Who Slays the Wicked

Written by C. S. Harris

Narrated by Davina Porter

The death of a fiendish nobleman strikes close to home as Sebastian St. Cyr is tasked with finding the killer to save his young cousin from persecution in this riveting new historical mystery from the USA Today bestselling author of Why Kill the Innocent.... When the handsome but dissolute young gentleman Lord Ashworth is found brutally murdered, Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin, is called in by Bow Street magistrate Sir Henry Lovejoy to help catch the killer. Just seven months before, Sebastian had suspected Ashworth of aiding one of his longtime friends and companions in the kidnapping and murder of a string of vulnerable street children. But Sebastian was never able to prove Ashworth's complicity. Nor was he able to prevent his troubled, headstrong young niece Stephanie from entering into a disastrous marriage with the dangerous nobleman. Stephanie has survived the difficult birth of twin sons. But Sebastian soon discovers that her marriage has quickly degenerated into a sham. Ashworth abandoned his pregnant bride at his father's Park Street mansion and has continued living an essentially bachelor existence. And mounting evidence--ranging from a small bloody handprint to a woman's silk stocking--suggests that Ashworth's killer was a woman. Sebastian is tasked with unraveling the shocking nest of secrets surrounding Ashworth's life to keep Stephanie from being punished for his death.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Apr 2, 2019
• ISBN: 9781980029939

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 Who Slays the Wicked

[jorgeousjotts · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

3.5 stars rounded up. I enjoyed this. It's not one of my favorites of this series, but I'd say it's in the top half.

[jamespurcell · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A Regency bounder is killed and his wife, Sebestian's niece, is a prime suspect. Fortunately, so is just about everyone in London in that category. A good entry in this always entertaining series.

[tjsjohanna_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Following up from the last novel, Sebastian is called in to help solve the murder of one of the bad guys from "Why Kill the Innocent". Sebastian's niece is one of the possible suspects, along with a disgruntled merchant and possible a member of the Russian royal court. As Sebastian hunts down suspects and possibilities the reader is treated to the seamy side of those in power.

[lkernagh · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Always nice to have a good series to fall back on when in a reading slump! One thing I like about the Sebastian St. Cyr Mysteries series is that the author makes the assumption that a reader may pick up and read a story "out of sequence" or have a long lag-time between installments, so she includes key facts from earlier stories to give the reader the context they need. I am not suggesting that you just jump into the series and start with this one! The series contains a number of character arcs and backstories, so best to read in series order. For example, Sebastian has a rather complicated relationship with his family. While earlier installments have examined Sebastian's relationship with his father, aunt and sister, this time we learn more about his niece Stephanie and some of the secrets she has been keeping. I also love the historical details Harris brings to her stories. If that is not enough to entice you to consider reading this series, the stories have a gritty, atmospheric quality... and yes, Sebastian continues to find himself in dangerous, suspense-filled situations. Even the mysteries are not of the straightforward variety. While we continue to see a rather high body count, I appreciate that Harris does not always satisfactorily resolve each mystery. This time, we are left to ponder who may have killed one of the victims. Overall, lovely to escape back into England's Regency period, filled with royal/political intrigue (this time with a Russian angle) and the darker, sinister traits of some members of "the Ton" (English high society). I love that Harris includes strong female characters in her stories. No shrinking wallflowers here! A cracking good read!

[sandyamcpherson · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Another excellent saga in the life and times of Regency London. In this story, a previous character is murdered and the Russian diplomats with all their machinations are brought to light. As ever, Sebastian St. Cyr is a swashbuckling, ethical investigator. Highly recommended if you have a liking for twists and turns in historical murder investigations with political overtones of the day. The culprit was a surprise, although the character did emerge as suspicious towards the final chapter.

[delphimo_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

C S Harris selects the title of her books from the Bible which gives each novel a different view on murder. The murder of Viscount Ashworth shows that the wicked do not escape forever. Anthony Marcus Ledger, the Viscount Ashworth, lands in a vicious death and now Sebastian St. Cyr, the Viscount Devlin, must find the killer before his niece is suspected of murdering her husband. C S Harris provides little tidbits of intrigue from England in 1814. The rise and fall of Napoleon Bonaparte glimmers in the story. And Hero provides a second story concerning the poor masses of English people who barely survive. Hero relates the burdens of the rag people, the bone people, and the privy cleaners. I never imagined these tasks, and of course many do not know. I relish the information that C S Harris weaves into her stories about life in the 1800’s. The description of the characters and the settings and the ladies’ fashion paint an amazing look of life.

