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    Who Speaks for the Damned
    Who Speaks for the Damned
    Who Speaks for the Damned
    Audiobook9 hours

    Who Speaks for the Damned

    Written by C. S. Harris

    Narrated by Davina Porter

    4.5/5

    ()

    About this audiobook

    Sebastian St. Cyr investigates the mysterious life and death of a nobleman convicted of murder in this
    enthralling new historical mystery from the USA Today bestselling author of Who Slays the Wicked. …

    It’s June 1814, and the royal families of Austria, Russia, and the German states have gathered in London at the
    Prince Regent’s invitation to celebrate the defeat of Napoléon and the restoration of monarchical control throughout
    Europe. But the festive atmosphere is marred one warm summer evening by the brutal murder of a disgraced British
    nobleman long thought dead.

    Eighteen years before, Nicholas Hayes, the third son of the late Earl of Seaforth, was accused of killing a beautiful
    young French émigré and then transported to Botany Bay for life. Even before his conviction, Hayes had been disowned
    by his father, and few in London were surprised when they heard the ne’er-do-well had died a convict in New South
    Wales. But those reports were obviously wrong. Recently Hayes returned to London with a mysterious young boy in
    tow—a child who vanishes shortly after Nicholas’s body is discovered.

    Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin, is drawn into the investigation by his valet, Jules Calhoun, an old friend of the
    dead man. With Calhoun’s help, Sebastian begins to piece together the shattered life of the late Earl’s ill-fated youngest
    son. Why did Nicholas risk his life and freedom by returning to England? And why did he bring the now-missing
    young boy with him? Several nervous Londoners had reason to fear that Nicholas Hayes had returned to kill them.
    One of them might have decided to kill him first.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherRecorded Books, Inc.
    Release dateApr 7, 2020
    ISBN9781980036159
    Who Speaks for the Damned
    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 Who Speaks for the Damned

