What do you think?
Rate this book
John Rawlings #12
Death in Hellfire
When John Rawlings is asked to investigate a secret club and some shady goings-on, he is intrigued. The disreputable Sir Francis Dashwood is believed to be involved, as well as some illustrious members of the British aristocracy. In disguise and accompanied by the ungainly Sam Swann, John befriends Sir Dashwood and gains access to his home and family, including someone from John’s past, someone whose exceptional beauty still hypnotises him. However, evil lurks in hidden corners of Sir Dashwood’s opulent home and there seems to be a sinister element behind the infamous Hellfire Club’s debaucheries. Is John putting himself and Sam in danger by trying to find out the truth?
328 pages, Paperback
First published April 18, 2007
45 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 30, 2011
Death in Hellfire by Deryn Lake is a historical mystery set in eighteenth-century London. It finds Lake's hero John Rawlings investigating the infamous Hellfire Club at the behest of Sir John Fielding. Certain disreputable members of the aristocracy have been rumored to be involved and Fielding wants to know if the club is devoted to lustful pursuits only or if there is something more political and insidious going on. Rawlings assumes the persona the younger son of a mythical Irish nobleman and gains entry to Sir Francis Dashwood's home. Dashwood is believed to be deeply involved, if not a founding member. While on his mission, Rawlings becomes distracted by the atmosphere of Dashwood's home. Is the source of evil in the club the same as that in the manor house? As Rawling's flimsy disguise takes him deeper into the club's activities, he finds himself and his friend Sam--who has accompanied him as his "servant"--in more and more danger. When the murders begin, Rawlings has to wonder if he or Sam will be next.
Deryn Lake has a delightful writing style and has obviously done her research on the period. Her details are finely done without inundating the reader with "this is what happens in the 18th century." I was completely caught up in the story, until I had an awful sense of deja vu once Rawlings had gained entry to Dashwood's house. Since this book was on the "new arrivals" shelf at the library, I thought it couldn't be possible that I have read this story before. Then I looked at the publication date and realized that I could well have read it and forgotten to log it. Either that or I have read a story with similar circumstances. That took some of the pleasure out of the book. There is a real difference between deliberately rereading a book you've enjoyed and picking up one that you think is new only to find that you know exactly what is going to happen. I rate this book a good solid three stars out of five. I'm quite sure it deserves more than that--Deryn Lake is an excellent mystery writer. But I have to rate my experience now...not what I might have given it if it truly had been my first reading.
Deryn Lake has a delightful writing style and has obviously done her research on the period. Her details are finely done without inundating the reader with "this is what happens in the 18th century." I was completely caught up in the story, until I had an awful sense of deja vu once Rawlings had gained entry to Dashwood's house. Since this book was on the "new arrivals" shelf at the library, I thought it couldn't be possible that I have read this story before. Then I looked at the publication date and realized that I could well have read it and forgotten to log it. Either that or I have read a story with similar circumstances. That took some of the pleasure out of the book. There is a real difference between deliberately rereading a book you've enjoyed and picking up one that you think is new only to find that you know exactly what is going to happen. I rate this book a good solid three stars out of five. I'm quite sure it deserves more than that--Deryn Lake is an excellent mystery writer. But I have to rate my experience now...not what I might have given it if it truly had been my first reading.
September 16, 2008
I've never been one much for historicals, so I was mildly surprised by how much I enjoyed DEATH IN HELLFIRE. Asked by the blind beak himself, Sir John Fielding, John Rawlings launches himself into the investigation of the notorious Hellfire Club. Worried by the sketchy artifice he has developed to disguise himself, concerned about the rumours of debauchery but more worried about the sinister aspects of the same club, he travels to the home of Sir Francis Dashwood and inveigles himself into the family circle.
His disguise, and position within the household is complicated when he finds that one of the guests of the house is his ex-lover, actress and now wife of Charles, Marquess of Arundel. Charles is a thoroughly unsatisfactory sort of chap, and a fellow member of the Hellfire Club. There are two parts to this story - the investigation of the Hellfire Club, and the suspicious death of two of the guests of the Dashwood household, which occurred around the time of the gathering of the Club that Rawlings is able to get himself invited to.
