead man reemerged in London with a Chinese child. Who the child, Ji, is and what connections the child has to a range of important characters in this story is worth the time spent reading the book. There is also in this secondary story a feminist angle involving Hero's ability to reach a number of disenfranchised women and bring them together. I do very much enjoy Hero always, but I found her integral to this story more so than in past ones. She is both a public figure as a writer and as the wife and daughter of important men and she is also a caring private figure whose love for children softens her edges.
I am looking forward to a return of focus to some of the sidelined stories from this series. I also prefer the St. Cyr books that have a compelling historical story to tell, and though the alliance between England and France and the concomitant debate over monarchy versus democracy was interesting, it was one of the less intriguing backstories featured in this series. Having said that, Sebastian is at his best in this book as a caring sleuth who gets caught up emotionally on behalf of the victims. He's also frighteningly efficient here at killing and in impressive ways too.
September 26, 2020
Over a decade ago, CS Harris released the first in a long-standing series of Regency Era historical mysteries featuring an aristocratic detective who starts out as the suspect solving his first crime to a renowned amateur detective in his own right. That book, What Angels Fear, introduced a complex hero who must solve murders and at the same time, the mystery of his own past. He must deal with what he discovers, learn the hard lessons of love, and come into his own throughout the series alongside other series regulars.
From the beginning, I was enamored with Sebastian St. Cyr and the rest of the characters who joined him along the way. I was enthralled with the author’s way of writing not just a mystery, but Sebastian’s story. Fifteen books later, I am still a tremendous fan and tend to fan girl over Sebastian and stalk the author’s website to get any tidbits about the next release.
Who Speaks for the Damned opens with the murder of black sheep Nicholas Hayes. No one knew the man was still alive since it has been years since he was charged with the murder of a Frenchman’s wife and sentenced as a hard labor convict in a prison colony. Sebastian has heard of the man, of course, but now he has to discover the answers to the present murder and sudden appearance of Hayes by delving into the man’s past. There are still some around who knew him and knew him well including Sebastian’s own valet, Calhoun. Many give him half-truths and lies, but he ruthlessly picks them apart to expose a disturbing, emerging picture. Sebastian is slowly convinced that Hayes wasn’t necessarily guilty in the past and that means someone got away with murder and plans to keep it that way. Meanwhile, a young child who depended on Hayes has been missing since the murder and someone wants this last witness silenced.
Sebastian’s progressive and brilliant wife Hero isn’t idle during this time. She is conducting her own investigation in her ongoing crusade to bring to light the conditions of London’s poor. Her focus for this study are the street musicians and she observes one young musician who may be more than he seems and the key to her husband’s case.
Who Speaks for the Damned offers colorful and well-drawn historical backdrop, a clever twisting mystery, tastes of ongoing series plot advancements, but above all richly drawn and complex characters from Sebastian right on down to the victim and the villain. There is also a blend of steady detecting work on Sebastian and the police’s part, to his home life and their life in society, and to the action sequences that have the reader breathless as Sebastian faces off with raw street roughs and smiling society enemies. There is so much going on and yet it flows so well together. Each story, including this one, pluck at the reader’s emotions whether it is a social injustice of the time or the lives of the characters that are sometimes heartbreaking. There are little curiosities that sometimes are explained and sometimes left to be answered later. The book and the series simply sparkle.
For the first time since I started the series, I chose the audio version. I have known for some time that one of my favorite narrators, Davina Porter, narrated the books. If I had a concern that after fourteen books read and voices established in my mind not being the same as the narrators, that was put to bed quickly. These books always get to me and keep me enthralled, but add her fabulous audio work and I had no desire to turn the book off even when I needed sleep. She narrates male and female, old and young, various classes, and accents with such talent. I must go back and listen to the whole series now.
In summary, a murdered victim’s heartbreaking life leads to a gritty murder and I couldn’t put the book down. Those who appreciate a clever mystery, an engaging detective, and an authentic historical backdrop should not hesitate to pick up this series. And, if you can, don’t miss the audio version.
My thanks to Recorded Books for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.