[nbmars · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Note: There are necessarily spoilers for previous books in this series.In this fourteenth book in the series, Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin, the main protagonist, is now 31. 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 had an entrée into the upper level of society that would have been denied to the regular police. He agreed because the thought of anybody stealing away someone else’s life was an abomination to him, especially after the traumatic instances of unjust murder he witnessed in the army. He still felt guilt over these deaths, even though he could not have prevented any of them. He retained a fierce commitment to the pursuit of justice.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 asks his young horse handler Tom, a former street urchin, as well as his valet, Jules Calhoun, to do reconnaissance work for him. Each has an entrée into the lower levels of society that Devlin can’t even manage in disguise. And in an increasing capacity, his wife, Hero Devlin, helps him in his investigative work.The story begins, as usual, with the discovery of a murder victim. This time it is Anthony Marcus Ledger, Viscount Ashworth, only son and heir of the Marquis of Lindley. Ashworth is also, more importantly to Devlin, the husband of his niece, Stephanie, 19. She recently delivered twin boys and is now staying with her father-in-law at Lindley House while Ashworth’s place is being refurbished.In spite of Devlin’s tendency to take murders personally, “as he stared down at what was left of Anthony Ledger, Sebastian felt only relief.” Ashworth was pure evil, and Devlin constantly worried about the safety of his niece. He knew that because Ashworth’s father was a wealthy, powerful nobleman, someone would have to be arrested for Ashworth’s death, whether truly guilty or not. And Devlin didn't want Stephanie to be that someone. [As the author points out, at that time, husband killers were dealt with more harshly than wife killers. Under common law, for a woman to kill her husband was more than simple murder. “It was also an act of treason - a rebellion against both God and King, who together had placed her husband above her as her master. As a desecration that threatened the God-ordained fabric of society, such an act was therefore seen as a threat - and punished as harshly as witchcraft.”]Thus, Devlin needed to get to the bottom of who murdered Ashworth and why, fervently hoping it would not turn out to be Stephanie. While he did suspect her, there was much that argued for her innocence, such as the additional bodies found, all associated with Ashworth. Devlin supposed the murderer was cleaning up loose ends and eliminating anyone who might threaten exposure. Stephanie, with her two infants, didn’t seem capable of any killings besides that of her husband. But Devlin had the strong sense she was lying to him.In the case of Ashworth, so widely reviled, there were plenty of other suspects at least. Almost everyone who knew Ashworth hated him, even shopkeepers. Ashworth was constantly ordering goods and not paying for them. As one merchant bitterly complained, “Anyone that bastard did business with, he cheated if he could. It was like a game with him - a matter of pride, a way to show that he was the one with the power, while the rest of us… the rest of us were like nothin’ to him.”There is even a possibility of involvement at the highest levels of the government, as is usual in Harris’s books, so she can acquaint us with the convoluted political machinations of the time. In this case, 25-year-old Grand Duchess Catherine of Oldenburg, the best-loved sister of Tsar Alexander of Russia, is in London, allegedly to prepare for her brother’s impending visit. One of her ladies is Princess Ivanna Gagarin, also in her twenties, who was apparently involved somehow with Ashworth. Are the Russians responsible for all of this? Devlin often ruminates on the nature of evil. In his experience, he has found that most murders are committed because of one of five motives: greed, whether for money or power; love, or at least sexual lust; fear; jealousy; and revenge. But, he has come to think, “there existed another breed of killer, and those were the ones Sebastian believed belonged in a category all their own: the men and women who killed for pleasure.” He thought Ashworth was in that latter group. But if so, who would slay the wicked? The answer is a surprising one.Evaluation: I love the recurring characters in this series and their evolving interactions. In addition, one always learns a great deal of history from the stories, with a number of crimes thrown in to add tension and interest. The author does an excellent job smoothly filling in background from previous books, but I believe readers would derive more enjoyment from the books by reading the series in order.