I suspect part of the reason that I enjoyed DEATH IN HELLFIRE so much was the slightly wry sense of humour from the central character. John Rawlings doesn't take himself or the situations he finds himself in overly seriously, and there is a real wit and charm to the way that he progresses through the investigation, and to a lot of the side characters throughout the book. The writing style can be quite flamboyant but it's very engaging, and the settings themselves aren't too glamourised or, for that matter, overly dire. It also helps that the whole thing whips along at a great pace, without the need for great daring and over the top doings.
DEATH IN HELLFIRE is the 12th book in the John Rawlings series by Deryn Lake - which is a pseudonym of historical novelist Dinah Lampitt.
His disguise, and position within the household is complicated when he finds that one of the guests of the house is his ex-lover, actress and now wife of Charles, Marquess of Arundel. Charles is a thoroughly unsatisfactory sort of chap, and a fellow member of the Hellfire Club. There are two parts to this story - the investigation of the Hellfire Club, and the suspicious death of two of the guests of the Dashwood household, which occurred around the time of the gathering of the Club that Rawlings is able to get himself invited to.
I suspect part of the reason that I enjoyed DEATH IN HELLFIRE so much was the slightly wry sense of humour from the central character. John Rawlings doesn't take himself or the situations he finds himself in overly seriously, and there is a real wit and charm to the way that he progresses through the investigation, and to a lot of the side characters throughout the book. The writing style can be quite flamboyant but it's very engaging, and the settings themselves aren't too glamourised or, for that matter, overly dire. It also helps that the whole thing whips along at a great pace, without the need for great daring and over the top doings.
DEATH IN HELLFIRE is the 12th book in the John Rawlings series by Deryn Lake - which is a pseudonym of historical novelist Dinah Lampitt.
October 24, 2009
I was really excited to read this author as I had read some good reviews.
And I like Bruce Alexander the author of the series with Sir. John Fielding, and the time period. This book read like a romance! very light and the main character would do something that just didn't seem right.
Having picked up a middle book in the series (earliest book in series I could ILL) I definitely missed a lot in this man's life.
I will try the next book in the series and see if I like it. If not I will move on.
And I like Bruce Alexander the author of the series with Sir. John Fielding, and the time period. This book read like a romance! very light and the main character would do something that just didn't seem right.
Having picked up a middle book in the series (earliest book in series I could ILL) I definitely missed a lot in this man's life.
I will try the next book in the series and see if I like it. If not I will move on.
February 19, 2024
#12 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.
It is late 1765 and John Rawlings is asked by Sir John Fielding to investigate the infamous Hellfire Club. Fielding wants to know if the club is devoted to lustful pursuits only or if there is something more political and insidious going on. Rawlings' eventual conclusion is that the club members were just into open lechery and sexual licentiousness. Then there was a questionable death by drowning and then followed by yet another death by poison and Rawlings has to discover the who and why behind the murders..
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.
It is late 1765 and John Rawlings is asked by Sir John Fielding to investigate the infamous Hellfire Club. Fielding wants to know if the club is devoted to lustful pursuits only or if there is something more political and insidious going on. Rawlings' eventual conclusion is that the club members were just into open lechery and sexual licentiousness. Then there was a questionable death by drowning and then followed by yet another death by poison and Rawlings has to discover the who and why behind the murders..
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.
February 18, 2019
Rawlings' assignment was to investigate the members of the revived Hellfire Club given their sensitive and powerful positions in the government and in Parliament. Rawlings' conclusion was that this coterie of Francis Dashwood was just into open lechery and sexual licentiousness. Until there was a questionable death by drowning and then followed by yet another death by poison. Rawlings also came face~to~face with his past love (retired actress Coralie Clive) now the Countess of Arundel and widow of the dead Earl who apparently died by drowning. This concerns, among others, a depraved and incestuous monster whose death most people would not mourn, the multi~facets of another man who celebrates beauty and is capable of creating/designing beautiful buildings and landscapes, who is also totally depraved and likely to be pox~infected, and yet capable of good sense and leadership in government plus sundry other events and characters that would ultimately give a satisfactory conclusion to this case.
April 26, 2022
A Unique Murder Mystery!
This novel is unique in many ways. Set in the latter 18th Century the protagonist is not a policeman or detective but is an apothecary who we would now recognize as a pharmacist. How this apothecary assumes a voluntary duty to uncover killers and other lawbreakers is not fully explained nor whether there is any financial recompense for the costs of conducting his investigations. Often there is detailed descriptions of both the physical environment and the social structure of the times. Very attractive as historical fiction.
This novel is unique in many ways. Set in the latter 18th Century the protagonist is not a policeman or detective but is an apothecary who we would now recognize as a pharmacist. How this apothecary assumes a voluntary duty to uncover killers and other lawbreakers is not fully explained nor whether there is any financial recompense for the costs of conducting his investigations. Often there is detailed descriptions of both the physical environment and the social structure of the times. Very attractive as historical fiction.
June 23, 2025
This 18th. century novel involving the apothecary John Rawlings is the 12th of the series. It is an investigation into a group called the Hellfire Club, and of course, two murders occur. John Rawlings unravels the mystery behind these killings, and the murderer is apprehended. Anyone who enjoys historical mysteries will enjoy this book as I did. It accurately depicts the society of that time and is amusing, featuring characters with peculiarities and idiosyncrasies that are quite enjoyable to read about.
September 17, 2019
1767. Sir John Fieldings asks that John Rawlings goes to West Wycombe and the home of Sir Francis Dashwood. He is concerned about the activities there - is there a possibility that they seditious. Or is the Hellfire Club something else.
After several days John discovers several bodies, but what are motives and who are the guilty parties.
Another enjoyable mystery in this well-written series with its very likeable characters
After several days John discovers several bodies, but what are motives and who are the guilty parties.
Another enjoyable mystery in this well-written series with its very likeable characters
June 18, 2019
Death in before club
As always with Deryn Lake character John Rawlings a very good detective story set against a time when things moved more slowly but I recommend it to readers to try Deryn book as very good read. I am hoping i can find more books of this series that I haven't read.
As always with Deryn Lake character John Rawlings a very good detective story set against a time when things moved more slowly but I recommend it to readers to try Deryn book as very good read. I am hoping i can find more books of this series that I haven't read.
December 3, 2018
Completely hooked!
The characters are fabulous- I really want to find out what happens next. The mysteries really are good, the twists are so ingenious. The series is a joy and a real favourite now. Well worth a read.
The characters are fabulous- I really want to find out what happens next. The mysteries really are good, the twists are so ingenious. The series is a joy and a real favourite now. Well worth a read.
July 12, 2019
boring
Read
August 27, 2019Excellent book. I hadn't read any other book by this author but now I look forward to reading them.
August 17, 2020
A historical mystery set in England, the apothecary John Rawlings is dispatched to investigate Sir Francis Dashwood’s involvement in the Hellfire Club but ends up with two murders to solve.
July 31, 2023
Oh boy, are some people weird. Or at least some of their personal preferences are. It makes you wonder just what goes on behind closed doors (or not so closed in some cases)!
September 19, 2025
A very well written light, romantic mystery story with well researched historical background.
January 6, 2026
Death and destructive behaviors by adults. Maybe to them they seem harmless but there is ultimate physical and emotional damage. Rawlings finds a way to solve the mysterious murders.
October 13, 2009
Read this while rocking baby to sleep in his buggy! Formulaic historical crime novel (loads of books in the series) but none the worse for that. Very modern hero, necessarily to engage us, but enjoyed the set up and story and the historical aspect.
December 8, 2010
Thisa was quite entertaining but some aspects were a bit implausible.
June 7, 2013
Can't get quite as involved with John Rawlings as some other historical detectives
October 12, 2015
This book is published by Endeavour Press.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews