Deryn Lake Books

As he prepares for fatherhood, Apothecary John Rawlings focuses on his neglected business while his pregnant partner, Emilia, tends to maternal matters. One afternoon, a panicked middle-aged stranger bursts into the shop seeking refuge rather than a remedy. John reluctantly agrees to hide him, only to be confronted moments later by a formidable woman inquiring about the man. Upholding his promise, John sends her away and learns the stranger's name is Aidan Fenchurch, who is being pursued by Mrs. Ariadne Bussell, a former lover with a relentless obsession. Feeling sympathy for Aidan, John offers to help, but is shocked when Aidan is later found dead, apparently a victim of street robbery. Sir John Fielding suspects foul play and sends the Flying Runners after Mrs. Bussell, but she falls ill during transport and dies before revealing anything. John recognizes the signs of poisoning, and as more victims emerge—some poisoned, others murdered—he embarks on a quest for answers that takes him to the Surrey countryside, where he encounters familiar faces and unravels a deeper mystery.

Set against a richly detailed historical backdrop, this novel immerses readers in the life of a young pretender. The narrative explores themes of identity, ambition, and the complexities of loyalty during a tumultuous time. Characters navigate personal and political challenges, providing a captivating glimpse into the era's struggles and triumphs. The vivid portrayal of the world enhances the emotional depth of the story, making it a compelling read for those interested in historical fiction.

France in the Middle Ages, is a country driven by power struggles and menaced by the might of England's King Henry V. At the country's head stood a frightened youth, the Dauphin Charles, who is destined to become the most victorious king of all - the one who will drive the English from French soil. The epic story of the great King Charles VII of France and the women who inspired and loved him, is vividly recreated in this spellbinding novel. Taking her impeccable research and adding to it her trademark vibrancy, Deryn Lake weaves an exciting tale of intrigue, lust, power and mystery as she takes the reader to the famous French court at the time of Agnes Sorel, Nicolas Flamel, Joan of Arc and the Knights Templar.

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?

An Apothecary John Rawlings Georgian mystery - Apothecary John Rawlings has travelled to Devon to be by the side of his mistress, Elizabeth di Lorenzi, who is due to give birth to their child. Leaving his shop – and his new carbonated water business – in good hands, John is presented with a surprise on his arrival at Sidmouth Bay. While Elizabeth is recuperating, he learns that Lady Sidmouth’s daughter, Miranda, is to marry the elderly Earl of St Austell, who is fifty-four years her senior and has a cruel reputation. As the wedding day approaches, John feels increasingly uneasy, and before too long his worst forebodings are realized . . .

En voyage de noces dans le Devon avec Emilia, l'apothicaire John Rawlings rencontre Jan Van Guylder et ses enfants, son fils, Richard, et sa fille Juliana, une beauté très courtisée. D'une beauté fatale : John retrouve bientôt le cadavre mutilé de la jeune fille, sur un navire déserté par son équipage. Mêlé à l'enquête, John s'aperçoit que les suspects ne manquent pas: Tobias, le fiancé officiel de Juliana, différents amis de son frère - jeunes gens fortunés -, le capitaine du port de Topsham, ainsi qu'un vieillard très désireux de l'épouser. Et quel rôle joue dans l'affaire cette bande de hors-la-loi qui terrorise la ville d'Exeter, et ce carrosse fantôme qui hante la campagne ? Après la découverte d'un matelot du navire abandonné, qui succombe, puis d'un rescapé du même navire, sauvagement attaqué chez la femme qui l'a recueilli, John décide de tendre un piège au meurtrier...