From the beginning, I was enamored with Sebastian St. Cyr and the rest of the characters who joined him along the way. I was enthralled with the author’s way of writing not just a mystery, but Sebastian’s story. Fifteen books later, I am still a tremendous fan and tend to fan girl over Sebastian and stalk the author’s website to get any tidbits about the next release.
Who Speaks for the Damned opens with the murder of black sheep Nicholas Hayes. No one knew the man was still alive since it has been years since he was charged with the murder of a Frenchman’s wife and sentenced as a hard labor convict in a prison colony. Sebastian has heard of the man, of course, but now he has to discover the answers to the present murder and sudden appearance of Hayes by delving into the man’s past. There are still some around who knew him and knew him well including Sebastian’s own valet, Calhoun. Many give him half-truths and lies, but he ruthlessly picks them apart to expose a disturbing, emerging picture. Sebastian is slowly convinced that Hayes wasn’t necessarily guilty in the past and that means someone got away with murder and plans to keep it that way. Meanwhile, a young child who depended on Hayes has been missing since the murder and someone wants this last witness silenced.
Sebastian’s progressive and brilliant wife Hero isn’t idle during this time. She is conducting her own investigation in her ongoing crusade to bring to light the conditions of London’s poor. Her focus for this study are the street musicians and she observes one young musician who may be more than he seems and the key to her husband’s case.
Who Speaks for the Damned offers colorful and well-drawn historical backdrop, a clever twisting mystery, tastes of ongoing series plot advancements, but above all richly drawn and complex characters from Sebastian right on down to the victim and the villain. There is also a blend of steady detecting work on Sebastian and the police’s part, to his home life and their life in society, and to the action sequences that have the reader breathless as Sebastian faces off with raw street roughs and smiling society enemies. There is so much going on and yet it flows so well together. Each story, including this one, pluck at the reader’s emotions whether it is a social injustice of the time or the lives of the characters that are sometimes heartbreaking. There are little curiosities that sometimes are explained and sometimes left to be answered later. The book and the series simply sparkle.
For the first time since I started the series, I chose the audio version. I have known for some time that one of my favorite narrators, Davina Porter, narrated the books. If I had a concern that after fourteen books read and voices established in my mind not being the same as the narrators, that was put to bed quickly. These books always get to me and keep me enthralled, but add her fabulous audio work and I had no desire to turn the book off even when I needed sleep. She narrates male and female, old and young, various classes, and accents with such talent. I must go back and listen to the whole series now.
In summary, a murdered victim’s heartbreaking life leads to a gritty murder and I couldn’t put the book down. Those who appreciate a clever mystery, an engaging detective, and an authentic historical backdrop should not hesitate to pick up this series. And, if you can, don’t miss the audio version.
My thanks to Recorded Books for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 10, 2020
The good reads roll continues!
This is hands down my favorite installment in a series that manages to still surprise me. I’ve often considered this series similar to the Monk series by Anne Perry, however, just not as dark. Similar time period, and once Devlin married, similar partnership in crime solving.
However, in this series Devlin and his intelligent and independent wife are safer to muddle in other people’s business. Their rank and connections often complicate but occasionally save the day.
In this book, not so much. The crime is more subtle and it’s the secrets of the past and prejudices of the present that create the conflict, sadness and resolution.
A bittersweet ending earned this strong series a fifth star. Now to wait for the next Devlin mystery!
This is hands down my favorite installment in a series that manages to still surprise me. I’ve often considered this series similar to the Monk series by Anne Perry, however, just not as dark. Similar time period, and once Devlin married, similar partnership in crime solving.
However, in this series Devlin and his intelligent and independent wife are safer to muddle in other people’s business. Their rank and connections often complicate but occasionally save the day.
In this book, not so much. The crime is more subtle and it’s the secrets of the past and prejudices of the present that create the conflict, sadness and resolution.
A bittersweet ending earned this strong series a fifth star. Now to wait for the next Devlin mystery!
March 3, 2022
Another enjoyable book read by Davina Porter who is an absolute treasure to listen to. A very good mystery that was a bit convoluted, but all ends are tied up. This book could be read as a stand-alone as the story arch throughout the series is not advanced. I look forward to a return to the dynamics of the characters from previous books.
