Death at the Beggar's Opera

John Rawlings #2

by Deryn Lake

John Rawlings, the apothecary with a talent for detective work, and John Fielding, the phenomenal blind magistrate whose Runners formed London's early police force, make a welcome return in this evocative Georgian mystery. John Rawlings is among the beau monde enjoying a performance of 'The Beggar's Opera' in Drury Lane when the leading actor - the notorious philanderer Jasper Harcross - dramatically falls to his death on stage. As Rawlings and the Blind Beak hunt for vital clues, they discover a hotbed of rivalry both on and off the stage which produces numerous suspects and questions. As the search takes on a new intensity, John Rawlings soon finds himself on an intriguing trail of obsession that leads to the dark heart of a cold-blooded murder.

Genres: Historical Mystery, Mystery, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Crime, Georgian, Historical

192 pages, Paperback

First published December 7, 1995

About the author

Deryn Lake is a well-known historical novelist who joined the popular ranks of historical detective writers with her gripping John Rawlings Mysteries, Death in the Dark Walk, Death at the Devil's Tavern, Death on the Romney Marsh, Death in the Peerless Pool and Death at Apothecaries' Hall.

Deryn also writes popular historical romances including the acclaimed The King's Women, Sutton Place and Pour the Dark Wine.

Deryn Lake lives near Hastings, East Sussex

Reviews

[Richard Derus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprise! NOT how I expected this to be resolved. More when I'm not so pooped.
***
Real Rating: 3.5* of five

I wasn't expecting the solution to this murder. I could see how it was prefigured, though not exactly in line with fair play...the Apothecary sees something we don't and *flash* into focus comes the solution, a very Dame-Agatha thing to do...so I'm actually more, not less, interested in reading the third book.

I had a suspect all fitted up for the murder, and was quite sure I was right. (Look at all my Kindle notes marked "spoiler" if you want to see my logic.) I enjoy it when authors catch me out like that, it makes me really think about why I was so sure before the reveal that X is guilty, and that means going back over the whole puzzle to see what I missed. For this seasoned citizen, anything surprising in a puzzle is a Good Thing.

I am quite hesitant to do so, though, because there are SIX w-bombs dropped *shudder* and there is more, though less offensive by a slight hair, homophobic idiocy present. There's a bog-standard heteronormative locution about red-blooded males lusting after women; but there's this gem of genuine, deeply felt venom:

‘D’you have some verdigris for my face paint?’ asked an emasculated nothing, waving a handkerchief stiff with powder.

The 1990s were quite some time ago, and that's when Deryn Lake wrote these books. But I was a thritysomething all the decade long, and I know of my own personal knowledge that this kind of effeminacy-baiting was frowned on even then. Period appropriate arguments are null and void: This book wasn't written in Georgian England. It was written in the sad, bad barely-post-Thatcher era. This nastiness, present in the first book as well, is a choice made by a modern person to use nasty, insulting language about people the author clearly doesn't like.

So that third book will wait to enter my Kindle until I have some utterly uncommitted money (so no earlier than after the 2020 elections, I give all my uncommitted money to the campaign I support until then), or someone gifts it to me. I don't like this trend. I disapprove of the sneering nastiness of homophobia. I'm not sure I won't see it again...actually, if I'm honest, I am pretty sure that I will see it again...so I don't want to give the person who's sneering at me and mine any more of my money.

My eyeblinks, I'll risk again. Barely.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thinking I will pull the plug after two of these books from the John Rawlings, apothecary, series. I prefer Bruce Alexander's portrayal of Fielding, the blind magistrate of London.
Lake has delivered historical detail of Georgian London life, but the tone of the works rely on melodrama, a good deal of silliness and romantic nonsense.

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[Christopher Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

This the second book in the series has Rawlings at the opera and dealing with actors and musicians. Having introduced the characters and the setting in the previous book, this is more about the mystery although it expands on the relationships and life of the characters.

I am a huge fan of Bruce Alexander's John Fielding books, so it is nice to see him in more fiction, but sadly he's not as well handled in these books. This mystery was a bit more complex and well handled than the previous one, although again key clues are hidden from the reader until the main character explains the case.

