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John Rawlings #1
Death in the Dark Walk
Having just finished his indentures, Rawlings is celebrating in Vaux Hall Pleasure Gardens when he trips over the body of a young girl.
Summoned to the magistrate’s office as prime suspect, Rawlings not only clears his own name but impresses Fielding so much with his power of recollection that he is asked to investigate the crime. From gaming hell to fashionable house, Rawlings follows a trail of lustful liaisons and illicit intrigue which prove beyond a shadow of doubt that the girl has had quite a past … a past with threatening secrets.
Death in the Dark Walk is a richly atmospheric and compelling Georgian mystery woven around the real characters John Fielding, the phenomenal sightless magistrate known as the ‘Blind Beak’, whose Runners formed London’s early police force, and John Rawlings, the Apothecary reputed to have invented soda water.
Summoned to the magistrate’s office as prime suspect, Rawlings not only clears his own name but impresses Fielding so much with his power of recollection that he is asked to investigate the crime. From gaming hell to fashionable house, Rawlings follows a trail of lustful liaisons and illicit intrigue which prove beyond a shadow of doubt that the girl has had quite a past … a past with threatening secrets.
Death in the Dark Walk is a richly atmospheric and compelling Georgian mystery woven around the real characters John Fielding, the phenomenal sightless magistrate known as the ‘Blind Beak’, whose Runners formed London’s early police force, and John Rawlings, the Apothecary reputed to have invented soda water.
216 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 17, 1994
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About the author
Deryn Lake
64 books101 followersDeryn 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
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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
January 9, 2008
DEATH IN THE DARK WALK (Mystery-John Rawlings-England-Georgian) – VG
Lake, Deryn – 1st in series
Hodder & Stoughton, 1994, UK Hardcover – ISBN: 0450607011
First Sentence: It being such a delicate night, all stars and moon and silk soft breeze, John Rawlings, well satisfied with the day’s events and having kissed his father goodnight, stepped forth from number two Nassau Street, so named in honour of the marriage of the Princess Royal to the Prince of Orange-Nassau, and hailed a chair to take him to the river.
*** John Rawlings, the adopted son of a nobleman and a newly independent apothecary, is celebrating the completion of his indenture in Vaux Hall Pleasure Garden, when he hears a woman cry out and is the first to her body. With his acute memory and powers of observation, Sir John Fielding, the Blind Beak of Bow Street, asks Rawlings to be an official investigator in finding the killer.
*** I loved the Bruce Alexander novels and Deryn Lake’s book is somewhat reminiscent of those. I have read a couple other books in the series and liked them well enough to find the rest so I could read the series from the beginning. Rawling is a likeable young man with a very close relationship to his adopted father. The back story of their relationship is lovely without being cloying. Lake clearly knows her geography and period very well and shares that knowledge with us as part of an interesting story. While one of the story threads was fairly obvious, I didn’t mind as the subtle humor of the character made the thread work. I’m glad to have finally read the first book and I look forward to reading the rest of this series.
Lake, Deryn – 1st in series
Hodder & Stoughton, 1994, UK Hardcover – ISBN: 0450607011
First Sentence: It being such a delicate night, all stars and moon and silk soft breeze, John Rawlings, well satisfied with the day’s events and having kissed his father goodnight, stepped forth from number two Nassau Street, so named in honour of the marriage of the Princess Royal to the Prince of Orange-Nassau, and hailed a chair to take him to the river.
*** John Rawlings, the adopted son of a nobleman and a newly independent apothecary, is celebrating the completion of his indenture in Vaux Hall Pleasure Garden, when he hears a woman cry out and is the first to her body. With his acute memory and powers of observation, Sir John Fielding, the Blind Beak of Bow Street, asks Rawlings to be an official investigator in finding the killer.
*** I loved the Bruce Alexander novels and Deryn Lake’s book is somewhat reminiscent of those. I have read a couple other books in the series and liked them well enough to find the rest so I could read the series from the beginning. Rawling is a likeable young man with a very close relationship to his adopted father. The back story of their relationship is lovely without being cloying. Lake clearly knows her geography and period very well and shares that knowledge with us as part of an interesting story. While one of the story threads was fairly obvious, I didn’t mind as the subtle humor of the character made the thread work. I’m glad to have finally read the first book and I look forward to reading the rest of this series.
