When Falcons Fall

Written by C. S. Harris

Narrated by Davina Porter

The much-anticipated new entree in the Sebastian St. Cyr "simply elegant"* historical mystery series, from the national bestselling author of Who Buries the Dead and Why Kings Confess. Ayleswick-on-Teme, 1813. Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin, has come to this seemingly peaceful Shropshire village to honor a slain friend and on a quest to learn more about his own ancestry. But when the body of a lovely widow is found on the banks of the River Teme, a bottle of laudanum at her side, the village's inexperienced new magistrate turns to St. Cyr for help. Almost immediately, Sebastian realizes that Emma Chance did not, in truth, take her own life. Less easy to discern is exactly how she died, and why. For as Sebastian and Hero soon discover, Emma was hiding both her true identity and her real reasons for traveling to Ayleswick. Also troubling are the machinations of Lucien Bonaparte, the estranged brother of the megalomaniac French Emperor Napoleon. Held captive under the British government's watchful eye, the younger Bonaparte is restless, ambitious, and treacherous. Sebastian's investigation takes on new urgency when he discovers that Emma was not the first, or even the second, beautiful young woman in the village to die under suspicious circumstances. Home to the eerie ruins of an ancient monastery, Ayleswick reveals itself to be a dark and dangerous place of secrets that have festered among the villagers for decades-and a violent past that may be connected to Sebastian's own unsettling origins. And as he faces his most diabolical opponent ever, he is forced to consider what malevolence he's willing to embrace in order to destroy a killer. *Lisa Gardner

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Mar 1, 2016
• ISBN: 9781501904370

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 Falcons Fall

[Lisa Brown · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Love this series! Read in order for the best experience.

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

This is such a great series. I try to ration myself so I don’t read them all too fast. I’m so sad that at some point I will have to wait a year for the next one — once I get through them all.

[jorgeousjotts · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This wasn't a standout of the series so far (for me), but it was still good.

[tsmom1219 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I love this series and had s hard time putting this down.

[vesper1931 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

1813. St. Cyr and his family have travelled to Ayleswick-on-Teme, Salop, to deliver an item to Jamie Knox's grandmother, and hoping to find out more of his past. But soon a body of a female is discovered and he pronounces that she was murdered, but why. He decides to investigate. But this is not the last of the deaths, and what connection is there to the deaths of two females some fifteen years earlier.
Another enjoyable well-written historical mystery.

[sandyamcpherson · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Sebastian St. Cyr mystery #11A sojourn into Shropshire ostensibly to see that Jamie Knox's gift to his grandmother is delivered. Sebastian and Hero inadvertently become embroiled in helping the Squire solve the murder of a young woman travelling through the region. As in Book 10, the saga involved more characters with connections to French versus British espionage swirling around members of the Bonaparte family and relatives. These subplots nicely elevated the mystery to reach back to earlier details without swamping the present narrative.To some degree Sebastian's character has become predictable in the manoeuvrings of the investigation but Harris' historical details and attractive scene-setting keeps the story fresh. I was a little disappointed how many roadblocks develop in terms of Sebastian's real motivation in visiting Jamie's family: namely the opportunity to learn who his father was. One hint is provided and then left, presumably for Book 12..If you've been reading this series, I recommend this book as very enjoyable, without so much tedium from backstory.

[lkernagh · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Happily, Harris is back in fine story-telling form with this installment in the series. No unusual attempts to make an author of the time period into a literary character, this time around. Yes, I could take issue with the inclusion of Napoleon Bonaparte's younger brother Lucien and his family as characters, but I think adding them actually works well with the story as a logical flow for the on-going sub-theme of espionage and the French war that has been present in the earlier books in the series. Okay, some may take issue with the literary license of having the Lucien's family vacationing in the area and not in Grimley Worcestershire, as per history, but I don't. What I really loved about this story is it felt as thought the author was going back to basics, allowing the focus of the story to be on the vast web of mysteries for Viscount Devlin and Hero to unravel. So many possibilities! So many avenues of inquiry! Delightfully good fun to tag along for the ride.

