5.0 out of 5 stars
Death in the West Wind by Deryn Lake.., 18 Feb 2010
This review is from: Death in the West Wind (John Rawlings Mystery) (Paperback)
Deryn Lake is for you if you like period detective stories with believable characters, with graphic descriptions of life in the 18th century. I have read many of her books and enjoyed everyone. They are the perfect can't put it down book. Mystery Humour - Tragedy.
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4.0 out of 5 stars
Another very good book in one of my favorite series, 4 Jan 2010
First Sentence: A few miles beyond Exeter, the sea worked it usual magic and the wind changed, coming from the West.
Apothecary John Rawlins and his bride, Emilia, have decided to stay in England for their honeymoon. One of their stops is bustling port of Taunton. They are invited to dine with Jan van Guylder, his son, Richard, and his clearly upset and willful daughter, Juliana. A few days later, John and Emilia are at the beach when they see a ship being towed to shore. There is no crew on board, but the raped and beaten body of Juliana has been draped over the ship's figurehead.
I so enjoy this series. With each book I learn new things about herbs and medical remedies of the period. An added element in this book was the character of Old Saul who taught John, and us, about remedies he learned from American Indians and Eskimos. Lake blends the historical and fictional characters so well giving great authenticity to the story.
I don't know his age, but John is still quite young and it shows in his vanity and somewhat fickle nature regarding women. Offsetting that is a dedication to his craft, perseverance in finding the killer and a wisdom which comes from seeing the harsher side of life. [John] "I think you are amoral, the whole damned bunch of you. [Peter] "Fun though." "Not for your victims," John answered and walked away." Emilia is wonderfully drawn with just the right amount of wisdom and impatience of a young bride.
While I missed Lord John Fielding, I found it refreshing for the book to be set outside London and Rawlings working in cooperation with Joe Jago, the Flying Runners, the local constable and Emilia. Lake doesn't forget about her secondary characters but ensures they are fully dimensional and interesting.
The story was very well plotted with ghost coaches, former lovers, a depilated mansion not completely uninhabited, and escalating suspense. In spite of having figured out the villain, there was a a very satisfying twist at the end.
I loved that in my hardcover copy, Ms. Lake corrected and initialed three types missed by the editors. I am reading my way through this series in order and it is a pleasure so to do.
DEATH IN THE WEST WIND (Hist. Mys.-John Rawlings, England-1759/Georgian) - VG
Lake, Deryn - 7th in series
Allison & Busby Ltd., 2001, UK Hardcover - ISBN: 0749005017
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4.0 out of 5 stars
A John Rawlings Mystery, 31 Jan 2008
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 Apothecaries' hall, Death at the Devil's Tavern and others. As all of the titles are preceded by the word death, (unusual to say the least), this is a pretty good indication regarding the contents of the books and very good Georgian historical murder mysteries they are. `Deryn Lake' live near Hastings, in East Sussex
The character of John Rawlings has grown into an old and trusted friend and the author's clear and concise writing style makes the pages fly by. The books are good, well researched historical murder mysteries. They are easy reading and a welcome change from the crash, bang wallop of many of the books being published today. Good escapism for the reader, away from the bumps and grinds of everyday life
Apothecary John Rawlings has the peace and tranquility of his honeymoon in Devon cut short when the badly beaten body of a young girl, Juliana is found aboard a deserted schooner. Rawlings is soon drawn into the mystery and when her brother Richard also disappears, John Rawlings decides that he needs assistance and calls for Joe Jago and the Flying Runners to come down from London to help him apprehend the girl's killers . . .
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