Title: When Gods Die
Author: C.S. Harris
First published November 7, 2006
338 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780451219688 (ISBN10: 0451219686)
Rating: 4.1
Overview
In the bustling city of New York in 1928, a young heiress is found dead in her bed, with a mysterious symbol carved into her skin. The symbol leads Sebastian St. Cyr, a wealthy and enigmatic man, to a dangerous investigation into the heiress’s death – and the secrets of his own family.
As Sebastian delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a conspiracy that threatens to destroy everything he holds dear. With each new clue, he must navigate the treacherous waters of high society and face the harsh reality that the gods themselves may be dying.
Will Sebastian be able to unravel the mystery before it’s too late, or will he fall victim to the same forces that claimed the life of the heiress?
About the Author
Candice Proctor, who also writes under the names C.S. Harris and C.S. Graham, is a successful author with over a dozen novels to her name. Her works include the popular Sebastian St. Cyr Regency mystery series, which she writes under the pen name C.S. Harris, as well as the new C.S. Graham thriller series co-written with Steven Harris.
Additionally, she has written seven historical romances and a nonfiction historical study of the French Revolution. Her books have been translated into more than twenty languages and are available worldwide.
Candice’s impressive academic background includes a degree in Classics, which she earned with the highest honors of Phi Beta Kappa and summa cum laude. She went on to earn an MA and Ph.D. in history and worked as a professor at the University of Idaho and Midwestern State University in Texas.
Her love of history also led her to work as an archaeologist on various sites around the world, including 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. In recent years, she has been a partner in an international business consulting firm.
Having grown up as the daughter of an Air Force officer and a university professor, Candice has always enjoyed traveling and has lived in many different countries, including Spain, Greece, England, France, Jordan, and Australia. She now calls New Orleans, Louisiana her home, where she lives with her husband, retired Army officer Steve Harris, her two daughters, and a growing number of cats.
Editoral Review
In “When Gods Die,” C.S. Harris weaves a masterful tale of mystery, deceit, and betrayal set in Regency England. As a bestselling author of historical mysteries, Harris is no stranger to the genre, and her expertise shines throughout the novel.
At its core, “When Gods Die” is a murder mystery that follows Sebastian St. Cyr, the son of a powerful English aristocrat and a notorious actress, as he investigates the death of an actress at the Covent Garden Theatre. The mystery leads him to confront his own family’s past and the ugly secrets buried within it.
Along the way, he encounters a cast of complex characters, including his former lover, a dangerous French spy, and a beautiful actress with whom he becomes smitten. The novel is set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars and the social unrest that plagued England during this time.
Harris expertly weaves historical detail into the narrative, creating a rich and immersive world that feels authentic and lived-in. The novel also touches on themes of class, gender, and power, exploring the ways in which these intersect and shape the lives of its characters.
Harris’s writing is beautiful and evocative, and she has an exceptional knack for pacing that keeps the reader engaged throughout. Her characters are fully realized, with rich inner lives and relatable motivations that make them feel like real people.
Sebastian, in particular, is a compelling protagonist, flawed but ultimately sympathetic. However, the novel is not without its flaws.
At times, the plot can feel convoluted, with twists and turns that strain credulity. Additionally, some of the historical details can feel like they are included for the sake of accuracy rather than adding to the story.
Despite these minor criticisms, “When Gods Die” is a highly enjoyable read that will please fans of historical mysteries and Regency-era dramas. The novel is impeccably researched, with a gripping plot and well-drawn characters that will keep readers engaged from start to finish.
For fans of the genre, “When Gods Die” is a must-read. It is a well-crafted novel that expertly blends history, mystery, and drama into a satisfying whole.
With its lush prose and captivating characters, it is sure to delight readers looking for a thrilling escape into the past.
Rating: 4/5
