When Maidens Mourn

Written by C. S. Harris

Narrated by Davina Porter

Regency England, August 1812: Sebastian St. Cyr’s plans to escape the heat of London for a honeymoon with his new bride, Hero Jarvis, are shattered when the murdered body of Hero’s good friend Gabrielle Tennyson is discovered drifting in a battered boat at the site of a long-vanished castle known as Camlet Moat.

Missing and also presumed dead are Gabrielle’s two young cousins.

Still struggling to define the nature of their new marriage, Sebastian and Hero find themselves occasionally working at cross-purposes as their investigation uncovers dark secrets at the heart of the Tennyson family and an enigmatic young French lieutenant who is concealing mysteries of his own.

Sebastian and Hero’s race to unmask a ruthless killer and unravel the puzzle of the missing children puts both their lives and their growing love for each other at risk as they’re threatened by powerful men in high places … and by a tall, dark stranger who may hold the key to Sebastian’s own parentage.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Mar 6, 2012
• ISBN: 9781464029769

C. S. Harris

C. S. Harris is the national bestselling author of more than two dozen novels, including the Sebastian St. Cyr Mysteries. Under the pen name C. S. Graham, she co-authored a thriller series with former intelligence officer Steven Harris and, as Candice Proctor, wrote seven award-winning historical romances. A respected scholar with a PhD in nineteenth-century Europe, she is also the author of a nonfiction historical study of the French Revolution. She lives with her husband in New Orleans.

Reviews for When Maidens Mourn

[jamespurcell · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Devlin and Hero work well together as they seek the murderer of Hero's friend, Gabrielle. Compounding the mystery are the whereabouts of the two young nephews who were with Gabrielle when she died. Devlin meets a lookalike that possesses similar sensory capability to his, which makes his a deadly rifleman. Politics complicate the search but simple greed turns out to be the driving force. The author continues with her ability to turn historic tidbits into an interesting episode in the life of the intrepid St Cyr.

[jorgeousjotts · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This one is sort of 'middle of the pack' for this series, to me. It's well done, but not as engaging as several of the previous books.

[sandyamcpherson · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The 7th saga was not nearly as enjoyable as Book 4. It was a story lacking coherence and with too much muddled action in the plot development. Since I read this immediately after #4, the contrast in the two narratives was especially noticeable. Some of the newer characters were fun to see involved in the mystery, especially Sebastian's valet, Calhoun, first appearing in Where Serpents Sleep. Other past supporting characters (Hero Jarvis, Sebastian's great aunt) come and go on the fringes of the intrigue. The series a is a fine example of highly distinct personages, well-rounded descriptions and staying fairly true to their personalities. From time to time, as Sebastian casts around considering various suspects, I lost track of who the different family members were within each of the scenarios we are presented. There are some good sequences in this book, but overall, the story doesn't manage to stay very focused. The reader is likely to lose that sense of 'involved engagement' that Harris can usually achieve.

[lkernagh · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Another great story in this series. I admit, I have yet to encounter anything but great stories so far. Harris continues to provide a compelling story of mystery, suspense and political intrigue, while capturing all the strictures of Regency society. Hero and Sebastian continue to be fascinating characters. Hero, for the fact that beneath her strong, powerful persona lurks a more tender soul, and Sebastian for ... well ... just being Sebastian (he is the perfect hero type for me, what can I say). Their relationship is complex, to put it mildly. A complexity in part due to the family dynamics that abound in this series. If that is not enough to entice you, this story has an extra-special treat for Arthurian/Camelot fans, as Harris cleverly weaves into the story myth/legend and the still contested theory that Arthur's legendary court, Camelot, existed at the very centre of Enfield Chase, in an area known as Camlet Moat. If I was Harris, I would totally use information like this to expand on the already intriguing plots she comes up with. Overall, another wonderfully crafted story to escape into, for both the mysteries and the on-going development of the characters.

[glennis.leblanc · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

When the murder of an Arthurian scholar friend of Hero’s happens, Sebastian is pulled into to investigate. To make mattes worse her two young nephews are also missing. Turns out Hero’s father knows something about Gabrielle before her death and Hero knows it as well but doesn’t share it with her new husband. This is a solid mystery, but it also shows the foundation of Hero and Sebastian’s marriage being built. Another enjoyable read and trying so hard not to binge on the entire series when my TBR is so large.

[lauren2013_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

When Maidens Mourn
4 Stars

Sebastian St. Cyr and his new bride are pulled into another case when the body of Hero's friend, Gabrielle Tennyson, is discovered floating in a boat near an archeological dig related to King Arthur's Camelot. When Gabrielle's young cousins are also revealed to be missing, Sebastian and Hero find themselves in a race against time to stop a ruthless killer before it is too late.

An enjoyable addition to the series. The character development is excellent as usual and the inclusion of elements from Arthurian legend is a huge bonus to the literary lover in me. It is always fascinating to realize the extent to which King Arthur's life has influenced British culture.

