Title: What Remains of Heaven
Author: C.S. Harris
First published October 14, 2009
337 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 4.24
Overview
In C.S. Harris’s thrilling novel, What Remains of Heaven, readers will follow Sebastian St. Cyr’s quest for justice as he delves into the murder of a highly debated Bishop of London. The search for answers takes him on a journey through the dark and dangerous alleys of Smithfield, all the way to the imposing halls of Whitehall.
As the investigation progresses, secrets from Sebastian’s own family’s past are uncovered, leading him to question everything he thought he knew. Will he be able to solve the case and bring the killer to justice, or will the truth remain hidden in the shadows?
Find out in this gripping tale of mystery and intrigue.
About the Author
Candice Proctor, who also goes by C.S. Harris and C.S. Graham, is a successful author of multiple novels. Her works include the popular Sebastian St. Cyr Regency mystery series, which she wrote under the name C.S. Harris, the C.S. Graham thriller series that she co-wrote with Steven Harris, and seven historical romances.
In addition, she wrote a nonfiction historical study about the French Revolution. Her books are widely available and translated into more than twenty languages around the world.
Candice achieved academic excellence, graduating Phi Beta Kappa with a Classics degree and earning an MA and Ph.D. in history. She previously worked as a professor at the University of Idaho and Midwestern State University in Texas.
She also had the opportunity to work as an archaeologist, participating in various excavations, including sites such as a Hudson’s Bay Company Fort in San Juan Island, a Cherokee village in Tennessee, a prehistoric kill site in Victoria, Australia, and a Roman cemetery and medieval manor house in Winchester, England. Later, she became a partner in an international business consulting firm.
Candice grew up in a family where her father was a career Air Force officer and university professor. She has traveled extensively throughout her life, living in several countries such as Spain, Greece, England, France, Jordan, and Australia.
Nowadays, she resides in New Orleans, Louisiana, with her husband, Steve Harris, a retired Army officer, her two daughters, and an ever-increasing number of cats.
Editoral Review
What Remains of Heaven by C.S. Harris takes readers on a thrilling journey through Regency-era London, complete with murder, mystery, and scandal. Harris is no stranger to the historical mystery genre, having written several successful novels in the Sebastian St. Cyr series.
Published on October 14, 2009, What Remains of Heaven certainly does not disappoint. Set in 1812, the novel opens with the discovery of a murdered nun in the convent of Saint Anne in Soho.
When the convent’s Mother Superior and a young nun are also found dead, it becomes clear that someone is targeting the nuns. As rumors begin to circulate about devil worship and black magic, Sebastian St. Cyr is asked by his friend Richard St. Vincent to investigate the murders discreetly.
St. Cyr, our dashing protagonist with a complicated past, soon discovers that the murders may be connected to a powerful and influential family with ties to the royal family itself. Harris does an excellent job of bringing Regency London to life, immersing readers in its gritty streets, bustling taverns, and high society balls.
She expertly weaves together historical details, from the city’s poor living conditions to the involvement of British forces in the Peninsular War, with the story’s captivating mystery. Harris also does a beautiful job of character development, particularly with St. Cyr, who is haunted by the events of his past and struggles to navigate a complicated relationship with his love interest, Hero Jarvis.
Moreover, What Remains of Heaven highlights several relevant themes, including the treatment of women in society, religious extremism, and the abuse of power. The novel also touches upon the tension between Catholicism and the Church of England, reminding readers of the historical conflict between the two denominations and its impact on British society.
As with any mystery novel, there are moments when readers may find themselves trying to keep track of the many intricate plotlines and characters. Additionally, some may find the novel’s length daunting, as it clocks in at over 400 pages.
However, Harris’s beautiful prose and skillful storytelling more than make up for any minor flaws. Overall, What Remains of Heaven is a gripping and captivating read that will appeal to fans of historical fiction and mystery novels alike.
With its rich historical detail, complex characters, and suspenseful plot, it is no surprise that C.S. Harris has become a well-respected name in the genre. I highly recommend this novel to anyone interested in Regency-era London, mystery novels, or historical fiction.
Rating: 4.5/5
