What Darkness Brings (Sebastian St. Cyr Mystery Book 8)

"What Darkness Brings" got all of my votes as "THE BOOK" in this series. The romantic thread that hooked and held me captive was now a solid titanium thread that would wrap Sebastian and Hero together for all eternity. Their love, trust, respect, and fidelity would be forever true. So, yeah, now I was at peace.The mystery plus the historical backdrop were unbelievably spellbound. I loved what happened beyond words. The vilest, most evil victim of the murder, got what he so deserved. My blood thirsty heart enjoyed his death immensely. There was justice in this world, absolutely. His murderer deserved a Gold Medal for wiping him out, thus saving more possible innocent people he would've victimized, had he lived.The role of the 'French Blue' of the French Crown Jewels was mesmerizing. The author brilliantly wove both facts & fiction into one fascinating thread. I could never get enough of such historical background.I also couldn't get enough of Hero's work in interviewing and recording the struggles of children and the vast majority of people at the bottom of society during the Regency Era. Such heartbreaking, soaking with tears and unimaginable misery era should never ever be forgotten, or be repeated. Yet, things didn't seem to improve that much at present time? Or maybe just little bit better?Ending this review with true love and hope ~ Sebastian & Hero's style:He took her hand in his and pressed a kiss against her palm. "'Rise up, my love, my fair one,'" he quoted softly, his features growing taut, his eyes half-lidded, intense, "'and come away. For, lo, the winter is past, and the rain is over and gone.'"

After 8 installments, Harris's Sebastian St. Cyr Mysteries are still intriguing and thoroughly entertaining! I won't give a synopsis, as it has been done and in truth, no synopsis is good enough to supplement the actual reading. If you are new to this author and the series, I suggest you backtrack and read it from the start; if not, you'll be missing some REALLY good readings!Unlike some readers, I didn't feel that Hero was relegated to the back seat! Yes, her scenes were reduced in comparison to previous installments (namely, When Maidens Mourn). The investigation in When Maidens Mourn was centered area one of Hero's closest friend's death, therefore her prominent presence was to be expected. On the other hand, Hero's limited (in comparison to WMM) screen time in WDB isn't unnatural considering the persons involved in the murder (Yates, thereby Kat).I am a huge fan of Hero, so of course I want her to be more involved, but I'd rather not have her show up at random moments (without cause) simply just to be there. That isn't something I expect to see from the crafty hands of Harris and I'm glad that didn't happen! And what scenes we had of Hero (especially with Sebastian), that's more than enough for us to feel the intimacy and commitment these two characters have for the other.As for the complaints about Sebastian's internal conflict about the "WHAT IF's" in regards to his relationship with Kat. Some may find it tedious, but I find that absolutely humanizing! First loves are more often than not, the hardest to let go - and those who've been following the series would understand the complexities that revolves around this EX-couple. And note, Sebastian and Hero married out of obligations and necessity, NOT LOVE! Love and affection grew over time, and SPOILER ALERT, Sebastian finally confessed his growing affection and love to Hero - that scene was heartwarming for those who appreciate the more mature and tender affection between these two as oppose to the fiery passion that was Kat and Sebastian.Though his confession wasn't flowery or romantic (in modern standards), it was suitable for Sebastian's character. HONESTLY, can you imagine Sebastian professing his love with a poem, on his knees, or in front of a million and one people? Or Hero accepting anyone's promise of undying love through a love poem, on bend knees or in front of a crowd? I surely cannot! The declarations made in WDB was more than satisfactory for readers who understands the reservations that makes Sebastian and Hero such intriguing characters.In regards to tying up loose ends; if you're a follower of this series, you should be prepared to close the novel with even more questions about various persons' history and future unveiling... After all, it is a SERIES! With each installment Harris focuses on a main mystery plot that does get resolved, but there are also numerous other plots woven in that will slowly reveal as the story moves on. If a reader isn't happy until all ends are tied, then I fear this series just isn't for you! And a shame at that, because these books are a true treasure!However displeased readers are with What Darkness Brings, I believe it is all in the matter of preference, so read on if ou so desire. This reader can not wait to get her hands on the next installment! WRITE ON CANDY! WRITE ON!

The CS Harris series is so well written, each volume immerses me more and more deeply into the social, political, and even architectural and urban details of London's Regency period. Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin, is on the trail of the Hope Diamond in this story, shrouded in murder, suicide, treachery and treason. The diamond merchant who had been arranging the sale of the egg-size gem, once part of the French Crown Jewels, is murdered, and the 'French Blue' disappears yet again. But the merchant was a nasty predator and it seems half of London may have had good reason to 'bell the cat'. The dashing viscount and his Lady Hero make a great team; every trial inching them closer and closer to a deep love that surprises them both.

I've read four of the Sebastian St. Cyr mysteries - which says clearly that I enjoy them. However, I find it intensely frustrating that books 3, 4, 5 and 6 are still not available in Kindle format. As a consequence, I've read books 1 and 2 and books 7 and 8 which basically means that I've no idea how Sebastian came to marry Hero. Like many readers, I prefer to read a series in the right order so won't be buying any further installments until the missing books become available.

I discovered this series several years ago with the first 2 books (which seem to be all that are available still in Australia) and only recently purchased and read the rest. The series just gets better and better. The character developement is excellant and the stories are quite gritty and shows the extremes of living standards very well. I can't wait for 'Why Kings Confess' in paperback so I'll be getting the hard cover just so I can keep up.Two tiny gripes, the fashion shown on some of the covers is incorrect and in Georgian England they ate biscuits NOT cookies!! That term is particularly American and I was surprised to see it used concidering all the research that obviously goes into these books.Keep up the good work.

I say this about every story in this series that I've read. I never know what's going to happen next, and never know ' who's done it' until the story tells me. A truly excellent series.

a good tale with many believable historical details. I enjoyed it. I'm working my way through the St Cyr mysteries.

excellent read read for next one.