Sebastian and Hero find themselves working at cross purposes through much of the investigation, but once they begin confiding in one another, both the case and their relationship starts coming together. While it is still the early days of their marriage and they a have yet to completely trust one another, it is becoming clear that they may be formidable as individuals, but as a pair they will be a force to be reckoned with. 

Unfortunately, the murder mystery is the weakest in the series thus far as there are insufficient clues for the reader to figure out the culprit for themselves. Nevertheless, the twists and turns of the investigation are action packed and suspenseful.

All in all, this entire series is fantastic and I am eager to get to the next installment.

[nbmars · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Note: There are necessarily spoilers for previous books in this series.Background:This is the seventh book in the historical crime fiction series set in Regency England, now in 1812, and featuring Sebastian St. Cyr, the twenty-nine year old Viscount Devlin. In the first book, he was suspected of a murder he did not commit, and had to become something of a Sherlock Holmes to find the real murderer to save his own skin.In subsequent books, he was consulted on murders that involved the nobility, because he would have an entrée into the upper level of society that would be denied to the regular police. His friend Sir Henry Lovejoy, now one of Bow Street’s three stipendiary magistrates, often goes to Devlin for his access to the wealthy and wellborn.Devlin is aided by the counsel of his friend, the surgeon Paul Gibson, who serves as a Watson to St. Cyr’s Holmes, as well as by Sir Henry Lovejoy, now a "Bow Street Runner" (detective) who has become a friend of Devlin’s. Devlin also has his 13-year-old horse handler Tom, a former street urchin, to do reconnaissance work for him.You may also wish to consult my post on "An Introduction to the Regency Era."This book picks up only four days after the previous one (and eighteen months since the first), which ended with the wedding of Devlin and Hero Jarvis. The two discussed going on a honeymoon at his country estate, but their trip is cancelled when they learn that Hero’s friend, Gabrielle Tennyson, has been murdered, and Gabrielle's two young nephews - who were with her - are missing and feared to be dead as well.Gabrielle was a student of antiquities who had been working on the excavation of a site, “Camlet Moat,” suspected to be the ancient site of King Arthur’s Camelot. Her investigations were causing consternation at official levels, since social and political unrest has led to calls for King Arthur “to return from the mists of Avalon and save Britain from the benighted rule of the House of Hanover.” Since the Prince Regent is distressed over the broadsheets calling for Arthur’s return, it has also become the concern of the power behind the throne, Charles, Lord Jarvis (who happens to be Hero’s father).So far, the marriage between Devlin and Hero has been tentative:“They were strangers to each other in many ways, their marriage one born of necessity and characterized by wary distrust leavened by a powerful current of passion, a grudging respect, and a playful kind of rivalry.”Yet Devlin’s admiration for Hero has been growing, for her enthusiasm for scholarship and research, her willingness to challenge societal expectations and prejudices, and her astounding courage and resourcefulness.Devlin watches Hero at her dressing table,“And he knew it again, that baffling swirl of admiration and desire combined with a troubling sense that he was losing something he’d never really had. Something that was more than passion and far, far different from obligation or honor or duty.”Hero attributes his obviously growing feelings to the baby she is carrying, assuming he wants a son to be his heir, a theory she presents to him.:“He smiled. ‘Actually, I’m counting on a girl - a daughter every bit as brilliant and strong and fiercely loyal to her sire as her mother.”He wanted to tell her too:“…that he’d realized how important she was to him even as he’d felt himself losing her without ever having actually made her his. He wanted to tell her that he’d learned a man could come to love again without betraying his first love.”But he doesn’t, and is almost killed in finally solving the crime. Later, Hero asks him if the offer of a honeymoon is still open. . . .

[quibee · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Sebastian St. Cyr and his new bride Hero Jarvis have only just married, when their tentative feelings for each other are set aside, after the murder of Hero's very good friend Gabrielle Tennyson and the disappearance of her young cousins, who were with her at the time.
The investigation throws up some nasty secrets and many evasions for Sebastian and Hero to work their way through.
This book, the seventh in the series, is set in Regency England. St. Cyr is a very appealing character and his strong willed wife is a very good match for him.

[mikerhode · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I'm a sucker for antiquarians in a mystery...

[tjsjohanna_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I think in this book Sebastian and Hero are discovering that they are more well suited than they might have imagined - but they also have loyalty issues to work out. The mystery is properly convoluted with a seemingly multitude of possibilities. There are also developments in the ongoing mystery of Sebastian's past. Enjoyably complex.

[delphimo_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I have always enjoyed Arthurian legend, so much of the conversation piqued my interest. I strongly wish that Sebastian and his father could settle close their chasm. I especially like the scenes of Hero and Sebastian, the reader can feel the heat and love. Harris does an excellent job in describing characters and setting. I admire her acknowledgements of the end of the story. The description of the falling disease or epilepsy is interesting and sad. The ongoing development of medicine and the treatment of captured officers is intriguing.

