Death and the Cornish Fiddler

John Rawlings #11

by Deryn Lake

The spring of 1765 brings a welcome sense of recovery to the recently widowed Apothecary John Rawlings, but his tentative peace of mind does not last for a young child disappears in strange circumstances at the Hellstone Floral Dance and a seemingly omnipresent blind musician is never far away. While this mysterious figure intrigues Rawlings, the case of the missing child alarms him; he feels he must do all in his powers to attempt to rescue the young life. Packed full of colorful historical detail, Death and the Cornish Fiddler is the eleventh book in the highly acclaimed John Rawlings series - a new masterpiece from the queen of Georgian fiction.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical Mystery, Fiction, Crime, Historical, British Literature

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

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

[LJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

DEATH OF A CORNISH FIDDLER (Historical-England-1700s) – G+
Lake, Deryn – 11th in series
Allison & Busby, 2006- Hardcover
Apothecary John Rawlings, his young daughter Rose and his lady friend Elizabeth de Lorenzi have traveled to Helstone to witness the Furry Dance which dates back to Pagen times. They encounter a wide mix of fellow visitors, an intriguing Gypsy Woman, a blind musician, an irritating child who disappears, a beautiful woman found dead and a coven practicing the dark arts. While John is investigating, the threat widens to include his own daughter.
*** This is a new author to me and I’m glad to find her. Her depiction of Georgian England is filled with rich details and interesting characters. The pace of the story is a bit slower than I normally care for but not so much that I didn’t read the book straight through. Another small annoyance was the author, a woman, had her character, a man, frequently reference the attractiveness of other men. The story was involving and the suspense subtle. I did enjoy the book very much and have ordered the first two books in the series so I may start at the beginning. I believe fans of historical fiction would find this a treat.

[George · Rating 4 out of 5]

#11 in the 34 year old London Apothecary John Rawlings who is a widower raising his 5 year old daughter Rose as a single parent mystery series.

April, 1765 and Rawlings, his young daughter Rose and his lady friend Elizabeth de Lorenzi have traveled to Helstone to witness the Furry Dance which dates back to Pagan times with them encountering a wide mix of fellow visitors including a Gypsy Woman, a blind musician, and a mixture of relatives. First an irritating child disappears and then a woman is found dead and there is a coven practicing the dark arts. While John is investigating, the threat widens to include his own daughter.

The 18th Century historical setting is weak so the story is just another murder mystery. The mystery is good with the focus upon the inter-relations of the main characters and the supporting ones for this story.

[Virginia Tican · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cornwall... Magical and Mysterious. The lure to Elizabeth (long~time lustful obsession of Rawlings) is a Pagan Dance Festival on this part of England. Given their renewed closeness because of the Marchesa's help and support to John in finding Emilia's killer, John and Rose were with her when a thoroughly annoying girl~brat disappeared. There are dark forces at work here aside from the strong pull and consummation of Rawlings' obsession. This is a voyage into England's true Past lost in the mists of time... of myths and legends... of magic... Gypsy Orchard... the Sight... and the mysterious blind vagabond Cornish fiddler who can pluck the strings to dance and cry.

[Beckett Gregory · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'd read two of the books in this series previously (not in order), and thought I would enjoy this one, especially as I found the previous books well-researched, with vivid, complex characters. I didn't find this story as interesting as those I'd already read; it seemed more focused on Rawlings' problematical romance than the mystery. Then I reached the historically inaccurate, "Wicker Man"- style depiction of Wiccans, and found myself infuriated. I deleted the book from my Kindle, and will not be reading any more of these novels.

[Fred · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read most of the John Rawlings novels and have enjoyed them all. This one was an exciting story that involved murder and a cult of devil worshippers. This is a book that's hard to put down. John Rawlings investigates and, as usual, gets to the bottom of the mystery. Along the way, his daughter is in danger, but he manages to rescue her. These novels take place in England in the mid-18th century and are reflective of the social and historical issues of the period. It is a very entertaining read.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

1767. John Rawlings and daughter Rose are in Devon staying with Elizabeth the Marchesa. They travel to Helstone in Cornwall to watch the dance festival when a child disappears. But then a murder occurs. What is behind these events. Who else will die.
Once again another enjoyable mystery in this well-written historical mystery series with its very likeable characters

[Kate O`neill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another darn good read , extremely well researched.

I've read all the previous 10 books and loved every one of them. They tell the story of a newly qualified apothecary and his adventures with the lead justice/magistrate. Of his love affairs and heartbreak.
All set in the 18th century.
Highly recommend you read them

[Larry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another very good book in the John Rawlings series.

[Kurry Swigert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a bit of a mixed bag for me.

[Kim Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Again this is another enjoyable mystery in this well-written series. These books have a very likeable cast of characters. All have their faults and foibles which makes them really quite believable.

[Dawn Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't usually read set in this era, anything pre Victorian, i do not usually choose to read, so was sceptical, however, i was attracted by the cover and the title, and the synopsis, if you chose to ignore the era, so thought give it a go.

I was pleasantly surprised, it was a pleasant read, very descriptive of the era, and i enjoyed reading about the characters and the storyline was also very good.

[Haydn Pope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this novel, but I am prejudiced as I have always enjoyed Deryn Lakes books.Tight and enjoyable plot, so well written that I often found my mind was in Cornwall with John Rawlings! I could see the places he visited, listen to the fiddler, almost smell the sea. And there was the surprise at the very end. Great stuff!

[Jane Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was enjoying this until near the end. It's well written and the characters are engaging. But the events at the end are so implausible that I was disappointed.

[Margareth8537 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good to meet John Rawlings out of London, although it isn't as peaceful as he expects.

[Elena · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this in Italian translation, so I it's hard to tell how good it really is. I enjoyed it, at any rate. An entertaining, classic crime novel.

[Brandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like a mystery that leaves you hangin most of the bk & you just wanna skip to the end b/c ya can't stand it anymore?! Yep, this is your book.