I have always thought that one of the best moves made by Allison & Busby was to publish Deryn Lake’s books.

Death at St James’s Palace is her latest book in the series-featuring apothecary John Rawlings and the Blind Beak John Fielding. To the delight of his friend John Rawlings, the magistrate is to be honoured with a knighthood. As they gather with other prominent members of the community for the investiture a tragic event occurs. George Goward a nobleman unfortunately plummets to his death down the great staircase, as they are all waiting to see the queen. It appears that only one person felt that something was amiss and that was John Fielding. All those near him were too busy awaiting the arrival of the queen. So was it an accident or was Goward pushed?

As John Rawlings had accompanied his friend to the ceremony he soon finds himself investigating the death. Other issues however also distract Rawlings. His wife, Emilia is due to give birth to their first child and he wants to stay close to her. As he continues to investigate the mysterious death it appears that children may also be the link to determining what happened.

Death at St James’s Palace continues the excellent and well-written series that one has come to expect from this author. The 18^th Century has been brought to life so well that as you read the novel you sometimes think you have slipped back in time. The allure of this series is the way it has been kept fresh. Also the progression of the relationship between the various protagonists especially that of Rawlings and Fielding and Rawlings and his wife Emilia is one that you as a reader want to investigate further.

With Death at St James’s Palace we have an intriguing tale that takes us behind the scenes at the Palace as well as story involving unwanted children and the role of Negroes during the eighteenth century. With a pace that pulls you into the story and with a lot of wit this is certainly a book for all historical crime fiction aficionados.