[whisper1_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A brutally murdered Lord, known for his sexual proclivities, this man was never liked and is best off dead. A Russian sister of a noble who arrives early to England and soon makes the social scene alive with the buzz of rumors. The rich entertain in high style while the rag pickers who roam the soiled streets eck out a living, just barely. And amidst it all Sebastian St. Cyr. must unravel who killed the Lord when there are oh so many who would have loved to end his wicked life.This is the first book of the series that I've read. I know there are many before this one.Good, but not great, I won't read any others.

[wagner5sarah35 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A good story and mystery in this novel featuring Sebastian St. Cyr. Murdered nobles, secret affairs, and Russian visitors all play a role in this installment, and Sebastian is on the case as usual. This mystery series has really grown on me and is one of the few I read - this book maintained the atmosphere I love and it was a delight to spend more time with some of my favorite characters. I'll look forward to the next one!

[booklove1-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A good read, and a disappointing read. This is book #14 of the Sebastian St. Cyr series, and I have read them all. I keep with it for a bunch of reasons: good writing, interesting period details, decent stories, characters I genuinely like, and unresolved mysteries surrounding Sebastian and Hero that have spanned multiple books. But - the author rolls out characters I like only when Sebastian needs them for something; they’ve become props only. Towards the end of the book in one scene the body count goes way up for no good reason I could see except to prove Sebastian can kill people. And Harris apparently thinks that vaguely alluding once to the multi book spanning mysteries, without moving one inch closer to answering them, is perfectly acceptable. Nope. Books you wait a year for are not like tv shows you see once a week. So 3 stars it is.

[gpangel_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Who Slays the Wicked by C. S. Harris is a 2019 Berkley publication. Well, naturally, I didn’t shed any tears over Ashworth’s demise. Good riddance, if you ask me. But the evidence tends to point to Sebastian’s niece, a development that made me as nervous as it did Sebastian.It then becomes of utmost importance to keep suspicion away from Stephanie, if at all possible, in hopes of finding another viable suspect- of which there are plenty. However, more political intrigue develops when the Russian Grand Duchess arrives in London several months ahead of schedule. Meanwhile, Hero is doing research on the poorest people of London, which has her interviewing rag and bone pickers and night soil men. Also, Hero finally begins to connect the dots when it comes to her dear, clever and conniving cousin, when a few more interesting details emerge. I can't wait for this thread to develop further!! As always, there is a lot going on in this latest chapter in the series. As desperately as Sebastian hopes his niece is not guilty, he remains mostly unbiased, occasionally over compensating, following the clues, making calm, yet worrying deductions. He also had to put up with the Russian connection, which quickly becomes more of a personal concern, as Sebastian's inquires are not exactly welcome. It is hard to find fault in this book anywhere, especially the way Harris weaves the intricate details of this enthralling mystery. But, as a long- time reader of the series, I was a bit disappointed in the chemistry between Hero and Sebastian- and Hero’s reduced role. I, also, at this point in the series, really wouldn’t miss Kat all that much, if Sebastian left off visiting her for a while. Her role in this installment felt more like a contrivance or token appearance anyway. That said, Hero’s research is eye-opening. As a history lover, I have read about the extremely distasteful occupations the poor acclimated themselves to and the lengths they would go just to survive, but Hero’s research humanizes the poverty- which is extreme, and hard to imagine. These segments may make a few readers feel a bit squeamish- and grateful for modern plumbing. (Although it is worth noting that Rag & Bone men made a resurgence in the 2000’s due to the cost of scrap metal.)Overall, this was another incredibly tense and deeply engrossing installment in one of my very favorite series!! 4 stars

[n.w.moors-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I love this series and wait eagerly for the next book. I thought this one started a little slow, but I found myself enjoying the story about one-third of the way in. As per usual, I didn't foresee the end result, but it was fun getting there.I also want to thank Ms. Harris for the historical references scattered throughout the book. Most come from Hero, but I was especially struck by the origin of Seven Dials. I've read a lot of Regency and Victorian historical books and never has anyone explained that reference. I would like to see more of Hero and a little more about the overarching mystery of Sebastian's background. I thought the fortune-teller was doing foreshadowing, but then nothing more was mentioned. Still, an excellent read if you like historical murder mysteries.

