When Gods Die

Written by C. S. Harris

Narrated by Davina Porter

The young wife of an aging marquis is found murdered in the arms of the Prince Regent. Around her neck lies a necklace said to have been worn by Druid priestesses-that is, until it was lost at sea with its last owner, Sebastian St. Cyr's mother. Now Sebastian is lured into a dangerous investigation of the marchioness's death-and his mother's uncertain fate. As he edges closer to the truth-and one murder follows another-he confronts a conspiracy that imperils those nearest him and threatens to bring down the monarchy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Apr 24, 2015
• ISBN: 9781490661773

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 Gods Die

[jamespurcell · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Star crossed lovers abound, revolution is in the air and sewers, but Lord Devlin, Kat and his tiger, Tom prevail. In the process, much finery is roughly handled as are the Lord and his tiger but an old family mystery is exposed as Prinney is saved to continue his debaucherous ways

[eadieb-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The young wife of an aging marquis is found murdered in the arms of the Prince Regent. Around her neck lies a necklace said to have been worn by Druid priestesses-that is, until it was lost at sea with its last owner, Sebastian St. Cyr's mother. Now Sebastian is lured into a dangerous investigation of the marchioness's death-and his mother's uncertain fate.As he edges closer to the truth-and one murder follows another-he confronts a conspiracy that imperils those nearest him and threatens to bring down the monarchy.I have been hooked on this series after reading the first book. This second book was outstanding also. I found the characters intriguing, the plot fast-paced and enjoyed the history. There are many twists and turns with a very surprising ending. I look forward to reading the next book in the series and I would highly recommend this series to those who love English history.

[jorgeousjotts · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Better than average writing, the story kept me intrigued and entertained.

[jen_bartels-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The second in the Sebastian St. Cyr series was written just as well as the first. I love consistency in a series! Sebastian is tasked with finding the killer of a young woman. As it's a mystery, I won't give anymore detail to avoid spoilers. I highly recommend this series, the author does a great job with character development, you really get to know them. I also appreciate that everything is well described but without unnecessary detail to keep the story moving. Seriously, read these books!

[lauralkeet · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Only four months have passed since the Prince Regent began his tenure and Sebastian St Cyr solved his first murder. When a young woman is found dead in the Prince’s Brighton residence, the staff scramble to keep the Prince from being implicated. Sebastian is brought into the case because of his personal connection to some of the evidence (avoiding spoilers here), and he quickly forms the opinion that the Prince was not involved. So what happened? A complex tale ensues, linking historic events in British politics with intrigue and deception among the nobility. Sebastian continues to enlist help from key players in the first novel, including the actress Kat Boleyn, the surgeon Paul Gibson, and Tom, a former street urchin now in Sebastian’s employ. I enjoyed all of the twists and turns in this book, and the chase scene leading to the reveal wasn't too bad, either.

[samnreader · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

There's a thing that happens to me because of my poly-reading ways. All my books all started right around the same day, and I couldn't seem to find the time and focus for any one.

Except this one. Don't get me wrong, we know IDGAF about DNF, so they are all fun and good reads. This, however, is absorbing. This isn't my typical genre (maybe that's why I was gravitating toward it)

But it's just plain engaging. I'm making an exception to my new rating standard, because though I'll never reread, it's just not a 3. Maybe I'll change that later, but for now I'm ok with it.

[sandyamcpherson · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Another St. Cyr mystery, a less gruesome murder than Book 1, which was more tolerable to read. Fast-paced and not a predictable ending (at least for my reading). I did whip through the story at a faster rate than normal and appreciated the convoluted plot. CS Harris was skillfull in merging fact and fiction in this story. My favourite character continues to be the young scamp, Tom. Kat and Sebastian as lovers is coming tedious and looks like a dead end.

