This one is sort of 'middle of the pack' for this series, to me. It's well done, but not as engaging as several of the previous books. ( )

The 7th saga was not nearly as enjoyable as Book 4. It was a story lacking coherence and with too much muddled action in the plot development. Since I read this immediately after #4, the contrast in the two narratives was especially noticeable.

Some of the newer characters were fun to see involved in the mystery, especially Sebastian's valet, Calhoun, first appearing in Where Serpents Sleep. Other past supporting characters (Hero Jarvis (wife), Henrieeta, Sebastian's great aunt) come and go on the fringes of the intrigue.

The series a is a fine example of highly distinct personages, well-rounded descriptions and staying fairly true to their personalities. From time to time, as Sebastian casts around considering various suspects, I lost track of who the different family members were within each of the scenarios we are presented. There are some good sequences in this book, but overall, the story doesn't manage to stay very focused. The reader is likely to lose that sense of 'involved engagement' that Harris can usually achieve. ( )

Another great story in this series. I admit, I have yet to encounter anything but great stories so far. Harris continues to provide a compelling story of mystery, suspense and political intrigue, while capturing all the strictures of Regency society. Hero and Sebastian continue to be fascinating characters. Hero, for the fact that beneath her strong, powerful persona lurks a more tender soul, and Sebastian for ... well ... just being Sebastian (he is the perfect hero type for me, what can I say). Their relationship is complex, to put it mildly. A complexity in part due to the family dynamics that abound in this series. If that is not enough to entice you, this story has an extra-special treat for Arthurian/Camelot fans, as Harris cleverly weaves into the story myth/legend and the still contested theory that Arthur's legendary court, Camelot, existed at the very centre of Enfield Chase, in an area known as Camlet Moat. If I was Harris, I would totally use information like this to expand on the already intriguing plots she comes up with.

Overall, another wonderfully crafted story to escape into, for both the mysteries and the on-going development of the characters. ( )

When the murder of an Arthurian scholar friend of Hero’s happens, Sebastian is pulled into to investigate. To make mattes worse her two young nephews are also missing. Turns out Hero’s father knows something about Gabrielle before her death and Hero knows it as well but doesn’t share it with her new husband. This is a solid mystery, but it also shows the foundation of Hero and Sebastian’s marriage being built. Another enjoyable read and trying so hard not to binge on the entire series when my TBR is so large. ( )

When Maidens Mourn
4 Stars

Sebastian St. Cyr and his new bride are pulled into another case when the body of Hero's friend, Gabrielle Tennyson, is discovered floating in a boat near an archeological dig related to King Arthur's Camelot. When Gabrielle's young cousins are also revealed to be missing, Sebastian and Hero find themselves in a race against time to stop a ruthless killer before it is too late.

An enjoyable addition to the series. The character development is excellent as usual and the inclusion of elements from Arthurian legend is a huge bonus to the literary lover in me. It is always fascinating to realize the extent to which King Arthur's life has influenced British culture.

Sebastian and Hero find themselves working at cross purposes through much of the investigation, but once they begin confiding in one another, both the case and their relationship starts coming together. While it is still the early days of their marriage and they a have yet to completely trust one another, it is becoming clear that they may be formidable as individuals, but as a pair they will be a force to be reckoned with.

Unfortunately, the murder mystery is the weakest in the series thus far as there are insufficient clues for the reader to figure out the culprit for themselves. Nevertheless, the twists and turns of the investigation are action packed and suspenseful.

All in all, this entire series is fantastic and I am eager to get to the next installment.
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