The Devlin Diary

Intriguing!

THE DEVLIN DIARY by Christi Phillips is a historical mystery set in 1670's Paris, London 1672 and in modern day Cambridge, 2008. It is well written with depth and detail. It weaves modern day surprises with historical events of the 1670's. It has mystery, suspense, romance, intrigue, royal secrets and the love of Charles II. The characters are absorbing, entertaining and resourceful. This story will enchant you with the historical details and the emotional relationships between the characters present and past. If you enjoy historical intrigue, mystery and suspense you will enjoy this one. This book was received for review and details can be found at My Book Addiction and More and Gallery Books.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

I dont like i hate it

Hate it sooooooooooooooooooooo much horibble

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

most interesting

A great read, very interesting.

Another Well Written Piece

I read 'The Rossetti Letter' and was impressed. When I heard that the author had another book, I had to pick it up.

It was an enjoyable beginning as it seemed to pick up right where 'The Rossetti Letter' left off. The characters, who I met and liked in the first book, were something comfortable to sink into in the new and exciting atmosphere of 'The Devlin Diary.'

It switches back and forth between the present and the past, which is probably why I managed to rip through this book so fast! At the end of a chapter there is something that I can't wait to understand, to see ... And then the next couple chapters takes place in the present. Lol. It's a great way to keep the reader from putting the book down!!

I enjoyed the writing style and the descriptions and the realism in the historical chapters. I can't wait to see what she will put out next.

Read this book, I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Historical fiction & well crafted mystery!

I haven't read The Rossetti Letter, so I approached The Devlin Diary as a standalone novel. On its own, The Devlin Diary is a satisfying read.

The book opens in 1670 in the Palace of Saint-Cloud in Paris at the sickbed of Princess Henriette-Anne, the wife of the Duc d'Orlean, sister-in-law to King Louis XIV of France and sister to King Charles Stuart of England. Princess Henriette-Anne has suddenly fallen sick and is in great pain, it is clear that she is not expected to live much longer. Surrounded by courtiers from France and England, the Princess has little privacy. In her last moments, she calls on an obscure Englishman, Robert Osborne, and it is to him that she whispers her last instructions.

The book jumps to London in 1672 where we meet Mrs. Hannah Devlin, the widowed daughter of two doctors who practices medicine as a physician and a "physick." Under the laws of the time, the College of Physicians and medical societies exclude women; Mrs. Devlin cannot qualify to practice medicine and risks a criminal charge of practicing medicine without a license. But Mrs. Devlin's practice is limited to poor and common folk with whom she has established a reputation for competence and skill, and she is safe as long as she remains unnoticed. It should be noted that Mrs. Devlin's medical training and skill is impeccable - she's learned from her parents who were both respected doctors. Her father had been physician to the King until a political disagreement caused him to be exiled from Court. Her mother had trained and practiced medicine in France, but upon her marriage was limited to acting as a "physick" and assisting her husband in his medical practice.

Mrs. Devlin is grabbed off the streets and brought to the King's residence at Whitehall to treat a favorite's suspicious illness. The diagnosis and treatment are within Hannah Devlin's competence, but the politics and intrigue at court may be her downfall. Hannah Devlin parries with Lord Arlington, a powerful man whose stormy relationship with her father threatens Hannah's own safety. Through her work at court, Mrs. Devlin befriends Dr. Edward Strathern who is newly appointed to run the anatomy theater at the College of Physicians. When members of court are murdered in a grisly and disturbing manner, Mrs. Devlin and Dr. Strathern work together to make sense of the killer's clues and to hunt down the murderer before he can kill again.

The Devlin Diary alternates between the story of Mrs. Devlin in the 1680s and Dr. Claire Donovan at Trinity College, Cambridge in 2008. Soon after solving the mystery behind The Rossetti Letter, Claire Donovan has been offered a prestigious fellowship at Cambridge University. While exploring an arcane collection in one of Cambridge's most eminent libraries, Claire Donovan comes across a slim volume written in code in the 1600s. As Claire deciphers the text, she realizes that she's found an account of unsolved murders during the time of King Charles Stuart. When a fellow historian is murdered, Claire Donovan and Andrew Kent search for links between the recent murder and the mysterious journal.

Christi Phillips combines historical fiction with a complex and well crafted mystery. If you're fond of unusual mysteries and historical fiction and looking for an engrossing, satisfying read, check out The Devlin Diary. I enjoyed it so much that I've just ordered the earlier novel, The Rossetti Letter.

Bridget's Review

Claire is a college history teacher. When a fellow teacher turns up dead, she can't help but wonder if this death is connected to a brutal killer from the 1600's. At that time, there was a murderer who would leave strange markings on victims. The answer to this mystery lies in Hannah Devlin's diary. Will they be able to uncover the truth or will these killings continue?

This is one of those books that as soon as you start reading it, you know instantly that it is going to be added to your favorites list. Everything about this book is intriguing.

intriguing historical fiction

Claire Donovan, a visiting history professor at Cambridge University, is in over her head. After helping historian Andrew Kent to uncover a centuries old secret as told in Christi Phillips' previous novel, The Rossetti Letter, she's now at Cambridge upon Andrew's request but instead of enjoying her time in the history-filled campus, she's feeling out of place and abandoned. Awkwardly alone in such an unfamiliar, traditional English environment, it's not until she stumbles upon the diary of one Hannah Devlin that Claire once again finds herself in the midst of what she loves best: unraveling the mysteries of history. Because Claire will soon discover that Hannah is unlike most usual 17th century women. She's a talented physician (which is uncommon in itself) whose experiences in the royal court of Charles II could shed light on a series of brutal murders left unsolved for generations.

Told from the alternating perspective of Claire and Hannah, The Devlin Diary moves along at a fast clip, yet the more fascinating story by far resides with the woman doctor Hannah. Her experiences are documented with such feeling and detail that I could picture the contrasting filth and splendor of 17th century England. While Claire's lackluster account of her dealings within the backstabbing community of Cambridge failed to ever capture my interest. Which shouldn't come as a surprise as the focus of the novel itself leans very heavily upon Hannah's unfolding story and not so much on the historian Claire. Unsurprisingly, I found myself much more drawn to Hannah and her mystery than I ever did to Claire. I think I might have liked Claire more as a character if I had been able to spend more time with her, but as it was, I didn't. I have however heard many, many good things about The Rossetti Letter - which I know follows Claire much more closely - so I'm thinking my opinion could differ from those who have already had the opportunity to meet and like Claire.

The Devlin Diary immediately brings to mind a Da Vinci Code-like chase where instead of the clues being found in art, they are discovered in historical documents. Intriguing for any fan of historical fiction to say the least. Although it did seem like every time the story switched back to Claire I found myself constantly pulled out of the adventure due to her misguided attempts at crime-solving. I'm thinking if The Devlin Diary had simply been Hannah's story, without the unimaginative addition of Claire, I would have eaten it up with a spoon (which I did) and then passed it without hesitation to friends.

Fantastic Follow Up!

The Devlin Diary was great! I really enjoyed the continuation of characters like Claire Donovan and Andrew Kent and the introduction of a historical British story. Set in present day (circa 2008, I think) and the reign of Charles II, the stories again alternate between two strong female leads. Hannah Devlin, a woman who practices medicine even though it's illegal for women to do so, and Claire, who landed a fellowship at Trinity College in England go through things like treating the King's favorite mistress for a STD, having research ideas stolen by other fellows, and everything else along the ride.

You wouldn't have to read The Rossetti Letter before this one but it wouldn't hurt. There's some background to the present-day characters that's helpful but again, it's not a must-do.

Overall, a really enjoyable read.

Good Read!

I have really enjoyed reading this book. I love the characters and the writer keeps you in suspense with going between past and present times. I now want to go back and read the Rossetti Letter. I recommend this book.

What A Great Book

I read the Devlin Diary first, but now I want to go back and read The Rossetti Letter. The plot was easy to follow, the characters were interesting and the mystery totally drew me in. I look forward to reading more by this author.

Easy read but thoroughly entertaining.

I devoured both this and the predecessor, Rossetti Letter. Moving in time between present and past to reveal the story, Ms. Phillips develops a cast of characters that bring history to life and a delivers a novel you won't want to put down.

Enjoyable

This is a thoroughly enjoyable read. Good characters and historial data. Fast read.

Outstanding Read!!

The Devlin Diary-- what a lesson in history as well as a novel with intrigue!!

Your interest is held reading about Hannah Devlin, a young woman trying to be accepted as a doctor in the 1600's where men were readily admired for their craft and women were not taken seriously. History regarding the rulers at that time and the goings on filled with treachery, plots, and devious goings on keeps you turning the pages. To read about Clare Donovan and Andrew Kent trying to decipher the pages of the 17th century diary keep you keenly interested. Christi Phillips has done her homework!! Not only that, but this was a great sequel to The Rosetti Letter which was a wonderful read. Julie Andreopulos

Amazing sequel

First of all, I should say that I loved The Rossetti Letter. Courtesans, Venice, action, adventure, intrigue, romance.who wouldn't? Following Claire's and Alessandra's adventures in Venice was like sipping a glass of really good champagne - light, refreshing, a little intoxicating, and you never want it to end!

