What Darkness Brings

The Earl of Hendon has just approached Viscount Devlin to investigate the murder of a jeweller.  His daughter, Kat Boleyn is married to Russell Yates, the man accused of the murder.  She and Devlin has at one time been lovers, and she actually didn’t want Hendon to approach Devlin.

Devlin begins his investigation at the site of the murder.  The butler informs him that the victim had been visited by a man who looked very much like him, although he appeared to be older.  He goes to see the man who he recently accused of murder.  The man, Jamie Knox, gives him an old manuscript, which he had planned on selling to the victim.  He also denies knowledge about the death of the victim.

From an exiled Frenchman, Devlin learns that the victim was in possession of a blue diamond, that he was selling for one Thomas Hope.  However, Hope denies any knowledge of a blue diamond.  However, an acquaintance of Hero, Devlin’s wife, suggests that the victim might have been trying to sell the diamond to the Prince Regent.  Devlin also learns the provenance of the blue diamond.  It had at one time been part of the French Crown Jewels.  Could Napoleon’s agents be trying to get the diamond back?

Author C. S. Harris has Devlin doing an extensive search for the killer.  It is through the help of his wife, Hero, that he comes to a surprising discovery, and the apprehension of the missing diamond.  This was a thoroughly enjoyable read.