There's an awful lot of asides and romantical subplots which honestly don't appeal to me greatly, and again the historical details feel more like checking off a big list than organically part of the storytelling.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started this series thinking it looked good. I have problems with the books. They have good plots and the mysteries are good to excellent. My problem is with the main character. This is a 23 year old man who lives in one of the most notoriously licentious eras of British history and yet he is depicted as a naif. His sexual drive appears to be unimpaired but he falls in 'lust' with every woman that he sees. We are treated to long descriptions of their lips, breasts etc. We are never taken into the bedroom with him however. Thank God! How can a man reach the age of 23 and be so dumb about the rest of the world? Given that the life expectancy was between 35 to 40 years he is middle aged I find this really annoying. I hope by the next book he will have matured just a little. The other thing that gripes me is that his 'best friend' appears to be non existent except when he needs some back up help and then spends most of his time drunk and sleeping. Why is this character not fully fleshed out? Sigh.

[Martha · Rating 3 out of 5]

From the Amazon review: John Rawlings, the apothecary with a talent for detective work, and John Fielding, the phenomenal blind magistrate whose Runners formed London’s early police force, make a welcome return in this evocative Georgian mystery.


From the synopsis: John Rawlings is among the beau monde enjoying a performance of ‘The Beggar’s Opera’ in Drury Lane when the leading actor – the notorious philanderer Jasper Harcross – dramatically falls to his death on stage. As Rawlings and the Blind Beak hunt for vital clues, they discover a hotbed of rivalry both on and off the stage which produces numerous suspects and questions.

As the search takes on a new intensity, John Rawlings soon finds himself on an intriguing trail of obsession that leads to the dark heart of a cold-blooded murder.


Really good story and feels like the actual period in which it all takes place. A lot of the characters in the book (including all of the main ones) were actual people doing their actual jobs. Even though the murder takes place practically right in front of everybody's eyes, finding the killer isn't as straightforward as it might be.

I really enjoyed watching Rawlings try to follow the few clues and make the same wrong guesses I was making. There was a point I think I almost figured it out.

I'd probably keep it to read again if not for one problem I have with it. Same problem I had with a few of Stephen King's books. Not going to say here because it would totally spoil the book and it's definitely worth reading.

[Robin Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deryn Lake found the real John Rawlings while doing research for the Canada Dry soft drinks company in 1983. It was the year in which her first historical novel 'Sutton Place' was published. Over the course of the next decade, and the writing and publication of a further seven historical novels, the ebullient personality of John Rawlings continued to haunt and intrigue her. The success of 'Death in the Dark Walk' in 1994 led to a flurry of fan letters all asking - "what happened next?" - here is the answer!
This is utterly brilliant storytelling, written with confidence and ability, never once losing its hypnotic and compelling grip. The evocative setting of the Drury Lane Theatre in 1754 is brought to life in intimate detail, and the cast of characters is fascinating and flawless.
Without a doubt, the star of the show is Mr. John Rawlings, Apothecary, who has everything you look for in a hero - and more, much more.

[Virginia Tican · Rating 5 out of 5]

Art (in this case theatre) is the same as Life. The same is true for Jasper Harcross, the very charismatic and handsome as well as narcissistic male lead actor in the Beggar's Opera who died with a broken neck from hanging at a scene of the play that tragically became real. To find the killer or killers John Rawlings and Blind Magistrate John Fielding would have to dig deeper into the victim's past. I think most of the sub~plots are nicely and neatly woven together though I would have thought that the obliteration of the victim's progeny as the object of the murderer was already hinted at after the second murder or even before that as a plausible theory, long before Mrs. Martin's suicide attempt and its enlightened revelation to her consciousness.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

1754 John Rawlings with three of his friends are visiting the theatre in Drury Lane watching 'The Beggar’s Opera’. Unfortunately for the leading actor, a famous womaniser, Jasper Harcross dies on stage. It is Rawlings who proclaims that he has been murdered. Once again John Fielding recruits Rawlings into the investigation.
An entertaining well-written mystery, another in this series, with its likeable characters.

