A Most Agreeable Murder by Julia Searles

October 20, 2025

A Most Agreeable Murder by Julia Searles

Beatrice Steele, oldest daughter of the impoverished Steele family, and her sisters are invited to the autumn ball, where their parents hope that at least one of the daughters will form an attachment (marriage engagement) with a wealthy man. If not, their greedy cousin Mr. Grub plans to have their father declared incompetent and take over their family home. Beatrice herself has little interest in marriage, being obsessed with true crime. But when the most eligible bachelor dies in the middle of the ball, Beatrice joins forces with a disgraced detective to solve the murder.

A somewhat over the top comedy of manners and murder. There are a lot of characters and locations in the manor house, like a game of Clue. The detective here is rather incompetent/inexperienced. Some of the humor is goofy, more slapstick that sarcasm or witty repartee. At the end of the book, we still don't know what's up with Mary, Beatrice's younger sister, so the author left herself open for a sequel. Jane Austen-ites won't care for this one as it pokes a certain amount of fun at Jane's books and characters.

A Regency era ball

Most Ardently by Gabe Cole Novoa

June 30, 2024

Most Ardently by Gabe Cole Novoa

Oliver Bennet knows that he was assigned the wrong gender at birth. While the world calls him Elizabeth, he knows inside that he has always been a boy named Oliver. A few close friends and family members know his secret, but as he approaches the threshold of adulthood, wearing women's clothing becomes more and more onerous. Worse yet, his mother is determined to find him a suitable husband.

A transgendered remix of the classic novel Pride and Prejudice that the follows the original plot closely. Like the original, there is a lot of traipsing around to other people's houses for tea and gossip. Making Darcy a queer man who has no interest in women, rather than a hetero man who disdains women, was a smart move and explains his actions neatly. Until the middle of the 19th century, there were no official birth certificates, so if your family and your doctor testified in court that you were a male, that was good enough for the English legal system at the time.

If you are a super Jane Austen fan (which I'm not), you will probably not care for this. If you want to read a sweet trans-romance, this is for you. Charming cover art, too. 

Illustration of a molly house, the 19th century version of a gay bar

Learned by Heart by Emma Donoghue

August 8, 2023

Learned by Heart by Emma Donoghue

Anne Lister met Eliza Raine when they were both attending boarding school outside York. Eliza is half-Indian, the daughter of a doctor with the East India Company, sent to England with her sister to be educated. When Eliza and Lister (as she prefers to be called) are forced to share a room, Eliza finds herself unexpectedly enchanted by the unusual girl. They are also physically attracted to each other and the two become lovers and inseparable. Ten years later, Eliza is confined to a psychiatric asylum near the school. She writes to Lister, imploring her to write back and come and rescue her. 

Fascinating historical fiction based on the real lives of Anne Lister and Eliza Raine, who became entangled in a forbidden relationship during the Regency period. Lister lived and dressed as a man, preferring to be called either Jack or by her last name, and had several women lovers. I learned about Lister when I read Gentleman Jack by Sally Wainwright, a biography of her unusual life. Well-research historical fiction, fluid writing. Highly recommended for readers of historical fiction or those interested in the history of LGBTQ.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an eARC for review.

Anne Lister (the real one, not the one from the BBC series)

Who Cries for the Lost by C. S. Harris

June 27, 2023

Who Cries for the Lost by C. S. Harris

Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin, returns to solve another crime involving the aristocracy. A mutilated body is pulled from the Thames, and when he is identified, Sebastian realizes that he knows the man as a former army colleague. But then it is learned that his friend Paul Gibson and Paul's lover Alexi Sauvage have a connection to the man as well, and Sebastian races to discover the murderer.  The murdered man was a notorious rake who seduced the wives and daughters of a number of noblemen and at first the crime appears to be connected to his nighttime activities. But then other mutilated bodies are found floating in the river that seem to have no connection to the first man. Meanwhile, on the continent, Napoleon's date with Wellington and the British forces draws ever closer.

Another stellar entry into the series, well-researched, historically accurate. The picture of life in Regency England is one of the best things about this series. Sebastian's relationship with his father the earl continues to evolve, as does Paul's relationship with Alexi. The bad part is having to wait another year for the next installment.

Cabrera Island off the coast of Spain, which plays an unexpectedly large part in the story

The Benevolent Society of Ill-mannered Ladies by Alison Goodman

May 1, 2023

The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies by Alison Goodman

Lady Augusta and Lady Julia are unmarried twin sisters, past their "sell by" date at age 42. Their mean-spirited much younger brother has inherited the title and the family estate, and he and his despicable new bride are treating the sisters with disdain. To ease her boredom, Lady Augusta (Gus) agrees to help a friend secure some love letters that she sent to a most unsuitable man. After the successful completion of their task, Gus realizes that she quite likes being useful and having something to do. So she agrees to help another friend, and so on, and so on. Meeting a handsome highwayman doesn't hurt, either.

