Who Buries the Dead

Viscount Devlin has been called out in the middle of the night by Sir Henry Lovejoy, one of Bow Street’s magistrates to view a gruesome scene.  A man has been decapitated, his head left on a bridge and the body nearby.  The victim has been identified and Lovejoy needs Devlin’s help.

Nearby Devlin discovers a metal strap that is engraved “King Charles, 1648”.  Devlin is sure that it was a coffin strap.  What is its relevance, other than the king had also been beheaded? 

Returning home one evening, Devlin is shot at.  Fortunately, the assassin only manages to graze his head.  Obviously someone doesn’t want him to continue with his investigation.  The following morning, the daughter of the victim tells Devlin that her father had recently been in conflict with Lord Oliphant, Devlin’s nemesis from the war in Spain.

A couple of days later an elderly doctor, who had initially been reluctant to talk to Devlin is found dead, also decapitated.  Devlin wonders if the reason for his death is because he had late the night before sent a note to Devlin saying he was now prepared to talk.

Later a man who bears a striking resemblance to Devlin is on his way to see him, and is shot in front of Hero and their house.  Jamie Knox could be Devlin’s half brother, but who is to know?  Unfortunately, he dies.  Someone doesn’t want Devlin to continue with his investigation, but Devlin vows to find the killer and wreak vengeance after he finds out who he is working for.

Author C. S. Harris has Devlin and Hero ducking for their lives before Devlin can come up with a solution to the killings.  The culprit comes as a surprise to the reader, and Hero’s father has a solution to the attempt on their lives.  Another excellent thriller by this author.