A pair of lovers are torn apart by powerful men and the consequences of the lies are what this book is about. Who is Ji, and why did Nicholis bring the child to London with him, was it revenge? The series remains one of my favorites.
A pair of lovers are torn apart by powerful men and the consequences of the lies are what this book is about. Who is Ji, and why did Nicholis bring the child to London with him, was it revenge? The series remains one of my favorites.
December 14, 2020
Wonderful as always, but I missed the parts with Jarvis and Victoria... I just WANT to know what's happening there!
March 25, 2020
Series: Sebastian St. Cyr #15
Publication Date: 4/7/20
Number of Pages: 352
Hold on to your hats because this intense and complex historical mystery is going to take you on a rollercoaster of a ride. We are fifteen books into the series, and you’d think things might begin to get a tad stale. That isn’t even remotely close to the case though. This book is as fresh, different, and interesting as the first book in the series. The author’s research and grasp of the history of that period are outstanding and make you feel as if you are right there living the tale as it unfolds.
I’ll make no bones about it – this book ripped my heart from my chest, flung it to the floor and stepped on all the little pieces. Many of this author’s victims are sympathetic and you mourn their passing, but this one… If you don’t wail at the things that he had to endure in his life only to be murdered – well…
Nicholas Hayes was discovered in Pennington’s Tea Gardens with a sickle protruding from his back. He’d only been back in England for a week or two after eighteen years away. Everyone had thought he had died after being transported when he had been convicted of the murder of a young Frenchwoman. If he had escaped death after he’d been transported, why would he return to London where he’d be immediately executed if the crown discovered him? What of the young child who is with him?
As we learn more about our victim, we find that all is not as one would think. But, who wanted him to die and why? You’ll learn all of that as you follow the clues along with Sebastian and Hero. You’ll meet some truly despicable people – true vermin in the guise of humans. You’ll also meet and get to know some lovely, caring people who deserve a better life than they’ve had.
This was truly a wonderful read – well-written, well-plotted and filled chock full of characters you will either love or hate, but nothing in-between. For me personally, because it was such an emotional read, I should probably have chosen to read it at some time other than the midst of a global pandemic. But, nonetheless, I am happy to have read it and I absolutely cannot wait for the next book in the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 4/7/20
Number of Pages: 352
Hold on to your hats because this intense and complex historical mystery is going to take you on a rollercoaster of a ride. We are fifteen books into the series, and you’d think things might begin to get a tad stale. That isn’t even remotely close to the case though. This book is as fresh, different, and interesting as the first book in the series. The author’s research and grasp of the history of that period are outstanding and make you feel as if you are right there living the tale as it unfolds.
I’ll make no bones about it – this book ripped my heart from my chest, flung it to the floor and stepped on all the little pieces. Many of this author’s victims are sympathetic and you mourn their passing, but this one… If you don’t wail at the things that he had to endure in his life only to be murdered – well…
Nicholas Hayes was discovered in Pennington’s Tea Gardens with a sickle protruding from his back. He’d only been back in England for a week or two after eighteen years away. Everyone had thought he had died after being transported when he had been convicted of the murder of a young Frenchwoman. If he had escaped death after he’d been transported, why would he return to London where he’d be immediately executed if the crown discovered him? What of the young child who is with him?
As we learn more about our victim, we find that all is not as one would think. But, who wanted him to die and why? You’ll learn all of that as you follow the clues along with Sebastian and Hero. You’ll meet some truly despicable people – true vermin in the guise of humans. You’ll also meet and get to know some lovely, caring people who deserve a better life than they’ve had.
This was truly a wonderful read – well-written, well-plotted and filled chock full of characters you will either love or hate, but nothing in-between. For me personally, because it was such an emotional read, I should probably have chosen to read it at some time other than the midst of a global pandemic. But, nonetheless, I am happy to have read it and I absolutely cannot wait for the next book in the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 28, 2023
Reread/listened to audiobook Feb'2023
5 stars - Historical Mystery
I love this series, and Who Speaks for the Damned is another complex, intriguing mystery. Davina Porter's audiobook narration is amazing.