The first book in a planned new series. After a slow start, this was a very enjoyable read. Unlike many novels set in the Regency period, there is less emphasis on gowns, jewels, and balls. As in C. S. Harris' Sebastian St. Cyr novels, there is solid history and a focus on daily life, especially among the middle and lower classes instead of just the bon ton. The women visit a brothel and a private lunatic asylum, both horrible places. Like Sebastian, Gus and Julia can move in a variety of social circles and they too have their faithful retainers to assist and aid them. I quite hope that the brother gets murdered in a future novel.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an eARC for review.

19th c. private lunatic asylum

When Blood Lies by C. S. Harris

April 30, 2022

When Blood Lies by C. S. Harris

March 1815 - Napoleon is in exile, Louis XVII has been restored to the throne of France, and Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin, and his family have traveled to Paris in hope of tracing Sebastian's long-lost mother, Sophie, Countess Hendon. At the same time, an international conference is being held in Paris. Sebastian locates Sophie, but comes upon her as she lies dying from an assailant's attack. Sophie had been living as mistress to Marechal Alexandre McClellan, a French nobleman of Scottish ancestry who was first one of Napoleon's generals and now had sworn allegiance to the king. When French authorities show no interest in pursuing who killed the notorious Englishwoman, Sebastian and his wife Hero take it on themselves to hunt down the murderer and bring them to justice.

With each book in this series, we learn a little more about Sebastian's background. This is the 17th book in the series and one of the best, IMHO. Like the previous books, it is filled with fantastic historical details and accuracy, blending real events and people seamlessly with fiction.

A Parisian cafe, 1815

A Darker Shade of Magic by V. E. Schwab

September 29, 2022

A Darker Shade of Magic by V. E. Schwab

Kell is an Antari, one of the last magicians who can travel between the four Londons: Grey, White, Red, and once upon a time, Black. His home is in Red London with the royal family, while the most dangerous one is White London, ruled by the Danish Twins and Holland, their Antari. Kell has a side business smuggling magical artefacts for collectors and dilettantes. In Grey London, he encounters a pickpocket named Delilah, who first robs him and then rescues him. Together they must return a mysterious stone to the correct London and find the other half, but which London is the right London?

Colorful, weird characters, invented language, magic in many forms, all mixed with social and political aspirations. Four Londons exist in the same place but on different planes (multiverse), and Kell speculates that there may be more. I have come across the multiple city concept before, in books like The City and The City by China Mieville, where the main character crosses from one version of a city to another by going through a checkpoint. Kell cuts a doorway from one London to another by using his blood. There are two more books in the series.

A Regimental Murder by Ashley Gardner

September 17, 2021

A Regimental Murder by Ashley Gardner

In Regency London, Captain Gabriel Lacey saves a beautiful woman from an assault and ends up searching for her late husband's murderer. Her husband was a soldier accused of atrocities following a battle. With the help of his wealthy society friend Lucius Grenville, Lacey promises to find the killer. In the course of his investigation, an underworld figure who seems to be involved tries to lure Lacey to work for him.

This series is a poor knock-off of the Sebastian St. Cyr novels. It is set in the same time period, same location, same level of society. There is even the actress who is a peripheral character. The main character has WAY too many flaws including a bad temper, a hair trigger, and a tendency to make hasty decisions and snap judgments. There are also glaring historical inaccuracies. This is the second book in the series and I won't be reading any more.

Who Speaks for the Damned by C. S. Harris

April 26, 2021

Who Speaks for the Damned by C. S. Harris

June 1814 - Napoleon has finally been defeated, and the Prince Regent invites the royal families from Austria, Russia, and the German/Prussian states to a celebration in London. But the festivities are marred by the discovery of a corpse in a popular tea garden. Unbelievably, the body is that of a nobleman believed to have been dead for many years. Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin is drawn into the investigation by his valet Jules who was acquainted with the dead man. Why did the nobleman return to England after all these years? Who is the child who accompanied him, and where is the child now?

C. S. Harris presents a multi-layered story that incorporates history, politics, and real people with fictional characters and events. This is the 15th book in the Sebastian St. Cyr series, and although I have enjoyed all of the books, this one is one of the best in the series. Really good mystery.

The Prince Regent

Who Slays the Wicked by C. S. Harris

March 24, 2021

Who Slays the Wicked by C. S. Harris

The death of a depraved nobleman hits close to home for Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin, when his niece's husband is found murdered. While the man is no loss to society, the world, or his family, Sebastian's niece Stephanie is immediately a suspect. When the evidence points to a female killer, Sebastian is tasked with finding the real murderer and saving his niece from the gallows. At the same time, Sebastian continued to search for the truth regarding his parentage. 

This is the 14th book in the Sebastian St. Cyr historical mystery series. Historical and political events, and real and fictional characters are blended seamlessly. Daily life for the upper and lower classes is realistically portrayed, with grinding poverty contrasted against fabulous wealth. I do love the descriptions of the clothes, parties, etc., although the upper class did seem to spend a lot of time changing clothes.

Hero, Sebastian's dynamic wife, unfortunately takes a backseat in this one. Her main contribution is her investigation and articles about the poor. But this is one of my favorite series and well worth reading. I highly recommend it.

