What the Devil Knows

Sebastian St. Cyr Mysteries, Book 16

By: C. S. Harris

Narrated by: Davina Porter

Length: 9 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

Sebastian St. Cyr thought a notorious killer had been brought to justice until a shocking series of gruesome new murders stuns the city in this thrilling historical mystery from the USA Today best-selling author of Who Speaks for the Damned.

It's October 1814. The war with France is finally over, and Europe's diplomats are convening in Vienna for a conference that will put their world back together. With peace finally at hand, London suddenly finds itself in the grip of a series of heinous murders eerily similar to the Ratcliffe Highway murders of three years before.

In 1811, two entire families were viciously murdered in their homes. A suspect - a young seaman named John Williams - was arrested. But before he could be brought to trial, Williams hanged himself in his cell. The murders ceased, and London slowly began to breathe easier. But when the lead investigator, Sir Edwin Pym, is killed in the same brutal way three years later and others possibly connected to the original case meet violent ends, the city is paralyzed with terror once more.

Was the wrong man arrested for the murders? Bow Street magistrate Sir Henry Lovejoy turns to his friend Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin, for assistance. Pym's colleagues are convinced his manner of death is a coincidence, but Sebastian has his doubts. The more he looks into the three-year-old murders, the more certain he becomes that the hapless John Williams was not the real killer. Which begs the question - who was and why are they dead set on killing again?

©2021 C.S. Harris (P)2021 Recorded Books

Excellent Read

Truly fascinating! I love the historical accuracy and details. I was captivated from beginning to end. I can’t wait for the next book in this series. The characters are so well rounded with depth and believably. Bravo!!

Recommend this historical police procedural series. Not a stand-alone.

I preorder audiobooks for this series, because I enjoy listening to Davina Porter, one of my favorite narrators, and as always Ms. Porter is superb.

This entry in the Sebastian St. Cyr Mysteries is excellent, but there are more characters than usual to keep track of. I worked to keep the many suspects straight in my mind—plus all the police functionaries and politicians. The domestic drama includes continuing angst about St. Cyr’s mother, half-brother, and others. His wife Hero’s dangerous father has his moments as the powerful shadow king, and as always, he’s protective of his only daughter and grandson.

Author C.S. Harris takes us to less salubrious areas of London, to meet many dodgy, disreputable people—who are wonderful red herrings. The storyline is labyrinthine, but at heart it’s a police procedural with numerous interrogations. The multiple murders are grisly, and victims range from an oldster to a baby. There are subtle clues and scene of crime “findings” that point toward the well-hidden culprit(s).

Recommend but suggest newbies not start here, because there’s not enough info about previously introduced characters, background, and ongoing story arcs.

Another winner

This is my favorite series. Historical fiction with a basis in reality. Love the characters. However, I missed Aunt Henrietta ( she’s always a hoot.) Davina Porter could read the phone book and I’d happily listen. Can’t wait for the next installment!

Regency Fiction At Its Best

best historical fiction covering this time period. Davina Porter as always is incredible! please keep this series coming

Fabulous as Usual

I started listening to the Sebastian St. Cyr mystery series from the start because I absolutely love the way Ms. Porter reads the books, I'm addicted to listening to this series (even as I read it). Ms. Porter does an absolutely fantastic job. About 75% of the way through I was sure I had the answers and by the end, I was surprised yet again. I didn't see it coming and I loved it!

I can't wait for the next one to come. As long as they keep coming, I'll keep listening.

Loved it!

Am an devoted follower. I had already read the book and now listened to it.
I have read them all more that once, never tire. An ardent fan of the complete series however rarely if ever wrote a review.

Love the narrator.

I always enjoy these books and the historical references in them. Would have liked to seen more of Hero and some other missing characters. It still kept my interest but I won't say more as I don't want to give spoilers.

Engrossing

Another highly interesting and entertaining Sebastian St Cyr book.

Davina Porter narration was great as well.

We’ll miss you Davina!🥹🥲

Loved the book and adore the narration. Anxious to read the newest to hear more St James exploits and see if the new narrator can hold her own.

Loved it!

The stories are always good and the narration is what makes the book come alive. Davina Porter is the best.