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 early 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.
Book Info
- Release Date: April 7, 2020
- Series: Sebastian St. Cyr #15
- Page Numbers: 352
- Publisher: Berkley
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(Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Blue Mood Café 
I really have to pick up this series. It sounds like one I would love. Terrific review and a lovely ending to boot!
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Thank you, Marialyce💜 I have no doubt that you’d LOVE this series!!!
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I’ve had this series on my radar for what seems like forever. Now, reading your review, Jonetta, let’s me know I need to get this one and soon. I love well written accurate historicals. Thanks for the insight.
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You’re welcome, Alexandra💜 This is one of the best historical fictions series I’ve read. The historical elements are what keeps me returning.
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That’s good enough for me, Jonetta. I saw this series a while back, and added to my must read list, but have never gotten around to buying, as yet. Now I will. I love this time period too, around the Napoleonic wars.
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Fantastic review! I must look into this series as it sounds really good!
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Thank you, Nicki💜 You won’t regret this one.
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Very tempting review, Jonetta!💜 I saw this one on Edelweiss, but probably need to start from #1
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You know I’m a stickler for reading in order, maniacally so, but this is one you could read out of order and still “like” a lot. But if you want to love it? I’d start from the beginning😏
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I can’t wait to get to this one. This series is VERY high on my want to read right now list. Sophia reviewed it for us. Excellent review! I’m going to like this one more than the Gaslight mysteries I think.
Anne – Books of My Heart
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Thank you, Anne💜 If you have an interest in history, especially that you won’t find in the textbooks, you’ll love this series.
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This sounds wonderful. Excellent review!
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Thank you, Bea💜
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Wonderful review, my dear! I am a bit afraid of historical novels as I feel my knowledge of history is .. well, restricted! x
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Thank you, Meggy💜 My knowledge of history has lots of gaps, which is why I’ve gravitated to this genre. This author does it so very, very well. At the end of each book, she provides more context for the historical aspects included in the story, elaborating and separating fact from fiction. You’d love it.
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I love this series so much, Jonetta, and you wrote about this book exquisitely! Sebastian really is honorable. ❤️
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It makes me so happy that you love this series, Jennifer💜 You’ve given so much to me I’m glad to share something with you for a change.
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