Regency dandies

Why Kill the Innocent by C. S. Harris

January 12, 2021

Why Kill the Innocent by C. S. Harris

During one of the worst winters in memory, the body of Jane Ambrose, a talented young musician, is found in a snowdrift. As music teacher to Princess Charlotte, heir presumptive to the throne, as well as the children of other aristocrats, Jane had ties to the royal court.

At first, Jane's death appears to be tied in some way to Princess Charlotte's upcoming bethrothal. But as a trail of bodies turn up in various London districts, it quickly becomes obvious that more than the court is involved and a complex web emerges. While Lord Jarvis and others close to the Prince Regent prefer to ignore Jane's murder, Sebastian St. Cyr and his wife Hero refuse to allow Jane's killer to go free.

I love this series, with its seamless blending of real and fictional characters with historical and political events. Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys historical mysteries.

Who Buries the Dead by C. S. Harris

July 1, 2020

Who Buries the Dead by C. S. Harris

 

When a socially ambitious Londoner is found decapitated on the outskirts of the city, and a number of prominent citizens appear to be involved, Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin, is drawn into the investigation.  But as the brutal murders increase, Sebastian finds himself not only in the drawing rooms of Mayfair but also in the haunts of London’s poorest residents.  Joining forces with his independent wife Hero, Sebastian must identify the killer and figure out their motives before harm comes to himself or his family.

This is the 10^th book in the Sebastian St. Cyr series, set in the early 19^th century during the Regency period, and there ends up being more than one mystery to solve.  I love the way C. S. Harris weaves historical figures such as the Prince Regent and novelist Jane Austen through the story, as well as historical events such as the discovery of the lost tomb of Charles I.  I also really like the way that Sebastian and Hero’s relationship is deepening with each book, as well as the growth of Sebastian’s backstory.  Sebastian’s hobby of investigating murders is no more popular with his or Hero’s families than is her hobby of investigative journalism.  While the Devlins are definitely one of London’s glam couples, it is also charming to read the domestic scenes about things like having a colicky baby – it is so satisfying that someone who suffers as much as Sebastian does for the acts he committed or witnessed during war, finally has a happy life.  But it was shocking when one of the recurring characters was murdered quite suddenly.

The Sebastian St. Cyr series is one of my favorite historical series, and I’m so glad there are several more books to look forward to.  The books are all well-written and researched, and I save them to enjoy like special treats.

What Darkness Brings by C. S. Harris

October 24, 2019

What Darkness Brings by C. S. Harris

When a well-known and much-despised gem dealer/loan shark is found murdered, there aren’t a lot of people mourning his passing.  The police quickly arrest a man who was found standing over the body and then fled the scene.  But the man, Russell Yates, insists that he is innocent and his wife asks for Sebastian’s help to find the real killer.  The only problem is that Yates’ wife is none other than the actress Kat Boleyn, Sebastian’s ex-lover.  Although Sebastian agrees to help them, he fears that unresolved feelings for Kat will again be stirred up.  Complicating his attempts to discover the true killer and his worry over his wife's Hero’s safety is his grief over the mysterious death of an old army friend.

The Sebastian St. Cyr mysteries are a wonderful mix of historical fiction, political intrigue, mystery, social justice, and gossip.  A constant round of parties, balls, and receptions, lots of eating and drinking, a fat spoiled prince, and even the men changed their clothes at least six times a day – wasn’t Regency England fabulous (at least, it was if you were rich and connected)!  Plus, Sebastian’s family is back in all its messy glory – I suggest reading the series in order to really get a picture of the complicated St. Cyr family.  Although the author does a good job of summarizing important information from previous titles, the books are just too much fun to miss.  This is one of the best entries in the series so far, and even though it is described as historical fiction, anyone who enjoys Regency romances should also enjoy the St. Cyr mysteries.  A very enjoyable read.

When Maidens Mourn by C. S. Harris

August 10, 2019

When Maidens Mourn by C. S. Harris

London, 1812:  Sebastian St. Cyr, Lord Devlin, has been married for four days to Hero, daughter of his enemy Lord Jarvis.  Their plans to escape the heat of August in London are stalled when they receive news that one of Hero’s close friends has been found murdered.  To make matters worse, the dead woman’s two young cousins who were staying with her are missing.  Sir Henry Lovejoy once again enlists Lord Devlin to assist in the investigation, since Sebastian can gain access to high society whose doors would be shut in Lovejoy’s face.

The Sebastian St. Cyr mystery series is great fun and provides an in-depth look into life among the upper classes in Regency England.  The stories are a good blend of historical fact and fiction, well-researched with fast-paced plots and plenty of adventure.  With each entry in the series, we get a little more information about Sebastian’s mysterious parentage and Hero’s relationship with her powerful father.  (I used to think the chicks in Regency novels spent a lot of time changing their clothes, but then on laundry day when I'm faced with a mountain of laundry, I wonder if I'm more like them than I think.)

I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a well-written historical mystery.