August 18, 2019
Real Rating: 3.75* of five
NINE instances of the reprehensible, revolting w-bomb. There's a contemptible sodden mess of a Duke portrayed as queer, and that sits badly with me. He is the object of epithetry as offensive as being called "faggot" to the ears of the day: "...a right Miss Molly," as a fellow Peer of the Realm calls him. Really? This book was written in 1995. The author couldn't be bothered not to make one of her suspects a stereotypical limp-wristed useless creature, who (in other offensive news) insists he's not queer and even places a beautiful whore under his "protection" to prove it?
...said the Real Man to the Faggot...I don't appreciate the author's appalling and insensitive portrayal of the Duke of Midhurst, period-appropriate that it may be.
The story was involving enough, though I knew who the murderer was early on (despite the fact that we next-to-never even *see* the criminal!), and the Use of Capitalization was a wee bit distracting (why are we expected to endure the twee use of "the Apothecary" and "the Blind Beak" for characters who have perfectly usable, uncomplicated names?), but the evocation of a long-dead London in the midst of great change was a true pleasure. Yes, problems exist that diminish my enjoyment of the book; I will still read the second installment, Death at the Beggar's Opera.
One more time on the unnecessary and noxious use of homophobia in place of character delineation, though, and I am out for good.
NINE instances of the reprehensible, revolting w-bomb. There's a contemptible sodden mess of a Duke portrayed as queer, and that sits badly with me. He is the object of epithetry as offensive as being called "faggot" to the ears of the day: "...a right Miss Molly," as a fellow Peer of the Realm calls him. Really? This book was written in 1995. The author couldn't be bothered not to make one of her suspects a stereotypical limp-wristed useless creature, who (in other offensive news) insists he's not queer and even places a beautiful whore under his "protection" to prove it?
‘I had no wish to wound you. Truth to tell, as Mr Rawlings already knows, I took Elizabeth on to prove to the world that I was a man and not the weak-kneed quean that all believed me to be.’
The Frenchman returned his glance with grudging admiration. ‘It must have cost you dear to say that. I appreciate your courage.'
...said the Real Man to the Faggot...I don't appreciate the author's appalling and insensitive portrayal of the Duke of Midhurst, period-appropriate that it may be.
The story was involving enough, though I knew who the murderer was early on (despite the fact that we next-to-never even *see* the criminal!), and the Use of Capitalization was a wee bit distracting (why are we expected to endure the twee use of "the Apothecary" and "the Blind Beak" for characters who have perfectly usable, uncomplicated names?), but the evocation of a long-dead London in the midst of great change was a true pleasure. Yes, problems exist that diminish my enjoyment of the book; I will still read the second installment, Death at the Beggar's Opera.
One more time on the unnecessary and noxious use of homophobia in place of character delineation, though, and I am out for good.
November 5, 2022
Vaux Hall (later to become Vauxhall) Pleasure Gardens was the place to be seen in Georgian London and Deryn Lake's 'Death in the Dark Walk' centres on a murder that takes place there.
Just out of his apprenticeship as an apothecary, John Rawlings visits the Gardens with his friend Samuel Swann, another who had just completed his apprenticeship as a goldsmith. The pair mingle with the crowd and delight in spotting various people who they know, either personally or by sight.
Then, making his way from the Grand Walk to the Dark Walk, he hears a woman's scream and dashes in the direction from which it came. As he does so he sees the dark back of a man hurrying away in the distance. It turns out that Elizabeth Harper, a one-time country girl who had gone to London to seek her fortune after a failed romance and then had taken work at a house of ill repute in Leicester Fields, was the lady killed. The Leicester Fields establishment was the calling point of many of the well-to-do and titled gentlemen in town so the list of suspects for the killing had endless possibilities.
Because of his presence at the scene and the likelihood of being able to assist in any investigation, Rawlings gets pointed to the Public Office at Bow Street, the residence of John Fielding, the Principal Justice of the Peace. Fielding is responsible for policing the lawless metropolis of London and although blind - he was known as the 'Blind Beak' - this does not hinder him in any way.
