I was disappointed. While the background research seemed to be very solid, the attitudes and language of the characters were quite modern rather than hearkening back to Regency languages and mores. The mystery was good- but for me, the moderns-in-costume aspect was distracting.

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Excellent historical mystery. The mystery was very good and not easy to figure out, character very engaging and you want to get to konw them better. Nice snapshot of history in 1811 England. Looking forward to reading more of Ms. Harris's work.

Alice

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Good, good novel. The primary character, Sebastian St. Cyr, is a complex and fascinating character. While I like him a lot, I had some trouble with his actions as he investigated the murder for which he is blamed. I felt that anyone who had worked intelligence during a war would be much more circumspect in his investigations. Each individual he investigated he blamed for the murder, often confronting them, rather than checking them out more thoroughly first. Certainly the author is well qualified to write about Regency England. She has degrees in the classics and European history and lived in England for years. This is a series to follow and watch the author's progress. Hopefully, she will handle St. Cyr with more finesse in future novels.

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Fantastic historical (Regency-period) mystery that gratefully is the first of a series. The history is sprinkled with true characters whose foibles were well-researched and the descriptions admirably walk that fine line between setting the stage and being tedious. The St. Cyr family has enough tension within that sideline stories can be plentiful in future volumes, yet the sidelines are woven so seamlessly, they do not detract from the main storyline.

Excellent story and well-worth a space on my keeper shelf.

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a history-mystery with interesting characters and plot but more sex than I care for

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A great historical mystery set in London while the British are at war with Napoleon. There's gentry, actresses, street urchins, politics, rape, murder, the beginnings of scientific thought and forensics applied to crime, family secrets, and a wonderful hero. He's back from the war and jaded, but still believes in honor and justice almost in spite of himself. With plenty of suspects, I was unsure of the killer's identity until the end.

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Takes awhile to get into the story but once you do it is wonderful.
This is book one and with a lot more to go you have some great reads ahead.
Loved learning about Sebastian and his background and his sense of right and wrong no matter who you are.
Great series!

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Great book, a page-turner. I couldn't put it down. This book has everything for lovers of historical mysteries with a touch of romance. Great plotting, good historical atmosphere, a fast moving story with lots of action and fascinating characters. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.

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A very enjoyable book with an exciting plot and characters. It pulls the characteristics of the Regency period into a real mystery. I look forward to reading others in this series.

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