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What Darkness Brings (Sebastian St. Cyr Mystery) Mass Market Paperback – March 4, 2014

by C. S. Harris (Author)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 2,023 ratings
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In this mystery in the Sebastian St. Cyr series, the aristocratic investigator is drawn into a sordid world of greed, desperation, and the occult when the husband of his former lover is accused of murder. 

Regency England, September 1812: After a long night spent dealing with the tragic death of a former military comrade, a heart-sick Sebastian learns of a new calamity: Russell Yates, the dashing, one-time privateer who married Kat Boleyn a year ago, has been found standing over the corpse of Benjamin Eisler, a wealthy gem dealer. Yates insists he is innocent, but he will surely hang unless Sebastian can unmask the real killer.

For the sake of Kat, the woman he once loved and lost, Sebastian plunges into a treacherous circle of intrigue. Although Eisler’s clients included the Prince Regent and the Emperor Napoleon, he was a despicable man with many enemies and a number of dangerous, well-kept secrets—including a passion for arcane texts and black magic. Central to the case is a magnificent blue diamond, believed to have once formed part of the French crown jewels, which disappeared on the night of Eisler’s death. As Sebastian traces the diamond’s ownership, he uncovers links that implicate an eccentric, powerful financier named Hope and stretch back into the darkest days of the French Revolution.

When the killer grows ever more desperate and vicious, Sebastian finds his new marriage to Hero tested by the shadows of his first love, especially when he begins to suspect that Kat is keeping secrets of her own. And as matters rise to a crisis, Sebastian must face a bitter truth—that he has been less than open with the fearless woman who is now his wife.
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  1. Book 8 of 19
    Sebastian St. Cyr Mysteries
  2. Print length
    368 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    Berkley
  5. Publication date
    March 4, 2014
  6. Dimensions
    4.2 x 0.93 x 6.7 inches
  7. ISBN-10
    0451418182
  8. ISBN-13
    978-0451418180
  9. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for the Sebastian St. Cyr Series

“Best historical thriller writer in the business!  Sebastian St. Cyr is...uncannily clever, unwaveringly reserved, and irresistibly sexy. The entire series is simply elegant.”—New York Times bestselling author Lisa Gardner

“Deftly combines political intrigue, cleverly concealed clues and vivid characters.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“A crescendo of suspense and surprise.”—Library Journal (starred review)

“Thoroughly enjoyable…kept me enthralled.”—Deanna Raybourn

“A ripping read...captivated me to the final page.”—Will Thomas

“Harris crafts her story with the threat of danger, hints of humor, vivid sex scenes, and a conclusion that will make your pulse race.”—The New Orleans Times-Picayune

“Harris delves deep into the mores of Regency England.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

About the Author

C.S. Harris has written more than a twenty novels, including the Sebastian St. Cyr mystery series; the C.S. Graham thriller series, co-authored with former intelligence officer Steven Harris; and seven award-winning historical romances written under the name Candice Proctor. A respected scholar of nineteenth century Europe, she is also the author of a nonfiction historical study of the French Revolution. She lives in New Orleans with her husband and two daughters.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Berkley (March 4, 2014)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Mass Market Paperback ‏ : ‎ 368 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0451418182
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0451418180
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 4.2 x 0.93 x 6.7 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 2,023 ratings

About the author

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C. S. Harris

C. S. Harris

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C. S. Harris, aka Candice Proctor, is the USA TODAY bestselling author of the Sebastian St. Cyr mystery series, the C. S. Graham contemporary thriller series, seven historical romances,, and the standalone Civil War historical GOOD TIME COMING. An Air Force brat who grew up exploring castles in Spain and fishing in the mountains of Oregon and Idaho, Candy later worked as an archaeologist and earned a PhD in European history. A former academic who has lived all over the world, she now makes her home in New Orleans with her husband, former intelligence officer Steven Harris. Visit her website at www.csharris.net.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
2,023 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars A Sebastián St Cyr mystery.
Reviewed in the United States on December 7, 2023
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I have enjoyed very much all the St. Cyrbooks. The writing has been crisp, the characters draw you in, and the period is a very inspired backdrop. This particular book had a lot of back stories, alot of "red herrings", and so many characters. In my opinion, there were too many secondary characters that added nothing (or at least limited) bearing to the story. Still, the story was very well done, even if slowly built up. The novels continue to be entertaining and I will definitely be reading the next one. A 4.6 out 5 rating.
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Jillybean
4.0 out of 5 stars Good writing, exciting
Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2023
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Harris writes well; sometimes heavy with the historical context that the plot’s structure rests on. There is intrigue and lots of action and excitement. Not a lightweight read—the reader sees the seedy underbelly of 18th C. England, what greed and lusting after power will drive people to do…”nothing new under the sun.” Lots of suspects to choose from; surprise twist at the plot’s turning point. I found a couple of places in the story that made me laugh— not something I generally experience in Harris’ mysteries. A nice surprise. And I do wish the author spent a little more time developing the relationship between Devlin and Hero. But that provides the need for another book in the series…
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Thomas C. Lowell
5.0 out of 5 stars Educational as well as very Readable
Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2023
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Excellent character development especially when read in context with previous books in this series. Plot meanders a bit to keep us guessing, but a satisfying resolution. Series works even better when read in order !
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars C.S. Harris hits the marks once again!
Reviewed in the United States on March 8, 2013
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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!
54 people found this helpful
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TKDodo
4.0 out of 5 stars Good follow up
Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2013
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I spent some time reading the previous books in this series prior to reading this one, mainly so that I could rank the various books in my head. Unfortunately, certain books get adjusted downwards while others go up. This time I read it quickly (the end first, of course- I have never been able to read the book in the proper order!), then read it slowly again . My general opinion is that this book is better than the previous several installments, but Ms.Harris' earlier works are superior