He recruits Rawlings on a temporary basis to investigate the crime and thus begins a catalogue of events that seems to create more questions than it answers. But Rawlings is nothing if not dogged and he battles on against all hardships, interviewing all and sundry of different classes until he finally comes up with the answer.
'Death in the Dark Walk' is a gripping read with very believable characters (many of them are real life people) and it captures splendidly the ambience of Georgian London. If the others in the series are as good as this, they will be well worth looking out. Indeed, I have already searched for any other titles but without any success - I know I could get them by clicking a button but what fun is there in that?!
Just out of his apprenticeship as an apothecary, John Rawlings visits the Gardens with his friend Samuel Swann, another who had just completed his apprenticeship as a goldsmith. The pair mingle with the crowd and delight in spotting various people who they know, either personally or by sight.
Then, making his way from the Grand Walk to the Dark Walk, he hears a woman's scream and dashes in the direction from which it came. As he does so he sees the dark back of a man hurrying away in the distance. It turns out that Elizabeth Harper, a one-time country girl who had gone to London to seek her fortune after a failed romance and then had taken work at a house of ill repute in Leicester Fields, was the lady killed. The Leicester Fields establishment was the calling point of many of the well-to-do and titled gentlemen in town so the list of suspects for the killing had endless possibilities.
Because of his presence at the scene and the likelihood of being able to assist in any investigation, Rawlings gets pointed to the Public Office at Bow Street, the residence of John Fielding, the Principal Justice of the Peace. Fielding is responsible for policing the lawless metropolis of London and although blind - he was known as the 'Blind Beak' - this does not hinder him in any way.
He recruits Rawlings on a temporary basis to investigate the crime and thus begins a catalogue of events that seems to create more questions than it answers. But Rawlings is nothing if not dogged and he battles on against all hardships, interviewing all and sundry of different classes until he finally comes up with the answer.
'Death in the Dark Walk' is a gripping read with very believable characters (many of them are real life people) and it captures splendidly the ambience of Georgian London. If the others in the series are as good as this, they will be well worth looking out. Indeed, I have already searched for any other titles but without any success - I know I could get them by clicking a button but what fun is there in that?!
November 20, 2021
I am fascinated with historical mysteries and when I saw this book on Kindle Unlimited, I thought it would be a good read. However, I was disappointed in the poor writing with typos, the unbelievable and sloppy plot, and the author's careless mistakes. 1) Did they really have "ice" back in the late 18th century, that a servant could just find in the summertime? 2) In another instance, one character had heartburn, but later on, the author said she had flatulence. 3) Characters went from Midhurst to London and back again so frequently, even an adolescent boy on his own, you'd think they were driving cars instead of riding in old-fashioned coach. 4) Marybone should be Marylebone. 5) Everyone was focused on The Masked Lady, who really had nothing to do with the murders, but was an unneeded distraction. Her unmasking reminded me of The Scarlet Pimpernel. 6) One character was described as sandy-haired when he first appears in the book; a few paragraphs later, he is described as ginger-haired! 7) One character is first described as a laborer then later described as a blacksmith. 8) A woman goes around dressed as a boy, and no one could tell the difference between the two genders? Then she goes to work at the place where she first visited as a "boy" and no one recognized her? 9) A woman goes missing and although no one finds her body, they presume she killed herself? This is a very weak plot point. 10) Finally in the denouement, Character A found out someone's address, gave it to Character B, who gave it to Character C, who gave it to Character A, who was the person who found it the first place! The author couldn't keep track of her own plot and characters! The only good thing about the book is that it wasn't very long. Needless to say, I'm skipping the rest of the series.
December 28, 2019
A couple decades ago I really enjoyed the 11-book Sir John Fielding series written by Bruce Alexander (Bruce Alexander Cook) and own the full series. I had never heard of another writer producing a series that included Fielding, the blind magistrate, but have now found that Deryn Lake started her series around the same time, 1994. Her Georgian period series includes 16 books featuring apothecary John Rawlings. In this first episode Rawlings is commissioned by Fielding to solve a murder.
