Historical Mystery Lovers discussion

Quite a few members are reading this series. This is the place to discuss the books.

Please use spoiler tags so as not to give anything away to those who are just starting out.

I'm anxiously awaiting the next book, , next month. While I always enjoy the mysteries, I find I've really become quite attached to Sebastian and his personal life. Anyone else hoping that (view spoiler)[Kat stays gone for good? (hide spoiler)] lol

Just started #2 in the series. I like the beginning!

Chris wrote: "Just started #2 in the series. I like the beginning!"

I'm also reading it now, Chris :0)

I'm up to chapter 11 and (view spoiler)[I don't trust Jarvis. He is up to something nefarious (hide spoiler)]

Skipping that spoiler until I've caught up with you, Veronica :0)

Lauren wrote: "Chris wrote: "Just started #2 in the series. I like the beginning!"

I'm also reading it now, Chris :0)

I totally agree with you on that spoiler! I'm just trying to figure motive.

Chris wrote: "I totally agree with you on that spoiler! I'm just trying to figure motive. "

Me too!

Do you think (view spoiler)[his mother is still alive? (hide spoiler)]. Also, do you also think that (view spoiler)[the Earl isn't Sebastian's biological father? (hide spoiler)] and (view spoiler)[why exactly does his sister hate him so much, is it simply because he is the heir even though she is older? (hide spoiler)]

See? Those are the issues that really riveted me to this series. I enjoy the mysteries and the setting, don't get me wrong, but Sebastian's life is what truly hooked me.

Lauren wrote: "Chris wrote: "I totally agree with you on that spoiler! I'm just trying to figure motive. "

Me too!

Do you think [spoilers removed]. Also, do you also think that [spoilers removed] and [spoilers ..."

I think there must be something to (view spoiler)[his mother still being alive. They made such a big deal of discussing how unhappy women in her situation could be - there must be a reason for it. (hide spoiler)] and (view spoiler)[the Earl may not be his bio father. There have been several references to peers accepting heirs that are not theirs. (hide spoiler)] Sebastian's sister was pretty awful (view spoiler)[and why would she even think that she might inherit? If it hadn't been Sebastian, they'd have found another male relative. (hide spoiler)]
What about Kat? (view spoiler)[Will she be forced into spying again? Will that ruin their relationship? (hide spoiler)]

Veronica wrote: "See? Those are the issues that really riveted me to this series. I enjoy the mysteries and the setting, don't get me wrong, but Sebastian's life is what truly hooked me."

Yes, it is the personal issues that are really gripping me although the mysteries are also good.

Regarding Sebastian's family (view spoiler)[ his father is definitely keeping some sort of secret with the letter his mother left and there is no way Sebastian could be his son given the color of his eyes and his genetic abilities (hide spoiler)]

Kat - (view spoiler)[Perhaps. I'm not a fan of her character so I don't think it matters to me one way or the other. I don't like the fact that she keeps secrets form Sebastian. She is also quite manipulative as seen in book #1 with her breaking off their relationship and lying to him even if she ostensibly did it for his own good. (hide spoiler)]

Motive - (view spoiler)[ if Guinevere is a descendent of James II, wouldn't her son have a claim on the throne? Given the fears of the Hanovarian Curse, perhaps someone in power saw her as a threat to the Crown? (hide spoiler)]

Chris, you have a point about Sebastian's sister, Amanda, and the (view spoiler)[laws of inheritance. Even if Sebastian had never existed, she still would not have inherited the title and the properties. Would it have passed to her son though or would it have gone to a male cousin/uncle? (hide spoiler)] I'm never sure how those old laws work.

I don't much care for Kat either. Her history (view spoiler)[as a spy (hide spoiler)] should've made her interesting but she's always seemed bland to me. Thankfully she doesn't eat up much page time in the books.

Veronica wrote: "Chris, you have a point about Sebastian's sister, Amanda, and the [spoilers removed] I'm never sure how those old laws work.

I don't much care for Kat either. Her history [spoilers removed] shoul..."