[lkernagh · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Book 2 in the Sebastian St. Cyr Mysteries series, Harris takes the reader once again on a intriguing mystery ride through the tumultuous political times of Regency England. Much to the dismay of Viscount Devlin's valet, Sebastian's search for answers involves numerous close calls with mysterious individuals and a rising damage count to Sebastian's wardrobe. Yes, I am being a bit cheeky, but I love this series. Harris's portrayal of the time period, her attention to detail and the continuing character development kept me riveted as the political intrigue mounts and we learn more about Sebastian's family, his mother's disappearance and the secrets that families keep. I am not a fan of the Sebastian/Kat romance angle. That just comes across as too contrived, probably included for readers who like a bit of romance in the historical mysteries they read. Thankfully, the romance is just a small part of the story and characters like Sebastian's young tiger Tom gets more coverage in the story. Overall, another great mystery foray into Regency England and I am looking forward to listening to the next book in the series.

[glennis.leblanc · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This time Sebastian isn’t the suspect but with the Prince Regent in the cross hairs of a frame-up, Sebastian is pulled into the mystery of why the woman was found dead in the Prince’s rooms. This mystery does bring up some of Sebastian’s family history surrounding his mother. The mystery is solved and justice is served even if it is never brought public. Another good read that the pages flew by and came to an end all too quickly.

[lauren2013_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

When Gods Die
4 Stars

When the Prince Regent is discovered with the body of a dead marchioness in his arms, Sebastian St. Cyr is lured into the investigation as the young woman is wearing a unique necklace that was thought lost at sea with his mother. As the case progresses and the body count rises, Sebastian uncovers a deadly conspiracy that may just bring down the monarchy...

An excellent sequel.

Harris once again demonstrates her skill at merging fact and fiction. She manages to capture the pervading atmosphere of social discontent, anger and violence of the Regency period exceedingly well, and this adds an extra layer of tension to the story. The historical research is top-notch and the people and events mentioned in the book are fascinating. (Thank you Wikipedia for providing even more background and detail when necessary).

The plot of When Gods Die is slightly more complex than in the first book with two seemingly unconnected mysteries unfolding in parallel: Why was the marchioness killed - was it personal jealousy or political machinations? Is Sebastian’s mother still alive and how is she connected to the marchioness’s death? While answers are ultimately provided, they raise new questions and conflicts that will hopefully be the focus in future installments.

The romance is still the weakest aspect of the series. Kat and Sebastian have little to no chemistry and it is is difficult to care about a heroine who lies so consistently and so well.

All in all, this series is highly entertaining and I’m eager to see where Sebastian’s investigations take him next.

[carol420 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I like Sebastian's lifestyle and his values. His relationship with the gritty surgeon and the young tiger, Tom, and of course the on going romance with Kat. The beginning seemed extremely complex to me. I really struggled with Harris's initial outlay of the key families...finally resorting to making a chart of who was related to whom. By mid-book it started to flow a little better...but it would help greatly if the author would include this in the front of the books. The character of Sebastian St. Cyr is a very complex one...bloodthirsty when confronting his enemies but caring about those that he loves. Excellent series for those of us that love a good mystery as well as history.

[kmajort · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This series has a good, solid 3.5... Harris researches well, the plots twist, but are not torturous or ridiculous. I'm using Sebastian & co as escapes during school, as the books CAN be put down (so not a distraction), but are engaging enough.

[nbmars · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Note: There are necessarily spoilers for the previous book in this series.Background:This is the second book in the historical crime fiction series set in 1811 Regency England, and featuring Sebastian St. Cyr, the twenty-eight 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. You may also wish to consult my post on "An Introduction to the Regency Era."In this book, a crime has been committed at the highest levels of society. An attractive young woman, the marchioness Guinevere Anglessey, is found murdered in the company of the George, the Prince Regent. Charles, Lord Jarvis, “the power behind the throne,” knows there are plots afoot against the crown, and suspects the murder has been staged to discredit the monarchy and bring about a coup d’état. The war with France has been draining the economy and straining the loyalty of the populace and even of those in government. Jarvis asks Devlin, whose status as a peer gives him access to people that would be denied to the police, to find out who the real killer is.Devlin agrees to help Jarvis. He has a decidedly non-Regency-peerage awareness of the inequities of both the social and legal system of his era, and his compassion for the less-privileged induces him to want to see justice done on behalf of the victims of crimes. But there is more that intrigues Devlin in this case: the dead woman was wearing the very same unique necklace that Devlin’s mother wore when she was lost at sea when Devlin was eleven. Thus, Devlin chases down two mysteries in this book. He not only needed to discover why the marchioness was killed and by whom, but how did she get his mother’s necklace, when his mother was supposedly drowned at sea while wearing it? As in the previous book, Devlin is aided by his “Watson,” the surgeon Paul Gibson; his mistress, the beautiful but low-born actress Kat Boleyn (who refuses to marry him because Devlin’s father would disinherit him if they married); and the former urchin Tom, who now serves as Devlin’s “tiger.”[Having a “tiger” was the current fashion “among the sporting gentlemen of the ton.” These were the young boys who took care of their masters’ horses, and who wore uniforms of yellow-and-black striped waistcoats that had earned them the nickname tigers.]Tom, who has “agility, a talent for keen observation, and quick wits,” was rescued from the streets by Devlin, and now has a fierce loyalty to him. He also provides much of the charm of the story.As Devlin closes in on the killer, his own life becomes increasingly at risk. While we can be certain he will escape since this is a long-running series, the dénouement manages to be thrilling in any event.