The Georgian period interests me, so I am really pleased to have found this book. The author includes a great deal of descriptive detail of London landmarks, class distinctions, leisure pursuits and treatments for ailments concocted by apothecaries of the day. I am not ready to say whether everything that takes place in this first book is believable and/or logical, but I intend to read further and then perhaps pick up one of my favorite Alexander books to compare. I did enjoy the read.
Kindle Unlimited
The Georgian period interests me, so I am really pleased to have found this book. The author includes a great deal of descriptive detail of London landmarks, class distinctions, leisure pursuits and treatments for ailments concocted by apothecaries of the day. I am not ready to say whether everything that takes place in this first book is believable and/or logical, but I intend to read further and then perhaps pick up one of my favorite Alexander books to compare. I did enjoy the read.
Kindle Unlimited
July 3, 2021
There was a lot to like about this book. The wealth of detail about the time period (mid to late 1700’s) made it seem almost to have been written contemporaneously. While it was slowly paced, and John Rawlings was not the most exciting main character, the mystery was well done. I correctly figured out who the masked lady was, but other elements of the mystery kept me guessing until the end.
July 21, 2020
This is the first book by this author and in this series I have read. Apparently there are 11 books in the series, and its always nice to find a new series to enjoy.
The writing is pretty solid, with a good historical and period feel without being too obscure or archaic. The characters are for the most part distinct and memorable, particularly the ladies who are fresh and interesting without being caricatures or transported from modern time.
I enjoyed the mystery, although I had it figured out about halfway through (to be fair, it made sense that the protagonist would not have, given his cultural limitations). It features Sir John Fielding, one of my favorite personalities from the past, and apparently the main character John Rawlings is also a real person from history (although obviously fictionalized for these books).
There is a bit of a problem with telling rather than showing, things are narrated in excessive detail rather than unfolding through the telling of the story (the personalities of characters, for example is told us rather than shown through their actions and dialog), which might just be an early writer thing and later books are more natural and less pedantic in unfolding the story.
The author obviously did a tremendous amount of research, but unfortunately feels the compulsion to share each and every possible piece even when it adds nothing to the story or slows down the tale. Again, with time this probably gets better.
Overall I enjoyed the book, and would recommend it, even if it starts a bit slow. I look forward to more in the series.
The writing is pretty solid, with a good historical and period feel without being too obscure or archaic. The characters are for the most part distinct and memorable, particularly the ladies who are fresh and interesting without being caricatures or transported from modern time.
I enjoyed the mystery, although I had it figured out about halfway through (to be fair, it made sense that the protagonist would not have, given his cultural limitations). It features Sir John Fielding, one of my favorite personalities from the past, and apparently the main character John Rawlings is also a real person from history (although obviously fictionalized for these books).
There is a bit of a problem with telling rather than showing, things are narrated in excessive detail rather than unfolding through the telling of the story (the personalities of characters, for example is told us rather than shown through their actions and dialog), which might just be an early writer thing and later books are more natural and less pedantic in unfolding the story.
The author obviously did a tremendous amount of research, but unfortunately feels the compulsion to share each and every possible piece even when it adds nothing to the story or slows down the tale. Again, with time this probably gets better.
Overall I enjoyed the book, and would recommend it, even if it starts a bit slow. I look forward to more in the series.
July 12, 2020
This murder mystery set in 18th century London used real historical figures (John Rawlings, John Fielding). It was OK, but I wouldn't do any more of the series. The characters just weren't that engaging and the plot wasn't believable (at that time, they wouldn't have expended such considerable time and resources to investigate the murder of a prostitute).
August 26, 2011
Einer der besten historischen Krimis, die ich seit langem gelesen haben. Durchweg sympathische Charaktere und spannend bis zum Schluss. Leider wurden die weiteren Buecher der Serie nicht ins Deutsche übersetzt, daher werde ich nun wohl auf die englische Version umsteigen.