I agree about Kat (view spoiler)[particularly after her meeting with Connelly (I think that was his name). She is pretty blah. I keep hoping she'll do something to make herself "worthy" of his attention. I think he will be hurt when he discovers her secret, and I don't like that. (hide spoiler)]

Just finished, and I might have enjoyed the ending. I'll have to think about it for a little while. (view spoiler)[The nice thing about conspiracies is that nearly everyone is guilty. It was hard to find any redeeming qualities in any of the characters except Sebastian and his "tiger". I hate that everyone in his family knew about his mother except him. Talk about being the last to know. I also thought that Kat should tell him about her treachery, but she didn't. (hide spoiler)]

I'm still on book one, so I can't really join in. I wasn't sure at first as it seemed like it was going to be too much action, but I am really liking Sebastian now! I'll try to read faster!

Michelle - read at whatever pace you enjoy! We can watch what we say :-)

Thanks!

I'm also done and I agree, Chris - (view spoiler)[I really felt sorry for Sebastian that his family kept the secret. I wanted to smack that malicious smirk off of Amanda's face! (hide spoiler)]

Regarding the mystery - (view spoiler)[I had figured out what happened but thought Portland was the actual killer. I never thought of Isolde even though I probably should have as poison is usually a woman's weapon (hide spoiler)]

I loved the fact that (view spoiler)[the Triskelion pendant warmed to Hero's touch. Even though I was expecting it, it does hint at the direction the story is going in. (hide spoiler)]

Kat - (view spoiler)[The more I read, the more I dislike her. She really should tell Sebastian the truth - how can you say you love someone and lie to their face? There is no love without trust. (hide spoiler)]

Chris wrote: "Michelle - read at whatever pace you enjoy! We can watch what we say :-)"

Don't worry Michelle, we will use spoiler tags and don't hesitate to comment so we can put in our two cents :0)

Michelle - I'm glad you're reading the book. Sebastian is a great character. I hope you like the first book enough to keep going with the series. Please be sure to share your thoughts as you go. I'm up to date on the series but I always love to hear others' thoughts on the books.

I agree with the thoughts regarding Amanda. I don't think there's a nice bone in her body.

I'd forgotten about (view spoiler)[the Countess' necklace warming to Hero's touch. (hide spoiler)] I've done one re-read of the series but I started with book four so it's been quite awhile since I've read the first three books. A bit of foreshadowing???

Kat - (view spoiler)[I'll be very curious to see what others think of the reveal of Kat's secret when it comes. I didn't quite get what I wanted out of it. (hide spoiler)] Lauren, you and I seem to be of very like mind about her so far.

Thanks, Veronica!

I have read all of the St.Cyr books and am anxiously awaiting my library to get the 10th book, "Who Buries the Dead." I love the characters in this series and the way in which the author has developed them. As someone earlier stated, even though I love the historical mystery being developed in each book I also love the continuous story being told about Sebastian, his wife, and more importantly his own past. All in all a great series!!!

Finished - this series is getting better and better with each installment. The mystery was disturbing and there were moments as the details of the underlying crime were revealed that I could understand the motive if not condone or accept it.

The developments in Sebastian's personal life were also excellent and I'm really pleased in the direction his relationship with Kat has taken. Its about time we (view spoiler)[saw the back of her although I did not guess that she was Hendon's biological daughter. It was, however, obvious that Sebastian is not his real son and it will be interesting to know his reaction when he learns the truth (hide spoiler)]

I'm glad you're still enjoying the series, Lauren. I agree with you about Kat. It's not that I hate her so much as I just find her bland. And I was always disappointed that the reveal of her involvement with the French as a spy didn't come with more fireworks.

The next book is one of my favorites of the entire series.

I know what you mean, Veronica. My problem with Kat is that, regardless of whether her motives are justified, she is a (view spoiler)[liar and revealed secrets that led to the loss of young lives. It also bothers me that she didn't seem to give a seconds thought to the fact that Sebastian was fighting abroad and could have been killed because of the information she gave the enemy. (hide spoiler)]

I also thought that her actions were glossed over too quickly and that Sebastian was far too forgiving and accepting.

