Why Kill the Innocent

Written by C. S. Harris

Narrated by Davina Porter

In the newest mystery from the national bestselling author of Where the Dead Lie, a brutal murder draws Sebastian St. Cyr into the web of the royal court, where intrigue abounds and betrayal awaits. London, 1814. As a cruel winter holds the city in its icy grip, the bloody body of a beautiful young musician is found half-buried in a snowdrift. Jane Ambrose's ties to Princess Charlotte, the only child of the Prince Regent and heir presumptive to the throne, panic the palace, which moves quickly to shut down any investigation into the death of the talented pianist. But Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin, and his wife Hero refuse to allow Jane's murderer to escape justice. Untangling the secrets of Jane's world leads Sebastian into a maze of dangerous treachery where each player has his or her own unsavory agenda and no one can be trusted. As the Thames freezes over and the people of London pour onto the ice for a Frost Fair, Sebastian and Hero find their investigation circling back to the palace and building to a chilling crescendo of deceit and death . . .

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Apr 3, 2018
• ISBN: 9781501994647

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 Why Kill the Innocent

[T. Rosado · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was a considerably lighter read (but not light) compared to the previous book in the series. I really enjoyed the historical look into the lives of Princess Charlotte and her mother Caroline of Brunswick. Their stories were nicely weaved into the book's mystery. While all the mysteries have an element of sadness, this one was particularly so. I've been waiting for a mystery where the author surprises me with a possible bait and switch. While this story didn't have exactly that, it was a bit different and I liked the originality.

Having read this far into the series, the mysteries are only one element of the books. They've also become an investment into the lives of the principal players - Sebastian, Hero, Simon, Tom, Hendon, Lovejoy, Paul Gibson, Alexi, as well as Kat Boleyn and Jarvis. I can't imagine a time when I'm unable to delve into another SSC story and check into the lives of these characters.

[Jane Engelhardt · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

These are so great. The court intrigue on this one was very very interesting. I was totally engaged the whole time. Enjoy

[jorgeousjotts · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A good amount of historical detail blended in with the fiction. The author's note at the end was interesting to see how much was based on real events, (not the murder thankfully). The story itself was kind of par for the course. Not one of my favorites in the series, but good.

[vesper1931 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

1814 While out visiting in Clerkenwell, Hero, Lady Devlin and midwife Alexi Sauvage discover a body. The body of music teacher to Princess Charlotte, Mrs Jane Ambrose. Due to her closeness to the princess the murder is not being investigated by the Runners. So Lord Devlin decides she deserves justice. But could the possible motive be.
An entertaining and well-written mystery

[sandyamcpherson · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

An excellent story: palace intrigues, international machinations and local scenarios all add to a deceptive mystery. The plot twists and turns were skilfully woven into true historical events of the times. As previously, I thoroughly enjoyed Hero's participation in this narrative. The author's afterword was very interesting as she writes about the facts behind Prinny's appallingly selfish behaviour (the Regent for King George III), the Frost Fair of 1814 and the scheming to marry off Princess Charlotte, the Regent's only legitimate heir.

[lkernagh · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I keep wondering if I am going to tire of this series. Happily, not yet, although I was thankful that the story was back on more familiar ground of political intrigue. Everything from a paranoid, controlling and jealous Prince Regent, a willful princess, palace machinations, a scheming foreign courtesan, and a growing body count as Sebastian investigates... good stuff to keep me happily enthralled. All of the characters (even the cat, Mr. Darcy) have settled comfortably into their respective roles. Maybe a little too comfortably, as Sebastian does not seem to be getting into as many scraps as in previous installments. While there are still moments of suspense (most notably in the Berkeley Square Gardens and on the river during the Frost Fair this time) the outcomes are not a huge surprise. That is always the downside with a long-running series: Unless the author is prepared to occasionally kill off some re-occurring characters suddenly, the suspense scenes start to loose their edge. I know, I can be ruthless sometimes. For me, this series has three strengths: The author's ability to craft wonderful murder mysteries, the atmospheric setting and the strength of the lead characters to be both a team and strong, independent characters.Overall, another intriguing Regency period whodunnit.

[delphimo_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

C S Harris presents a novel rich in the history of England during the 1810’s. The description of the frozen Thames River and the festivities of the Frost Fair show an England attempting to survive a brutal winter with the poor population struggling with hunger and cold. Where people are hanged for the mere crime of stealing food and men are pressed into service for the navy. A gruesome murder begins the novel as Hero unknowingly stumbles in the ice and snow across the body of a young woman. The story hinges on the rights of women with even a rich woman dominated by her male relatives. The majority of the story focuses on Sebastian determining the murderer of a young piano teacher and showing his blundering inquiries into Jane’s last day. This story sadly lacks interaction with Jarvis and Hero.

