The Devil's Den

Nicole Rayburn #2

by Irina Shapiro

In 1540, newly married and pregnant Isobel Devlin vanished from a tiny island in Lancashire, never to be seen again.

In 2020, leaving London for the first time since the pandemic began, Nicole Rayburn and Kyle Walsh head to a guesthouse in the Lake District for a much-needed holiday. Across from the historic manor house, on an island in the middle of a lake, are the ruins of Montrose Abbey, the last known abode of Lady Isobel Devlin. Intrigued, Nicole begins to research Lady Isobel’s disappearance as the subject for a new book and calls on her history-loving friend Reverend Hargreaves for help.

As Nicole unearths long-forgotten truths about the mysterious Lady Devlin, finding many gaping holes in the story of her disappearance, she must fight for her own happiness against a rival whose claim to Kyle’s heart might be stronger than she expected.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Audiobook, Fiction, Historical Mystery, Historical, Mystery Thriller

371 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 12, 2021

About the author

To write a novel was a dream of mine since I was a child. Life, my practical nature, and self-doubt got in the way, so it was decades later that an opportunity to write finally presented itself. I honestly didn't think I had what it takes to write a full-length novel, but once I faced the blank screen and my fingers touched the keyboard, everything disappeared except my characters and their surroundings, and suddenly I knew that this was what I was born to do.

Since then, I've written many books and have enjoyed some positive reviews, but sometimes, when I stop to reflect, I'm still amazed that I'm living my dream.

Follow me on BookBub for discount deals and new release alerts.

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/irina...

Reviews

[Olivia Orr]

i understand the characters in the story (during the 2020 chapters) lived through covid and the pandemic… but for the first 10 chapters i read…. 7 of them had a reference to the pandemic (the other 3 were back in time).

most of us read for the escapism, and continuously bringing up covid and the pandemic while wanting to escape reality for awhile, was extremely frustrating. mentioning covid in the first chapter would be completely appropriate. but c’mon!

this was a DNF for me. which really sucks!! i LOVED The Hanging Tree so much!

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have liked all of threads more wrapped up. I really thought the drug smuggling angle was a distracting throw away that added nothing to the story. But I missed hearing about what happened with Lord Devlin and his brother AFTER his wife ran off. We hear her story but I would have thought a historian would have tracked them (beyond the gravestones), especially since she had access to his descendant and more historical info.

[Bookworm With a B · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars for mystery!

This was a fun drama and historical mystery. I could have done without all the Covid stuff, I got enough of that when it was actually happening in real life. But the mentions were small and infrequent. Nichole and Kyle's relationship gets pretty well knocked around during this book. The Isabella side of the story made a nice balance. Can't wait to start book 3!

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

This was pretty entertaining, if not a bit outrageous, for historical fiction.

[Ona · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good story, but it did not grip me in the same way that earlier series book.

[Catherine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed The Hanging Tree, so I thought this one would be just as good. Nope. I was wrong. I found Isobel's story a little bit unbelievable especially considering the era. But what made me dislike this book was the Nicole/Kyle relationship. The whole Amy thing was ludicrous. Nicole is a basket case. The drug angle did nothing to advance the plot. Finally, I didn't need to be reminded in virtually every chapter that there was a pandemic (insert eye-roll). This was a waste of my time.

[Brenda Haven · Rating 2 out of 5]

Up to the bitter end & still pushing the con-vid narrative. This book cks all the boxes for all the bs protocol at the time…social distance 6 ft apart, wear masks, hand sanitizer, testing, outside seating only for pub service, shelter in place, don’t visit relatives, & an added bonus…global warming. Really at this point the only decent sections of the book are the ones written about Isobel in the past. 🤮🤢🤮

[Elaine C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, WOW!! I am in awe of authors like Ms. Shapiro that can come up with the most AMAZING historical novels ... such twists and turns ... all the while giving us a glimpse into earlier times! I LOVE this series ... and it's gonna be hard waiting until May for the 3rd book to be released! Oh well, I have MANY more Irina Shapiro books on my device to get me through it - LOL!!1

[Jennifer Timko Lofland · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I loved the hanging tree, the whole book was perfectly pieced together. This one left me wanting more. I found it lacking in the historical arena and the ending seemed so abrupt and unfinished. I loved Isabel’s story and wanted more, these chapters just felt very rushed.

[Laura T · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the Nicole Rayburn series which I listened to on Audible. Really like the format of hearing Nicole’s story while also learning about the story of a historical character. It’s a really good mix that works.
On to the next one!