The good-
1) mystery was interesting and the plot lines dove tailed well. Final solution was a bit of a Murder,She Wrote type but definitely not as out of thin air as Ms.Fletcher's .
2) central theme mentioned on Ms Harris' blog in regards to her preferred title is well carried out and very appropriate to the motive etc. I thought it was quite clever
3) developing relationships- Hero/Sebastian, Sebastian/Knox, Jarvis/Sebastian - well done and coming to a head.
4) many fascinating historical references. If you like historical fiction that actually weaves fact with fiction, this is a great example. It makes you go and look up a lot of the references
5) terrific side story about the victims of poverty that drew my attention at times more than the mystery plot. Really well done and certain scenes really tug at the heart strings

What bugged me:
1) I am getting a bit tired over Sebastian mooning over Kat. He acknowledges that he loves his wife. MOVE ON . Granted, it is finally starting to penetrate into his head, but let's just finish that story . I guess that he also deserves some leeway given that not that much time has passed in his world, whereas several years have passed in mine!
2) the necklace has vanished again. Mentioned in a recent book (can't remember which one) and never again. It is supposed to be significant- let's get some answers . Minor point but it kinda bugs me
3) Characters often speak in very modern vernacular. Has been present in most of the books but has been bothering me more .
4) Sebastian is a navy Seal or something- he can fight like a super spy and gets injured a lot, but gets up and fights some more . He is supposed to be like Wolverine with super senses but it stretches credibility a bit. I know that he was a soldier, but i am pretty sure that soldiers in British Army back then didn't have the kind of SAS training that Sebastian obviously does . And how come he can kill so many people and never face any consequences? I guess because it is always self defense? Once again, it is a minor thing. He is, after all , a Regency James Bond.
5) a lot of bodies and red herrings. At least this time Hero was not responsible. There was a surfeit of characters too, in my opinion, who did not necessarily advance the plot. Now, I don't mind red herrings but sometimes you can have too many

In general, I did like this book. it doesn't always sound like it, but i really did. It was better plotted, better written than predecessor. But to anyone who has not read What Angels Fear or her earlier efforts in this series, I advise that you do.
6 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Jimmy T
5.0 out of 5 stars good read
Reviewed in Canada on August 27, 2019
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5 stars
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PattyMacDotComma
5.0 out of 5 stars Is there a brother? History and mystery done well!
Reviewed in Australia on May 31, 2023
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4.5★
“Sebastian was aware of a strange sensation, like a rush of burning liquid that coursed through his veins, tingling his fingertips and dulling all external sound. As if from a long way off, he heard the old man say, ‘You don’t by chance have a brother, do you, my lord?’”

There is an evil-doer, a smuggler-type character, who resembles our hero, Sebastian St Cyr, Lord Devlin, so much that when Sebastian finally met him, he was truly shaken himself. In the scene above, when he was asked this ‘brother’ question during the course of his investigation, he was stunned to think this Jamie Knox character had been there first.

This is September 1812. Sebastian is investigating the cause of death of an old army friend and also trying to find the whereabouts of the famous French Blue, the enormous diamond that was part of the French crown jewels stolen in 1792 during the French Revolution.

Rumour has it that it’s in England, headed for the Prince of Wales. But the particularly despicable ‘dealer’ said to have held it, has been murdered, and the diamond is gone.

“‘But it was supposed to be mine,’ wailed George, Prince Regent of Great Britain and Ireland, his plump, feminine face florid with rage as he paced wildly up and down the marble-floored room. ‘What the devil was Eisler thinking, getting himself murdered like this before he could deliver it to me?’

‘Shockingly inconsiderate of the man,’ agreed the King’s powerful cousin, Charles, Lord Jarvis, without the slightest betraying hint of amusement in his voice. ‘Only, do calm yourself, Your Highness; you don’t want to bring on one of your spasms.’”

