Peace of mind is beginning to return to the recently widowed Apothecary John Rawlings, but it is short lived when a child disappears at the Hellstone Country Dance. On the trail of the missing girl, it seems that John's footsteps are dogged by a mysterious blind musician. Matters take a decidedly darker turn when a courtesan meets an untimely end and practitioners of the occult are unearthed on his travels. The discovery that his own daughter is in deadly peril leads John to a dramatic finale...
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'The Queen of the Georgian historical mystery' THE TIMES 'Meticulously researched, this is a series that brings the past to colourful life' GUARDIAN
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About the Author
Deryn Lake is the pseudonym of the popular historical novelist Dinah Lampitt. Born in Essex and raised in London, she currently lives close to the famous battle-field of 1066.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By N. Bennett
Format:Hardcover
The John Rawlings mysteries may not be the most complex puzzles or the most accurate historical novels, but they make for a few hours pleasant reading. (Those seeking a more substantial read should try Bruce Alexander's novels about Sir John Fielding, set in the same era.)
Perhaps the novels' best feature is their fallible hero, who always has a keen eye for a pretty face, even when he is considering a second marriage.
This latest has the Helston Floral Dance as a starting point, and uses it to provide local atmosphere without letting it overpower the rest of the story. There is a disappearance and a murder in the book, and although they do eventually prove to be connected it's in an unexpected way. As usual the plot hurries along, providing lots of red herrings and other colourful characters, and at the end everything except John's personal life is resolved.
Perhaps the novels' best feature is their fallible hero, who always has a keen eye for a pretty face, even when he is considering a second marriage.
This latest has the Helston Floral Dance as a starting point, and uses it to provide local atmosphere without letting it overpower the rest of the story. There is a disappearance and a murder in the book, and although they do eventually prove to be connected it's in an unexpected way. As usual the plot hurries along, providing lots of red herrings and other colourful characters, and at the end everything except John's personal life is resolved.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I've read all of the books in this series and personally feel that Rawlings is at his best nosing his way through the misty back-streets of London, but this one does have its moments. The apothecary's tiresome love life is to the fore here though, and this time it's the 'enigmatic' Elizabeth Di Lorenzi who toys with his emotions - next time out I'm sure it'll be the return of that irksome actress, Coralie Clive. The increase in the 'romance' factor isn't doing the series any real favours, but the mystery element is quite well handled. Rawlings and his daughter are visiting Helston(e) in Cornwall when a rather unpleasant little girl goes missing and Rawlings feels compelled to investigate. There are some nicely drawn characters (as always) and one or two genuinely exciting passages as Rawlings uncovers a canker below the surface of the quiet Cornish town. The ending is well done, and Lake's writing style is as excellent as always...on the down side there's very little involvement for Sir John Fielding and his runners and I hope we see a return to the capital and its environs in the next volume. Having said that, Samuel Swan is blessedly absent from this one as well ! A little less about the apothecary's love-life in future and a bit more period 'grit' would be welcome next time out - the title suggests that 'The Hellfire Club' may play a part, and I'll look forward to that.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Jasperlin
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Oh what a disappointment this book is. I have read all eleven of the mysteries so far and have generally enjoyed the rest immensely, with just some slight reservations about Romney Marsh.
The stories are at their absolute best when based in London with the "Blind Beak", the "Beau Monde", Grandfather and the rest. Once outside London, they lose their delight and interest. This tale was boring and unbelievable and will not find a place on my "keep" shelf.
One for the charity shop I think.
I shall read the synopsis of each book carefully in future and will eagerly buy any based in London, but none based elsewhere.
The stories are at their absolute best when based in London with the "Blind Beak", the "Beau Monde", Grandfather and the rest. Once outside London, they lose their delight and interest. This tale was boring and unbelievable and will not find a place on my "keep" shelf.
One for the charity shop I think.
I shall read the synopsis of each book carefully in future and will eagerly buy any based in London, but none based elsewhere.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
2.0 out of 5 stars
Death & the Cornish Fiddler
I've loved this series up to now. I like the very believable atmosphere of the time that Ms Lake creates, but this one was a big disappointment. Read more
Published on 13 May 2008 by A Reader from Sussex
4.0 out of 5 stars
Book Eleven in the John Rawlings Mysteries
Deryn Lake is a pseudonym of a well know historical novelist. Among the books she has written are the popular John Rawlings Mysteries, Death in the Peerless Pool, Death at the... Read more
Published on 31 Mar 2008 by J. Chippindale
4.0 out of 5 stars
Book Eleven in the John Rawlings Mysteries
Deryn Lake is a pseudonym of a well know historical novelist. Among the books she has written are the popular John Rawlings Mysteries, Death in the Peerless Pool, Death at the... Read more
Published on 11 Jan 2008 by J. Chippindale
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