What remains of heaven: a Sebastina St. Cyr mystery

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Another gripping mystery in the series that has won six starred reviews, set in the glittering yet dangerous world of 1812 London, where nobleman and former spy Sebastian St. Cyr courts personal disaster in his effort to expose a murderer. The latest request for help from Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin--from the Archbishop of Canterbury, no less--is undeniably intriguing: The bodies of two men have been found in an ancient crypt, their violent deaths separated by decades. One is the Bishop of London, the elderly Archbishop's favored but controversial successor. The identity of the other seems lost in time, although his faded velvet attire marks him as gentleman of the eighteenth century. To Sebastian's consternation, the last person to see the Bishop alive was Miss Hero Jarvis, a woman whose already strained relationship with St. Cyr has been complicated by a brief, unexpectedly passionate encounter. It also soon becomes obvious that her powerful father has reasons of his own for wanting the Bishop out of the way. In an investigation that leads from the back alleys of Smithfield to the power corridors of whitehall, Sebastian amasses a list of suspects that ranges from some of the Prince Regent's closest cronies to William Franklin, embittered son of famous American patriot Ben Franklin. Each step Sebastian takes toward the killer brings him closer to a devastating truth that could ultimately force him to question who--and what--he really is.

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Contributors
Harris, C. S. Author
Porter, Davina Narrator
ISBN
9781410424495
9781490649542

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Also in this Series

  • What angels fear: a historical mystery (Sebastian St. Cyr mysteries Volume 1) Cover
  • When gods die: a Sebastian St. Cyr mystery (Sebastian St. Cyr mysteries Volume 2) Cover
  • Why mermaids sing: a Sebastian St. Cyr mystery (Sebastian St. Cyr mysteries Volume 3) Cover
  • Where serpents sleep: a Sebastian St. Cyr mystery (Sebastian St. Cyr mysteries Volume 4) Cover
  • What remains of heaven: a Sebastina St. Cyr mystery (Sebastian St. Cyr mysteries Volume 5) Cover
  • Where shadows dance (Sebastian St. Cyr mysteries Volume 6) Cover
  • When maidens mourn: a Sebastian St. Cyr mystery (Sebastian St. Cyr mysteries Volume 7) Cover
  • What darkness brings (Sebastian St. Cyr mysteries Volume 8) Cover
  • Why kings confess: a Sebastian St. Cyr mystery (Sebastian St. Cyr mysteries Volume 9) Cover
  • Who buries the dead: a Sebastian St. Cyr mystery (Sebastian St. Cyr mysteries Volume 10) Cover
  • When falcons fall: a Sebastian St. Cyr mystery (Sebastian St. Cyr mysteries Volume 11) Cover
  • Where the dead lie: a Sebastian St. Cyr mystery (Sebastian St. Cyr mysteries Volume 12) Cover
  • Why kill the innocent: a Sebastian St. Cyr mystery (Sebastian St. Cyr mysteries Volume 13) Cover
  • Who slays the wicked: a Sebastian St. Cyr mystery (Sebastian St. Cyr mysteries Volume 14) Cover
  • Who speaks for the damned (Sebastian St. Cyr mysteries Volume 15) Cover
  • What the devil knows: a Sebastian St. Cyr mystery (Sebastian St. Cyr mysteries Volume 16) Cover
  • When blood lies: a Sebastian St. Cyr mystery (Sebastian St. Cyr mysteries Volume 17) Cover
  • Who cries for the lost (Sebastian St. Cyr mysteries Volume 18) Cover
  • What cannot be said (Sebastian St. Cyr mysteries Volume 19) Cover
  • Who will remember (Sebastian St. Cyr mysteries Volume 20) Cover

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Similar Series From Novelist

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for series you might like if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
Fans of detailed historical fiction might appreciate these mystery series set in early 19th-century England, where talented investigators become far too personally involved in aristocratic mysteries. Sebastian St. Cyr encounters more gruesome crimes than Julian Kestrel does. -- Kaitlyn Moore
During the Napoleonic Wars, there lived a pair of married intelligence agents (Rannoch novels) and an amateur sleuth (St. Cyr mysteries) who investigated crimes with serious diplomatic ramifications. Their suspenseful stories are descriptive and possess a strong sense of place. -- Mike Nilsson
These character-driven historical mysteries entrance readers with their richly detailed settings in 19th-century England. Both feature class and women's issues, though they are more pronounced in the Lizzie Martin Mysteries than in the more gruesome Sebastian St. Cyr mysteries. -- Kaitlyn Moore
Though the Kendra Donovan mysteries involve a time slip, both Regency series star gifted criminal investigators and feature heinous crimes, rich detail, and a bit of romance. -- Mike Nilsson
Though the fast-paced Sebastian St. Cyr Mysteries follow a male amateur detective and the romantic Lady Julia Grey novels an aristocratic woman, these character-driven series are rich in historical detail of 19th-century England. Both feature political and interpersonal intrigue. -- Kaitlyn Moore
These series have the theme "wartime crime"; the genres "historical mysteries" and "mysteries"; and the subjects "saint cyr, sebastian (fictitious character)," "murder investigation," and "lacey, gabriel (fictitious character)."
These series have the appeal factors richly detailed and atmospheric, and they have the theme "wartime crime"; the genre "historical mysteries"; and the subjects "murder investigation," "london, england history," and "earls and countesses."
These series have the appeal factors richly detailed, and they have the theme "wartime crime"; the genres "historical mysteries" and "victorian mysteries"; and the subject "murder investigation."
These series have the theme "wartime crime"; the genres "historical mysteries" and "historical thrillers"; and the subjects "napoleonic wars, 1800-1815" and "london, england history."

Similar Titles From NoveList

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for titles you might like if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
These books have the themes "starring famous figures" and "wartime crime"; the genre "historical mysteries"; and the subjects "murder suspects," "viscounts and viscountesses," and "nobility."
These books have the appeal factors character-driven, and they have the themes "starring famous figures" and "wartime crime"; the genres "historical mysteries" and "mysteries"; the subjects "murder suspects," "murder investigation," and "british history"; and characters that are "authentic characters."
These books have the appeal factors richly detailed and evocative, and they have the themes "starring famous figures" and "wartime crime"; the genre "historical mysteries"; and the subjects "murder suspects," "murder investigation," and "british history."
NoveList recommends "Lizzie Martin mysteries" for fans of "Sebastian St. Cyr mysteries". Check out the first book in the series.
NoveList recommends "Malcolm & Suzanne Rannoch novels" for fans of "Sebastian St. Cyr mysteries". Check out the first book in the series.
The body on the doorstep - Mackenzie, A. J.
These books have the themes "starring famous figures" and "wartime crime"; the genre "historical mysteries"; the subjects "murder suspects," "viscounts and viscountesses," and "british history"; and characters that are "authentic characters."
These books have the themes "starring famous figures" and "wartime crime"; the genre "historical mysteries"; and the subjects "murder suspects," "viscounts and viscountesses," and "murder investigation."
These books have the appeal factors cinematic, and they have the themes "starring famous figures" and "wartime crime"; the genre "historical mysteries"; and the subjects "murder suspects," "viscounts and viscountesses," and "murder investigation."
NoveList recommends "Kendra Donovan mysteries" for fans of "Sebastian St. Cyr mysteries". Check out the first book in the series.
Instruments of darkness - Robertson, Imogen
These books have the themes "starring famous figures" and "wartime crime"; the genre "historical mysteries"; and the subjects "family secrets," "viscounts and viscountesses," and "saint cyr, sebastian (fictitious character)."
These books have the themes "starring famous figures" and "wartime crime"; the genre "historical mysteries"; and the subjects "viscounts and viscountesses," "saint cyr, sebastian (fictitious character)," and "british history."
NoveList recommends "Lady Julia Grey novels" for fans of "Sebastian St. Cyr mysteries". Check out the first book in the series.

Similar Authors From NoveList

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for other authors you might want to read if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
C. S. Harris and Andrea Penrose write mysteries set in Regency England with aristocratic sleuths. These appealing aristocrats wander through society's estates solving crimes for family and friends. The stories capture the feel of the period through historical detail and interesting characters. Fast paced and fun, these are clever mysteries. -- Merle Jacob
The historical mysteries of C. S. Harris and Rosemary Stevens feature hunky aristocrats in Regency England. These charismatic men wander through society's estates and salons solving murders using their insight and knowledge. The clever, quickly moving plots are filled with period details, appealing characters, and witty dialogue. -- Merle Jacob
These authors' works have the genre "historical mysteries"; and the subjects "british history," "nobility," and "aristocracy."
These authors' works have the genres "historical mysteries" and "regency romances"; and the subjects "nobility," "aristocracy," and "viscounts and viscountesses."
These authors' works have the genre "historical mysteries"; and the subjects "amateur detectives," "nobility," and "murder suspects."
These authors' works have the genre "historical mysteries"; and the subjects "saint cyr, sebastian (fictitious character)," "british history," and "amateur detectives."
These authors' works have the genre "historical mysteries"; and the subjects "british history," "nobility," and "murder suspects."
These authors' works have the genres "historical mysteries" and "historical thrillers"; and the subjects "napoleonic wars, 1800-1815," "british history," and "viscounts and viscountesses."
These authors' works have the genre "historical mysteries"; and the subjects "british history," "amateur detectives," and "nobility."
These authors' works have the genres "historical mysteries" and "regency romances"; and the subjects "british history," "nobility," and "aristocracy."
These authors' works have the genres "historical mysteries" and "victorian romances"; and the subjects "british history," "nobility," and "aristocracy."
These authors' works have the genres "regency romances" and "georgian romances"; and the subjects "british history," "nobility," and "aristocracy."

Published Reviews

Booklist Review

Sebastian St. Cyr is drawn into another criminal investigation when the archbishop of Canterbury and his aunt Henrietta ask him to investigate the murder of the bishop of London, who was found dead in an ancient crypt, along with the body of a man who had been dead for decades. In addition, St. Cyr must remain watchful as a man he served with in the army is seeking revenge. He also learns that Hero Jarvis, who helped him with a previous case, is pregnant from a liaison the two had when they thought they were going to die before being rescued (Where Serpents Sleep, 2008). St. Cyr's investigation leads him to believe that the two murders are linked, and as he searches for the connections, he discovers a secret from his family's past that holds far-reaching implications. This atmospheric and disturbing story includes vivid descriptions and details of early-nineteenth-century London woven into a plot that includes numerous twists before the mysteries are finally solved.--O'Brien, Sue Copyright 2009 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
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Publisher's Weekly Review

Long-festering family secrets, treachery and worse threaten Sebastian St. Cyr in Harris's addictive fifth Regency-era mystery starring the dashing soldier-turned-sleuth (after 2008's Where Serpents Sleep). From the start, St. Cyr's mission is sensitive: finding out who killed the bishop of London, a leading candidate for archbishop of Canterbury, in the crypt of the same country church where the mummified body of another murder victim was discovered only hours earlier. It becomes downright dangerous once the charismatic viscount unearths the surprising connection between the men as well as the many powerful enemies with motives for their murder-including his own father. Harris weaves palpable period detail and romantic subplots with such ease that her occasional descriptive laziness, such as repeats of "fiercely blue St. Cyr eyes," grates inordinately. But it shouldn't keep you from being swept up by her seductive antihero at his swashbuckling best. (Nov.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
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Library Journal Review

In his fifth outing (after Why Mermaids Sing), former spy Sebastian St. Cyr is asked by the Archbishop of Canterbury to find who killed the Bishop of London, whose body was found in an ancient crypt along with a decades-old unidentified corpse. Along the way he gets a bit of help from Miss Hero Jarvis, meets Benjamin Franklin's embittered son, and learns more about his origins. Verdict Harris combines all of the qualities of a solid Regency in the tradition of Georgette Heyer by pairing two strong characters trying to ignore their mutual attraction while solving a crime together. Anyone who likes Amanda Quick and/or is reading the reissued Heyer novels will love this series. [See Prepub Mystery, LJ 7/09.] (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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Kirkus Book Review

Who killed the cleric in the crypt? When the 1812 renovations to St. Margaret's, Tanfield Hill, accidentally bash a hole through the sealed entry to its crypt, there are two ghastly surprises. The dead body of Bishop Prescott, staunch abolitionist and leading contender for the soon-to-be-vacated post of Archbishop of Canterbury, lies sprawled across yet another dead body, this one partially mummified with a jeweled, Italianate dagger in its back. Bow Street, recognizing a matter too delicate for its own clumsy hands, calls upon Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin (Where Serpents Sleep, 2008, etc.). Within the compass of a few short weeks the aristocratic sleuth is shot at, horsewhipped, attacked with a meat cleaver, half-drowned and forced to kill three men himself. Undeterred, he accepts the responsibilities of fatherhood that have been impending ever since his reckless night with stubborn feminist Hero Jarvis, whose father had good reason to want Prescott dead; uncovers enough illegitimacies to keep the Town atwitter for generations; suspects both his father and Hero's of treason in aid of the colonies; and finds time to visit a prescient nanny-turned-witch who has secrets to impart about his own parentage. The mystery includes a smattering of political and church intrigue among a welter of family ties so intricate that a scorecard might have helped. Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
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Booklist Reviews

Sebastian St. Cyr is drawn into another criminal investigation when the archbishop of Canterbury and his aunt Henrietta ask him to investigate the murder of the bishop of London, who was found dead in an ancient crypt, along with the body of a man who had been dead for decades. In addition, St. Cyr must remain watchful as a man he served with in the army is seeking revenge. He also learns that Hero Jarvis, who helped him with a previous case, is pregnant from a liaison the two had when they thought they were going to die before being rescued (Where Serpents Sleep, 2008). St. Cyr's investigation leads him to believe that the two murders are linked, and as he searches for the connections, he discovers a secret from his family's past that holds far-reaching implications. This atmospheric and disturbing story includes vivid descriptions and details of early-nineteenth-century London woven into a plot that includes numerous twists before the mysteries are finally solved. Copyright 2009 Booklist Reviews.

Copyright 2009 Booklist Reviews.
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Library Journal Reviews

Sebastian St. Cyr investigates the violent death of the Archbishop's successor in Harris's fifth Regency-era mystery. The author lives in New Orleans. Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.

Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.
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Library Journal Reviews

In his fifth outing (after Why Mermaids Sing), former spy Sebastian St. Cyr is asked by the Archbishop of Canterbury to find who killed the Bishop of London, whose body was found in an ancient crypt along with a decades-old unidentified corpse. Along the way he gets a bit of help from Miss Hero Jarvis, meets Benjamin Franklin's embittered son, and learns more about his origins. VERDICT Harris combines all of the qualities of a solid Regency in the tradition of Georgette Heyer by pairing two strong characters trying to ignore their mutual attraction while solving a crime together. Anyone who likes Amanda Quick and/or is reading the reissued Heyer novels will love this series. [See Prepub Mystery, LJ 7/09.]

[Page 60]. Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.

Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.
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Publishers Weekly Reviews

Long-festering family secrets, treachery and worse threaten Sebastian St. Cyr in Harris's addictive fifth Regency-era mystery starring the dashing soldier-turned-sleuth (after 2008's Where Serpents Sleep). From the start, St. Cyr's mission is sensitive: finding out who killed the bishop of London, a leading candidate for archbishop of Canterbury, in the crypt of the same country church where the mummified body of another murder victim was discovered only hours earlier. It becomes downright dangerous once the charismatic viscount unearths the surprising connection between the men as well as the many powerful enemies with motives for their murder—including his own father. Harris weaves palpable period detail and romantic subplots with such ease that her occasional descriptive laziness, such as repeats of "fiercely blue St. Cyr eyes," grates inordinately. But it shouldn't keep you from being swept up by her seductive antihero at his swashbuckling best. (Nov.)

[Page 41]. Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.

Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.
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