When Maidens Mourn
The more I read this series, the more enamored I become of its characters.
In this outing, Viscount Devlin (Sebastian St. Cyr) and his newly-wed wife, Hero, are preparing for their honeymoon. Their plans are disrupted by the murder of Hero's longtime friend, Gabrielle Tennyson ... and the disappearance of Gabrielle's nephews. Miss Tennyson is found floating in Camlet Moat ... in a boat, reminiscent of the legendary Lady of Shallott. This is an interesting coincidence to St. Cyr, as Miss Tennyson has been translating an old Italian novella about the character in question.
There are numerous subplots involving the Napoleonic wars, the English rise in interest in Druidism during the same period, and even dealings with the Rom.
Of course, there are numerous twists and turns. Historical personages (including a three-year-old Alfred Tennyson, who grows up to be England's poet laureate) rub elbows with fictional ones in a fascinating, character-driven world made real by C.S. Harris' rich prose.
I am almost disappointed that there are only a couple of books left in the series that I have not yet read. Suffice it to say that I shall look forward to new ones, as the characters and plots keep me consistently and delightfully entertained.
