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    Why Kings Confess
    Why Kings Confess
    Why Kings Confess
    Audiobook10 hours

    Why Kings Confess

    Written by C. S. Harris

    Narrated by Davina Porter

    4/5

    ()

    About this audiobook

    The gruesome murder of a young French physician draws aristocratic investigator Sebastian St. Cyr and his pregnant wife, Hero, into a dangerous, decades-old mystery as a wrenching piece of Sebastian' s past puts him to the ultimate test. Regency England, January 1813: When a badly injured Frenchwoman is found beside the mutilated body of Dr. Damion Pelletan in one of London' s worst slums, Sebastian finds himself caught in a high-stakes tangle of murder and revenge. Although the woman, Alexi Sauvage, has no memory of the attack, Sebastian knows her all too well from an incident in his past-- an act of wartime brutality and betrayal that nearly destroyed him. As the search for the killer leads Sebastian into a treacherous web of duplicity, he discovers that Pelletan was part of a secret delegation sent by Napoleon to investigate the possibility of peace with Britain. Despite his powerful father-in-law' s warnings, Sebastian plunges deep into the mystery of the " Lost Dauphin," the boy prince who disappeared in the darkest days of the French Revolution, and soon finds himself at lethal odds with the Dauphin' s sister-- the imperious, ruthless daughter of Marie Antoinette-- who is determined to retake the French crown at any cost. With the murderer striking ever closer, Sebastian must battle new fears about Hero' s health and that of their soon-to-be born child. 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 a past he has found too terrible to consider
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherRecorded Books, Inc.
    Release dateMar 4, 2014
    ISBN9781490601076
    Why Kings Confess
    Author

    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.

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    Reviews for Why Kings Confess

    4/5

    158 ratings20 reviews

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    • 4/5
      Another strong installment that continues to develop the characters forward. Sebastian and Hero's relationship is at a good place as they wait for their child to be born. The mystery was a bit convoluted and didn't hold my attention fully (French aristocracy isn't my thing) but it well written. The other thing that i liked was the Paul Gibson finally got a story line other than cutting up bodies. Whether is love live is a happy or sad one, only the author knows. If you haven't read the series before, please start at the beginning. If you have read the series, you will enjoy "Why Kings Confess" and eagerly await next year's book.
    • 4/5
      This started to get a little weighed down in the middle, with French political machinations and whatnot. I started to think 'how much do I really care about any of these victims or suspects??'. But it picked back up and left me feeling nicely satisfied.
    • 4/5
      Very good, if a bit gory- even though the substance is historically accurate.
    • 4/5
      There was a more political situation for the murder mystery in this novel (#9). Since it surrounded Louis XVII, (the so-called "Lost Dauphin", son of beheaded King Louis XVI), the story was a great deal more convoluted for me. I knew very little of this period in the French revolution. Fortunately, Harris made a very smooth intertwining of this backstory which enlightens the uninformed reader.Less clear was the involvement of the various French scroundels manoeuvering in the peace negotiations with the British. Neither was it an adroit involvement of the Italian-trained French physician, Alexi Sauvage, a woman known all too well by Sebastian. However, the characters and the suspenseful action were engaging and did not disappoint in delivering an interesting story. As well, it was a relief that finally (!) Hero gave birth to the baby and under very trying circumstances. The historical details of the regency-period practices to manage the women in the upper classes 'confinement' were quite the revelation. As before, Harris' afterword is well-worth reading for explanation of fact versus fiction.Note: On advice from another LT member, I avoided reading the treatment of the imprisoned "Lost Dauphin". For me, it was a really fast skim and move on. I probably didn't miss the insinuations nor lose any salient details pertaining to St. Cyr's efforts in narrowing suspects.
    • 4/5
      Okay, the series is starting too wane, just a tad, for me. Not series fatigue, as I continue to be intrigued by the character relationships and developments. More a lack of interest in the historical topic Harris weaves into this installment: the mystery surrounding King Louis XVI of France's young son, Louis-Charles (Louis XVII, the "Lost Dauphin"). I have never really taken much interest in the last royal family to rule France before the Revolution and the rise of the French republic. Even so, it is always fun to speculate "what ifs" given rumours that the Dauphin escaped his prison and survived. A quick skim of history shows that Harris continues to exhibit a skill to effortlessly weave fact (and rumour) with fiction in creating her stories. As with previous installments, unraveling the mystery is a complicated matter. A lot of different lines of questioning to consider. I "thought" I had the murderer pegged, but the author managed to present the murderer in a manner that I must applause. Murder is never as simple as one might think or assume, so kudos for that. Even better, this time we actually get to see a potential new romantic interest, this time for Sebastian's Irish surgeon friend, Paul Gibson, so yes, I was rather giddy about that new development. Overall, continuing to enjoy this series.
    • 4/5
      I enjoy this series but I like them better when the main plot doesn’t involve politics as this one did. I had waited a while to read this because I knew from the synopsis I might not like it as much as the others in the series. Well, I didn’t but I also had forgotten during the hiatus from the series how much I enjoyed the main characters and how well this author writes. So, while I still wasn’t that interested in the plot, I still enjoyed this novel because of all of the complicated characters, new and old, and the dramatic reveals throughout the novel. It was so nice to be back in Sebastian’s world. I hope the next book has more of Hero.
    • 3/5
      This story has to do with the French royalty in exile and the forthcoming birth of Sebastian and Hero’s child. Sebastian also meets up with someone from his past that he doesn’t trust but does help out Hero. At this point in the series the same things keep happening, he will clash with Jarvis, someone will be offended that he is trying to solve the murder, Gibson will do an autopsy on the body and Sebastián will talk to at least one member of his family circle. Not knocking it at all just makes for a nice comfort read.
    • 5/5
      Why Kings Confess
      4.5 Stars