June 29, 2019
Boring
A boring story, uninteresting, too many characters. Too much padding in that the story is filled in with irrelevant detail
A boring story, uninteresting, too many characters. Too much padding in that the story is filled in with irrelevant detail
April 26, 2025
The first John Rawlings mystery was published in the same year as the final Brother Cadfael novel. As Deryn Lake brought Mr. Rawlings into the spotlight, Cadfael faded away into the shadows.
The John Rawlings novels are full of evocative period ambience, compelling, likeable characters, and mysteries full of spirited adventure. Deryn Lake has an unique talent for bringing Georgian England to life on the printed page.
This is the fourth time I have read 'Death in the Dark Walk' in the last thirty years and it continues to leave me in awe of the author's talents.
As an introduction to John Rawlings and his world this is a pitch perfect example of the treats ahead for anyone who hasn't yet discovered Deryn Lake.
The John Rawlings novels are full of evocative period ambience, compelling, likeable characters, and mysteries full of spirited adventure. Deryn Lake has an unique talent for bringing Georgian England to life on the printed page.
This is the fourth time I have read 'Death in the Dark Walk' in the last thirty years and it continues to leave me in awe of the author's talents.
As an introduction to John Rawlings and his world this is a pitch perfect example of the treats ahead for anyone who hasn't yet discovered Deryn Lake.
January 18, 2020
Well done mystery. Hard to believe the main characters situation is accepted, but cool. And where does dad get all his money. The Blind Beak is a fabulous character. As well as his other friends. Clever boy.
Want to read
July 8, 2020Lume Books (Endeavour)
January 29, 2021
I can't take any more of this!
This is the worst writing I have encountered in a long time. The style is so bad that I have to wonder if it is someone's idea of a joke. The most ludicrous element is the writer's annoying reference to the main character as the Apprentice, over and over and over again, almost every sentence. Instead of using the pronoun "he" as a substitute for John's name, this "writer" awkwardly and unbelievably substitutes "the Apprentice". As in, " John ate his meal quickly. The Apprentice had much to do that day" or John rushed up the stairs. The Apprentice was in a hurry." This is the most awful, unbalanced , childish syntax I have seen since the very worst freshman composition papers I ever graded..
And why is he capitalizing "apprentice"??????????? This is the stuff of comic books, along the lines of the Joker!!!!!
Although the above is the most glaring snafu, the entire writing style is flowery, superfluous, overdone prose, absolutely horrendous.
This book is a Joke, a very bad one.
This is the worst writing I have encountered in a long time. The style is so bad that I have to wonder if it is someone's idea of a joke. The most ludicrous element is the writer's annoying reference to the main character as the Apprentice, over and over and over again, almost every sentence. Instead of using the pronoun "he" as a substitute for John's name, this "writer" awkwardly and unbelievably substitutes "the Apprentice". As in, " John ate his meal quickly. The Apprentice had much to do that day" or John rushed up the stairs. The Apprentice was in a hurry." This is the most awful, unbalanced , childish syntax I have seen since the very worst freshman composition papers I ever graded..
And why is he capitalizing "apprentice"??????????? This is the stuff of comic books, along the lines of the Joker!!!!!
Although the above is the most glaring snafu, the entire writing style is flowery, superfluous, overdone prose, absolutely horrendous.
This book is a Joke, a very bad one.
September 24, 2018
3 1/2 stars. An enjoyable historical mystery. John Rawlings, an apothecary, at first glance seems to be an unusual choice for a detective but it works well in this time period because of the need to gather plants, etc. for their medicine and provides an excuse for travelling, visiting places and intermixing for different levels of society.
Parts dragged in the beginning but overall an entertaining and informative foray into 1700s England, particularly London. I will enjoy another visit back.
Parts dragged in the beginning but overall an entertaining and informative foray into 1700s England, particularly London. I will enjoy another visit back.
July 8, 2019
1754, John Rawlings (apothecary) and his friend Samuel Swann (goldsmith) have both finished their indentures. So to celebrate they off to the famous Vauxhall Gardens. Unfortunately for Rawlings he literally stumbles over a body. Thankfully John Fielding, Principal Justice of the Peace, believes him to be innocent and recruits him to investigate the crime.
An enjoyable mystery, with the added bonus of likeable characters. A good solid start to this series.