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

Sebastian is out in the countryside to deliver a final gift from Jamie to his grandmother and hopefully find out a little more about who might his biological father be. But his reputation precedes him and the local squire fairly new in his powers asks for his help with the death of a young artist widow. Set up to look like suicide but with the help of Sebastian it is ruled a murder. There are no witnesses and at first glance the village seems sleepy, but it is not. This book uses the murder to introduce the reader to the real history of Enclosure Movement and the fact that Napoleon’s brother lived in the area at the time. A good mystery that he solves with a several dead ends and dark past history of village uncovered.

[liscarey · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin, has come to the village of Aylswick for two reasons. The first, and more openly acknowledged, is to deliver a last gift from his friend, innkeeper Jamie Knox, recently killed, to Jamie's mother.

The unacknowledged reason is to see if he can find out who Jamie's, and possibly his own, real father is. Because the Viscount and the innkeeper looked startlingly alike, even to possessing startling, yellow eyes.

What he really winds up doing is responding to the request of the local squire and justice of the peace, Archie Rawlins, to assist in the investigation of the murder of a young woman recently come to town. Her name, she said was Emma Chance, widow of Captain Chance, and she was on a sketching expedition.

But as Devlin investigates, none of the facts known about the young woman add up.

Obviously, at number eleven in the series, there's a lot of back story here. I didn't find it difficult to pick up enough to engage with the characters and get involved in the story. Harris handles the historical background well, too. Lucien Bonaparte, currently a prisoner of war, is living in the area with his family; it's the latter part of the Napoleonic Wars, and Napoleon is on the ropes but not yet defeated. The war and the political and social fallout from both the political ideas coming from France and the enclosure movement in England, but none of this is overplayed.

The characters are very good, too. Devlin and his wife, Hero, are an interesting and attractive couple. The supporting characters, whether friend, unfriend, or killer, have some complexity, plausibly mixed good and bad, and comprehensible motivations. Number eleven isn't usually the place to start a series, but I think I'll be looking for more of these.

Recommended.

I received a free electronic galley of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.

[wagner5sarah35 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Why did I put off continuing this series for so long? Like a comforting old sweater, Sebastian St. Cyr and his lady Hero are here to solve the mystery, but not before they thoroughly explore the countryside, develop the mystery of Sebastian's own past, and encounter Napoleon Bonaparte's brother. This mystery is, of course, centered around a murder (that quickly becomes multiple murders) and it turns out the small, rural village Sebastian finds himself in has more than its share of secrets. Overall, this was a great read, and exactly the book I needed right now.

[lauren2013_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

When Falcons Fall
4 Stars

Sebastian St. Cyr and his wife, Hero, have travelled to the Shropshire countryside on a personal quest. But when a young widow is found dead, the local magistrate turns to Sebastian for help. It soon becomes clear that the victim is not quite who she seemed and exposing the dark secrets of a small village can have deadly consequences.

There are numerous characters and motivations to keep track of in this installment and it can get confusing at times. Nevertheless, the investigation is interesting, the climax is exciting and the resolution is satisfying.

The depth and breadth of Harris's research and her skill at merging historical fact with the suspense of her fiction is impressive as always, and provides additional nuance to the story.

Sebastian and Hero's relationship is another highlight. They work so well together as a pair, and trust each other to investigate the avenues that open up in their own arenas. They have made amazing strides since their first case together. 

In terms of the ongoing arc surrounding Sebastian's parentage, Harris does provide some closure in this book, but the mystery still remains unsolved. Hopefully, this issue will not drag on much longer as it is high time for a resolution.

All in all, another fabulous addition to the series. Sadly, there is a bit of a wait until the next book is published.

[kjensen55 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The writing is enjoyable and intriguing, but has lost some of the tension now that Sebastian and Hero are happily married. They are still engaging as they work together and apart to solve the mystery of a young woman's death, but some of the depth has been lost as the series has continued.

[fbswss · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wow, how does C.S. Harris keep us on the edge of our seats, reading well into the night,,, and incorporate local intrigue with the politics of the times? Amazing. Enjoyed this book immensely.

[t_k_elliott · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Sebastian St. Cyr, together with Hero, Simon, Claire, Tom, and a mountain of luggage, is in the village of Ayleswicke, for two purposes: to deliver the mechanical singing nightingale to Jamie Knox’s grandmother, and to try to find further information regarding the triskelion necklace and his own ancestry.

He is not there to solve murders, but wherever the poor man goes, people start dropping like flies. It almost makes you think someone is doing it on purpose. The very young Squire and Justice of the Peace requests Sebastian’s help in solving what is initially only one murder but soon becomes several, both forward and back in time.

The story is engrossing, and Sebastian and Hero work together beautifully as always - this story focuses on Sebastian and Hero, rather than Sebastian and Tom (and, of course, Paul Gibson is back in London so doesn’t appear). Once again, I was struck by how smooth the writing is - the story just flows along, until all the little clues and hints that one should have spotted first time around come together at the end. There is enough historical detail to give the reader a definite sense of time and place (and to show that the author has done her research) without being obvious about it. The one thing I could complain about is the number of times people’s faces or jaws went slack - it’s a little niggle, but one of those things that seems to leap out once you’ve noticed it.

All in all, a very satisfying read.

[nbmars · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Note: There are necessarily spoilers for previous books in this series.Background:This is the eleventh book in the historical crime fiction series set in Regency England, this one in August of 1813, and featuring Sebastian St. Cyr, the thirty 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 had an entrée into the upper level of society that would have been denied to the regular police. He agrees because the thought of anybody stealing away someone else’s a life is an abomination to him, especially after the traumatic instances of unjust murder he witnessed in the army, and for which he still feels guilt, even though he could not have prevented any of it. 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 young 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."As this book begins, Devlin and his family-entourage, including his wife of one year, Hero, and his six-month old son Simon, have journeyed to Ayleswick-on-Teme. Devlin had reason to believe there would be clues there about who his real father was. (Ever since Devlin learned the truth about his parentage, that he “was not, in fact, a son of Alistair St. Cyr but the bastard offspring of one of the Countess’s many nameless lovers,” he had become desperate to find out who he really was: “It was as if a yawning hole had opened up inside him that he was both desperate and terrified to fill.”)His quest is interrupted by a murder in the village, with the new Squire appealing to Devlin for help. A young woman, Emma, was found suffocated, and as Devlin makes further inquiries, other people start dying as well. And when Devlin suspects that Emma was trying to discover who her real parents were, Devlin feels a kinship with her, and is determined to get justice for her.In the meanwhile, Hero begins an investigation of her own, into the effects of the Enclosure Acts on the villagers. This was a series of acts by Parliament by which large landowners were allowed to enclose open fields and land previously used in common by local people. The Acts made the wealthy even more so, and drove many peasants into poverty. As the author notes, because each landlord pursued his own bill through Parliament on an individual basis, the seizure of land by the rich progressed piecemeal thus militating against a unified, widespread resistance. But local instances of disorder were not uncommon, and the punitive "Black Act," passed in 1723 (and not repealed until 1823), introduced severe penalties for protest activities including poaching. As one character explained, The Black Act introduced the death penalty for more than fifty new offenses, most of which entailed countrymen trying to exercise the ancient communal rights of which they’d been deprived. Those found guilty were hanged, transported to the prison colony in Australia's Botany Bay, or forced into the army. "Wives, mothers, sisters, children, all left behind to fend for themselves, just when prices were rising and they’d lost all their old common rights. Was an ugly time, it was.”Indeed, Hero and Devlin find that the disruptive effects of an enclosure act on Ayleswick-on-Teme may be behind the murders happening now.But there are complications, as always. Lucien Bonaparte and his family, living in exile for nearly three years, are also in the area. Both Paris and London are wary of him and have spies watching him. Are the murders related to his presence?Discussion: Most of this book is given over to social and political history. But there are still interludes in which we learn of the growing closeness of Devlin and Hero and their son Simon:“They had first come together just fifteen months before, in a desperate affirmation of life in the face of looming death. But death had not come. Instead, from those raw, tentative, unexpected beginnings had come Simon and a love so powerful and uplifting that it still filled him with a shaky wonder.”“Sebastian loved both mother and child with a passionate tenderness that awed, humbled, and terrified him.”Evaluation: This is not my favorite of the series, since there isn’t much space devoted to the recurring characters. Still, one can’t deny learning a great deal from the stories, with a number of crimes thrown in to add tension and interest.