[eyes92c · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Historical 1814 mystery a winner!Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin, is asked by Bow Street magistrate Sir Henry Lovejoy to investigate the savage murder of the debauched Anthony Ledger, Lord Ashworth. The investigation becomes one of personal involvement, with international diplomatic overtones, specifically related to a state visit by the Tsar's sister, the Grand Duchess Catherine of Oldenburg.Sebastian's niece Stephanie is the personal issue. She'd married Ashworth despite Sebastian's vigorous protest. Having given birth to twin boys, Stephanie moved out to live with Ashworth' s father, the Marquis of Lindley, ostensibly whilst their house is being refurbished. Ashworth the townhouse. Sebastian has long suspected Ashworth of being involved in the kidnapping and murder of young children. He just hasn't had proof. The problem is that it appears Ashworth might have been killed by a woman and it seems Stephanie heads the suspect list. Stephanie doesn't help. She keeps being caught out in the web of excuses she weaves. Dark secrets around Stephanie will surface.Hero, the brilliant woman that is Sebastian's wife is researching for articles on the "poor of London, including scavengers...mainly the pure finders and rag-and-bone pickers, but perhaps also the night-soil men" " Her forays into the rankest areas of London will pay dividends.Tracking down the murderer will prove elusive. “According to Stephanie, the list of people who wanted Ashworth dead [was] virtually endless.”Harris' historical knowing is as always, well grounded. I was transported back to that era not by a time machine, but by the sheer force of Harris' narrative prose.Who would know how to draw a line between a degenerate's murder, the London visit by Russian royalty and the problems of flush toilets, subsequent sewer issues, and the ecology of the Thames? (the latter is mentioned in the so very informative Author's Notes.)An intriguing read!A Berkley ARC via NetGalley

[cassiesbooksreader · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Who Slays the Wicked (Sebastian St. Cyr Mystery Book 14) by C.S. Harris is Historical Mystery Thriller Fiction at it’s best. Each book in the series has a mystery but the themes and characters change with each book. The recurring characters in this series are constantly evolving because of various influences in their lives. Every character becomes known to the reader as the story and mysteries unfold. Well researched history is woven into every book. I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the St. Cyr Series.

[darcia_10 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Who Slays the Wicked is a highly atmospheric novel that firmly places readers in early 19th century London. The author's strength absolutely lies in her ability to immerse us in another time. I have not read any of the previous novels in this series, which put me at a slight disadvantage. We don't get a lot of character development here. The author likely relies on readers to know the characters at this point. There are also a whole lot of characters involved in this story, and we only learn surface details about most of them. At times I found it a challenge to keep up with all the names, titles, and relationships.The dialogue and phrasing feels genuine. I could easily imagine people in London during the early 1800s speaking to one another as the characters did. The mystery is slow moving but interesting, and it certainly kept me guessing. But, overall, I was mostly intrigued by the setting and all the little details that made this story come alive.*I received a review copy from the publisher, via NetGalley.*

[liscarey · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin, has developed an unlikely habit of investigating murders in Regency London, but that's not the only reason Bow Street magistrate Sir Henry Lovejoy sends for him when dangerous and dissolute Lord Ashworth is found brutally murdered. Devlin believes, and seven months ago tried unsuccessfully to prove, that Ashworth was involved in a string of kidnappings and murders of street children, but that's not the main reason, either.Ashworth was married to Devlin's headstrong young niece, Stephanie. She recently gave birth to twins, and their marriage had become a sham. Stephanie is living in Lindley House, Ashworth's father's home, not in Ashworth's home, where he lives his dissolute and alarming life.Stephanie is one of the many people who plausibly had a motive to kill Ashworth, and she'd be a lot more acceptable to the Regent than accusing a member of the household of Grand Duchess Catherine of Oldenburg, in London for the upcoming meeting of the leaders of the allies against Napoleon.Devlin sets out to find the real killer--hoping very much that it isn't Stephanie. Investigating Ashworth's recent private life is a nasty, distasteful task, and takes Devlin into such dangerous places as Seven Dials, and the Pulteney Hotel, currently serving as the Grand Duchess's residence in London. He's talking to hired thugs, and one of the few people who liked Ashworth. Meanwhile, Devlin's wife, Hero, is interviewing street workers--pure finders, rag and bone men, night soil workers, and others--intending to write another article attempting to raise the awareness of the upper classes about needed changes.Her interviews lead to information that affects Devlin's investigation.Meanwhile, that investigation is also straining Devlin's relationship with his sister, and Devlin and Hero's relations with Hero;s father Lord Jarvis.This is a very good mystery set in a far more realistic picture of Regency London than I've typically found in novels with such a setting. C. S. Harris clearly has the research skills as well as excellent writing skills. And despite this being #14 in the series, and the first I've read, enough information is provided to understand necessary backstory without large or annoying information dumps. It's just salted in lightly, just enough to let the reader keep going without confusion.Highly recommended.I received a free electronic galley from the publisher via NetGalley, and am reviewing it voluntarily.

[barbararogers-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Yet another Sebastian St. Cyr book that engrossed me to the point that I couldn’t put it down. Once I started reading, I didn’t stop until the last word on the last page was finished – at about 5 AM. My kidneys are grateful that there won’t be another new release in the series for several more months. This is a wonderful series and if you haven’t read the prior books, you really should. Sebastian’s life has taken a lot of twists and turns and I’m sure there are many more to come. As always, the writing is excellent, the research is right-on-the-money, the plot is tightly woven and well executed, and you won’t know who the villain is until the very end! Way to go!Where the Dead Lie, book 12, was a chilling case where one of the villains of the piece managed to escape justice. That really bothered me even though I knew the author would eventually get around to taking care of him. While justice doesn’t get Anthony Marcus Ledger, Viscount Ashworth, someone does. On April Fools Day, 1814, two maids in Anthony’s household discover his bloody, mutilated body tied with red silk cords to the four bedposts.Sir Henry Lovejoy, one of three magistrates attached to Bow Street’s Public Office always asks for Sebastian St Cyr’s assistance in cases involving the aristocracy. As a Viscount and heir to an Earl, Sebastian has access to circles that the Bow Street investigators wouldn’t be allowed into. Sir Henry will definitely need Sebastian for this one – the victim is not only a Viscount, but he is also heir to a Marquis – a very rich and powerful Marquis. Then you add in Russian royalty and – well – sometimes even Sebastian can’t get access.Sebastian was thoroughly convinced that Anthony took an active part in the heinous crimes he had investigated months earlier, but he had no solid proof. He had been working all of those months since to find the proof he needed. Now, the man is dead and Sebastian is very, very afraid that his niece may have done the deed. When he interviews her, she won’t be honest with him. Then, other bodies associated with the case begin to show up. Leads take Sebastian to the visiting Russian royalty, his niece, his niece’s lover, a tarot card reader, a for-hire assassin, and almost anybody who has ever met Anthony. Sebastian is led on a merry chase around London and the more he learns about Anthony, the sicker Sebastian becomes. The world is definitely a better place without Anthony in it – and Sebastian might almost have let things go if Anthony was the only victim. But those other victims – they were innocent and didn’t deserve to die just because they knew something that might help catch the murderer. I can highly recommend this fast-paced, action-packed, well-written book. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[beamis12 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It must be incredibly difficult for an author to maintain the high standards of a series the longer it lasts. Harris has done just that, and more. Each consecutive book, in my opinion, keeps getting better and better. Impressive, to say the least.In this outing, a high ranking, though despicable member of the aristocracy in murdered, in the most dissolute of fashions. Although despised by many, including himself, Sebastian is called on to investigate. He is a ranking member of the aristocracy himself, but unlike many of his class he has deep sympathies for the underdogs, the lower class. He also has a personal reason to find the killer.Such a great mix of personal, Sebastian has had a varied life, to crime solving, and the political times.So much in their series is based on fact, it is very well researched, and one does feel like the are back in the early 1800s. The period details are amazingly well written. At books end, one quote struck me, " Rank and wealth can cover a multitude of sins." Seems much hasn't changed in that regard.ARc from Netgalley.