Helpful Score: 7
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.
Helpful Score: 5
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
Alice
R E K. (bigstone) - , reviewed What Angels Fear (Sebastian St. Cyr, Bk 1) on + 1452 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
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.
goddesslovingbookworm -
Helpful Score: 2
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.
Excellent story and well-worth a space on my keeper shelf.
Helpful Score: 1
a history-mystery with interesting characters and plot but more sex than I care for
Karen H. (warbler43) -
Helpful Score: 1
This is the first work by C. S. Harris that I've read, but it won't be the last. I absolutely loved this book and look forward to reading more of Sebastian St. Cyr in the near future.
This was book one in a mystery series set in the Regency Era...not my usual genre...since I go mainly towards the romance of that era. If you're look for the erotic or at least a sexy romp, this isn't the book for you. It doesn't have a lot of heat, but the hero isn't celibate. There are a couple of short sex scenes but romantic love and sex are not the main theme of this book. The suspense and story line is well-written and held my interest to the very end. Clues and suspects abound, but the actual villian didn't become apparent until the very end.
Sebastian is a very 'deep' character and while the author gave us some insight as to who he was, she left a lot out. I suspect more will be learned about his background, his family, his loves and what makes him such a good investigator in the remaining books in the series. I'm also looking forward to reading more about Kat Boleyn and young Tom; two characters who play major roles in Sebastian's life.
I rate my books 1-4 stars. I gave this book 4 stars! I highly recommend this book to people who enjoy a well-written mystery/suspense/thriller story.
This was book one in a mystery series set in the Regency Era...not my usual genre...since I go mainly towards the romance of that era. If you're look for the erotic or at least a sexy romp, this isn't the book for you. It doesn't have a lot of heat, but the hero isn't celibate. There are a couple of short sex scenes but romantic love and sex are not the main theme of this book. The suspense and story line is well-written and held my interest to the very end. Clues and suspects abound, but the actual villian didn't become apparent until the very end.
Sebastian is a very 'deep' character and while the author gave us some insight as to who he was, she left a lot out. I suspect more will be learned about his background, his family, his loves and what makes him such a good investigator in the remaining books in the series. I'm also looking forward to reading more about Kat Boleyn and young Tom; two characters who play major roles in Sebastian's life.
I rate my books 1-4 stars. I gave this book 4 stars! I highly recommend this book to people who enjoy a well-written mystery/suspense/thriller story.
Joan W. (justreadingabook) reviewed What Angels Fear (Sebastian St. Cyr, Bk 1) on + 1726 more book reviews
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!
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!
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.
Karin A. (Jerseygirltoo) -
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.
I love St. Cyr and am anxious to get started on his series. There were a lot of pages devoted to bringing the reader up to date about the time period. (Not a spoiler...you will be there for the beginning of the Regency Period when Prinny was sworn in a Regent.) All of the characters were introduced and I really going to like them with a few exceptions. I'll let you guess who they are! I found myself skipping a few pages when the action was too intense and I was ready to find out how it all ended.
Great book! Recommend!
Great book! Recommend!
Laura P. (hemmputnam) reviewed What Angels Fear (Sebastian St. Cyr, Bk 1) on + 1154 more book reviews
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.
Charlie M. (bookaddicted) -
Filled with red herrings and swashbuckling action, a great start to a new series by C.S.Harris. (Author has written historical romances as Candice Proctor)
Very interesting with the historical aspect and a good murder mystery. Enjoyed it very much.
A great story and an intriguing series. I enjoyed this book so much that I bought book 2 and got books 3, 4, & 5 from the library and read them in quick succession.
Sebastian is a great character and I really enjoyed the complexity of the story. There are also numerous subplots that stretch throughout the entire series...
Sebastian is a great character and I really enjoyed the complexity of the story. There are also numerous subplots that stretch throughout the entire series...
Joan W. (justreadingabook) reviewed What Angels Fear (Sebastian St. Cyr, Bk 1) on + 1726 more book reviews
Very interesting and fast paced, the humor Sebastian had was very fun and seeing his compassion and care for others made this a really great read. Lots of little and big twists and turns during the story and the development of characters was perfect.
Look forward to reading more in this series.
Look forward to reading more in this series.
1st Sebastian St Cyr mystery.
Heather J. (LadyCrymsyn) reviewed What Angels Fear (Sebastian St. Cyr, Bk 1) on + 28 more book reviews
I did not enjoy this book. For one, there were too many false starts and red herrings for me to find the mystery enjoyable. There were also levels of misogyny and homophobia in the plotting of the book that were a complete turn-off. (Note: I'm not referring to the period-appropriate attitudes towards women and gays, I'm referring to what the author chose to do with her female characters and her gay characters). Finally, the "romance" subplot was, to me, rather dull and brought the plot to a screeching halt every time the main characters decided to have sex.
I will give 1.5 stars because Sebastian St. Cyr was a somewhat interesting character, and I also enjoyed a minor character, Magistrate Lovejoy.
I will give 1.5 stars because Sebastian St. Cyr was a somewhat interesting character, and I also enjoyed a minor character, Magistrate Lovejoy.
Cameron-Ashley H. (BigGreenChair) reviewed What Angels Fear (Sebastian St. Cyr, Bk 1) on + 461 more book reviews
I admit I picked up the first book at the thrift store and didn't expect to really like it. This is a fun series of 13 books and I have been picking them up and reading them, although I admit not in order and to me it hasn't made any difference if I'm reading them out of order. They're well written and I just sunk into my big chair and read them right through to the end. Historical fiction mystery series. Reminded me a bit of Caleb Carr, but not altogether. These have a nice tone all of their own.
Eadie B. (eadieburke) -
Book Description:
The prime suspect in the brutal rape and murder of a young woman whose body is left on the altar steps of an ancient church, Sebastian St. Cyr, a young aristocrat haunted by his experiences in the Napoleonic Wars, becomes a fugitive, joining forces with an unlikely group of allies as he flees a ruthless powerbroker with ties to the Prince Regent.
My Review:
This is a well-written, action-packed, historical mystery set in 1811 Regency England. I found the characters fascinating. I especially liked Sebastian and can't wait to find out more about him and his background. Loved Kat Boleyn and Tom too and hope to see them in the future books. There were lots of clues and suspects and the killer was hard to determine. Since it was pre-scientific methods, I missed the forensics of the modern day mystery novels. I found the book to be a page-turner and can't wait to read the next installment. I would highly recommend this series to lovers of historical mysteries with a bit of romance.
The prime suspect in the brutal rape and murder of a young woman whose body is left on the altar steps of an ancient church, Sebastian St. Cyr, a young aristocrat haunted by his experiences in the Napoleonic Wars, becomes a fugitive, joining forces with an unlikely group of allies as he flees a ruthless powerbroker with ties to the Prince Regent.
My Review:
This is a well-written, action-packed, historical mystery set in 1811 Regency England. I found the characters fascinating. I especially liked Sebastian and can't wait to find out more about him and his background. Loved Kat Boleyn and Tom too and hope to see them in the future books. There were lots of clues and suspects and the killer was hard to determine. Since it was pre-scientific methods, I missed the forensics of the modern day mystery novels. I found the book to be a page-turner and can't wait to read the next installment. I would highly recommend this series to lovers of historical mysteries with a bit of romance.
Karin A. (Jerseygirltoo) -
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.
