The Devil in Amber
| Industry | Publishing |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
| Products | Books |
The Devil in Amber represents the second installment in the series centered on the fictional secret agent Lucifer Box, released on 6 November 2006.
Plot summary
Set in 1920s New York, Lucifer Box, an operative for the Royal Academy, is tasked with eliminating Hubbard, a dealer in stolen goods and cocaine. The operation goes awry, and Box's survival depends on the timely aid of Percy Flarge, a junior agent. Upon inspecting Hubbard's body, Box discovers a piece of cloth inscribed with ancient symbols.
Joshua Reynolds, Box’s commanding officer, encourages him to retire and hand over duties to Flarge but instead assigns him to probe into FAUST, a fascist organization led by Olympus Mons. During a masquerade event, Box encounters Professor Reiss-Mueller and Sal Volatile, a defector from FAUST who alerts him to the group's dangers and facilitates his attendance at a FAUST gathering. There, Box learns that his sister Pandora holds the position of second-in-command and has embraced fascist ideology.
Reiss-Mueller identifies the script on the cloth as an occult incantation intended to summon demonic forces. Christopher Miracle informs Box about an archaeological excavation led by Olympus Mons at a castle straddling the France-Switzerland border—a location tied to a previous mission in which Box lost his lover and valet, Charlie Jackpot.
Sal Volatile discloses FAUST’s mystical obsession with the "Lamb of God," which he claims to have located. During their meeting, Sal is assassinated, and Box is falsely implicated in the murder. Percy Flarge warns that the Royal Academy will not provide support and that Box faces formal accusations.
With assistance from Rex, a bellhop whom Box had previously helped, he boards the Stiffkey, captained by Corpusty. Onboard, Box uncovers cocaine concealed as communion wafers and charms cabin attendant Aggie—whose real name is Agnes Dei ("Lamb of God"). After experiencing visions connected to her lineage, Box narrowly escapes betrayal orchestrated by Corpusty with Aggie’s aid.
Though injured, Box reaches Mrs Croup, who guides him to St Beads nunnery where Aggie was raised. Olympus Mons’s agents arrive first, killing several nuns while searching for Aggie. Captured by Mons and Pandora, Box learns that Aggie is descended from Jesus Christ and Mary Magdalene and is intended as an ideal sacrificial figure. With Mrs Croup’s help, Box manages to flee.
Reuniting with Aggie, Box soon falls into another trap set by Percy Flarge and is transported by train to London alongside her. Accusing Flarge of treachery—which he denies—Box escapes during a stop but is subdued with chloroform by Reiss-Mueller.
At the border between France and Switzerland, Reiss-Mueller reveals that the Metropolitan Museum operates as a front for the US Secret Service much like the Royal Academy does for Britain. He explains Olympus Mons’s plan to unleash the Devil imprisoned beneath a castle in order to dominate the world.
Realizing he is held captive by Reiss-Mueller, Box escapes to visit Charlie Jackpot’s grave where Flarge admits involvement with occult matters but denies betraying them. They join forces to infiltrate the castle and find Reiss-Mueller dead and Delilah unconscious—the professor having been killed during an attempt at the ritual.
Beneath the castle, they discover Mons, Pandora, and FAUST members preparing to sacrifice Aggie before an assembly of elite Satanists including Joshua Reynolds. Box interrupts the ceremony, rescues Aggie, and banishes the Devil at the cost of Pandora’s life. Mons perishes as he causes the caves to collapse.
The survivors escape; Reynolds tries to flee via cable car but dies in a crash after Box intervenes. The story concludes with Box reunited with Aggie, promising her an exciting future together.
Characters
Lucifer Box: A refined Edwardian gentleman residing at No. 9 Downing Street, Lucifer Box is a portrait artist, sharp-witted dandy, and operative for the British Secret Service, reporting directly to Sir Joshua Reynolds. Though middle-aged, he remains vigorous, attractive, and possesses a dry, sardonic wit.
Percy Flarge: Serving as a tall, slender assassin within the British Secret Service, Percy operates through the Royal Academy. While subordinate to Box, he is considered a candidate for advancement following Box’s retirement.
Pandora Box: The younger sibling of Lucifer, Pandora is fervently committed to various fringe movements and writes pamphlets advocating her causes. She harbors clear romantic feelings for Olympus Mons, the leader of FAUST.
Joshua Reynolds: The figurehead of the Royal Academy, which acts as a cover for the British Secret Service. The title "Reynolds" is hereditary. The current holder is described as overweight with a self-satisfied demeanor and a slick voice.
Sal Volatile: A former FAUST member who defected due to opposition to their diabolical plans, recognized for his strong jawline and robust build.
Delilah: A covert and physically formidable domestic aide working for His Majesty's Secret Service, distinguished by her Cockney accent. She has an unseen daughter named Ida.
Christopher Miracle: An artist and close associate of Lucifer Box who played a role in The Vesuvius Club. After military service on the French-Swiss border with the British Army, he experienced a mental collapse.
Charlie Jackpot: Lucifer Box’s valet, servant, and lover who joined after the death of Box’s previous servant. He was killed in action on the French-Swiss border during World War I prior to the events of The Devil in Amber.
Release details
- 2006, United Kingdom, Simon & Schuster, ISBN 0-7432-5709-X, Released 6 November 2006, hardcover
- 2007, United Kingdom, Pocket Books, ISBN 0-7434-8380-4, Released 2 July 2007, paperback
Audio play
In 2010, the BBC produced an audio play adaptation of the work.
Bibliography
- Mark Gatiss: The Devil in Amber: London: Simon and Schuster: 2006: