Historical Mystery Lovers discussion
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Sebastian St. Cyr by C. S. Harris
During my recent maternity leave I took a break from the books I normally read and started this series. Before I knew it, I was through book 7. I've gone back to work and back to my normal books, but thanks to this little thread (which came up on my Goodreads update) I'm motivated to return to the series. I needed a little break but I forgot how much I enjoy the characters, especially Hero! I thought I was going to like Kat more, but like some others here, I too felt her character to be a bit bland and one-dimensional.
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Paula wrote: "During my recent maternity leave I took a break from the books I normally read and started this series. Before I knew it, I was through book 7. I've gone back to work and back to my normal books, b..."Yay! I'm glad you found this series and have enjoyed it so far. I agree, Hero is a great character. IMO the series really took off once her character became more central to the story and to Sebastian.
Christina wrote: "I have mixed feelings about her. I'll admit she's not my favorite. I mean I understand her motivations, but she's still shady to me. I want to continue reading to see what happens."I think that's the general consensus about Kat. I always felt that she should've been more interesting than she actually is considering her background. I hope you keep reading and check back in with us as you go.
Veronica wrote: "Christina wrote: "I have mixed feelings about her. I'll admit she's not my favorite. I mean I understand her motivations, but she's still shady to me. I want to continue reading to see what happen..."
Thanks. I requested When Gods Die through interlibrary loan. I'm waiting on it to come in. I already have the two that follow that one. So I'll be binge reading :)
Thanks. I requested When Gods Die through interlibrary loan. I'm waiting on it to come in. I already have the two that follow that one. So I'll be binge reading :)
Just started "When Gods Die" and am enjoying this Regency murder series. I like Sebastian and Paul Gibson. I think they make a good investigation team. Thank you for the spoiler tags. I don't want to know facts ahead of where I'm reading!
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I just finished skim reading When Gods Die, it didn't hold my interest like the first book. I liked the mystery ok, but Kat and Sebastian's relationship (view spoiler)
But I'm going to give it one more book before I make up mind about whether or not to continue with this series...
On to Why Mermaids Sing!
But I'm going to give it one more book before I make up mind about whether or not to continue with this series...
On to Why Mermaids Sing!
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But I'm goi..."
Couldn't agree more with you about Kat and Sebastian. I would, however, give it until book #4, which is where the series really took off for me.
Christina wrote: "I just finished skim reading When Gods Die, it didn't hold my interest like the first book. I liked the mystery ok, but Kat and Sebastian's relationship [spoilers removed]But I'm goi..."
You're far from the only one who feels that way about Sebastian and Kat but I agree with Lauren, give it until book four. I felt exactly as you did but the fourth book changed everything for me. That seems to be the turning point for most people.
Hmm. I found book three meh. I was gonna call it but you both are swaying me... I have book four at home...
Reading "Why Mermaids Sing" and just discovered one interesting fact. Now to see how Devlin handles it!
C.S. Harris has put up the first chapter of
.http://csharris.net/when-falcons-fall...
And an interesting interview with the author - there are spoilers for the series so beware if you are not up to date.
http://csharris.net/when-falcons-fall...
I hope you enjoy it, happy. It became one of my favorite series (in any genre) with the fourth book.
I finished Angels - quick read and I liked enough to continue reading the series. I would give it 3.75 stars if GR allowed partials, so I rounded up. The nature of the murders was a little off putting (view spoiler), but the descriptions were not particularly explicit.
I enjoyed the interplay between Sebastian and his father and the look into the politics of the War against Napoleon.
I didn't care for the relationship between Sebastian and Kat - it seemed a little forced to me.
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Yes, the physical descriptions are a little on the gruesome side in the series. Not as bad as some other thriller's I've read though and I have a strong stomach in this area.
happy wrote: " the look into the politics of the War against Napoleon. "
The historical detail is one of the reasons I'm enjoying the series so much. Lots of little tidbits that I didn't know before and I find myself going off to Wikipedia for more info.
happy wrote: " didn't care for the relationship between Sebastian and Kat - it seemed a little forced to me. "
Join the club! Things in this area improve from book #4.
I'm glad you liked it, happy. It's a really great series, IMO.happy wrote: "I didn't care for the relationship between Sebastian and Kat - it seemed a little forced to me. "
LOL, don't worry about it. I think I've only ever come across one, maybe two, people who've read the series and like Kat. Most, myself included, find her on the bland side and the chemistry between her and Sebastian lacking. Thankfully, she never takes up too much room in the books.
The next book, due in March, is getting some love in the form of a starred review from Booklist. Don't read if you're not caught up with the series, there may be spoilers.http://csharris.blogspot.com/
I just finished the latest When Falcons Fall and absolutely loved it! An intriguing case, a good dose of Sebastian's past, and links to world events.A quick question - I know Sebastian is Viscount Devlin, and his father is the Earl of Hendon. But is his last name actually St. Cyr? I am no expert on the titles/names of the British aristocracy, but it's something that occurred to me while reading the book, especially when he was referred to as Devlin (which I know has happened before).
As I understand it, his given last name is St Cyr and Devlin is his title. It's common for titled men to be referred to by their title even by spouses and family members. That's why Aunt Henrietta calls her own brother Hendon instead of Alistair and why even Hero sometimes calls Sebastian, Devlin. I've tried looking for patterns for when she calls him Devlin and when she calls him Sebastian but so far I haven't come up with anything.
Veronica wrote: "As I understand it, his given last name is St Cyr and Devlin is his title. It's common for titled men to be referred to by their title even by spouses and family members. That's why Aunt Henrietta ..."That's what I thought; thanks! For better or worse, Downton Abbey has pretty much been my education into the world of British titles, and it wasn't particularly useful in this case. :)
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Yeah, wrong time period, lol!
I had been wanting to read this series for awhile and am SO glad that we were able to do a group read of it to force me to read it quickly, lol! Such a great series.
I have read through book 4 so far. My vacation is in a couple of weeks and I've already order the rest in the series. Plan on catching up.
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I take it that you are enjoying the series, Joanna. What is it about the series that appeals to you?
Lauren wrote: "Joanna wrote: "I have read through book 4 so far. My vacation is in a couple of weeks and I've already order the rest in the series. Plan on catching up."I take it that you are enjoying the serie..."
Everything: The time period, the mystery, the characters, the romance, and the humor. It is very well written. I came upon this series by chance through Goodreads and so glad I did.
Glad to hear that you are enjoying the series, Joanna. It's one of my all time favorite historical mystery series. I hope you chime in with your thoughts as you progress through the books. I love discussing it. And have a great vacation!
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Yes, it is definitely a hidden gem.
I ask this question of all newbies to the series - what do you think of Kat's character?
Lauren wrote: "Joanna wrote: "I came upon this series by chance through Goodreads and so glad I did. ."Yes, it is definitely a hidden gem.
I ask this question of all newbies to the series - what do you think ..."
Funny you should ask about her. I was discussing with a friend at work about discussing this series with other readers and how it seemed that no one liked Kat. I didn't like her from the very beginning. I think the author meant for her to be noble and strong, but I don't get that from her at all. It's hard to put into words why I don't like her. A lot has to do with her being a spy; working for the enemy so to speak. How Sebastian was so forgiving concerned me. I would have been more forgiving if in the first book she would have been completely honest with him. The fact that she knew he was facing murder charges and still withheld information that could have been important showed me her true character.
Well, you're in good company because I don't think anyone here much likes her either. ;-)
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That's the thing that irks me the most. It's all well and good for her to promise Sebastian that she won't work with the French again now that he's home in London safe and sound. But for all her love for him she was passing information to the French while she KNEW Sebastian was in the military and could, therefore, be affected by her actions. I also hate that he just forgave her so easily. He hates it when anyone else lies to him but he gave her a free pass.
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I know! He could have been killed because of her actions. Not only didn't she care about that, but she continued working with the French for a short time even after Sebastian came into her life again. She is such a self-absorbed B*tch! (and I do not use that word lightly)
She's definitely prone to selfishness. What was the point of starting things up with Sebastian again when she knew all along that the situation hadn't changed and she wasn't going to ever marry him? Did she think that when she finally got over her needs enough to end the affair, again, that it would somehow hurt Sebastian less the second time? Instead of letting their clean break from five years ago stand, she muddied up the waters and yanked on Sebastian's heart again. That's just selfish.
I'm three books in to this series and glad to find this thread is open and active. I'll post more as I read more :-)
I look forward to discussing with you as you share your thoughts, Portia. :-)
Thanks, Veronica. I will keep you "posted" :-)
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Threads are always open and members are encouraged to post their two cents about any book in the genre.
Looking forward to your thoughts on it Portia :0)
Now I gotta move it up to the top of my TBR! Such problems I have ;-)
lol--I'm so desperate to read #12 (three more days) I started reading this thread. I'm new to the historical mysteries group in general, but I saw the thread and had to read through it. Like most of you, I didn't care much for Kat, either, and I love Hero :)
Welcome, Heloise! I'm counting the days to the new release too. My goal is to savor it slowly rather than devour it in a sitting or two but no promises, lol.
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As Veronica says, you are in very good company waiting for the new release :0)
I've asked for the new book as a birthday present. My husband is really good about getting me books so I should have it on the 20th. :)
Good plan, Kathleen. And happy early birthday!
Historical Mystery Lovers
Books mentioned in this topic
When Falcons Fall (other topics)What Angels Fear (other topics)
When Falcons Fall (other topics)
When Gods Die (other topics)
When Gods Die (other topics)
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Agreed. She did not make a good impression.