The Devlin Diary, Phillips' second effort, is more like a strong shot of whiskey. It's a darker novel, more complex than the first but just as un-put-downable, and ultimately a more satisfying read. From its first pages it pulls you into the world of 1672 London - a place of danger, secrets and lies, and 2009 Cambridge, England - which just about rivals the past in treachery.

Some reviewers have complained that the modern story was lackluster in comparison to the historical part of the novel, but I thought that, just like in The Rossetti Letter, the two interwoven plots were very skillfully done, and the modern-day mystery was clever, engaging, and often funny (not always the laugh-out-loud kind, but there's a subtle wittiness throughout). There's a lot of background information presented in the modern story without which the historical story would be much too complex to understand - and yet this information doesn't feel like wordy exposition; it's interesting in its own right. But then I'll admit to being a Claire and Andrew fan from the first book. Their budding, sometimes awkward and very careful relationship feels right in this context. And clearly, by the end, we know that there's a good chance that Claire and Andrew will become much closer in a future installment. Which, in my view, can't happen too soon!

To sum up, The Devlin Diary is an excellent summer read and then some.

Like History and Mystery? You'll love the Devlin Diary

In a nutshell; a wonderful book. Christi Phillips manages to give readers both a scholarly and detailed historical account of life in 17th century England as well as a tautly written and compelling mystery. I found myself dwelling on the interesting historical elements as much if not more, than the story itself. I usually give books about two chapters to prove themselves and The Devlin Diary met that test. I also enjoy any novel where the pace increases each chapter. The Devlin Diary met that test as well but really accelerated about halfway through and clearly `red lined' near its end. The finish was satisfying and I would have read even more than its 448 pages offered.

The book centers on a 17th century mystery in the King's court in London. There are a series of murders and a real political cover up that occurs and which the characters are trying to resolve. The counterpoint to this story is a present day tale of two scholars in Cambridge England who stumble upon these historical events while investigating a present day murder on their campus. Going back and forth between the two eras is not only interesting, it's fun. Although the book is a stand-alone work, it contemporary story picks up where it left off in Phillip's last book, The Rossetti Letter. So, there is a sense of continuity here that is gratifying. Whereas the Rossetti Letter in 17th century Venice was also a great read, the contemporary story which continues in the Devlin Diary is richer and generally more satisfying and interesting than in the previous book.

There is an underlying theme is feminism which not only bores but irritates many male readers, myself included, but here it provided an interesting historical contrast and interesting perspective rather than the angry PC tonic many authors ask that we drink and enjoy. While this theme as presented will not be a negative for most men, it certainly will be a plus for most women.

Both stories are solid and the key characters are well developed. If you are more interested in a great mystery than history, you will be richly rewarded however the accent here is on history. The stories alone are wonderful reading but history buffs will love and linger over the scholarly and fastidious attention to detail and period accuracy. It is evident that there was a lot of solid research here. I look forward to her next book.

Truly enjoyable read...

You don't have to be an historian to love this book! Christi Phillips so carefully describes every detail...it transports you back in time - from the late 1600's to present day, she will hold your interest on every page. You won't want to put this book down! Reading this wonderful sequel to the Rossetti Letter was a delightful indulgence. Liz Wilson - Laguna Hills, CA

Fans will relish the delightful DEVLIN DIARY while wondering what twofold mystery next will send Clare on the cases.

In 2008 historian Clare Donovan is exhilarated with attaining her goal; albeit even if the assignment is temporary. She is a history lecturer at Trinity College in Cambridge. Clare plans to enjoy every moment at least in the classroom; as she finds academia filled with backstabbers who make Parliament debates look like preschool squabbles.-----------

The professors react differently with the news that charismatic Professor Derek Goodman was murdered while grasping in a death grip a page from the encrypted diary of seventeenth century physician Hannah Devlin. As they did with their search for THE ROSSETTI LETTER, Clare and Andrew Kent investigates the death of Goodman only as it connects to the more intriguing baffling death of Princess Henriette-Anne, sister to King Charles II and sister-in-law to King Louis XIV.------------

Although the overall premise is similar to that of THE ROSSETTI LETTER, the second Donovan-Kent dual investigation is a fresh tale that combines a modern day whodunit with a seventeenth century romantic royal mystery. The two subplots are deep especially the look at the times of Princess Henriette-Anne. Fans will relish the delightful DEVLIN DIARY while wondering what twofold mystery next will send Clare on the cases.------------

Harriet Klausner

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No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.