Historical
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THEATRE ROYAL, DRURY LANE, 24 April 1708. A performance of Macbeth is under way when disaster strikes and the stage becomes a scene of elemental chaos – and for Widow Trotter and her friends at the Bay-Tree Chocolate House, a new adventure begins, involving murder, poison, fire, and a rogue elephant . . .
Devoted fans of Chocolate House Treason will welcome this second novel in the Chocolate House Mysteries series, which captures all the energies of the early eighteenth-century theatre. We move among the eccentric characters of the Theatre Royal company, in Drury Lane and at the exuberant May Fair where the actors moonlight in the fairground booths.
The puritanical reformers are determined to close the theatre and abolish the Fair, and ‘accidents’ begin to happen – but Mary Trotter and her friends at the Bay-Tree are determined to expose the conspiracy, and the action reaches its climax at the Fair when the players are faced with the ultimate act of terror.
Once again, David Fairer offers the delights of the classic eighteenth-century novel, intricately weaving a murder mystery with authentic history, and bringing the London of Queen Anne to life.
Here's what readers have to say about this book....
Having read and thoroughly enjoyed David Fairer's first book, Chocolate House Treason, I was keen to read this follow-up. I was not disappointed! Using the social and cultural tensions that came to the fore at this time as his plot driver as mayhem and murder at London's Theatre Royal and May fair challenge the Chocolate House protagonists, the author's passion and knowledge for this period shines through, and I found this a totally immersive read. There is a depth and vividness that brings this world alive, with some lovely touches of humour and humanity woven into the narrative. Just loved it, as did the rest of my book group.
This is a hugely enjoyable mystery set in Queen Anne's London, with an engaging cast of characters and a vivid evocation of the sights (and smells!) of eighteenth-century life. Actors, thugs, puritans, poets, pig-roasts, dastardly deeds in the costume store, and sinister plots to wreck the theatre. Strongly recommended. ------ Amazon reviewer https://www.amazon.co.uk/Devils-Cathedral-Mystery-Queen-London/dp/1800464452/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+devil%27s+cathedral&qid=1633860241&qsid=134-1283031-6913522&s=books&sr=1-1&sres=1800464452%2C6200493995%2C1974633020%2CB0017CZ20I%2CB00B8XQF66%2CB07KQKSBQ4%2CB0017WULN6%2CB07BD3Z158%2C3934941826%2C0312279981%2CB088N8ZV3P%2CB0008CNB74%2C0061349488%2CB01L3UJM3G%2CB07PDNJ92R%2C0811737683
A fascinating blend of history and fiction, with a generous dollop of suspense! A richly rewarding read.
A wonderful book, recreating all the atmosphere of 18th century theatre life, with a mysterious plot for readers to solve, and a suspenseful climax. I learned how Mayfair got its name: from the carnivalesque street fair and entertainments. David Fairer's thorough research makes the reader feel they are actually there. I particularly enjoyed the author's own renderings of typical plays of the time. A brilliant book cover!
The Devil's Cathedral fuses an exciting mystery with an exploration of a vital aspect of eighteenth-century London. Debates about the theatre come alive with an amazing power, violence, and contemporary relevance, and the sounds and smells of the London theatres and fairs are vividly evoked. David Fairer's impressive scholarship is imaginatively translated into a tale that is intellectually and emotionally engaging.