[empressreece · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Sebastian St. Cyr - Need I Say More...

Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin, the most delicious male protagonist you'll find in a historical mystery series. He's back with his wife Hero & his infant son, Simon in his latest mystery, When Falcons Fall.

Sebastian, along with his family, has traveled to the small village of Shropshire in search of information about his own birthright when the body of a young widow is found on the river bank. Deemed a suicide by the local constable, Sebastian agrees to take on the investigation because he's not altogether convinced that's the case. Lucien Bonaparte, the estranged brother of Napoleon Bonaparte just also happens to be staying in the area which leads Sebastian to think that this suspicious death might have wider implications then he's been lead to believe.

This was another solid mystery by Harris! The entire series has been fantastic actually. I've ranked every book either 4 or 5 stars so if you're in the hunt for a new armchair hottie, you can't go wrong with the Regency's hottest Viscount!

[carlyrose · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Lots of twists. Used "nostrils flared on indrawn breath" too many times.

[tjsjohanna_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Sebastian is back in fine form - while doing some sleuthing into his own history, he is dragged into the intrigues of a deadly village. Set in the Regency era, this novel in the series brings the reader into contact with the Bonaparte family.

[delphimo_1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I have always enjoyed this series set in the 1810's in England, but this novel fell flat. The story starts with Sebastian and Hero and Simon on a journey for Sebastian to learn more about his mother and her lover. That line of inquiry comes to a halt when Sebastian aids in the investigation of a murdered young woman. Harris harps about the Enclosure Act and the Bonapartes, and many other stories remain half told. I have almost decided to forego any further novels in the Sebastian St Cyr series.

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

The eleventh book of the St Cyr series finds Sebastian in Shropshire to deliver the package that Jamie Knox gave him for his grandmother (in the previous book). Sebastian has no sooner arrived than the body of a young woman is found by the river bank of the peaceful small village. As Sebastian begins to unravel the mystery of her death, more and more bodies turn up that span back over a long period of time. Ably assisted by Hero, his wife, Sebastian finds the culprit and the reasons behind the various mysteries and deaths. Throw in the brother of Napoleon and various other village characters to further confuse what's happening here and you have another very satisfying historical mystery.Ms. Harris is so good with her research. You really feel you are in Shropshire in the early 1800's from the details that she writes. She also writes excellent characterizations, each as finely drawn as the portraits in Emma Chance's notebook (the murdered woman is an artist).And now I wait for the next book in this wonderful series.

[beamis12 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

What a fantastic series this is and what a great character is Sebastian St. Cyr. The Viscount Devlin. This one finds his lordship in Shropshire once again following leads that will lead to the answers of his parentage, that which he is always seeking. He finds himself embroiled in the case of a murdered young woman, who had been traveling under an assumed name. Dangerous deceptiond abound, and before the case is solved this small village will divulge its secrets aided by the tenacity of a man who can not let an injustice lie.The characters are great but what I like most about this series is that the mystery is set against a background of the most intriguing history. The enclosure acts that were enacted and caused much harm to those making a living from the open land. Lucien Bonaparte and his stay in England with his wife and children. Lucien's son Charles who plays a key part in this story does go on to have a great future and distinguished career. The author always includes a note at books back explaining areas of historical note. So, both a great story, a great time period, and a good storyline.

[jamespurcell · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

An excellent series continues as Devlin continues to pursue his antecedents and is asked to assist in the investigation of the death of a mysterious visitor to Ayleswick. His and Hero's questions reveal the history behind this murder and others. Good mystery, well told and resolved, woven neatly into sordid history of this seemingly bucolic country village.

[mitchma · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This latest installment of the St. Cyr mysteries was another enjoyable visit with the series' characters. We get to see more of Sebastian and his relationship with Hero and little Simon, which I love. While Sebastian is working to solve the murder, Hero is trying to get more clues to Sebastian's family mystery. Anxiously looking forward to the next book.