      In his latest case, Regency investigator, Sebastian St. Cyr becomes involved in a wicked web of political intrigue and murder when the body of a young French doctor is discovered in the slums of London. As Sebastian investigates, he discovers the victim's connection not only to a secret peace delegation sent by Napoleon, but also his link to the remaining French royals living in exile in England. Was the murder a result of these connections?

      The excellent historical research, suspenseful mysteries and wonderful characterization make this one of my absolute favorite series.

      In this installment, the mystery revolves around the French Revolution and its aftermath, particularly for the surviving members of the House of Bourbon. As someone whose interest in history has focused mainly on Britain, the details on the French royal family living in exile during Napoleon's regime and the theories concerning the death of the Dauphin were particularly fascinating. As always, Harris's research is comprehensive and impeccable.

      Sebastian's investigation is one of the more convoluted in the series with an abundance of suspects, motives, secrets and lies to work through. That said, the ultimate explanation is compelling and believable although the clues to the villain's identity are somewhat vague, which makes it difficult for the reader to guess.

      In terms of the characters, Sebastian and Hero are expecting the birth of their child and the issues of pregnancy and childbirth in the Regency era are at the fore. Sebastian's concern over his wife's health and his fear that either she or the baby or both might not survive really brings home just how much she has come to mean to him.

      Readers also learn more about Sebastian's past during his time in the Peninsular War and the horrors that he witnessed.