[Em Bulakites · Rating 4 out of 5]

Baby you know i ATE that up

[Leah Toole · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5
free as audiobook and loved it. spookier than first one too which was a plus

[Shyann Alvey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I randomly enjoy these

[Carol B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starts out similarly, but gets intriguing.

[Stephanie Batson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shapiro is my new favorite Author. However, I wasn’t thrilled the current-day story took place during the pandemic. I appreciate the authors note regarding the pandemic, but it didn’t make up for it being in the story.
Now to the plot. I enjoyed The Devils Den, especially because the story switched between current and past. I also enjoy the history within the story.
Some parts I felt Shapiro “threw” together, but they didn’t take away from the story.
It would be great to have her books available in audio format. I would like to hear several narrators within each book with different accents.

[Nya · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sigh… what I want is a historian researching a historical story with the drama constrained to the past. What I get is drama where I don’t want it in the Nicole/Kyle relationship which I now think is toxic. Your “partner” shouldn’t ghost you all day because he’s supposedly busy taking care of his ex(he’s not a doctor or nurse so he’s just sitting there), then comes home and says “I don’t want to talk about it and don’t ask me about it”, but wants to pretend it’s noble to take care of an ex that cuckolded him? He dislikes her to the point that he can’t even talk about her but can talk and sit with her for hours? Doesn’t ask his girlfriend how she feels about it, only asks her to tell him she understands. I’m not finished with the book and I’m not sure I will finish since I’m really not into the white knight, captain save-a-hoe vibe Kyle is giving off. Healthy relationships are based on communication, not pretending you’re a good person because you prioritize someone who treated you like crap over your girlfriend so you can pat yourself on the back that you “did the right thing” for someone you detest. That’s not morality, that’s ego. If I’m reading a fictional book with romance I want it to be a good healthy one, I can get dysfunctional and messy in real life, tyvm.

[Hailey McCord · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved the hanging tree. Not typically a fan of a split story but it works out well for these books. A few of the things I didn’t love with this one:

1 - COVID. I just really don’t want to hear about it at all. It sucked and I read a bit to get away from the stress of reality. I think the characters could have just taken a vacation and kept the pandemic out of the story all together.
2 - The drugs. I don’t understand why this plot line was important. I was excited for Nicole to find the tunnel and put the story together but I didn’t feel like she got to.
3 - Lord Devlin. Based on how he was portrayed as a character I FELT like he was a decent guy. A product of his time for sure but not a bad husband to Isabel. That made it hard to cheer on Isabel because it felt like I was being told not shown he was a bad guy. It felt to me like Isabel was also judging him through a lense of our time rather than as a woman or her own time.
4 - she just happens to find a super sweet boat captain to run away with after what feels like 5 minutes of being treated right. Yay happy ending, but it felt like a forced wrap up.


I’ll read the next one in hopes it’s closer to the hanging tree.

[Leah Long · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was very similar to the first book the hanging tree. I liked this one less for a few reasons. One we have quite a few loose ends left hanging. Huge gaps with the Amy character Kyle’s ex and Annie the best friend from the historical parallel story. I also hated all of the Covid mentions. I know it was a product of the time, but it always bothers me when an author has to insert all of the protocols and make sure we are reminded of the real life drama of mask wearing and 6 ft distance and blah blah blah. I guess it ended ok but nothing thrilling and nothing that kept me intrigued in this one.

[Britny Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't enjoy this one as much as the first one, but it was still pretty good. It felt like even less of a mystery than the first one, and that was disappointing. I got really annoyed about the multiple mentions of the pandemic. And the drug part seemed a little pointless? Maybe I missed something but I just didn't see a reason to include it. Overall it was fine, but I'm not sure if I'll continue with the series.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the read, but not as much as the first one in series. Enjoyed the writing style. The ending kind of snuck up on me. Did not realize it was ending that quickly. Felt like a missed opportunity to explain the villains actions/journey after the main character escapes. Would have enjoyed knowing how closely she got away. Never mentioned her husband’s, best friend’s or father’s reactions or any consequences they may have endured.

[Tammy T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of the audible version

This series has much happier endings than the Echos from the past series has. If you have read that series and were always disappointed by the devastating ends of the past don't fear so far both books in the series have had had happy endings.

It's so refreshing and absolutely lovely to have the mystery unfold.

I highly recommend giving this series a go

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

COVID and Echoes of the Past

Nicole and boyfriend Kyle escape the COVID quarantine for a weekend away at an old manor house that was formerly an abbey. Looking for material for her next book Nicole delves into the manor’s murky past of betrayal and murder set in Tudor England. Another great read from Irina Shapiro.

[Kellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of Isobel was the most interesting part of this book. I honestly could do without Nicole's storyline. I understand that it's her story writing about these historical events but I get annoyed with her. I like the history and the thrill that is given with the stories Nicole is writing. Anyway it won't keep me from listening to book three.

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I can appreciate keeping to the reality of what we experienced during Covid, this book seems to go over the top on how things played out.

I thought the story itself had potential, but the constant nods to the pandemic ruined it for me. Also the random sex scenes were a bit much.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author must have absolutely been terrified of Covid because she harps on it incessantly. It ended up being a good read as far as the historical mystery part goes, but the constant reminders of the pandemic were over the top.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Another historical fiction with a compelling mystery. I thoroughly enjoy these. I love that it has familiar characters from the first book to weave into the storyline. Although the first book doesn’t need to be read to enjoy this one, it’s definitely easy to assist with understanding where the contemporary storyline originates.

I feel like I have to address the one big uncomfortable elephant in the room with this one – even six years later, I hate reading about anything pertaining to the Covid-19 lockdowns especially knowing what a shitshow it became, how the narrative was utter bullshit and how they upended and ended so many lives… so while all the trigger warnings on books I ignore for the most part – this one definitely gave me too much of a reminder on what scared people allowed governments to do in the name of a lie. AAAAAAAAAAAAANyway….. That’s really the only thing I disliked in this book – that reminder. Regardless, it was addressed well and thoughtfully.

We have Nicole & Kyle going off on a weekend surprise trip together to a location overlooking the ruins of Montrose Abbey. These ruins have a historical mystery tied to them that Kyle feels might help Nicole push past her writer’s block. Plus, they both need to escape the confines of their flat since the Covid restrictions had been lifted. The B&B is owned by a couple of Kyle’s friends who were doing a soft reopening in line with restrictions put in place. So it’s just the four of them starting to get back into the land of the living. It’s perfect… until it wasn’t.

Our historical timeline at the same location follows Isobel Carver and Jonathan Devlin during the 1540s in Tudor, England. This was during the rule of Henry VIII and his dissolution of the monasteries. Jonathan Devlin has taken Montrose Abbey as his and has modernized it with the hopes of welcoming a wife and his future children into the world. In a world of arranged marriages, Jonathan Devlin is an absolute dream. Isobel is completely besotted and lives - what she believes is a dream come true – until it isn’t.

Throw in a couple of the characters from the first book who bring nothing but drama to the world and you have all the pieces for a great historical fiction.




⚠️⚠️SPOILERS⚠️⚠️

The only reason that I took away a whole star is that I wished there had been more closure with Lord Devlin and his brother. I truly appreciated the angle that you weren’t sure who was the guilty party – Will or Lord Devlin. At first I thought Will was the guilty party so that he could F with Lord Devlin’s head that his brides were all tainted.

I completely feel Nicole’s reaction was 100% justified after the call because she’s a) under a great amount of duress trying to maintain her status without reassurance and b) she’s freaking HUMAN and c) Kyle does the right thing! I love him

I have zero understanding why the backpack of drugs were brought it – it added nothing to the plot. That was just totally unnecessary.

I’d have loved more to know about Rachel as well. Was she questioned? Did she fold? Did she leave?

[I’m reading · Rating 3 out of 5]

2nd book in the series.

This is a two timeline story.

Like the first book, The Hanging Tree, this follows the life of Nicole and Kyle. They are now a couple and covid has hit. Once restrictions have lifted they go on a get away where mystery finds them.

Isabel is found to have fled after finding out he killed all the nuns, his 2nd wife and newborn child (child was deformed at birth).

He locked his 1st wife away in a mental institution after he became wealthy so he could marry his 2nd wife.


Isabel flees and later marries the Irish man that was captain of the boat that took her to Switzerland.


Kyle’s ex bff had an affair with his then wife Amy.

Now, police have contacted him because Amy was in a terrible car accident.

They learn she is pregnant and wasn’t actually driving that night when her car collided with another car killing the other young driver. She is still sleeping with Kyle and it’s his child she is carrying.

She wants to get back with Kyle but obviously he says no.

In the end he proposed to Nicole.
————————————————


Summary from book ;


In 1540, newly married and pregnant Isobel Devlin vanished from a tiny island in Lancashire, never to be seen again.

In 2020, leaving London for the first time since the pandemic began, Nicole Rayburn and Kyle Walsh head to a guesthouse in the Lake District for a much-needed holiday.

Across from the historic manor house, on an island in the middle of a lake, are the ruins of Montrose Abbey, the last known abode of Lady Isobel Devlin.

