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Book Review of What Darkness Brings (Sebastian St. Cyr, Bk 8)

What Darkness Brings (Sebastian St. Cyr, Bk 8)
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Rhys Wilkinson, an army friend of Sebastian St. Cyr, has been murdered. His body was found next to Hyde Park. Who would kill Wilkinson and why?

Then the Earl of Hendon, Devlin's father, informs him about the murder of Daniel Eisler, jeweler and money lender. Russell Yates, husband of Sebastion's once long time lover, Kat Boleyn, has been arrested and charged with Eisler's murder. Eisler is furthermore found to be a blackmailer with many enemies. Sebastion is asked to find the murderer(s) of both men before Yates hangs for Eisler's death which he swears he didn't commit. As the investigation proceeds, Devlin Finds that the two deaths are, as he suspected, connected.

The tale essentially revolves around the French Crown jewels which were historically lost during the revolution. Centerpiece of that collection is a huge blue diamond, referred to as the French Blue which appears and disappears throughout history. The diamond is cut into what is believed to be what we know as the Hope diamond.

Thenovel shows how Hero and Sebastion's marriage grows as they pool their resources in investigations. Of course, Lord Jarvis, Hero's father objects to her involvement. And, he makes no secret of his dislike of her husband He has told Devlin that he will not hesitate to put him on his list for removal should he feel it necessary.

Injecting a some humor into the story is a stray cat that several characters encounter. The cat makes many appearances all the way to the end.

There is so much I like about this series. Some feel that the novels should be read in order. I haven't done so but that detracts little from my enjoyment. The author's writing style is so flowing that the stories unravel quickly. While Devlin and Hero are fictious, there are other characters who lived during this period including a Francillon who cut the Blue and Thomas Hope, owner of today's name of the diamond.