For a long plane flight or a holiday, I think there is no better reading than a crime novel. I am especially fond of historical crime fiction and a great favourite of recent years has been a series of books by American novelist C.S. Harris. The series is set in Regency London and features a gentleman detective, Sebastian St Cyr, Lord Devlin. You need to read the book in the right order, to follow the progress of his love life and friendships. The historical research behind each novel is excellent. The first book is What Angels Fear. I’ve just read the latest one – the 20th book in the series – and the quality is remarkably even. I have loved them all!
The Regency is my favourite era of history (mainly because of Jane Austen) and it is an especially intriguing period when it comes to crime. There were plans to establish a proper police force but nothing was yet in place, the laws were draconian when it came to crimes against property, convicts were being transported to Australia, and hangings were popular public entertainment. I wrote about the Regency legal situation and difficulties in my book Jane Austen and Crime. C.S. Harris skillfully blends her historical knowledge with an exciting plot, and makes you genuinely interested in the fates of her characters. There were spies, the English were terrified that such a revolution as had just occurred in France might take place on English soil, and there was great poverty, driving people to crime.
The author, whose real name is Candice Proctor, has won awards for her fiction and has written a non-fiction work about women in the French Revolution. She has a PhD in history, has worked as an archaeologist, and has even lived for a while in Australia. She also loves cats – always a tick in favour of an author! When I get my hands on a new Sebastian St Cyr book, I drop everything else for the pleasure of reading it.
C.S. Harris’ name frequently appears in my annual favourite books lists. Have you entered the world of Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin, yet? Let me know your thoughts in a comment.
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Heather Grant
I have added C.S. Harris to my ever-ending List of Books to Read. I shall have to live to 585 to get all these books read!!!!
Have you read the novels of Australian author Alison Goodman who has written The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies and the second one is The Ladies Road Guide to Utter Ruin. There is obviously a third novel in progress. It is set in the Regency Period – 1812. Twin sisters (not identical) are bored by society life. Both are in the early 40’s and one sister is grieving her dead bethroled. The other sister feels they need a distraction. And it presents itself. They become detectives.
Susannah Fullerton
Thanks Heather. I have read, and enjoyed the first one in the series, so must read the second soon if there is a third coming out.
Yes, we need to live forever and even then won’t have time to read all we want to read!
Gaby Meares
This series is such fun!