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Death in the Valley of Shadows (John Rawlings Mysteries)

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Apothecary John Rawlings should be more engrossed in the upcoming birth of his first child, instead of which he finds himself once again involved in Bow Street business when he finds himself firmly entangled with the brutal murder of vintner, Aidan Fenchurch. It all beings with Fenchurch rushes into John's shop looking for a place to hide. Fenchurch's high colour and his panicked state easily persuades John to agree to help. Not even a few seconds later, an imposing and rude woman comes in demanding to know if anyone matching Fenchurch's description has entered the store. Instantly taking a dislike to the woman, John brusquely sends her on her way. Now completely intrigued as to why the woman is hunting Fenchurch, John goes to see the man to tell him that the coast is clear and learns a most curious story. It appears that the woman is Adriadne Bussell, the wife of a colleague's of Fenchurch as well as Fenchurch's former lover. Fenchurch had ended their relationship, but Mrs. Bussell seems unable to let go and has been stalking him ever since. Things have gotten so bad that Fenchurch now fears for his life, and begs John to deliver some papers to Sir John Fielding of Bow Street that reveal all and that name Mrs. Bussell as his murderer if he should meet with a sticky end. John readily agrees, but is shocked, nevertheless, to learn the next day that Fenchurch was brutally murdered at the front doorstep of his own home. Did Mrs. Bussell have anything to do with Fenchurch's murder? John believes that she had, and telling all to Sir John Fielding, is relieved that the blind magistrate is of the same mind as he. But things take an even stranger turn when Mrs. Bussell dies is custody from acute poisoning. But who would have wanted Mrs. Bussell dead? As other suspects begin to die, one by one, John beings to wonder about the identity and sanity of this determined poisoner...

If you enjoy well written British historical mystery novels, you'll want to check out "Death in the Valley of Shadows." Steeped in period history and feel, this perplexing and intriguing book was a treat to read from beginning to end. Colourful, vivid and suspenseful, I was completely engrossed from the very beginning. Set during the Georgian period (the mid 1700s more exactly), this wonderful series is, unfortunately, not easily available. You could probably get earlier installment through Amazon.co.uk (or haunt used bookstores), though you really don't have to read earlier installments in order to appreciate this particular John Rawlings installment. Fast paced, well written and perfectly executed, this is a read not to be missed!

First Sentence: What a morning it had been.

Apothecary John Rawlings is surprised when a man, Aidan Fenchurch, runs into his shop asking to be hidden from his former mistress. Once the very unpleasant woman is gone, Fenchurch is pleased to hear John also assists Sir John Fielding, magistrate of Bow Street and asks that John keep a document accusing the woman should he suddenly die. Fenchurch is murdered on his doorstep that night but his is only the first of many deaths with each new suspect dying before the killer can be identified by John and Bow Street.

Ms Lake has a clear and wonderful voice and writes with delightful humour.

Her descriptions are so visual, you want to pack and go, yet so filled with background information, such as the scene with the salesman for sheaths and cundums, as to make you an informed traveler. The details of social behavior and custom, as well as the syntax and cadence of dialogue define the story's place and time. It is those extra details which enrich the story and add to the experience of reading it.

John is a character who has grown with the series. No longer a somewhat callow, but talented young man, he is now a mature and very responsible man who has a remarkably understanding wife. I particularly like his honesty to his wife and to himself, as to why he works with Bow Street.

Joe Jaco, first officer to Sir John Fielding (the Blind Beak), of Bow Street is an intriguing character, and one about whom we learn a bit more with each book. Although the author provides sufficient back story on the principal characters for readers new to the series, I recommend reading the series in order.

There is an excellent balance to the story between John's life with his family and friends, internal musings, medical knowledge and information, and the drama and suspense of the investigation. The pacing and flow are very well done, fluctuating between highs and lows.

The level of suspense increases to a very dramatic ending. Even the characters comment on the case having a Shakespearean feel in the number of bodies that accumulates. Only toward the end did I begin to suspect the killer.

I am an admitted fan of this series and this is another very good contribution to it. As I'm reading the series in order, it's nice to know I've many more books ahead.

DEATH IN THE VALLEY OF SHADOWS (Hist Mys-John Rawlings-England-Georgian) - VG+
Lake, Deryn - 9th in series
Allison & Busby, ©2003, UK Hardcover - ISBN: 0749006412