Candice Proctor, also writing as C.S. Harris and C.S. Graham, is a prolific bestselling author whose works span multiple genres. Her output includes engaging Regency-era mysteries, thrilling contemporary suspense novels, and a series of historical romances. Proctor also brings her deep historical expertise to bear in her nonfiction studies, notably on the French Revolution. Her novels, translated into over twenty languages, are celebrated for their meticulous historical detail and compelling characterizations.
Set in a seemingly tranquil English village, the story follows Sebastian St. Cyr as he becomes embroiled in a complex murder investigation. The narrative blends historical intrigue with mystery, highlighting the contrasts between the village's serene facade and the dark secrets lurking beneath. With a national bestselling author at the helm, readers can expect a captivating tale filled with suspense and unexpected twists.
Regency England, January 1813: The mutilated body of a young French doctor found in an alley beside a mysterious, badly injured woman entangles Sebastian in the deadly riddle of the “Lost Dauphin,” the boy prince who disappeared during the darkest days of the French Revolution. Thrust into dangerous conflict with the Dauphin’s sister—the imperious, ruthless daughter of Marie Antoinette—Sebastian finds his self-control shattered when he recognizes the injured woman as Alexi Sauvage, a figure from his own past associated with an act of wartime brutality and betrayal that nearly destroyed him. With the murderer striking ever closer, Sebastian fears for the lives of his pregnant wife, Hero, and their soon-to-be-born child. And when he realizes the key to their survival may lie in the hands of an old enemy, he must finally face the truth about his own guilt in an incident he has found too terrible to consider....
The death of a notorious London diamond merchant draws aristocratic investigator Sebastian St. Cyr and his new wife Hero into a sordid world of greed, desperation, and the occult, when the husband of Sebastian's former lover Kat Boleyn is accused of the murder. Central to the case is a magnificent blue diamond, the Hope diamond, believed to have once formed part of the French crown jewels.
In 1812 London, Viscount Devlin investigates the murder of a reform-minded bishop found alongside an ancient corpse. His quest for the killer takes him from Smithfield's alleys to Whitehall's power corridors, unearthing dark family secrets and challenging his identity.
Hero Jarvis seeks Sebastian St. Cyr's assistance to investigate the murders of eight prostitutes. Their pursuit leads them from London's East End to Mayfair, as they race to uncover a killer's plot that endangers the nation.
“The entire series is simply elegant.”—Lisa Gardner, #1 New York Times bestselling author In this historical mystery from the national bestselling author of Who Slays the Wicked, the abduction and murder of a young boy takes Sebastian St. Cyr from the gritty streets of London to the glittering pleasure haunts of the aristocracy... London, 1813. One of the city's many homeless children, Benji Thatcher was abducted and murdered—and his younger sister is still missing. Few in authority care about a street urchin's fate, but Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin, refuses to let this killer go unpunished. Uncovering a disturbing pattern of missing children, Sebastian is drawn into a shadowy, sadistic world. As he follows a grim trail that leads from the writings of the debauched Marquis de Sade to the city's most notorious brothels, he comes to a horrifying realization: Someone from society's upper echelon is preying upon the city's most vulnerable. And though dark, powerful forces are moving against him, Sebastian will risk his reputation and his life to keep more innocents from harm...
This book offers a captivating narrative that delves into engaging themes and complex characters. It presents a unique perspective that challenges conventional ideas, drawing readers into a richly crafted world. The story unfolds with a blend of suspense and emotional depth, making it a compelling read for those who enjoy intricate plots and well-developed relationships. The previous publication by Berkley highlights its established popularity and appeal to a broad audience.
It's September 1811, and someone is killing the wealthy young sons of London's most prominent families. Partially butchered, with strange objects stuffed into their mouths, their bodies are found dumped in public places at dawn. When the grisly remains of Alfred, Lord Stanton's eldest son are discovered in the Old Palace Yard beside the House of Lords, the local magistrate turns to Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin, for help. Ranging from the gritty world of Thames-side docks to the luxurious drawing rooms of Mayfair, Sebastian finds himself confronting his most puzzling--and disturbing--case yet. With the help of his trusted allies--young servant Tom, Irish doctor Paul Gibson, and his lover Kat Boleyn--Sebastian struggles to decipher a cryptic set of clues that link the scion of a banking family to the son of a humble Kentish vicar. For as one killing follows another, Sebastian discovers he is confronting a murderer with both a method and a purpose to his ritualized killings, and that the key to it all may lie in the enigmatic stanzas of a haunting poem...and in a secret so dangerous that men are willing to sacrifice their own children to keep the truth from becoming known.