Original rating/review Dec'2020
5 stars - Historical Mystery
I've been completely engrossed in this series for the last six weeks. I've listened to all 15 books narrated fabulously by Davina Porter, and they're without a doubt some of the absolute best audiobooks I've had the pleasure of listening to. Every book in this series is fantastic, and I'm going to be in major withdrawal waiting for What the Devil Knows to come out in April! They're all truly excellent, brilliant reads!
5 stars - Historical Mystery
I love this series, and Who Speaks for the Damned is another complex, intriguing mystery. Davina Porter's audiobook narration is amazing.
Original rating/review Dec'2020
5 stars - Historical Mystery
I've been completely engrossed in this series for the last six weeks. I've listened to all 15 books narrated fabulously by Davina Porter, and they're without a doubt some of the absolute best audiobooks I've had the pleasure of listening to. Every book in this series is fantastic, and I'm going to be in major withdrawal waiting for What the Devil Knows to come out in April! They're all truly excellent, brilliant reads!
May 22, 2020
I've given this a B+ at AAR, so 4.5 stars
Who Speaks for the Damned is book fifteen in C.S. Harris’ series of historical mysteries featuring aristocratic sleuth, Sebastian St. Cyr, and could, at a pinch, be read as a standalone. While earlier books in the series featured a long-running plotline concerning Sebastian’s his search for the truth about his origins, that doesn’t really feature here, so a new reader could jump right in. That said, this is a consistently well-written series that has garnered high praise across the board – including several DIK reviews here – and I’d advise any fan of the genre who hasn’t yet read the series to go back to the beginning with What Angels Fear. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
It’s the swelteringly stuffy June of 1814 and London society is preoccupied with the visit of dignitaries from Austria, Russia and the German states, who have gathered in the city at the behest of the Prince Regent to celebrate the defeat of Napoléon and the re-establishment of peace and monarchical rule throughout Europe. Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin, and his wife Hero are spending time with their infant son prior to attending an engagement, when they are informed of the death – the murder – of Nicholas Hayes, youngest son of the late Earl of Seaforth. The murder of an earl’s son in a tea garden in Somer’s Town is unusual enough, but Hayes, who, twenty years earlier had been found guilty of murder and transported to Botany Bay, is believed to have died over a decade before. Which begs many questions – not least of which is what Hayes was doing back in England when, if discovered, he’d have been arrested and probably hanged.
Sebastian’s valet Jules Calhoun is the one who delivered the news, and Sebastian is a little surprised to discover that he had known the deceased before he was transported – and that he was aware that Hayes had returned to England accompanied by a young, half-Chinese boy named Ji. Calhoun doesn’t know who Ji is to Hayes, but the boy has disappeared; concerned for his safety, Hero, who is currently researching an article about London’s street musicians, sets about looking for him among that community while Sebastian, with the help of Bow Street magistrate Sir Henry Lovejoy, begins to look for whoever was responsible for Hayes’ death.
His enquiries begin to paint a picture of Hayes as a rather wild and unprincipled young man. Some months before he was convicted of killing the Comtesse de Compans, he abducted a wealthy heiress, presumably with the intent to force her into marriage in order to gain control of her fortune. Yet that Nicholas Hayes is one completely at odds with the man Calhoun had known, and as Sebastian digs deeper, a rounder, more sympathetic portrait of Nicholas begins to emerge. Sebastian, himself the son of an earl and once accused of a murder he did not commit (What Angels Fear), finds himself identifying strongly with the dead man and becomes more and more convinced that Nicholas was wrongly convicted. Could he have returned to England in order to exact revenge on whoever set him up? And if so, why now? Most importantly, who had a strong enough motive to want him dead? Could Ji be Nicholas’ son and therefore a threat to the position of the current Earl? Could the Comte de Compans – currently in London as part of the retinue of the newly-restored King Louis XVIII – have taken revenge for the murder of his wife? Or perhaps the husband and father of the young woman Hayes is accused of abducting wanted their pound of flesh.