I'm really looking forward to the next book because of your review :0)

I hope it lives up to my hype, lol.

I finished and it is fantastic!

The mystery is interesting and Harris is so skilled at incorporating historical fact into her storylines.

Sebastian is great as usual, but the character who shines the most is definitely Hero Jarvis. I really enjoyed her forthrightness and her banter with Sebastian. One thing that surprised me in a good way was her courage and lack of squeamishness. I couldn't believe it when she (view spoiler)[just shot the assassin in the carriage without even blinking an eye, wow! (hide spoiler)]

Can't wait to read the next one.

I'm so glad you liked it, Lauren. Hero definitely added that something extra to the series and I think she makes a perfect counterpart to Sebastian. The fact that she's Jarvis' daughter adds another interesting dynamic to the mix.

I just finished books #5 and #6 in the series. and

It is rare for me to read two books in a series back to back (I don't want to get burned out) but these are just so good that I'm hooked.

The developments in Sebastian and Hero's relationship are the best aspect of the books. She is a fantastic heroine and I loved the fact that in book #6, she (view spoiler)[rescued herself from the kidnappers. No damsel in distress here!(view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

It also makes me happy to see someone else enjoying this series. I think the author does a great job of making me feel the time period.

I totally agree about Hero and especially your spoiler. I love that about her! I also love that she (view spoiler)[took the lead on the wedding night and went to Sebastian. Goodness knows if she hadn't Sebastian is too much of a gentleman to have ever touched her if she hadn't made the first move. (hide spoiler)] Good for her!

Totally agree with that spoiler, Veronica. Their (view spoiler)[marriage certainly won't be boring! (hide spoiler)]

I completely agree....I love this series. Hero is a great character the perfect wife for Sebastian. I am anxiously awaiting for my library to get the next one!!

Check back after you've read it, Michell. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

I can't wait to get back to this series. Several books piled up in front of it, but don't forget about me!

Michelle wrote: "I can't wait to get back to this series. Several books piled up in front of it, but don't forget about me!"

Which book are you up to, Michelle?

Woefully, I've only read the first one! I'm reading Book 2 of the Bess Crawford series right now.

Everyone says the Sebastian books get better over time, so I'd like to keep going. Book 1 was good, but didn't blow me away...

Yes, you should go back to the St. Cyr books they are wonderful but the Bess Crawford series is fantastic as well!

Thanks, Michell!

Michelle wrote: "Everyone says the Sebastian books get better over time, so I'd like to keep going. Book 1 was good, but didn't blow me away... "

I really enjoyed the first 3 but it became fantastic with book #4

Ditto what Lauren said. I was enjoying the series well enough for the first three books but book four is where I fell in love with it.

Interesting...I'll definitely keep going then!

I just started the first book What Angels Fear- it really pulls you in. Very good so far...

Glad you're reading it, Christina. Be sure to pop back in to share your thoughts. :)

Christina wrote: "I just started the first book What Angels Fear- it really pulls you in. Very good so far..."

Hope you enjoy it, Christina. Do come back and tell us what you think of it.

By the way, the next book in the series, When Falcons Fall, has a cover everywhere else except here at GR. I'm not sure how one gets a cover attached to the book listing but it's up for pre-order.

http://www.amazon.com/When-Falcons-Fa...

http://csharris.blogspot.com/2015/06/...

Veronica wrote: "By the way, the next book in the series, When Falcons Fall, has a cover everywhere else except here at GR. I'm not sure how one gets a cover attached to the book listing but it's ..."

Thanks Veronica. I've updated the book page.

Awesome. Thanks, Lauren!

I just finished What Angels Fear- I enjoyed it. I put a hold on the next one at the library. :)

I enjoyed that all the loose ends weren't tied up, now I'm eager to read the next one.

Glad you enjoyed it, Christina. What did you think of Kat's character?

I have mixed feelings about her. I'll admit she's not my favorite. I mean I understand her motivations, but she's still shady to me. I want to continue reading to see what happens.