[Amanda Maio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this one more than the first one, I like the characters and even though I do have to look up the odd word here and there (the fun of a dictionary attached to my kindle), it’s mainly just for pronunciation, I like to think I’m saying words correctly.
John Rawlings and the Blind Beak’s interactions have almost a nephew and favourite Uncle feeling. John has no real father, even Sir Gabriel Kent is only the Stepfather.

[Mbsuther · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death at the Beggar's Opera

I thoroughly enjoyed the first installment of this series, but was unsure how an apothecary could be used by a renowned detective. Happily, the second book of the series delivers. I admit that some of the "old English " terms throw me a bit and at times, the pace was a tad uneven. However, the story was well thought out and the twists thrown in were cleverly done. I enjoy this series apothecary. A 4.4 out of 5 rating.

[Ken Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read. Set in the world of the theater where nobody is who they say they are. The killer is among them, but it takes keen investigation to uncover the identity. I enjoy how the young investigator continues to grow and learn while making mistakes. This book includes a key blunder that nearly causes him to lose the case. The period interactions are interesting and creatively described.

[Misha Herwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

John Rawlings and his friends witness a real life murder on the stage at Drury Lane. The story has many twists and turns before the murderer is revealed, giving an enjoyable read. One or two negative points though. I really don't like, or care about John's love interest Coralie Clive and the historical detail is "dumped" rather than carefully insinuated into the narrative.

[Michael Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good historical tale of London and England. The main character is a young man just finishing his training as an apothecary who because of the care he takes with his preparations is a competent observer and sleuth.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A murder mystery set in Georgian London and filled with colorful characters from a theatre in Drury Lane-what’s not to enjoy? The evolution of John Rawlings, newly minted apothecary and crime solver, interests me in reading next in series.

[Heatherinblack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Mystery. Must the main character be so “young”? So many father figures? And his best friend seemed superfluous this book. Still plan on reading the next. Hopefully he is more emotionally mature.

[Larry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book of the series and as with the first one I really enjoyed it. Deryn does a terrific job of writing with plenty of twists and turns. I look forward to reading more of this series.

[Kim Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great 2nd outing for John Rawlings even better because this time I didn't guess who did it. If following offerings got the same way, I am really looking forward to them, because I love the ones I can't work out.

[Zosia Marsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second of the series & I'm am very much enjoying it.
I enjoy finding a new author to read, and am even more happy when there are a load of books in a series. I hope the next book is as enjoyable.

[Brenda Dumas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book

Though not a masterpiece, this book was an enjoyable read. It is the second in a series that I intend to finish. I do recommend this as a good entertaining book.

[Voirrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating insight into the theatre of eighteenth century London, with a wonderful cast of characters again, and an interesting plot.

[Robert Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continuing the series of very well researched mysteries set in 18th century London. A really nice historical view

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book. Could hardly put it down. Already half way through the third book in this series.

[n bent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming


A delightful read. I enjoyed the historical detail of the times ,dress, way of life. Sir Gabriel is my favorite character.

[Jerry D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not Sherlock Holmes

But still a fun read. A bit confusing at times with so many characters, but rounds out well at the end.

[Kurry Swigert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had a fair number of characters to keep track of. I like the plot. It was good to see additional character development of the core characters.

[Christie Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

What was good is the ending was not obvious. For a mystery that’s one of the things I look for. Besides it was just an enjoyable story. A good old historical tome.

[Janet Preece · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 2nd in a series of John Rawlings mysteries. A nice easy read of a whodunit set in Georgian London. I will continue with this series as the characters are developing.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Moderately engaging, easy read. The most useful thing perhaps is that it set me to look up The Beggar's Opera :-), fortunately available in our local library.

[Sara G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun mystery in this series featuring the apothecary John Rawlings working with the famous Sir John Fielding, this one has them solving the mystery of a murdered leading man while he was acting in a play. The suspects are too numerous to count, because he had made himself very disliked along the way. Rawlings and the whole historical setting are fantastic, as in the first book, and I enjoyed the way the author depicted the characters interacting with each other. I was genuinely surprised by about half of the revelation at the end, which is pretty good. I'm looking forward to the next in the series!

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

The apothecary investigates 2 murders at the theater. For all his genius he is endearingly sweet.