C.S. Harris has – as always – penned a complex, tightly-plotted mystery rich in historical detail and full of intrigue and red-herrings. Unsurprisingly, there is a lot more to the murder than at first appears, and equally unsurprisingly, the people most closely connected to Hayes are tight-lipped and evasive. With the help of Hero, Calhoun, surgeon Paul Gibson and his formidable Aunt Henrietta – who knows everyone worth knowing, and has her finger on the pulse of the best gossip, past and present – Sebastian is able to start piecing together a picture of the truth behind Hayes’ conviction for murder and his reasons for returning to England. It all makes for a thoroughly entertaining and compelling mystery and, when the truth finally comes to light, reveals an incredibly poignant picture of a life wilfully and carelessly destroyed – a life that could have been Sebastian’s just a few years earlier.
Who Speaks for the Damned is another gripping instalment in the Sebastian St. Cyr series, and one I’m sure St. Cyr will need no urging to pick up as soon as it’s released.
Who Speaks for the Damned is book fifteen in C.S. Harris’ series of historical mysteries featuring aristocratic sleuth, Sebastian St. Cyr, and could, at a pinch, be read as a standalone. While earlier books in the series featured a long-running plotline concerning Sebastian’s his search for the truth about his origins, that doesn’t really feature here, so a new reader could jump right in. That said, this is a consistently well-written series that has garnered high praise across the board – including several DIK reviews here – and I’d advise any fan of the genre who hasn’t yet read the series to go back to the beginning with What Angels Fear. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
It’s the swelteringly stuffy June of 1814 and London society is preoccupied with the visit of dignitaries from Austria, Russia and the German states, who have gathered in the city at the behest of the Prince Regent to celebrate the defeat of Napoléon and the re-establishment of peace and monarchical rule throughout Europe. Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin, and his wife Hero are spending time with their infant son prior to attending an engagement, when they are informed of the death – the murder – of Nicholas Hayes, youngest son of the late Earl of Seaforth. The murder of an earl’s son in a tea garden in Somer’s Town is unusual enough, but Hayes, who, twenty years earlier had been found guilty of murder and transported to Botany Bay, is believed to have died over a decade before. Which begs many questions – not least of which is what Hayes was doing back in England when, if discovered, he’d have been arrested and probably hanged.
Sebastian’s valet Jules Calhoun is the one who delivered the news, and Sebastian is a little surprised to discover that he had known the deceased before he was transported – and that he was aware that Hayes had returned to England accompanied by a young, half-Chinese boy named Ji. Calhoun doesn’t know who Ji is to Hayes, but the boy has disappeared; concerned for his safety, Hero, who is currently researching an article about London’s street musicians, sets about looking for him among that community while Sebastian, with the help of Bow Street magistrate Sir Henry Lovejoy, begins to look for whoever was responsible for Hayes’ death.
His enquiries begin to paint a picture of Hayes as a rather wild and unprincipled young man. Some months before he was convicted of killing the Comtesse de Compans, he abducted a wealthy heiress, presumably with the intent to force her into marriage in order to gain control of her fortune. Yet that Nicholas Hayes is one completely at odds with the man Calhoun had known, and as Sebastian digs deeper, a rounder, more sympathetic portrait of Nicholas begins to emerge. Sebastian, himself the son of an earl and once accused of a murder he did not commit (What Angels Fear), finds himself identifying strongly with the dead man and becomes more and more convinced that Nicholas was wrongly convicted. Could he have returned to England in order to exact revenge on whoever set him up? And if so, why now? Most importantly, who had a strong enough motive to want him dead? Could Ji be Nicholas’ son and therefore a threat to the position of the current Earl? Could the Comte de Compans – currently in London as part of the retinue of the newly-restored King Louis XVIII – have taken revenge for the murder of his wife? Or perhaps the husband and father of the young woman Hayes is accused of abducting wanted their pound of flesh.