[nickhowes · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Entertaining mystery story set in 1811 England where Sebastian St. Cyr is investigating a scandalous discovery of a young dead woman in a private room with the live ruling English prince. It takes St. Cyr, an aristocratic and yet an outsider, through different settings as he tries to find who killed the girl. I enjoyed this historical mystery and learned a bit about the period. Lots of action and intrigue.

[susan259 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a rare book--the second in a series that was actually better than the first. There was a lot more information about the main character's past revealed, and the mystery itself was better with a better climatic scene. It all fit together better. Again, like the first one (What Angels Fear) it moves beyond just Regency/historical details to add all the political happenings and goings on of the time. Gives the story lots of depth and complexity, and yet the suspense really moves the story forward.

[kmartin802_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Sebastian St. Cyr is drawn into his second murder investigation when he is called in to determine who murdered Guinevere Anglessey, the young wife of the elderly Marquis of Anglessey, and arranged for her to be found in the arms of the Prince of Wales.Sebastian has a number of suspects including the Prince of Wales, the lady's elderly husband, or her young lover. The more he investigates the more the plot thickens and the more the pool of suspects widens. While Sebastian deplores murder, the first thing that draws him to the case is the necklace around Guin's neck. It is the some historic necklace that his mother was wearing when she set sail for a day cruise when Sebastian was eleven, a cruise she never returned from. Sebastian has mourned her loss all his life. Tracking the necklace leads him to things that had been hidden from him his whole life. He is gradually repairing his relationship with his father, the Earl of Hendon, and these secrets threaten the relationship. Sebastian's investigation unearths a conspiracy that puts his life in danger on a number of occasions. He is assisted in his investigation by his friend Doctor Paul Gibson whom Sebastian met while serving in the army in the fight against Napoleon, his tiger Tom who is a poor boy pulled from the streets and who investigates where Sebastian can't, and Kat Boleyn who is his love interest. Kat has some secrets of her own which are keeping her from marrying Sebastian. Of course, she is also an Irish actress who is completely unacceptable to Sebastian's family. Sebastian also calls upon his aunt, the Dowager Duchess of Claiborne, for insights into the social world which help him untangle the clues.This was an engaging mystery. I am getting to like Sebastian more and more as the series moves on and he transitions from bored Man About Town to a man of conscience. I am eager to see where his relationship with Kat goes and what he decides to do next about the family secret.

[jennorthcoast · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I have a confession to make: sometimes I’m in the mood to read thrilling historical murder mysteries with dashes of breathless romance and even more dashes of handsome, rugged heroes. This series, featuring Sebastian St. Cyr, definitely fits into my “guilty fun” reading. Everyone should have guilty fun reads once in a while, right? The first novel in the series, "What Angels Fear," was overly long and perhaps a bit too breathless, but I am well pleased with this second offering. This book is a shorter, tighter-edited read, with established characters who have gained in depth and back story: Sebastian, Kat, and little Tom (my favorite), as well as Sebastian’s father, his aunt, the short, tidy magistrate Lovejoy, and the sometimes-baddie, Lord Jarvis. All are given space to spread their wings, and since the next novel has been set up in this one, I’m sure I’ll be seeing them all again. Harris’ research is impeccable; you really feel that you are in the Royal Pavilion with the Prince Regent in 1811; her style is fast, constantly moving you forward with Sebastian as he solves the murder mysteries. And there are more than murders to solve; there are secrets galore with Kat and with Sebastian’s family. Who know what truths will out in the next novel? I suspect that I’ll be squeezing in another “guilty fun” read fairly soon . . .