[celticlady53 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Why Kill the Innocent by C.S.Harris is the 13th book in the Sebastian St. Cyr series. Jane Ambrose is found covered in snow, murdered, by Hero, the wife of Viscount Devlin. Devlin will be the one investigating the murder. His suspects include a wide amount of people connected to Princess Charlotte, the only child of the Prince Regent and heir presumptive to the throne. Untangling the secrets of Jane's world leads Sebastian into dangerous treachery where no one can be trusted.This is the first book in the series that I have read. Except for a few bits of information that would have helped me in the book, I was in no way put out by that. That said, this can be read as a stand-alone. I found the story to be really well researched. As I finished the book and read the Author's Note, I was amazed as to how much research by the author there was. That always impresses me when an author of historical fiction sticks to the facts as much as they can. I really enjoyed this novel, I give it 4 stars, and I do have the Who Slays the Wicked and hope to enjoy it as much as I did Why Kill the Innocent. Maybe someday I will start from the beginning!

[plunkinberry · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Another great installment in the St. Cyr series - this series has developed considerably from the beginning when it was much darker. I continue to enjoy these characters and enjoy Hero's increasing involvement in the series. Another good read!

[empressreece · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

2.5 stars...

I was very dissapointed when I finished this book. I felt like Harris just shortchanged me as a reader and her characters with this cut and pasted drivel. I normally love this series but I didn't get any warm fuzzy feelings from this book at all. The whole time I was reading it I was completely bored and it was painstakingly obvious how particular sections of writing were exactly the same and located in exactly the same places within chapters as in previous books. I know some authors like to use an outline which I don't mind in increments but when the rest of the story is so boring that, that's all I can focus on then something is not right. I just got the impression that Harris put very little time or effort into this book. If you're tired of writing about your own characters, then it's time to move on and it's time for me to move on too! Don't put out half-assed written books and expect your readers not to notice or care because we will and we do.

*I received this ARC from Penguin Random House First-to-Read program in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

[wagner5sarah35 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

While I like the immediate predecessor to this novel a little better, the Sebastian St. Cyr mysteries remain one of my favorites to curl up with on a rainy day with a cup of tea. This one is as enjoyable as ever and I am eager to continue reading this series - a new one comes out soon, right?!?!

[tjsjohanna_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A woman is found dead in the middle of a fierce snow storm, setting in motion Sebastian's finely honed instincts for tracking down murders. Events are confused by multiple motives and possible murderers ... Sebastian is the only one to see how personal and state motives combine. There is lots of good stuff here about the injustice of English society in this period - the truly grinding poverty and the callousness of the justice system. There is also an exploration of the institutional repression of women - right down from the heir to the crown herself, Princess Charlotte.

[jamespurcell · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Hero and Devlin's quest continue as they try to solve the death of a young woman with no apparent enemies. Her work teaching music to Princess Charlotte would seem to be an unlikely starting place until they start asking questions.These questions provide a penetrative view of "Civilized England" during this Regency Period. It was not a nice place; hangings for minor crimes were commonplace and viewed as entertainment by the masses, to be poor was a virtual sentence to an early death after a brief and awful life, women, even those titled or wealthy were chattels for their fathers and husbands.Good investigative work sorts it out but not without danger to this very interesting and certainly atypical, for these times, investigative team.A very good entry in this excellent series.

[gpangel_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Why Kill the Innocent by C.S. Harris is a 2018 Berkley publication. A sad death, shocking revelations, and a wealth of palace intrigue! A nasty spate of frigid cold, snow, and ice hold London in its grip. As Hero makes her way through the icy sludge, she literally stumbles across the corpse of Jane Ambrose. It becomes apparent immediately that Jane is not a victim of the nasty weather, but has been killed, then dumped out in the snow. As Sebastian and Hero attempt to uncover the truth about Jane’s death, once again Hero’s father, Jarvis, appears to be at the center of all that is nasty, mean, and cruel….This is one of my favorite series, of any genre, that I read, because I am never let down or disappointed by it. This story highlights the vulnerabilities of women in this historical time period, in shocking detail. Poor Jane Ambrose was literally at the mercy of every man she encountered or was involved with. Not only that, the novel explores the practice of recruiting men to fight in wars they have no emotional or patriotic stake in, which left their wives and children all alone with no way to provide for themselves, which often led to very tragic and heartrending results. These passages are nearly unbearable to read about, but is a terrible historical truth, nonetheless. Then there is Princess Charlotte and all the palace machinations at play, pitting her between two warring, competing, manipulative parents and all those who would hope to use her, and her proposed engagement, to their own advantage. Once more, Harris has done a fantastic job of exploring the dark, seedy sides of London, from the perspectives of the very poor to the very powerful, examining the cause and effect of all those caught in their vicious nets. I’m loving the way Sebastian and Hero work together in tandem, the way their relationship continues to solidify, and the excellent points the author always drives home to the reader, while weaving such absorbing and riveting murder mysteries. 4.5 stars

