Death in the West Wind (John Rawlings Mysteries) [Paperback]

Deryn Lake (Author)

Book Description

Series: John Rawlings Mysteries | Publication Date: October 1, 2002

Newlyweds John and Emilia Rawlings are spending their honeymoon touring the mysterious county of Devon. The gruesome discovery of the body of a young girl, badly beaten and bruised draws the Apothecary into the investigation. Recognising the dead girl as the daughter of a Dutch merchant John realizes that he is deeply involved in something rather sinister - especially when the girl's brother, Richard, goes missing at the same time. Although he knows the identity of the dead girl, he is still no further towards finding her killer. Did her possessive father, furious with her for her wayward behavior murder her? Or is the father of her unborn child is to blame? Perhaps her fiancé, Tobias Wills, exacted a deadly revenge for the betrayal? John Rawlings is determined to find some answers...even if it means putting himself in danger.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'The Queen of the Georgian historical mystery' The Times 'Meticulously researched, this is a series that brings the past to colourful life' Maxim Jakubowski, The Guardian 'An effervescent tale... the author organises her large cast and colourful background with skill and gusto through a racily readable drama.' Mail On Sunday 'Lake brings eighteenth century England to life in a fine colourful style... Georgette Heyer... but with the knickers off.' Yorkshire Post

About the Author

Deryn Lake is the pseudonym of a well-known historical novelist who joined the popular ranks of historical detective writers with her gripping John Rawlings Mysteries. Deryn Lake lives near Hastings, East Sussex.

Product Details

• Paperback: 282 pages
• Publisher: Allison & Busby (October 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0749005882
• ISBN-13: 978-0749005887
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.4 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,895,695 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Another very good book in one of my favorite series, January 4, 2010

By 

L. J. Roberts (Oakland, CA, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Death in the West Wind (A John Rawlings Mystery) (Hardcover)

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