An enjoyable mystery, with the added bonus of likeable characters. A good solid start to this series.
April 7, 2019
What a relief to read an historic novel which seems to have been very well researched and where nothing at all seemed anachronistic.
Add to the beautifully written description of London life and of the vagaries of travelling out of town, a likeable young man as the central character, and an interesting plot, and you have an excellent book.
I am off to get the next book....
Add to the beautifully written description of London life and of the vagaries of travelling out of town, a likeable young man as the central character, and an interesting plot, and you have an excellent book.
I am off to get the next book....
June 13, 2019
A bit of a plod
This was such an obvious plot and outcome, if you haven't guessed the murderer within the first half of the book, then I'd suggest you give up and not bother reading this type of genre again.
This was such an obvious plot and outcome, if you haven't guessed the murderer within the first half of the book, then I'd suggest you give up and not bother reading this type of genre again.
April 27, 2018
I finally finished this one, the first in the John Rawlings series. I had lost the book for a while and had to go back and reread the beginning. I really enjoyed it. This is coincidentally the second book that incorporates the historical John Fielding (the blind magistrate that brought the Bow street runners to fame) that I've read recently. In this novel Fielding is a secondary character to John Rawlings (another historical figure weaved into the story) whom helps the Bow street runners investigate the murder of a young woman. Rawlings is well drawn with plenty of positive, justice seeking characteristics as well as some real human flaws that make him very likable. Lake does a nice job fleshing out the secondary characters as well.
It's a good solid mystery with glimpses of London society and London poverty. The reader experiences gaming halls, wealthy homes and brothels. We are also taken into the country side and treated to the highs and lows of life there as well. I found the unveiling moment of the mystery a little odd and hard to visualize actually happening but no worries, still a good read.
It's a good solid mystery with glimpses of London society and London poverty. The reader experiences gaming halls, wealthy homes and brothels. We are also taken into the country side and treated to the highs and lows of life there as well. I found the unveiling moment of the mystery a little odd and hard to visualize actually happening but no worries, still a good read.
July 17, 2020
An engaging mystery
Despite this book's need for a bit of suspended disbelief, it was actually a refreshing and uplifting novel, while providing a great mystery and a clearly well-researched historical context. I usually enjoy books that are much more realistic, and in this one, everything just always seemed to work out. Nasty people turned nice, a conclusive ending, no real major set-backs to endure. It kind of reminded me of a 1950s sitcom in that all was nearly wrapped up in the end. Despite all of this, I thoroughly enjoyed it and was eager to read on to find the answer to the mystery. Perhaps I just needed a break from all the never-ending bad news we are currently facing. It was kind of a nice break to see something work out for once. Despite all this, I didn't find anything to be cheesy at all, and I liked how it gave me some historical perspective of London at that time. If you're in the mood for a life-altering, philosophical read, this probably isn't what you're looking for. However, if you want a historically accurate, engaging, Clue-esque murder whodunit mystery, give it a whirl! A great vacation read!
Despite this book's need for a bit of suspended disbelief, it was actually a refreshing and uplifting novel, while providing a great mystery and a clearly well-researched historical context. I usually enjoy books that are much more realistic, and in this one, everything just always seemed to work out. Nasty people turned nice, a conclusive ending, no real major set-backs to endure. It kind of reminded me of a 1950s sitcom in that all was nearly wrapped up in the end. Despite all of this, I thoroughly enjoyed it and was eager to read on to find the answer to the mystery. Perhaps I just needed a break from all the never-ending bad news we are currently facing. It was kind of a nice break to see something work out for once. Despite all this, I didn't find anything to be cheesy at all, and I liked how it gave me some historical perspective of London at that time. If you're in the mood for a life-altering, philosophical read, this probably isn't what you're looking for. However, if you want a historically accurate, engaging, Clue-esque murder whodunit mystery, give it a whirl! A great vacation read!
December 7, 2020
An Apothecary turning detective in London of the late 18th century - very interesting. I did have to get used to the somewhat slightly "old-fashioned" (in lack of a better word) narration initially, but that was fitting, in my opinion, to the era the story was placed in, and the characters therein.
These characters, based on real historic persons, really came to life in this story, and I found it difficult to put the book down, trying with John Rawlings and the rest of his family and friends to find the culprit. (Although, was it really him finding or being gently nudged in the right direction by "the Beak" and his father?).
Anyway, a very good story, interesting time frame, which includes a London different from the one we know today, and realistic characters - yes, I would like to read more of this series, if only to see if Mr Rawlings can blunder through a murder case on his own.... ;)
These characters, based on real historic persons, really came to life in this story, and I found it difficult to put the book down, trying with John Rawlings and the rest of his family and friends to find the culprit. (Although, was it really him finding or being gently nudged in the right direction by "the Beak" and his father?).
Anyway, a very good story, interesting time frame, which includes a London different from the one we know today, and realistic characters - yes, I would like to read more of this series, if only to see if Mr Rawlings can blunder through a murder case on his own.... ;)
April 14, 2021
Before I read this book I was well aware of Sir Robert Peele having been the man who created the first London Metropolitan Police Department. Those lads in the tall, round hats commonly called "Bobbies" were originally known as "Peelers", both nicknames after Sir Robert. Oh, but I did not know that before Sir Robert's creation in 1829, there had been a sort of police department begun by non-other than Sir Henry Fielding and his blind half-brother James. Yes, the playwright/poet/novelist Henry Fielding, best known for his novel Tom Jones. Ye gads, this book is also based on another real 18th century character John Rawlings, who I knew nothing about until I opened this book. And it all centers upon a murder in a garden entertainment center which is also an actual historical location. In addition I learned a lot of words used in the 1700s, and even more about that century's customs. All while having a marvelous time following John Rawlings as he searches for the murderer. Yes, I had a lot of fun and highly recommend this book for anyone interested in historical mysteries.
May 30, 2022
Hovering at almost a 4 star. The story was engaging. I had a pretty good idea of who the murderer was, but then I thought I might be wrong upon learning the person was also a gambler. If you read you know what I mean. Honestly I thought Rawlings would join the Runners, but apparently not. Since this is the first of a series, I assume he either joins later or maybe he again literally stumbles onto a murder. Not sure how I feel about the ending though.
The effort to be period-accurate appreciated (even putting in John Fielding) though sometimes it felt overdone. Over descriptive? I'm not sure how it was done, but there seemed to be at times, an overuse of commas and then times when it was skipped. It's nitpicky I know. There were also no periods after Mr Or Mrs, etc., a few spelling errors. Do you need a beta reader? How did that get past your proofreader/editor?
The effort to be period-accurate appreciated (even putting in John Fielding) though sometimes it felt overdone. Over descriptive? I'm not sure how it was done, but there seemed to be at times, an overuse of commas and then times when it was skipped. It's nitpicky I know. There were also no periods after Mr Or Mrs, etc., a few spelling errors. Do you need a beta reader? How did that get past your proofreader/editor?
October 12, 2020
Maybe 3.5 stars. The story was not exactly gripping but the characters were, on the whole, a fairly decent bunch and it was an easy read.
John Rawlings, newly qualified apothecary, goes with friend Samuel to Vaux Hall pleasure gardens. There he stumbles on the body of a more upmarket, ‘lady of the night’. He is brought before magistrate blind John Fielding where he gives such a detailed account of what he saw Fielding ‘hires’ him to seek out the killer.
That’s it really. He travels about, talks to people, most of them very pleasant, he also has a few more problems added to his original one.
There is one annoyance, maybe the book was badly edited, but his name keeps changing. He is John Rawlings one moment and the apothecary the next and the change happens too often. You get ‘John Rawlings went into his father’s study. The apothecary sat down’. It’s like several different people when it’s just the one man. Anyway not a bad book.
John Rawlings, newly qualified apothecary, goes with friend Samuel to Vaux Hall pleasure gardens. There he stumbles on the body of a more upmarket, ‘lady of the night’. He is brought before magistrate blind John Fielding where he gives such a detailed account of what he saw Fielding ‘hires’ him to seek out the killer.
That’s it really. He travels about, talks to people, most of them very pleasant, he also has a few more problems added to his original one.
