The scene was an exact replica of the one that had taken place twenty-four hours earlier. John Rawlings stood in the shop at Apothecaries' Hall buying the herb known as true-love. The only difference was that both he and the shop owner were buzzing with intrigue as they discussed the extraordinary outbreak of food poisoning which had stricken the liverymen who attended dinner at the Worshipful Society the previous day. And how Liveryman Alleyn might have died had John not given him the remedy of true-love. Except the following day Liveryman Alleyn does die. Under the brief and guidance of London's famous blind magistrate, John Fielding Rawlings is asked to investigate wether it is a deliberate case of poisoning. But who would want to poison the apothecaries? And were they targeting the Society or specifically the deceased? As John searches for gossip, he discovers that a fellow apothecary visited the dying man's house on the morning of his death, that the Beadle had fallen out with the Master, that a bereaved parent whose son died as a result of misdiagnosis has vowed vengeance on the entire Society. John Rawlings, London's effervescent 18th Century apothecary and occasional sleuth, tackles his most intriguing case to date.
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From AudioFile
The sixth in the John Rawlings series, a set of lively mysteries set in eighteenth-century London, once again features John Rawlings, a sophisticated apothecary, as part-time sleuth. In this adventure, a poisoner is at work, and apothecaries are targeted. Michael Tudor Barnes has no difficulty bringing to life salons, barges, shops, dark streets, and, most importantly, the colorful characters of a London long gone but beautifully described by the author. D.L.G. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine
--This text refers to the
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An Entertaining and Intelligent Historical Mystery,
This review is from: Death at Apothecaries' Hall (Paperback)
This book is one in the series by Deryn Lake, which chronicles the adventures of a London apothecary of the 18th Century who in his spare time helps to solve crimes for the famous blind magistrate, John Fielding. Like the others, it is very entertaining, historically accurate, and has a well-paced plot which yet moves along at a speed appropriate to a pre-industrial age. The aspect of the books which makes them so pleasurable, however, are the characters. The main characters, the apothecary, John Rawlings, his family and friends, and of course, John Fielding, are so likable and interesting. The people involved in the murder investigations are often interesting and colorful characters, and many are from upper levels of society. The author also seems to have detailed knowledge of London and its surroundings countryside at the time period of the novels, which is vividly described.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very well done!,
By
This review is from: Death at Apothecaries' Hall (SIGNED) (Hardcover)
First Sentence: `It is not,' said John Rawlings, raising his quizzing glass to his eye to inspect the plant lying on the counter before him, `the finest chamomile leaf I have ever seen.'
Apothecary John Rawlings buying herbs as a dinner of the Worshipful Society has ended. He comes across Liveryman Alleyn summoning his boat to home and desperately ill. John accompanies him home and apparently saves his life. After returning home to change and refresh, he and his father head to Kensington, stopping at the Alleyn's on the way, only to find his patient dead. As several of those who attended the dinner had been taken ill, was it accidental food poisoning, or intentional. For those of us who enjoy historical mysteries, this is such a good series. Lake's sense of time and place are so well done. She does a wonderful job of conveying 18th century England, from the wealthy to beggars, the food, the dress, the manners and even the voice which has a period feel it without being obsessive. The characters are wonderful, particularly John's father. John does seem a bit fickle at times, while at others he is cleaver and knowledgeable of his profession. It is also nice to see his apprentice develop and the always interesting figure of Sir John Fielding. Even though I suspected the villain, I enjoyed seeing the story unfold and the motive behind the crime. I always find when I finish one Rawlings book, I'm anxious to read the next. Very well done. DEATH AT APOTHECARIES' HALL (Hist. Mys-John Rawlings-England-1758) - VG Lake, Deryn - 6th in series Hodder & Stoughton, 2000, UK Hardcover - ISBN: 0340718609
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Death at the apothercaries hall,
By jodieh "jodieh" (Australia) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Death at Apothecaries' Hall (Paperback)
thankyou for my latest Deryn Lake book, it has been greatly anticapted & greatly enjoyed
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