Intrigued, Nicole begins to research Lady Isobel's disappearance as the subject for a new book and calls on her history-loving friend Reverend Hargreaves for help.


As Nicole unearths long-forgotten truths about the mysterious Lady Devlin, finding many gaping holes in the story of her disappearance, she must fight for her own happiness against a rival whose claim to Kyle's heart might be stronger than she expected.

[Brandy Beck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Also posted on my blog at: https://storylinesandsunshine.home.bl...

While I still had Kindle Unlimited, I picked up the second in the Nicole Rayburn series: The Devil’s Den. In the main storyline, this picked up after the book left off, and included Kyle as Nicole’s full time love interest and included cameos from people mentioned in the first book. This main storyline takes place during the COVID pandemic, which is an interesting reflection of what we have been through these past few years. I was okay with most of the present storyline, except that something that had the potential to be really interesting and filled with lots of tension turned into a nothing-burger. (I’m being really vague on purpose, so I don’t get into spoiler territory!)

What I’ve come to learn is that while the present storyline is the “main” storyline, given that it’s the thread that runs through all the books, the past storyline is usually the gripping one that keeps you wanting to turn the page. The Devil’s Den is no exception here! Isobel’s story went in a direction I did not anticipate from the beginning, and I loved every moment of her story. Juxtaposed with Nicole discussing writing Isobel’s story made her story seem very meta; at one point Nicole was deciding how to end her book, making the reader wonder if the past storyline we were reading was actually what happened, or the ending Nicole had written. It was an interesting moment of reflection, giving the readers a look into what the author was thinking as she wrote the book.

While this was the last book I was able to read before my Kindle Unlimited membership ended, I’m keeping the rest of this series in mind for future reading. I did enjoy The Devil’s Den more than The Hanging Tree, and look forward to more tales from this world!

My rating 4.5 stars

[Denise Plank · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished The Hanging Tree and there was an excerpt for The Devil's Den at the end of it. I started reading the excerpt out of curiosity and when I got to the end of it, went and bought the Kindle version of Devil's Den so I could finish it!

I really enjoyed the author's writing in The Hanging Tree, and this was no less enjoyable. I do confess that I got frustrated with Isobel's high-handedness when dealing with certain people (like Anne), but I guess the fact that Isobel's personality got to me at times is a sign of the author's good writing skills.

This book actually has a "I didn't see THAT coming!" moment in it! I haven't had one like that in a long time, so it was refreshing to have the author spring that direction on me. Bravo!

I enjoyed this book almost better than the first one, one reason being that the sex was alluded to (I have a brain and I can figure out what happened) rather than being spelled out for us. I also enjoyed the setting and the ruins on the island--both very integral to the story. On the other hand, some of the ending reminded me of one of Susanna Kearsley's books, which kind of bothered me, but I chose to let it go and continue to read.

Would I read it again? I think so. Jonathan put me off enough that it'll take some time before I go back to read it. Would I recommend it? Probably. For those who ask: no language that I remember, so if it's there, it's rare. Sex is alluded to, not described, so a better choice between the two books, but you need the background story from The Hanging Tree to completely follow this one.

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Road trip. July 2020. Irina Shapiro’s The Devil’s Den (Nicole Rayburn Historical Mysteries, #2) is written with the pandemic as a background setting and has a dual timeline which the author uses extremely well to present an intriguing story. Nicole Rayburn and her new partner, Kyle Walsh decided to stay together in London when the lockdown necessitated by the pandemic is declared. All has gone exceedingly well with Nicole and Kyle which may not have been as they had not been together that long. Now Kyle has planned a surprise getaway in the Lake District which is the first trip since the lockdown began. As they are both writers, Kyle understands Nicole’s ‘writer’s block’. He hopes the setting of guest house will spur Nicole to write. The Tudor guesthouse, the ruins on an island in a lake which Nicole can view from their suite, and Nicole’s imagination provide a perfect opening for the second story. Enter: Isobel Carver and Jonathan Devlin, 1540, Tudor England, the time of the Dissolution of he Monasteries by Henry VIII. The ruins on the island are Montrose Abbey which “was sacked” in 1537. Henry VIII then gave ‘Montrose Abbey’ to the Jonathan Devlin whose wife is Isobel Carver. There was a fire and Lady Isobel ‘vanishes’. Definitely these ‘mysterious pieces’ could provide a basis for a enthralling mystery. Add a curious accident which involves someone who could break apart Nicole and Kyle. The author handles the happenings in Tudor England and 2020 England beautifully. A fascinating story.. 4.5 stars