There is one annoyance, maybe the book was badly edited, but his name keeps changing. He is John Rawlings one moment and the apothecary the next and the change happens too often. You get ‘John Rawlings went into his father’s study. The apothecary sat down’. It’s like several different people when it’s just the one man. Anyway not a bad book.
April 8, 2021
Interesting early Georgian mystery
This was quite the intriguing mystery, and an interesting early Georgian historical novel. As a fan of Regency Era stories, it was fun to see the sights of London as they were a half-century previous.
The only thing I found really off-putting was the tendency of the author to "show off research," throwing in details that had nothing to do with the story and of which the main character was probably unaware.
Although I enjoyed this book, I'm not sure that I will continue to read more in this series. Clearly, the author finds John Rawlings fascinating, but the character didn't really grab me the way a mystery-solver needs to in order to tempt me to read more.
This was quite the intriguing mystery, and an interesting early Georgian historical novel. As a fan of Regency Era stories, it was fun to see the sights of London as they were a half-century previous.
The only thing I found really off-putting was the tendency of the author to "show off research," throwing in details that had nothing to do with the story and of which the main character was probably unaware.
Although I enjoyed this book, I'm not sure that I will continue to read more in this series. Clearly, the author finds John Rawlings fascinating, but the character didn't really grab me the way a mystery-solver needs to in order to tempt me to read more.
September 13, 2024
Set in 1750's London, John Rawlins and his friend Samuel Swann are on the town celebrating the end of their apprenticeships and looking towards their futures. An evening at the Vaux Hall pleasure gardens has John a suspect in a murder. Soon his story is believed and he is enlisted as a supernumerary by the Bow Street Magistrate. Soon the reader is caught up in twists and turns as John is tasked to interview those closest to the victim on the fateful night.
Lots of action is expressed in a fast-moving style with lots of colourful descriptions, particularly of the clothes and the people. John comes over as an adventurous and quick-acting young man while his friend is more stoical. An excellent story, the first in a series. 4 stars.
Lots of action is expressed in a fast-moving style with lots of colourful descriptions, particularly of the clothes and the people. John comes over as an adventurous and quick-acting young man while his friend is more stoical. An excellent story, the first in a series. 4 stars.
November 9, 2023
An historical mystery set in 18th century London. John Rawlings is a young man who just finished his apprenticeship as an apothecary. He and his mate go to Vaux Hall to celebrate where a fairly large number of the characters are introduced. A beautiful young woman is killed and Rawlings is first on the scene so, of course, he is interviewed as a possible suspect. Instead of continuing as a suspect he is recruited to help solve the mystery. I enjoyed the historical setting and thought the characters were interesting. There were a couple of twisties that I wasn't prepared for. All in all, a good light read.
October 28, 2018
Death in the Dark Walk is a delightful historical mystery set in Georgian England. John Rawlings is an apprentice Apothecary who has just finished his apprenticeship when he finds the body of a beautiful young woman murdered on the grounds of the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens. As a result of his good visual memory, he is asked to investigate the case by the Principal Magistrate of London. The author writes in a style so close to the mid-1700s English I was surprised to find the book was written in 1994.
July 30, 2020
To be honest didn’t think I would get through this book.
The attention to every possible detail and description of the surroundings was tiresome to me.
I liked the actual historical figures were used as main characters in this book was interesting.
The plot was entertaining although not quite believable.
Had to skip many of the pages of description to get to the main body of the mystery.
The reveal of the masked women and her outcome was a letdown
The attention to every possible detail and description of the surroundings was tiresome to me.
I liked the actual historical figures were used as main characters in this book was interesting.
The plot was entertaining although not quite believable.
Had to skip many of the pages of description to get to the main body of the mystery.
The reveal of the masked women and her outcome was a letdown
August 16, 2020
This was an enjoyable read and was a good book to sit outside with and decompress in our strange isolated time. I'm a little partial to the 1800s and England as a setting so I found the book quite comfortable. The class and structure of privilege of the time seemed well done and provided an interesting aspect to the mystery plot. I will be tempted to consider trying additional books in the series.
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