C.S. Harris has – as always – penned a complex, tightly-plotted mystery rich in historical detail and full of intrigue and red-herrings. Unsurprisingly, there is a lot more to the murder than at first appears, and equally unsurprisingly, the people most closely connected to Hayes are tight-lipped and evasive. With the help of Hero, Calhoun, surgeon Paul Gibson and his formidable Aunt Henrietta – who knows everyone worth knowing, and has her finger on the pulse of the best gossip, past and present – Sebastian is able to start piecing together a picture of the truth behind Hayes’ conviction for murder and his reasons for returning to England. It all makes for a thoroughly entertaining and compelling mystery and, when the truth finally comes to light, reveals an incredibly poignant picture of a life wilfully and carelessly destroyed – a life that could have been Sebastian’s just a few years earlier.
Who Speaks for the Damned is another gripping instalment in the Sebastian St. Cyr series, and one I’m sure St. Cyr will need no urging to pick up as soon as it’s released.
May 3, 2020
Ms Harris is not afraid to take her readers into the depths of humanity's unscrupulous, power mongering, greedy and inexorable minds and actions. She also consoles by keeping us in the company and care of Sebastian and Hero. On one hand she gives us hope of impartial justice, decency and compassion but then reveals (not gently) that we do live in a bad bad world surrounded by equally bad bad people. Sebastian and Hero barely manage to keep the despair away. Nicholas, Kate and Ji made me cry. I learn so much from this extraordinary series. Such a long wait for the next book.
September 29, 2023
I think the thing that keeps me reading this series is that the reader is discovering the clues at the same time Sebastian is. We don't know who the killer is and are just as baffled as he is. I came close, but with four prime suspects it was really a tough call. The accurate historical context these books have is also something that keeps me reading them. I am a history buff and love that aspect. I know that C.S. Harris does extensive research and that she portraying the period like it really was. This time I really wished that things could have turned out differently for our victim. In a Historical Romance he would have survived and gotten an HEA. He got a raw deal in life.
Nichelas Hayes, the third son of the dead Earl of Seaford, has returned from to dead. He was convicted of the murder of a young, beautiful French woman and transported to Botany Bay 18 years ago and presumed to have died there. He returns to London, only to end up murdered. With him was a young Chinese boy, who has disappeared. Sebastian takes the case an ends up with not only trying to solve the murder but needing to find they young boy. Sebastian has four prime suspects, but only one of them committed the murder.
Nichelas Hayes, the third son of the dead Earl of Seaford, has returned from to dead. He was convicted of the murder of a young, beautiful French woman and transported to Botany Bay 18 years ago and presumed to have died there. He returns to London, only to end up murdered. With him was a young Chinese boy, who has disappeared. Sebastian takes the case an ends up with not only trying to solve the murder but needing to find they young boy. Sebastian has four prime suspects, but only one of them committed the murder.
July 26, 2020
This is a wonderful series!! I love Sebastian, Lord Devlin, his wife Hero and all the other characters. Sebastian helps solve murders, he just can't help getting involved. The mystery is particularly good and everyone gets their comeuppance. Also a particularly good ending. With a Regency setting, which happens to be my favorite British time period, Harris gives us a lot of history and fashion. I highly recommend this series, but please read in order.
April 16, 2020
Another entertaining entry in this long-running series.
The blurb does a good job of setting out the basics of the story, so I won't do a re-cap; I'll just offer a few thoughts.
It was refreshing to have all the royal hoop-la as background entertainment rather than the focus of the story. Of course, the four main suspects all have ties to the court, but those ties do not figure in the plot.
It was nice to see Jules Calhoun step into the spotlight for a bit. If we had met his formidable mother in an earlier book, I had long forgotten that fact. Do not mess with Grace Calhoun. A running thread concerns Hero(Lady Devlin)'s series of articles about the working poor: in this book she is interviewing street musicians. No surprise when the knowledge she gains in these interviews helps solve the mystery of the missing child.
As Devlin's investigation continues, more details of Nicholas Hayes life emerge and the story becomes more and more poignant. I had to grab for the tissues several times. The story ends well; the baddies get just what they deserved, the missing child is found.
Now the wait begins for the next book...
The blurb does a good job of setting out the basics of the story, so I won't do a re-cap; I'll just offer a few thoughts.
