C. S. Harris Pořadí knih

In June 1815, as London awaits news of Napoleon's fate at Waterloo, Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin, is sidelined by a recent injury. His attention is drawn to the murder of Major Miles Sedgewick, whose body is discovered in the Thames, threatening his close friend, Irish surgeon Paul Gibson. Gibson's lover, Alexi Sauvage, is entangled in a bigamous marriage with the victim, but several other women—Sedgewick's mistress, neglected wife, and a seduced governess—also have motives for murder. Complicating matters, one of Sedgewick’s fellow officers shares a disturbing fascination with English folklore and the occult. Additionally, Sedgewick was rumored to be transporting a list of Londoners who spied for Napoleon to Charles, Lord Jarvis, the Regent’s powerful cousin and Sebastian’s father-in-law. As Sebastian investigates, he uncovers Sedgewick’s hidden life and a growing list of potential suspects. The situation escalates when others connected to Sedgewick begin to die under mysterious circumstances, and evidence starts to implicate Alexi in the crimes. Fearing for Gibson's safety and desperate to prevent further killings, Sebastian races against time to clear their names and protect his friends from the looming threat of execution.

March, 1815. The Bourbon King Louis XVIII has been restored to the throne of France, Napoleon is in exile on the isle of Elba, and Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin, and his wife, Hero, have traveled to Paris in hopes of tracing his long-lost mother, Sophie, the errant Countess of Hendon. But his search ends in tragedy when he comes upon the dying Countess in the wasteland at the tip of the ÃŽle de la CitÃ(c). Stabbed -- apparently with a stiletto -- and thrown from the bastions of the island's ancient stone bridge, Sophie dies without naming her murderer.

Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin, has spent years confronting his tragic past, and now the truth will emerge in this gripping historical mystery. In March 1815, with King Louis XVIII restored to the French throne and Napoleon exiled on Elba, Sebastian travels to Paris to search for his long-lost mother, Sophie, the errant Countess of Hendon. His quest leads to tragedy when he discovers Sophie dying in a wasteland at the tip of the Ile de la Cite, having been stabbed and thrown from the island's ancient stone bridge. She dies without revealing her murderer. Living under an assumed name, Sophie had been the scandalous mistress of Marechal Alexandre McClellan, a nobleman from a Scottish Jacobite family. Once a trusted general of Napoleon, McClellan now serves King Louis XVIII at the Congress of Vienna. Sebastian quickly realizes that the French authorities are reluctant to investigate the murder of a notorious Englishwoman during such a sensitive period. Devastated by his mother's death, he resolves to find her killer himself.

This book offers a captivating narrative that delves into engaging themes and complex characters. It presents a unique perspective that challenges conventional ideas, drawing readers into a richly crafted world. The story unfolds with a blend of suspense and emotional depth, making it a compelling read for those who enjoy intricate plots and well-developed relationships. The previous publication by Berkley highlights its established popularity and appeal to a broad audience.