[nero56 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Sebastian St. Cyr mysteries have it all. Fast paced, intense, mystery, suspense, and romance.

[richardderus · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Rating: 4* of fiveThe Publisher Says: Brighton, England, 1811. The beautiful wife of an aging Marquis is found dead in the arms of the Prince Regent. Draped around her neck lies an ancient necklace with mythic origins-and mysterious ties to Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin. Haunted by his past, Sebastian investigates both the Marchioness's death and his own possible connection to it-and discovers a complex pattern of lies and subterfuge. With the aid of his lover, Kat Boleyn, and a former street urchin now under his protection, Sebastian edges closer to the killer. And when one murder follows another, he confronts a conspiracy that threatens his own identity...and imperils the monarchy itself.My Review: BOOK 2 OF HIGHLY ADDICTIVE SERIESDon't tell me about it if you get hooked.Second outing for author and sleuth. Some surprising twists in the pretty standard plot. More slightly annoying anachronisms, but they're completely forgotten because the author called George the Regent "Prinny."I laughed until I stopped. What a name!This book is a bit less romancey because the plot is driven by some fascinating political realities of the period. The biggest surprises are all personally relevant to sleuth Devlin; some will fester, some will free him. It's a very emotionally charged book, moreso than the first, and it's just about as surprising as an author can make it be without spoilering her next book.I think it's possible to read the books out of order, since the author is so careful to provide backstory as needed, and without the dreaded infodump feeling to it. I'd say it's very much worth your eyeblinks.

[majkia · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Genre: Period Mysteries Rating: Very Good Second in the Sebastian St. Cyr series of period mysteries. It is 1811 and Prinny is, as usual, in Brighton. But he wasn’t prepared for the dead woman he found in his rooms. Devlin is called in and asked to investigate.  Did the Regent kill her, or was it a set up?  Devlin is inclined to tell them all to go to Hell, but then he sees a necklace around the dead woman’s neck. The last time he’d seen that necklace was around his mother’s throat just before her sailboat sank and took her to the bottom of the channel. Nicely complex characters, with a hero who can be single-mindedly bloodthirsty yet caring for those he loves. The miseries of the time were all too clearly painted. The murder and the mystery surrounding it was convoluted and complex enough to keep me from figuring out the fine points throughout. I’ll be eager to get to the next in the series.

[cfk_3 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Madness in the House of Hanover sets the stage for this odd tale. King George III, a raving maniac, is to be officially replaced by his son, George, as Prince Regent. Unfortunately, his son isn't all that much more competent than the King, but apparently a better choice than the younger son, Edward the Duke of York.The real story which overshadows everything else lies in a planned insurrection to over throw the House of Hanover led by a member of the Prince Regent's own cabinet and members of the upper crust in Society.

[tjsjohanna_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Ms. Harris combines a rich and interesting setting with complicated and likable main characters. And then she concocts a compelling mystery where Sebastian has to assemble all the different facts into a a whole. The journey is lovely.

[delphimo_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I find this series very interesting with the emphasis as the English monarchy in the 1810's. This novel covers the preparation for the gala to celebrate the Prince of Wales becoming Regent. The book alludes to the House of Hanover's curse of madness, but this dynasty lasted through Queen Victoria. I enjoy the character of Sebastian St Cyr, and in this novel the reader learns of his mother, and a secret that Sebastian's father will not reveal. Harris also drums loudly the fact that only the oldest male inherits the title and estate, and a rule that still survives. I am looking forward to another of the Sebastian series. The series is well written and quite a page-turner, even with all the historic references.

