Death in Hellfire (John Rawlings Murder Mystery Book 12)

Apothecary-turned-sleuth John Rawlings is preparing to undertake his latest investigation – into the notorious Hellfire Club.

Rumoured to have been founded by Sir Francis Dashwood and its members the highest echelons of British society, the club is a byword for scandalous behaviour.

Armed with an aristocratic back story, a faithful companion and a dubious Irish accent, Rawlings descends on Sir Francis’s home attempting to gain an invite to the debauched gatherings at Hellfire headquarters, Medmenham Abbey.

But events soon take a darker turn when one of the club’s attendees is found dead.

Should Rawlings abandon his aristocratic disguise in order to investigate?

After all, one member of the household, a beautiful former lover, already knows him for who he really is.

When another visitor to the house is discovered dead soon afterwards, it becomes clear the deaths are not accidental and that Rawlings must take control.

Can he crack the case before another victim is killed?

Scattered with real characters from history, this is an 18th century murder-mystery romp from a true mistress of the genre.

Praise for Deryn Lake:

‘The Queen of the Georgian Historical Mystery’ The Times

‘Witty, inquisitive, charming and humane…The author cannot write new volumes as quickly as I want to read them … Long may this series continue!’ Steven Saylor, author of Roma

‘The latest novel in Deryn Lake’s excellent John Rawlings mystery series’ Historical Novels Review

‘Sparkly, lightly mannered good fun’ Good Book Guide

‘Lake is revered for the impeccable research and authentic details to her plots and loved for the romp and wit of her style’ Battle Observer

‘Meticulously researched, this is a series that brings the past to colourful life’ The Guardian

‘Racy and pacy, and will appeal to those who love a bodice-ripping history mystery’ Sherlock Holmes Magazine

‘An engrossing, twisting detective tale… Lake has skill in bringing Georgian times vividly to life’ Exeter Express & Echo

‘Long-time fans of the Rawlings mysteries will lap it up’ Shots

Deryn Lake is the author of the John Rawlings Mysteries, Nick Lawrence novels, and a number of historical fiction and historical romances. She was born in Essex and began writing at an early age, before eventually turning her hand to writing novels as a profession. She currently resides in Sussex. Death in Hellfire is the twelfth book in the John Rawlings series.