Who Slays the Wicked (Sebastian St. Cyr Mystery Book 14) - Kindle edition by Harris, C. S.. Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

The last book was boring, but we’re back in it with this one. The death of Lord Ashworth is particularly satisfying, especially as we learn he was far worse than we already knew, until the consequences result in a lot of other deaths. Mostly deserved, but some certainly not. The intrigue is intense and I was completely blindsided by the solution. It’s not as exciting as past stories, but it’s a humdinger nonetheless. I’ve never been so appreciative of indoor plumbing!On a personal note, I find it curious our beloved author has a definite prejudice against Christianity which I’ve noticed in all her works, though it’s been directed at organized religion until now, a sentiment no one could argue with. I appreciate that she treats Henry Lovejoy’s faith with respect. It’s understandable, I suppose, given the social conditions of the working poor at the time. Yet it was famous Christians who were the catalyst for change and the spread of Protestantism throughout Europe in the Victorian Era that put an end to so many social injustices that were prevalent in the Regency Era. Christianity was clearly the predominant culture among the population at that time, though in name only among the rich and famous, then as now. Some things never change.

I absolutely LOVE these. The writing is excellent, unlike lots of historical fiction. I'm very picky about writing. And the characters and through-line narrative is really good, along with the interesting mysteries of each novel in the series. I started with the first book and am up to this one. You could just read one randomly because it will refer to the ongoing plot line so you know it, but I totally recommend the whole series.It brings you into the time period so vividly and without being lecture-y. At the end of each novel the author writes what facts were accurate and which she fictionalized. Really well researched. And gripping reading, hard to put down.

Love all these books. Very good author

Early on we discover that Ashworth (the maniac that got away in Harris‘s previous book) has been savagely killed. This is no spoiler, really, as this is how the story starts out. However, Sebastian has a heck of a time trying to figure out who was responsible; and as is often the case with Harris’ mysteries, there are plenty of possible leads, loads of suspects, and a startling amount of deaths taking place associated with this terrible man, even after his death. The characters are particularly interesting. There are political ramifications that rest in the balance regarding England’s future with William of Orange or the Russians. There are plenty of suspects to choose from, but Harris does a great job of surprising the reader at the last minute. Good writing. I tend to skim over the detailed, historical context of what is happening… I can never keep up with English or European history in those tense times. Very exciting—tho’ we see less of Hero in this story, but still her input is important to finding the answers that matter. Did not seem to be as long a book as Harris’s others, but certainly just as entertaining.

When a murder hits too close to home, Sebastian finds himself investigating the death of the man he most reviled. The difficulty is that it turns out everyone hated the man and the man's wife, Sebastian's niece has the most reason.In this fourteenth installment of the Sebastian St. Cyr historical mystery series, I found myself transported once again to Regency Era London on the eve of the Napoleonic War coming to an end when a sadistic fiend who raped and murdered young children, took advantage of every trades person and servant he encountered, and lived as the ultimate profligate turns up dead. Very dead. As in someone stabbed him so often that blood flowed everywhere.I've enjoyed this series- which, incidentally, must be read in order. Watching Sebastian come to terms with his father and the secrets that hurt Sebastian deeply when they were hidden and then came out in brutal ways. In the last few years, he has happiness in his own life with his courageous and strong-willed wife and son. That said, he careful stays one step ahead of the political intrigue and danger swirling around his father in law that threatens him occasionally, and he is still determined to discover the last of the secrets surrounding his own enigmatic history. But, through it all, Sebastian has become a keen consulting detective for the London police with his military background, keen personal abilities and clever ability to not just look, but actually see when it comes to people and events. It doesn't hurt that he has entre into places in the upper classes that the police can't help to go.Lord Ashworth was a repulsive, evil being. Sebastian's need to get to the bottom of it is driven by his fear that his intrepid niece might have taken the knife herself- and many clues and facts do point her way. However, they also point toward a powerful and ruthless Russian princess whom his father in law warns him away from and also toward a despairing furniture maker who has been ruined because Ashworth wouldn't pay a large bill. Oh, and let's not forget the dangerous criminal hired by Ashworth as an assassin who also got angry over overdue bills. And, that is just the short list.Meanwhile, Sebastian's wife, Hero, is working on treatise about the poor and their lives who make their living as rag and bone men, pure pickers, and night soil men. She hopes to rouse the powers that be to social reform by exposing the lives of so many eking out their existence right under the noses of the affluent. Hero is unable to shake the worry over her distant cousin Victoria scheming with Jarvis, Hero's father. Jarvis is the power behind the throne and will stop short of nothing to achieve the results he desires which seems to be the case with Victoria and the shadows around her past life and the significant glances she shares with Jarvis now and then.Sebastian doesn't even feel guilty for the relief he feels at Ashworth's killing and no one else does either beyond the man's father, an old family retainer, and an actual best friend. This was a case of too many suspects and too many motives. It also rounds out the story arc begun in the previous book when Sebastian solved the case, but didn't get full satisfaction at the results. Sebastian also learns what drove Stephanie all this time (its been a mystery through a few books).I am always keen on historical mysteries that provide as much authentic historical flavor as a clever well-developed mystery and engaging characters. This series continues to stand the test of time and keep me riveted with each new book released. The main mystery was good, but I also enjoy the background series-long ones as well. All historical mystery fans should try this series and join me in anticipating each new book.