[afheart · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A friend of Hero's, Gabrielle Tennyson, is found murdered where she was conducting research to prove the location of Camelot. Her two young nephews, who were with her, are missing and a massive search for the boys begins. Stumped by the murder, the local constable welcomes Sebastian St. Cyr's assistance with the investigation. Hero and Sebastian are newly married and have not come to trust each other yet, so they are working on the murder separately. Both struggle with a relationship that neither envisioned, nor for the blossoming feelings for each other.Sebastian and Hero are stilted in several of their scenes together. I understand the author is showing their difficult position, but at times the flow was bumpy. This edition shows how Hero is trying to be a good daughter, even though her new husband and father are sworn enemies. Hero is in a difficult spot because she knows her father will resort to murder if he thinks it is for Britain's best good, while she shares many of Sebastian's views on justice for all. Both characters, and their relationship, are developed. The victim, Gabrielle Tennyson, is a fascinating character even in death. A deadly new character, apparently a smuggler, brings up suspicions, since he looks very much like Sebastian - including the yellow eyes. There is a French lieutenant prisoner of war that was a memorable portrayal.The historical setting is vibrant and teaming with atmosphere while maintaining the blunt realities of the times. The investigating seems a little aimless, possibly because there were several differing clues to follow. The mystery has a sense of urgency since the two boys are missing. The solution to the murder was not expected and a little anti-climatic in honesty. The reader is led by many red-herrings and the real motive was...mundane. The climax had some deadly turns that paid off well. The finish was satisfying and a smooth setup for the next book.Overall an enjoyable outing with Sebastian and Hero, with some poignant moments, although not as challenging of a mystery. It introducing some complications and promises some surprises for the next book. 7th in A Sebastian St. Cyr MysteryMain Character: Sebastian St. Cyr and his new wife HeroSetting: 1812, London and Camlot Moat EnglandObtained Through: Publisher for an honest review

[wagner5sarah35 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Now married, Sebastian St. Cyr takes on another murder investigation, this time a friend of his new wife's. Hero quickly become embroiled in the investigation as well, and the two clearly make a good team, even if they fail to completely share their findings with each other. An engaging mystery and a good addition to an excellent series. I eagerly await more in this series!

[beamis12 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Another very good entry into this series. This story inspired by the poem "The lady Of Shalot", finds the newly married Hero and Sebastian, delaying their honeymoon due to the murder of one of Hero's friends. Includes issues of trust and a site that could have been the real Camelot. Loved it!

[denise701 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I've read all of these, and I've enjoyed every one. I do look back on the first one with nostalgia (maybe that's normal for the first book in the series?). I enjoy the last two books very much because I grew to like Hero Jarvis as the series went on. I'm glad to see Sebastian with her--I don't know what more the author could have done with Kate (Sebastian's first love). It seems to me that Hero is much more potential in terms of solving mysteries. She's not afraid to go to unsavory places; she can gain access to a world that Sebastian cannot. She's clearly a loyal person, not only to her father but to Sebastian. Kate just couldn't be that. My one big hope is that there isn't some kind of silly showdown between Hero and Kate, or the inevitable (and predictable) scenes of jealousy, etc. (I pretty much hate those melodramatic turns in a novel--it was one of the reasons I couldn't go on with the Elizabeth George novels). These books are very tightly paced--they really move you through the mystery. I am glad to see both Sebastian and Hero working these cases using their own particular gifts.

[audacity_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This tasty little historical thriller, set in Georgian England, features a cast of deliciously wealthy, charismatic aristocrats tied up in a murder case unlike all others. Gabrielle Tennyson, a progressive woman scholar from a preeminent family is found dead, and her two young nephews have gone missing. Greed, self-interest and a few very well-kept secrets made this book enjoyably tumultuous until the end. French and English espionage, prisoners of war, forbidden love, unscrupulous academics and government conspiracy and cover-up all add to the excitement.Intrigue and romance abound, but Harris impressed me with her scholarship. Delicately woven into her well-wrought story are lesser members of the Tennyson family, and the book radiates imagery from Alfred, Lord Tennyson's beautiful poem, The Lady of Shalott. Arthurian legends and English history also play a large part in this book's galloping plot made this book very fun to read!I haven't had the opportunity to read other of the six (!) books from Harris's Sebastian St. Cyr series, but I hope to do so soon. I came to this book with no former knowledge of St. Cyr or his independent new bride, Hero (nee Jarvis). Harris did a wonderful job of providing enough back story about their tumultuous relationship without overwhelming or confusing the reader.This book was reminiscent of two other period mysteries I've very much enjoyed over the last few years, Lauren Willig's Pink Carnation series and the India Black series by by the talented Carol K. Carr. Although When Maidens Mourn is similar to both of these series in many way, the well-crafted characters and bedeviled murder case truly set Harris apart from her talented peers. If you're a fan of Willig or Carr, snap up a copy of this latest by Harris. You won't be disappointed.I also must congratulate the jacket artist, Adam Auerbach, for designing such an attractive book. It drips with decadence, and I am not ashamed to say that this book's cover successfully lured me.As I am not a mystery reader by nature, I am very glad to have received a free, advance copy of this novel from the publisher, Obsidian (of Penguin). The release date for this book is March 6, 2012. (See my full review on my blog! audreyellis.blogspot.com/)