Customer Reviews

Death At Apothecaries' Hall

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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.

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

thankyou for my latest Deryn Lake book, it has been greatly anticapted & greatly enjoyed