    4.5/5

    80 ratings15 reviews

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    • 5/5
      This has been one of my favorites of this series. The mystery is layered, there's humor and multiple touching moments and adventure and discussion of serious issues. It's a nice mix, written well.
    • 4/5
      Good mystery, lots of bad guys to dispatch before justice is served. Evil aristocrats conspire and eventually pay the price. Hero and Sebastian continue their team effort to clean up Regency England.
    • 4/5
      I liked that this story echoes back to Sebastian's own story in book one. We have another young nobleman who falls victim to conspiring men who are more interested in their own reputations and power than in the outcome for one unlucky man. Where Sebastian managed to prove his innocence, Hayes isn't so lucky. As Sebastian tries to figure out why Hayes came back to England and discovers the unsavory players in the original conspiracy the motives for Hayes death seem varied if not elusive.
    • 4/5
      Another wonderful installment in this historical mystery series. Not as great as the previous one, IMO, but don't get me wrong. Harris continues to bring to life a gritty, atmospheric Regency England where London streets are filled with people just trying to eke out an existence any way they can while the upper crust go about attending flamboyant banquets and parties held in honour of visiting royalty. Against this backdrop of "haves" and "have nots", this story takes the reader down a labyrinthine path of ruinous manipulation, greed, hypocrisy, control and long-held secrets. There are a number of subplots to this story - including an interesting East India Company angle! - along with a handful of powerful, uncooperative suspects that are determined to stonewall Sebastian at every turn. Now, I like Sebastian as a character, but lets be honest: he is no Edmond Dantès (from [The Count of Monte Cristo]). This story, with its abundance of moral depravity to wade through, really calls for full on Dantès-style tactics. Even so, Sebastian, with his moral compass intact, still manages to rattle his suspects, get attacked (more than once) AND infuriate Hero's father, Lord Jarvis (which is always a bonus, IMO).Overall, another good Regency England mystery to escape into.
    • 4/5
      Even though the reader is well into the St. Cyr series at Book 15, the theme of murder in high places in Regency London is not disappointing. CS Harris has very adroitly created a multi-layered story involving highly-placed aristocrats, Franco-Anglo politics along with repercussions which resonate amongst the working class and involve choice scoundrels. The involvement of Lady Devlin adds an assertive feminine presence that personally delights me. And as ever, Jarvis seems to be intertwined in the plot. Before this series is completed, I hope the author devises a permanent comeuppance for that amoral character.
    • 3/5
      C S Harris always presents a well-documented story. The year is 1814 and Napoleon has been defeated. The leaders of the European nations are meeting in England to forge the return of the monarchy. Sebastian assists his valet, Jules Calhoun, in examining the death of Nicholas Hayes, the third son of the Earl of Seaford. Nicholas sent to prison for a false accusation of killing a French woman, escapes, and heads to England after an eighteen-year absence. As usual, Hero, Sebastian’s wife, conveys the harsh existence of the poor in England such as the street musicians. C S Harris limits the killing to four men each prospering with the death of Nicholas. A well-documented and interesting story.
    • 4/5
      This series rarely fails to provide an engaging mystery set alongside fascinating tidbits of life in Regency England and this installment is no exception. Lord Devlin finds himself investigating the murder of a man who most had thought to be long dead and searching London for the child the man left behind. While I always hope for progress about the mystery of Devlin's parentage and this novel offered little, it still made for a quick, highly enjoyable read. I doubt I'll ever tire of exploring Regency London with some of these characters.
    • 5/5
      Who Speaks for the Damned by C.S. Harris is a 2020 Berkley publication.I can’t get enough of this series!Nicholas Hayes, the third son of the Earl of Seaford was presumed dead after being convicted of murder and sent to Botany Bay. But, apparently, rumors of his demise were greatly exaggerated.He returns to London, from China, with a young child in tow. Whatever his mission might have been, it must have been very important for him to have taken such a high risk. However, his enemies, who have had much to fear from Nicholas, may have snuffed out his life before he had a chance to exact his revenge.A scandal, and the threat of long buried secrets coming to light is the last thing anyone wants as the royal families of Russia, Austria and Germany arrives in London to celebrate the defeat of Napolean.Yet, Sabastian finds himself searching for Nicholas’s murderer, and for the missing child who accompanied him, thanks to his Valet, Jules Calhoun, who was a friend of the victim.Sebastian’s involvement in criminal cases often puts him in danger, but his time, his beloved wife, Hero, winds up in the crossfire, infuriating Sebastian, making him more determined than ever to get unearth the truth and find the vulnerable child Nicholas brought with him from China.Oh man, this was a good book!! A long -ago scandal that had been hushed up, lovers torn apart by power and greed, a child left alone to survive on the mean streets of London, and is riveting whodunit, is enough to make this story compelling.However, the stunning revelations, and the social and historical lessons, round out this incredible multi-layered story. Not only that, the personal connotations for Sebastian, who can’t help but notice certain similarities between his life and that of Nicholas'- a sort of ‘there, but for the grace of God’ situation, which adds yet another layer of depth to the story. I couldn’t stop thinking about this book!Is the best book in the series so far? I probably say that after every installment, but yes, this one is one the best, if not THE best!!If you like historical mysteries, this is a series you will want to invest in. If you are a fan of the series, you want to grab a copy of this one ASAP! You won’t be disappointed!
    • 4/5
      Napoleon has been defeated. In celebration the allied powers meet in London, for celebrations seemingly without end. The murder of a nobleman's disgraced son, might shatter already tenuous ties between France and England. Enter Simon St Cyr, a nobleman unlike many of the day, he has a conscience and a rigid sense of right and wrong. Although the danger to himself is great, he will not stop until he finds the murderer. Without doubt, my favorite historical mystery series. The atmosphere is spot on and the lead characters have interesting back stories. The history of the time is authentic as the authors historical note makes clear. Such an interesting time in history, and reading about the politics of the day is also fascinating. A terrific series that I hope continues for a long time.ARC from Netgalley.
    • 5/5
