Why Mermaids Sing
C.S. Harris
Obsidian, Nov 2007, $23.95
ISBN 9780451222268
In 1811 Westminster chief magistrate Sir Henry Lovejoy looks at the mutilated body of Lord Dominic Stanton, son of a close associate of the Regent, left for all to see near the Old Palace yard. Three months ago a banker’s son the corpse of Barclay Carmichael was found battered and posed in St. James Park. Believing they lack the skills needed to deal with a diabolical killer, Henry asks Viscount Sebastian St. Cyr, known for his detection proficiency, to investigate.
St. Cyr considers accepting the case though he is tired of death and assumes murder begets murder; besides he has an inquiry going on to find his mother on the continent. As more ritual like homicides follow he links the killer to a John Donne poem even as he struggles with the lack of cooperation from the victims’ families; in fact the fathers are outright hostile as if they do not want the truth revealed. Unknown adversaries also want St. Cyr and his team stopped.
The third S. Cyr Regency mystery (see WHAT ANGELS FEAR and When Gods Die) is a terrific serial killer whodunit starring a fabulous detection expert. The fast-paced story line is driven by the reactions of the victims’ families as each prefers to have the hero end his inquiry. Historical mystery readers will appreciate this strong tale.
Harriet Klausner
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