Jarvis is the real power in England, loathes both Sebastian (Lord Devlin) and the love of Sebastian’s life, Kat Boleyn, but has so far been unsuccessful in getting rid of them. Devlin (as Sebastian is usually referred to), is married to Jarvis’s daughter, Hero (long story), and Kat has married a dangerous pirate, Russell Yates, who can protect her, but possibly not for long.

“ ‘When the murderer is apprehended, the diamond will presumably be recovered,’ said Jarvis as the Prince’s physician reentered the room, a small vial in his hand. Behind the doctor came one of Jarvis’s own men, a tall, mustachioed ex–military officer of the type with whom Jarvis liked to surround himself.

‘Well?’ Jarvis demanded of his henchman.

‘They’ve nabbed the murderer,’ said the officer, leaning forward to whisper in Jarvis’s ear. ‘I think you’ll find his identity interesting.’

‘Oh?’ Jarvis kept his gaze on the Prince, who was obediently swallowing his doctor’s potion. ‘And why is that?’

‘It’s Yates. Russell Yates.’

Jarvis tipped back his head and laughed.”

Perfect! Jarvis couldn’t have planned it better himself. Sebastian is no friend of Yates, but he can’t leave Kat exposed and unprotected. Even his new wife Hero (Jarvis) understands about his long devotion and loyalty to Kat, and gives him her support as she continues her own work, researching the working poor in London for an article and a book she may write. That is an interesting side-story in itself.

These adventures are a wonderful mix of royal and military intrigue, social history, and the details and challenges of everyday 19th century living, rich or poor. French spies throughout London complicate the mysteries, and nobody is quite sure of anyone else.

The dangers are real, the action is fierce, and the weather is frequently miserable. Sebastian and Hero are at home.

“The rain had settled into a steady downpour, the clouds hanging dark and low to steal whatever light had been left in the sky. Women with shawls pulled over their heads hurried through the gathering gloom, their pattens clicking, the murky glow from the oil lamps reflecting in a dull gleam off rain-washed paving stones. A landau emblazoned with a coronet and drawn by a matched team of dapple grays dashed past, its spinning red wheels throwing up a fan of water from the gutter to spray over the footpath. It wet the trouser legs of a man standing near the area steps of the house across the street, his slouch hat pulled low over his face. He neither flinched nor moved but simply stood, his gaze fixed on their house.

‘What is it?’ Sebastian asked, watching Hero’s expression change.

‘That man. He’s been standing there staring at the house for nearly an hour. I noticed him when I was showing Mr. Bloomsfield the manuscript. We brought it here to the window so that he could catch the last of the daylight and—‘

But Sebastian was already pushing away from the window to stride rapidly toward the door.”

I am a fan of the series. I enjoy the characters, the atmosphere, the plots, and the writing. There is a lot of this kind of historical mystery fiction ‘out there’, but not much appeals to me as much as this.

I know my reviews are long, because I like to include quotations to give examples of the writing style. It doesn’t matter how great the storyline is if you don’t enjoy reading it.

It is interesting to note that the titles all begin with a good reporter’s key W question words: who, what, why, where, when. (‘Who’ awaits me in #10).
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BBrueggi
5.0 out of 5 stars Und es bleibt spannend und interessant
Reviewed in Germany on September 21, 2014
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Dies ist leider der letzte auch als Taschenbuch erhältliche Band der Reihe um Sebastian St. Cyr. Wie alle anderen Bände war ich auch bei diesem nicht ansprechbar, bis ich nicht auch die letzte Seite gelesen hatte. C.S. Harris legt hier nochmals Fährten in Sebastians Vergangenheit, die den Leser sehr, sehr neugierig machen. Doch auch die aktuellen Ereignisse in 1813 vermögen zu fesseln, gerade auch wegen der Beziehung zwischen Sebastian und Hero - so unwahrscheinlich dies zu Beginn auch schien.
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LEP
5.0 out of 5 stars An excellant series
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 13, 2013
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Another very enjoyable book in an excellant series. Daniel Eisler, a diamond seller, has been found murdered with Russell Yates, Kat Bolyn's husband, standing over the body. Sebastian is asked by his father to investigate the case and try and prove Yates innocent.

Soon Sebastian is up to his neck in possible suspects, as Eisler is a very nasty character indeed and has many enemies. A swindler and collector of secrets he then uses to blackmail the victim to do as he wants. He is also involved in black magic.

The more Sebastian digs, the more the case seems to be tied to a large blue diamond that Eisler was negotiating to sell to Prinney. The diamond is now missing and is wanted by both Prinney and Napoleon; the latter believes that it is part of the stolen French Crown Jewels and wants it back and his agents are searching for it.

Hero and Sebastian are growing closer and initially Sebastian is worried that his wife may be upset by him investigating that paticular case, however the sensible Hero helps him.

Very enjoyable and one of the best books of the series.
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Client d'Amazon
4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
Reviewed in Canada on October 4, 2016
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Another good one in a great series. Always a good read
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