[stewartry · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I very much enjoyed the first book in this series. With full awareness that some of the plotting left something to be desired, and that parts of it weren't the most original, I really enjoyed it – writing and characters that held the attention and did interesting things. And When Gods Die followed suit. I hoped, actually, that the plotting might be a bit stronger, but that isn't really the case, sad to say: it's a bit all over the place. When the Prince Regent is discovered clutching a very beautiful, very young, very strangely clad, very dead woman in his arms in the Yellow Closet of the Pavilion at Brighton one festive evening, Sebastian St. Cyr, Lord Devlin (alternatively called Sebastian and Devlin, though not iirc St. Cyr), is called in to investigate. I liked the manner of this calling in: you investigated that other thing recently, now the Lord Chamberlain would like you to find out who killed this woman. Sebastian's response that he only investigated the other matter because his neck was at risk is waved aside – and the insistence that he detect again is reinforced by the revelation that the dead woman was found wearing – in addition to a green dress which came nowhere near fitting her – a necklace that belonged to Sebastian's mother. Once again it's a personal matter, and he has no choice. I still like the characters , but this time out I find myself often becoming frustrated by them. No major spoilers here, I promise, but: it drove me distracted that it took days for anyone to consider the dress that so clearly did not belong to the dead woman. The description of it – as a well-made, expensive garment obviously made specifically for some one woman – immediately told me that Sebastian needed to determine who made it and for what specific woman, and trace how it got to the Pavilion on a dead woman's body. This did happen, but not for chapters. Keeping in mind that Sebastian is not a professional detective, and that he is no Sherlock Holmes, still I found his modus operandi frustrating. He turns up a piece of information involving X, and hares off to talk to X, who gives him a tidbit concerning Y, and off Sebastian goes to confront Y, who drops Z's name – and so on. It's purely reactive. Which I suppose is pretty realistic, but just seems … inept. One other thing that bothered me inordinately was that necklace. It's important, for reasons I won't spoil. But over and over (and over) Sebastian is discovered by the narrator standing staring down at the necklace in his hand. He has very good reasons to be a bit obsessive about it – but for his lover to twice wake up and see him standing naked with his back to her gazing at the necklace is completely unnecessary déjà vu. I still think the series is worth pursuing. I just hope that as it continues Sebastian shows improvement at his new job.

[wagner5sarah35 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A good follow-up to What Angels Fear. Sebastian St. Cyr's second murder investigation continues his adventures with his mistress Kate and the street urchin Tom. Sebastian's childhood and his mother's fate are also explored, giving this mystery additional depth. Overall, a good mystery and an enjoyable read.

[hannajohn_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Fun mystery set in early 1800's England. Protagonist and his immediate friends are interesting (even though they feel a bit like 20th century characters in thought and action). Expect to read more in this series.

[kimaoverstreet · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A great fast, paced historical mystery! While When Gods Die would work as a stand-alone novel, it is best read after What Angels Fear, Harris' first Sebastian St. Cyr mystery. Rich in historical detail, Sebastian's adventure will keep you entertained and provide you with some great insight into Georgian England.

[runaway84_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Not as good as the first installment, I thought. Although, unlike the first book, Sebastian did have a lot more freedom, seeing as how he wasn't running from the law.The fact that throughout the book Sebastian was being followed kept my interest. The thought that there was someone hiding behind a bush or in a dark alley ready to off at any minute him was pretty exciting.They were a lot of action, chases and close get-aways to keep my attention peeked throughout the book.Questions were left unanswered, but seeing as how this is a series, no doubt those we come afloat later.The repeatedness of certain facts drove me a bit batty, but that's my only real complaint with this installment.

[dianaleez · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Is there a genre called 'light historical fiction'? There should be. 'When Gods Die' is fast paced, literate, and historically accurate enough to satisfy. All in all, a quick, easy read.

[cameling_2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is one of the best Sebastian St Cyr mysteries I've read in the series. Lots of suspense, and Sebastian gets into more scrapes while trying to understand the reason for a beautiful young lady's murder and of course who murdered her. There's enough in the cast of would-be murderers to keep one guessing right till the end of the story. In addition, there seems, in this mystery, to be a link to Sebastian's mother that distracts him.