What Cannot Be Said by C.S. Harris

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Historical Mystery, Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820)Leave a comment

What Cannot Be Said (Sebastian St. Cyr, #19)

Barbara’s rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Series: Sebastian St. Cyr #19
Publication Date: 4/16/24
Period: Regency London – 1815
Number of Pages: 352

Exciting times are afoot in England and the world. Napoleon has met his final defeat and is being sent to St. Helena in disgrace and exile. I always, always, always love the books in this series because they seamlessly mix true historical facts with an engrossing mystery and engaging characters. The author’s notes are a wonderful history lesson themselves, and I always read them and admire the level of research this author does to present us with a realistic view of the times while also giving us a fictional mystery that keeps you guessing until the end.

On a beautiful July day, two brothers are escaping all of their sister’s wedding preparations by spending the afternoon at Richmond Park. They are having an uproarious time (did I mention they are tipsy?) until they hear two gunshots – one right after the other. They will never forget what they see as they crest the hill toward the area where the gunshots were fired. There, in an idyllic setting, are two bodies – lying foot-to-foot with their hands folded over their chests.

Magistrate Lovejoy immediately recognizes the area and the way the victims are posed because it brings back the most painful memories of his life – the murder of his wife and daughter fourteen years ago. That murder was solved though – wasn’t it? A man covered in his family’s blood was arrested and hanged – did they get it wrong? Is this a sick copycat murder? He doesn’t know, but he’ll definitely request Sebastian St. Cyr’s assistance.

The investigation takes us from high places to low. You’ll find spoiled, rich, aristocrats whose debauchery is well hidden – and you’ll also find good, honest, loving, and caring aristocrats who only want to help the world. Into the mix you’ll meet every manner of non-aristocrats as well – those who abuse, and those who nurture. The problem for Lovejoy and Sebastian is figuring out which is which – and who did what. It is a sad and poignant journey for Lovejoy and a shocking revelation for everyone when the murderer is revealed.

In this dark and compelling tale, you’ll find scenarios with Social injustice/parity, baby farms, insane asylums, cruel apprentice systems, child labor, and the plight of women who are property rather than people. Yes, there is all of that but it is in the background surrounding the excellently paced, well-written mysteries surrounding multiple murders. I recommend this book – and this entire series. Every book in the series has been an excellent read and I recommend you read all of the books in order. Yes, you can read this one as a standalone, but why would you want to when all of that background and character-building makes your enjoyment even more intense? Each new book in the series is a must-read for me, and I hope you’ll give it a try and become as addicted as I am. Happy Reading!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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A Touch Wicked by Katrina Kendrick

On By TracyIn Part of a Series, Re-Release / Updated Edition, Top Pick - Highly Recommended, Tracy's Reviews, Victorian Era (1837-1901)Leave a comment

A Touch WickedA Touch Wicked by Katrina Kendrick

Tracy’s rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: Private Arrangements, #0.5

Release: April 11, 2024 (re-release)

While in Paris, Emma Dumont learns the depth of the trouble her younger sister Isabel was in, when she try to find her and was attacked by a thug and barely escaped with her life Isabel’s apartment. Isabel was long gone and her rooms tossed, but Emma knew her sister’s hiding spot and thankfully before the ruffian showed up, she found a clue, an invitation bearing the words The Masquerade, London. Leaving Emma with no choice but to follow her. Once in London, she blackmails her father, the Duke of Southampton for a reference letter and takes a job as a lady’s maid to the sister of the Earl of Kent. Hoping to find her sister and help her out of whatever mess she has gotten herself into. But what she finds is a wonderful friend in Lady Alexandra Grey and when she finally makes her way to the Masquerade, a forbidden lover in her brother James, the Earl of Kent. But none of this stops her from her ultimate goal of finding Isabel. All too soon, her lies are found out and instead of contempt, she find love, but even Emma knows, she can bring more danger to the people she has come to love and there is no way the illegitimate daughter of a duke and sister to a wanted woman can have a happily ever after. Right?

James Grey, the Earl of Kent knows duty all too well, he practically raised his younger brother and sister, even when his parents were alive. Now he cares for the estates and is planning to marry, to ensure his sister is properly launched into society and finds a man to make her happy. He is determined to do right by Alexandra, even at the cost of his own happiness. To that end, he hires Emma to be his sister’s maid, and he is overwhelmed by his instant attraction to her and fights his improper feelings. When his brother Richard suggests that he find a lover and gives him an invitation to The Masquerade, his first instinct is to decline, but decides that maybe a lover is exactly what he needs to forget about Emma and to settle him before he begins looking for a bride. He never expected to fall so hard for his masked lover or to be so devasted when she breaks things off with him. But even that doesn’t stop his attraction to Emma and when her lies are exposed, he is at first angry, but he isn’t going to let her walk out of his life without a fight. Soon it is clear that there is much more to Emma than he first thought, but that only makes him want her more, can he convince her that they have both given enough to their families and that they deserve to be happy? Or will she break his heart all over again?

This book was so much more than I was expecting! This book has lies, secrets, danger, witty banter, amazing characters, smokin’ hot love scenes, spies, action, heartache, life or death moments, more danger, more heartache and finally a HEA that didn’t seem possible. I really enjoyed the story and hope to see these characters again! I did feel like Emma played the martyr a bit too hard and seemed determined to be unhappy, but thankfully, James was just as determined to be happy! This book is part of the Private Arrangement series, but the books can be read as standalone titles without a problem. If you like a steamy Victorian romance with a bit of intrigue and a heaping dash of danger – this is the book you have been looking for!

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*