It was refreshing to have all the royal hoop-la as background entertainment rather than the focus of the story. Of course, the four main suspects all have ties to the court, but those ties do not figure in the plot.
It was nice to see Jules Calhoun step into the spotlight for a bit. If we had met his formidable mother in an earlier book, I had long forgotten that fact. Do not mess with Grace Calhoun. A running thread concerns Hero(Lady Devlin)'s series of articles about the working poor: in this book she is interviewing street musicians. No surprise when the knowledge she gains in these interviews helps solve the mystery of the missing child.
As Devlin's investigation continues, more details of Nicholas Hayes life emerge and the story becomes more and more poignant. I had to grab for the tissues several times. The story ends well; the baddies get just what they deserved, the missing child is found.
Now the wait begins for the next book...
August 28, 2021
Took a while for me to get into the story, could be me of course. But anyway, after a couple of attempts of getting into the story and putting it away did I finally sit down, and after a while did the story get better, and after a while did I get caught up in the story. This is a very good series and I love reading about Devlin and his wife Hero. Can't wait to get my hands on the next book.
September 3, 2021
4 STARS
Still enjoying this series! This one was sad. And once again it brings to light some interesting history. I was hoping for a little more drama in Sebastian's own personal life, though. The murders all seem to run together after a while. And poor Paul Gibson, has more than his hands full of corpses to work through. That man needs a vacation, no wonder he has an opium addiction.
I'm hoping in the next book for some more from the Devlins themselves. And maybe mix it up with a little more Jarvis...? Just a suggestion. ;)
Still enjoying this series! This one was sad. And once again it brings to light some interesting history. I was hoping for a little more drama in Sebastian's own personal life, though. The murders all seem to run together after a while. And poor Paul Gibson, has more than his hands full of corpses to work through. That man needs a vacation, no wonder he has an opium addiction.
I'm hoping in the next book for some more from the Devlins themselves. And maybe mix it up with a little more Jarvis...? Just a suggestion. ;)
July 22, 2022
3.5 STARS!
There wasn't anything new about Sebastian's past in this one, so I was a little grumpy, lol. The ending to the mystery was very satisfying though.
There wasn't anything new about Sebastian's past in this one, so I was a little grumpy, lol. The ending to the mystery was very satisfying though.
January 1, 2021
First Sentence: Alone and trying desperately not to be afraid, the child wandered the narrow, winding paths of the tea gardens.
Nicholas Hayes, a son to the late Earl of Seaford, had been convicted of murder, transported to Botany Bay, and assumed dead. Instead, he returned to London and was murdered. An Asian child who had been with Hayes, finds the body and goes to Hayes' former friend James Calhoun, valet to St. Cyr. After which, the child disappears. It is now up to St. Cyr to find the child and uncover the murderer.
There is nothing better than a book that captivates your attention from the very beginning. One is introduced to several of the main and recurring characters, learns about their backgrounds, and is taken straight into the story.
Harris sets the story up beautifully, providing multiple motives and suspects. Nothing here is obvious. She also effectively conveys the fear felt by young Jai, alone in a foreign country. He is a character who touches the heart but also allows for an interesting look at China during this period. The historical information woven into the story is both informative and harshly factual. Harris makes no attempt to soften the image of this time and confirms that bigotry has always existed.
Honorable characters have great appeal. When asked why Sebastian, a Viscount, after all, spends his time chasing murders, especially when the victims are despicable characters themselves, he responds: "Making certain a killer doesn't get away with what he has done is an obligation we the living owe to the dead—no matter how unsavory we consider them to be." ... "Am I not my brother's keeper?" …"And because I believe we are all connected, every living thing one to the other, so that I owe to each what I would owe to myself." What a perfect definition of equal justice under the law.
The relationship between Devlin and his wife Hero is so well done. The intimacy is neither gratuitous nor salacious, and dialogue is very natural. Harris does involve Hero in the investigation, but in a way that makes sense for a woman of her time and rank.
The story is well-plotted. It moves along at a good pace and presents twists at just the right points although one might wish authors weren't quite so predictable in their timing. That said, it is nice when one is surprised by a plot twist. The story grows with one revelation upon another. Rather than confusing, this adds to the intrigue of the story. The inclusion of information on the forensics of the time adds veracity and interest.
