the setup…
It’s the summer of 1815 and London is preparing to celebrate Napoleon’s defeat at Waterloo. But when Lady McInnis and her sixteen-year old daughter are found murdered in Richmond Park, London is in full upset. Even more bizarre is the position in which they were found…their bodies posed in the same way as another woman and her daughter were fourteen years ago. That woman and child were Bow Street Magistrate Sir Henry Lovejoy’s wife and daughter. Their murderer was captured and hanged so did they execute the wrong man or is this a cruel copycat? Lovejoy enlists the help of Viscount Devlin, Sebastian St. Cyr.
the heart of the story…
I love being back in the world of Sebastian St. Cyr again and this time the case is not only strange but heartbreaking. As Sebastian begins his investigation, he discovers that Laura McInnis was an even bigger social activist regarding the plight of poor children than what his wife Hero has taken on. She created a host of enemies in the process, high and low born, as well as her own husband. I was all over the place with good suspects and viable theories, assembling clues cleverly…and still missed it. This was great stuff.
the bottom line…
As with every book in this series, the historical aspects are just as intriguing as the mystery at the forefront. The dire situation of poor children was beyond heartbreaking and the indifference during that time was painful. It was a vicious cycle that spanned decades, unfortunately. It was the backdrop of the story, along with a frightening look at some of the so-called “therapies” for mental illness. It’s an extraordinary story with an explosive twist. Sebastian faced quite a few threats, including one from his father-in-law. The political intrigue is palpable, the stage set for the next story. And, there’s plenty on the personal front. This series is one of the finest of the genre.
Book Info
- Release Date: April 16, 2024
- Series: Sebastian St. Cyr #19
- Page Numbers: 368
- Publisher: Berkley
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Blue Mood Café 
Fab review Jo, glad you loved it!
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Thanks, Nicki💜
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Wonderful review and so enticing, Jo!
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Thank you, Marialyce💜 The historical aspects are stunning in this one.
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I am glad you are enjoying this series Jonetta! Wonderful review!
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Thank you, Jodie💜 This is my #1 favorite historical mystery series as every book is just outstanding.
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I really really want to catch up on this series and I’ve been saying that for a couple years. I own them all on audio, except this one now.
Anne – Books of My Heart
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I’m forever grateful to it being selected for a group read a couple of years ago, which is probably the only way I would have caught up. It gets better with every book.
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Sounds good!
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It really is!
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I like the sound of this series.
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If you’re a fan of the genre you’ll love this series💜
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This is so dark. I didn’t expect that. Excellent review!
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Thanks, Tessa💜 Yes, I didn’t expect this either.
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Excellent review, Jo. It’s wonderful that you are still loving this series and the author is still putting out great books.
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Thank you, Carla💜 It’s one of the best in class!
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I know I have the first one on that wish list TBR, someday…..
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