      All in all, a particularly satisfying installment and it will be interesting to see what happens going forward.
    • 4/5
      An excellent addition to this fine series. Devlin finds another murder to solve which causes him to engage with the Royalist side of the Napoleonic accession. Some valid but sordid history examined and embellished nicely into an apt and active storyline. The series characters continue to develop, even grow with several engaging additions.
    • 4/5
      Note: There are necessarily spoilers for previous books in this series.Background:This is the ninth book in the historical crime fiction series set in Regency England, this one in January 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 13-year-old 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’s friend, the surgeon Paul Gibson, stumbles across the body of dead French physician whose heart has been removed. A woman nearby is still alive, and Gibson takes her back to her surgery to treat her, notifying Devlin to come. He knows Devlin will want to get involved; for the past two years, Devlin “had dedicated himself to achieving a measure of justice for murder victims who would otherwise be forgotten.”Soon Devlin uncovers ties between the dead man (as well as additional bodies that are accumulating) and a covert group from Paris who have come to London to look into a peace accord between England and France. It is no secret that the powerful and sinister father of Devlin’s wife Hero, Lord Jarvis, would oppose any agreement that would leave Napoleon in power; there was no one more dedicated to the institution of hereditary monarchy. As Hero observes:“. . . deposed kings by their very existence tend to undermine the legitimacy of every royal still stubbornly clinging to his own crown.” Hero’s mother agrees that “As far as your father is concerned, a compromise now would be folly. He insists that we shall soon see Napoleon driven from Paris by force of arms and a full restoration of the old ways.”Or is there something more bizarre going on? It happens that the doctor was killed on the twentieth anniversary of the execution of Louis XVI. It was long the practice in France, upon the death of a royal, to preserve the internal organs - especially hearts - separately from their bodies. Is there a connection?If not, is Lord Jarvis behind the murders? And while Jarvis wouldn’t mind at all if Devlin were to be killed, why is not only Devlin being pursued by killers but Hero as well?Hero’s life is also in danger because her baby, due any time, is in breech position. Devlin is beside himself with fear:“He wanted to tell her that the thought of losing her terrified him, that he could no longer even imagine a life without her in it. Yet he’d never said these things to her, never even whispered those three simple words, ‘I love you.’ To say them now would seem to suggest that he feared she might die. And so he kept silent.”The ending will not disappoint.
    • 5/5
      Another great book in the Sebastion St. Cyr series....looking forward to the next one!
    • 4/5
      Enjoyed the mystery. If you're looking for a resolution, or movement forward, on the issues surrounding Sebastian's parentage, this volume will leave you wanting. I believe it does give us a crumb, though, as Sebastian's impending parenthood will force him to re-examine his relationship with the father who raised him.
    • 4/5
      This is part of an on-going series set in Regency London.
      Devlin is investigating the murder of a French surgeon who is part of a delegation. His investigation is not wanted.
      In addition to this, Devlin's wife, Hero, is expecting their first child and things are not going terribly well.
      As always, the author writes an good story following interesting characters. The lead female characters are strong and independent. The background is well done and lots of interesting details about the Bourbons in exile.
    • 5/5
      I really enjoyed reading this. I particularly like how Harris wove the plot among events, and actual individuals following the French Revolution. Not having a strong knowledge of the French Revolution, I appreciate that Harris gave a brief overview of actual and fictional facts and events. I got lost a few times by characters using names and titles, but that cleared up as I read further. There were times when St. Cyr would remind me of Sherlock Holmes and his analytic mind, but the characters were different enough that it didn't seem like a character copy. Some of St. Cyr's past was discussed in detail and some was only alluded to; guess I'm going to have to go back and pick up the first of the series to see how he became the man he is. Definitely a must read for mystery/history buffs.
    • 5/5
      Intense historical fiction/mystery series.
    • 4/5
      I just love this series more and more with every book... Sebastian St. Cyr is a wonderful character and his supporting cast - his wife Hero, intimidating father-in-law Jarvis, distant stepfather, and friend Gibson - all offer depth to this series. As always, Sebastian's hobby for pursuing a London murder brings him into conflict with some and draws him into the deceitful world of Regency London. In this case, the exiled French royal family are implicated in the murder of a French doctor and Sebastian realizes the murder may be related to events which occurred during the Reign of Terror nearly twenty years before. Several twists and turns make this mystery engaging and I would highly recommend it to fans of historical mystery.
    • 4/5
      The mystery in this episode included a rare look at the end of the French monarchy in England. As well, there was a satisfying resolution to many of the on-going personal story lines.
    • 4/5
      Another great St. Cyr mystery; these stories are so good and very well written. Sebastian gets involved in another mystery when Paul Gibson, his surgeon friend, stumbles over a murder victim. The ensuing search for the truth leads him into peace negotiations with France and several additional murders. Great characters and a great plot!
    • 3/5
      This is a series that provides a look at French and English history in the 1800's that I interesting and riveting. The wonders of medicine and prenatal care seem so quaint and barbaric during this period. Harris interweaves actual historic events into story and with a breathtaking mystery. Of course, the characters live and breathe and show a resistance to everyday conventions. Harris builds up to her amazing ending, but this reader will not divulge the ending. Harris does not go into lengthy psychological analysis of her characters as does Elizabeth George nor does she explore the emotional world as does Louise Penny, but all three writers present a book rich in character and setting.
    • 4/5
      Well-written regency mystery which begins when the body of a physician is discovered--with the heart excised. Nobleman Sebastian St. Cyr is the detective struggling to make sense of the tragedy, which may have something to do with the French Revolution and the "Lost Dauphin." To complicate things, a Frenchwoman who pledged to kill him is in the puzzle, and Sebastian's wife is about to deliver her first child, the baby stubbornly persisting in a breech position. More murders, a bombing, and an assassin trying to kill Sebastian make it imperative that he figure things out quickly, despite the fact that everyone seems determined to lie to him. Thoroughly enjoyable.