Good dialogue makes all the difference, particularly when twinged with humor—"How precisely does one go about accosting a man in the middle of a ball in order to discuss the murder of someone who once ran off with his wife." "I don't know," said Sebastian. "But I'll think of something."
"Who Speaks for the Damned" is an excellent read. The mystery is solved with an ending that speaks to humanity and puts paid to all the ugliness caused by man. It draws one in from the start and keeps one engaged to the very end.
WHO SPEAKS FOR THE DAMMED (HistMys-Sebastian St. Cyr-London-1814) – Ex
Harris, C.S. – 15th in series
Berkeley – Apr 2020
Nicholas Hayes, a son to the late Earl of Seaford, had been convicted of murder, transported to Botany Bay, and assumed dead. Instead, he returned to London and was murdered. An Asian child who had been with Hayes, finds the body and goes to Hayes' former friend James Calhoun, valet to St. Cyr. After which, the child disappears. It is now up to St. Cyr to find the child and uncover the murderer.
There is nothing better than a book that captivates your attention from the very beginning. One is introduced to several of the main and recurring characters, learns about their backgrounds, and is taken straight into the story.
Harris sets the story up beautifully, providing multiple motives and suspects. Nothing here is obvious. She also effectively conveys the fear felt by young Jai, alone in a foreign country. He is a character who touches the heart but also allows for an interesting look at China during this period. The historical information woven into the story is both informative and harshly factual. Harris makes no attempt to soften the image of this time and confirms that bigotry has always existed.
Honorable characters have great appeal. When asked why Sebastian, a Viscount, after all, spends his time chasing murders, especially when the victims are despicable characters themselves, he responds: "Making certain a killer doesn't get away with what he has done is an obligation we the living owe to the dead—no matter how unsavory we consider them to be." ... "Am I not my brother's keeper?" …"And because I believe we are all connected, every living thing one to the other, so that I owe to each what I would owe to myself." What a perfect definition of equal justice under the law.
The relationship between Devlin and his wife Hero is so well done. The intimacy is neither gratuitous nor salacious, and dialogue is very natural. Harris does involve Hero in the investigation, but in a way that makes sense for a woman of her time and rank.
The story is well-plotted. It moves along at a good pace and presents twists at just the right points although one might wish authors weren't quite so predictable in their timing. That said, it is nice when one is surprised by a plot twist. The story grows with one revelation upon another. Rather than confusing, this adds to the intrigue of the story. The inclusion of information on the forensics of the time adds veracity and interest.
Good dialogue makes all the difference, particularly when twinged with humor—"How precisely does one go about accosting a man in the middle of a ball in order to discuss the murder of someone who once ran off with his wife." "I don't know," said Sebastian. "But I'll think of something."
"Who Speaks for the Damned" is an excellent read. The mystery is solved with an ending that speaks to humanity and puts paid to all the ugliness caused by man. It draws one in from the start and keeps one engaged to the very end.
WHO SPEAKS FOR THE DAMMED (HistMys-Sebastian St. Cyr-London-1814) – Ex
Harris, C.S. – 15th in series
Berkeley – Apr 2020
May 27, 2020
At this point sebastian and I are playing a rigged game. Rather than compare this series to other books I compare it to itself. It’s not sebastian versus other heroes. It’s sebastian versus sebastian.
While the writing is superb, the mysteries interesting (some more than others), and the character development unparalleled, there remains the feeling of been-there-done-that created by the sameness of the books’ format.
I can’t say I’m finished with this series. But I can’t say I’m not.
*thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to offer an unbiased review.*
While the writing is superb, the mysteries interesting (some more than others), and the character development unparalleled, there remains the feeling of been-there-done-that created by the sameness of the books’ format.
I can’t say I’m finished with this series. But I can’t say I’m not.
*thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to offer an unbiased review.*
April 24, 2020
Another fabulous entry in the Sebastian St. Cyr series.
May 31, 2022
Reread 5/29/2022… love this series!
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