In 1855, the dawn of the railway age offers unprecedented freedom, simultaneously bringing forth a new wave of peril. After the first recorded train death in 1830, England is shocked by its first murder aboard a train, where a gentleman is brutally stabbed in a locked first-class compartment. Witnessing this harrowing crime are the renowned opium-eater Thomas De Quincey and his sharp-minded daughter, Emily.
As the duo becomes embroiled in this shocking case, they join forces with seasoned Scotland Yard detectives, including Detective Ryan and his eager partner Becker. Together, they delve into the fog-bound streets of London, a city swirling with secrets, and a tableau of gruesome murders that leaves the public gripped with fear.
What unfolds is a tale of suspense and intrigue, as De Quincey must not only confront the unknown killer terrorizing the residents but also battle his own demons—an addiction to opium that threatens to consume him and distort his perception of reality. Set in an evolving society marked by the rapid transformation of travel and communication, the narrative blends riveting historical facts with richly woven fiction.
David Morrell, known for his masterful storytelling, captures the essence of Victorian London with meticulous detail. Readers can almost hear the clattering hooves on the cobblestones, feel the hustle of dustmen, and hear the calls of street vendors in this engrossing mystery. "Ruler of the Night" promises an exhilarating reading experience, combining well-researched history with dynamic character development in an unforgettable climax to Morrell’s acclaimed trilogy.
