By CS Harris
This book is about a man falsely accused of murder and then framed for another attack by the police. That man is Sebastian St. Cyr, who will become the Earl of Hendon when his prominent father dies. What Angels Fear is the first of his mystery series, and references the quote by Alexander Pope, “For fools rush in where angels fear to tread.”
We find St. Cyr in the period of history where the madness of King George III is at its peak, his son cares more for appearances than being named Regent, and the Whigs and Tories are bickering senselessly in Parliament much like other bipartisan systems today.
Among all this unrest, political power behind key figures is paramount, and St. Cyr’s father, the Earl of Hendon, seems inextricably embroiled. St. Cyr must employ the skills he honed in the war as a spy to his advantage: find the real killer to clear his name without, he fears, implicating his father. Luckily he possesses preternatural eyesight and hearing that aids him in disappearing into convenient shadows and forestalling any oncoming attacks.
The love of his youth, who spurned him into the war, is also thrown in his path. Her motivations are also political, but what is the game in which she is a player? Another murder occurs, as bloody and abhorrent as the first. Is a madman on the loose? Is it a personal grudge against St. Cyr? Will he catch the murderer before the surprisingly competent magistrate ensnares him? This tale proves that secrets are the currency of humanity.
You will meet loveable characters, irritating players, and the historical accuracy will keep you turning the pages and trying to solve the murder faster than St. Cyr.
Pros & Cons & Potential Spoilers
Pros
- Our hero has some hints of Sherlock Holmes about him, complete with creating some Irregulars
- The love interest isn’t just out for money and herself – which would be understandable during this time period – and still refuses to marry him
- The motivations of each character are meticulously laid out without being boring
Cons
- Though his super-senses seem a convenient trope, at the very end, like in the afterward, the author explains it was an actual biological condition from people originating in Wales – wish I’d known that sooner
- Some secrets, such as in the Earl’s family, are never fully explained, so you think you know what they are, but just can’t be completely sure
- Puppet masters seem to all win at the end…but maybe that’s why there is a series to follow?