[lauren2013_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Why Kill the Innocent
4 Stars

Sebastian St. Cyr finds himself embroiled in another murder investigation when his wife, Hero, literally stumbles across the dead body of Jane Somerset, Princess Charlotte's piano teacher. With the palace thwarting him at every turn, Sebastian uncovers the many secrets, both political and personal, surrounding the victim. Now if he can only determine which one led to her death...

Political intrigue plays a significant role in the story, and Harris's attention to historical detail is, as always, incredible. Despite my keen interest in British history, Princess Charlotte is one royal about whom I knew very little, and as such, the information about her life was particularly engrossing. Looking up the various historical figures mentioned in the story was an additional bonus.

The mystery itself is not the strongest. The victim is a lovely person and evokes a great deal of empathy on the part of the reader. Nevertheless, the various motives given to the numerous suspects don't always hold water, and the eventual explanation is not all that satisfying given the build up toward it.

On a final note, there is little progression in the ongoing story arc surrounding the identity of Sebastian's biological father, and this is disappointing and frustrating. It is past time for this particular plotline to come to its conclusion.

In sum, an entertaining addition to the series and I look forward to Sebastian and Hero's next adventure in sleuthing.

[beamis12 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

When Hero stumbles on the body of Jane Ambrose, music teacher to Princess Charlotte, her husband Sebastian St. Cyr the viscount Devlin quickly becomes involved. Knowing he has little time before the palace hushes the murder up, he ascertains that her death is not a natural one and that her body has been moved. Who among the political players of the day, or of Jane's family wanted this young woman dead?Love this historical series, Sebastian has a very storied past, things he still does not know, but he is very unusual in that unlike most of those of status, he honestly cares about justice for all people, not just the wealthy. It is well written, and the best part is that the history is accurately portrayed, the mystery woven amongst known facts. In 1814 the last Frost fair was held on the Thames. Underestimating the thickness of the ice and snow number of people were killed. This was at the culmination of s horrid winter that included the great fog. This story takes place during this time period. The Royal family in all it's disarray and the political manuverings of this time are also described. All this and more is included in the authors note at books end.It is the characters though that I enjoy, Sebastian, Hero, Kat, and meeting different notsbles of the day. A great mix of the personal, political and history.ARC from Netgalley.

[cherylk_44 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Why Kill the Innocent is an Instant winner! From the first page to the last page, I was hooked. I could not stop reading. I really felt like I had been transported back to the 1800's in London. Everything from the storyline to all the characters is what made this book such an enjoyable read for me. Besides Sebastian and his wife, Hero; the other characters did not just play minor roles in the story. Although, I must admit that I found Hero to be the stronger lead for me. Her voice resonated with me louder.The whole story was great. I was trying to solve the mystery of the murder of Jane before Hero and Sebastian did but I was not able to. They work so well together. Not just because they are husband and wife but because they are both smart and pick up on different aspects of the same case. I can't wait to join Sebastian and Hero as they solve their next case.

[n.w.moors-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

When his wife Hero finds the body of a woman frozen on a London street, Sebastian St Cyr becomes involved in the case. Jane Ambrose was the piano teacher to Princess Charlotte, daughter of the Prince Regent. The Palace wants to cover the crime up, but Sebastian and Hero investigate anyway and find a web involving smuggled gold, the Rothschilds, a tie to the proposed marriage of Prince William of Orange to Charlotte, and politics between the Whigs and the Tories. I always wait eagerly for the books in this series to appear on my reader, having preordered them months in advance. I am never disappointed. The writing is excellent, the history is detailed and accurate, and the mystery most always confounds me. I found Why Kill the Innocent to be among the best of the series. There are a lot of suspects, all with varying (and interesting) reasons for being the murderer.I always like the subplots that involve Hero. She's usually writing an article about social conditions in England of the time. Here she focuses on men pressed into military service and the families left to support themselves on their own. "If no one criticizes or even questions the wrongs of our society, it will never change.”We also got some more information on the overarching mystery of who Sebastian's real father is. And now I wait another year for the next book in this excellent series. Sigh.