      You know how some series fiction gets dull or repetitive after a while? I think this one keeps getting better. And each book works well as a stand-alone, so you can start right here at book #15.C.S. Harris perfectly captures atmosphere and setting, transporting us to early 19th century London. All the nuances of time and place bring this story to life.Sebastian is one of my favorite rebel characters. As he investigates a murder, he effortlessly shifts between the powerful upper class, the poor living on the streets, and known criminals. He treats everyone with the respect or scorn deserved, regardless of class. And I love Hero, Sebastian's wife, who is anything but the typical 19th century woman.The plot's complexities and depth kept me on edge and thoroughly engaged.In case it's not clear, I loved this book!*I received a review copy from the publisher, via NetGalley.*
    • 5/5
      When Nicholas Hayes is murdered with a sickle in his back, Sebastian St Cyr is called to investigate the case. Among the odd facts surrounding the death is that Hayes was sentenced to life in Botany Bay and supposedly died there, so he shouldn't be in England. Also, what happened to the young boy Ji who accompanied him? It's up to Sebastian and his wife Hero to uncover the many mysteries behind Hayes's death.I've read every one of the books in this series. Each new book is a revelation. I always think I know who the murderer is and I'm always wrong. The complex misdirection has me hooked. It doesn't hurt that the historic background is so good; the author takes particular pains to get that right and I appreciate her efforts. The relationship between Sebastian and Hero just gets better and better. I wait every year for the next book and it doesn't disappoint.
    • 5/5
      Who does indeed speak for the damned?What a sensitive and unusual couple Hero and Sebastian, Lord and Lady Devlin are.I wouldn't like to cross Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin. When he's quiet and controlled is when people should be wary, particularly when his much loved wife Hero is threatened. Both characters are independent and strong, both with their own developed interests that weave together in amazing ways. Parenthood has only enhanced their connection.This story reaches back into the past. Sebastian's valet Calhoun brings to his attention the plight of a man sentenced eighteen years ago, under strained circumstances, to transportation, serving the life of a convict in Botany Bay. Inexplicably that man is later found not only back in England, but dead in Pennington’s Tea Gardens at Somer's Town. Nicholas Hayes, the youngest son of the late Earl of Seaforth had been a byword for what happens to rebellious offspring, frequently used as a cautionary tale by harassed parents. Nicholas apparently managed to escape from Botany Bay to Canton, and after many years there, secretly returned to England to set mysterious things to rights.Hayes was accompanied by a young Eurasian boy Ji who disappears. Hero is particularly worried about him and as she's writing a story about the plight of street musicians she uses that as her cover to investigate further.It's June 1814 and the Prince Regent is celebrating Napoleon's defeat with leaders of the victorious countries--an exhausting round of grand occasions.Hero and Gage find themselves intent on solving the death of Nicholas and finding Ji. In doing so they are drawn back into a past that many want left alone, to the point of focusing their wrath on the couple. Dangerously so! Sebastian is determined that the truth about Nicholas's previous conviction and concerns be unmasked no matter where that might lead. Speaking for the damned indeed!Another splendid vintage Sebastian St. Cyr mystery!A Berkley Group ARC via NetGalley
    • 5/5
      amateur-sleuth, England, historical-fiction, early-19th-century, murder-investigation*****I'm sure that I read a much earlier Sebastian St Cyr mystery and though I can't seem to find it, I have somewhat vague very positive feelings about it. In this one St Cyr is long restored to respectability and feels affected by a murder involving a peer exiled for murder eighteen years ago who unknowingly returned to London and is the first to die leaving behind a young Chinese boy. The sleuthing is very good and the historical research seems as authentic as I remember. The characters are exceptionally well drawn and the whole imagery is as clear as being there. I loved it!I requested and received a free ebook copy from Berkley Publishing Group via NetGalley. Thank you!
    • 5/5
      Who Speaks for the Damned by C.S. Harris is the newest in her Regency Historical Mystery Series. Hayes, a nobleman was convicted of murder and transported 18 years before. He returns to London many years later and is murdered himself. St. Cyr along with his wife Hero assisting, investigates the life and murder of the victim along with the disappearance of a child. Plenty of historical details, political intrigue, suspense, suspects with various motives and mysterious murders. The main characters are down to earth and honorable while some of the other characters are less than desirable people. I have devoured each book in this series and always look forward to reading them . Every book has a few of the same main characters but all have new complicated mysteries and unusual characters. The Historical notes are excellent providing information the reader has probably never heard.I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book. 5 Stars
    • 5/5
      Series: Sebastian St. Cyr #15Publication Date: 4/7/20Number of Pages: 352Hold on to your hats because this intense and complex historical mystery is going to take you on a rollercoaster of a ride. We are fifteen books into the series, and you’d think things might begin to get a tad stale. That isn’t even remotely close to the case though. This book is as fresh, different, and interesting as the first book in the series. The author’s research and grasp of the history of that period are outstanding and make you feel as if you are right there living the tale as it unfolds.I’ll make no bones about it – this book ripped my heart from my chest, flung it to the floor and stepped on all the little pieces. Many of this author’s victims are sympathetic and you mourn their passing, but this one… If you don’t wail at the things that he had to endure in his life only to be murdered – well…Nicholas Hayes was discovered in Pennington’s Tea Gardens with a sickle protruding from his back. He’d only been back in England for a week or two after eighteen years away. Everyone had thought he had died after being transported when he had been convicted of the murder of a young Frenchwoman. If he had escaped death after he’d been transported, why would he return to London where he’d be immediately executed if the crown discovered him? What of the young child who is with him?As we learn more about our victim, we find that all is not as one would think. But, who wanted him to die and why? You’ll learn all of that as you follow the clues along with Sebastian and Hero. You’ll meet some truly despicable people – true vermin in the guise of humans. You’ll also meet and get to know some lovely, caring people who deserve a better life than they’ve had.This was truly a wonderful read – well-written, well-plotted and filled chock full of characters you will either love or hate, but nothing in-between. For me personally, because it was such an emotional read, I should probably have chosen to read it at some time other than the midst of a global pandemic. But, nonetheless, I am happy to have read it and I absolutely cannot wait for the next book in the series.I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.