The Vesuvius Club
| Industry | Publishing |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
| Products | Books, Audio drama, Graphic novels |
The Vesuvius Club is a historical espionage novel published in 2004 by Mark Gatiss, marking the debut of the spy character Lucifer Box in a series.
Plot summary
Joshua Reynolds, an operative within the British Secret Service, assigns Lucifer Box to pick up an inquiry initiated by the slain Jocelyn Utterson Poop from the Diplomatic Service. The investigation hinges on two scientists who died within a single day.
The search directs Box to "Superior Funerals," a funeral home managed by Tom Bowler, whose activities seem more focused on transporting crates to and from Naples than on funeral services. Shortly thereafter, Box survives an assassination attempt.
A lead from a painter acquaintance points Box toward Mrs. Midsomer Knight, who has recently been replaced by a maidservant—soon after, the maidservant is found murdered. Christopher Miracle, a close associate of Lucifer, becomes entangled in the case.
In Naples, Box interviews one survivor among the "Cambridge four" scientists and meets Charlie Jackpot, who facilitates his introduction to the Vesuvius Club. At the club, both Lucifer and Charlie are incapacitated by sleeping gas after encountering the mysterious Venus. It is disclosed that Lucifer identifies as bisexual, while Charlie is gay.
Upon regaining consciousness in captivity, Lucifer discovers that artifacts from archaeological digs are being trafficked to finance an extensive smuggling network linked to Superior Funerals.
After breaking free and saving Charlie from a lethal trap, Box uncovers a diagram of Mount Vesuvius at the scene where a professor has mysteriously disappeared.
His pursuit leads him to an opium den and subsequently to a haunted mansion where three professors presumed dead and Mrs. Knight are found unconscious under the influence of drugs. This residence serves as an entry point to ancient Pompeii ruins, which conceal the antagonist’s stronghold. There, Box confronts Venus and Unman, the latter revealed as a traitor collaborating with the enemy. Venus discloses his true identity as Victor, who aims to avenge his father by triggering a volcanic eruption intended to devastate Italy.
Box's allies are imprisoned inside the volcano with plans for them to perish during the eruption. Lucifer is taken captive for execution by steam but manages to escape and rescue his friends after apprehending Bowler.
Once aware of Victor’s scheme, Bowler defects but fails to prevent the detonation device's activation. He diverts the bomb into a steam vent, resulting in only a minor volcanic event that forces all parties to evacuate.
Unman kills Bowler and wounds Lucifer before being killed himself. The survivors escape; outstanding enigmas are resolved as Lucifer recuperates under Charlie’s care.
Bella, Lucifer’s heterosexual love interest, emerges—revealing herself as the daughter of a man Lucifer had previously killed during an operation. Charlie intervenes to protect Lucifer but Bella is fatally shot.
Characters
Lucifer Box: A refined Edwardian gentleman residing at No. 9 Downing Street, who balances his roles as portrait artist and secret agent for His Majesty's Secret Service under Sir Joshua Reynolds. Noted for his youthfulness, attractiveness, charisma, and sharp wit.
Delilah: A vital domestic operative for His Majesty's Secret Service characterized by her physical strength, discretion, Cockney accent, and having an unseen daughter named Ida.
Christopher Miracle: An artist and confidant of Lucifer Box who assists with investigations and later becomes suspected of murder.
Charlie Jackpot: A striking young man who provides intelligence, access to the Vesuvius Club, valet duties, and serves as a diversion for Lucifer Box; he joins Lucifer’s service following the death of the previous attendant.
Audio drama
An audio drama version was produced by the BBC in 2004.
Graphic novel
In 2005, the story was transformed into The Vesuvius Club: Graphic Edition, featuring artwork by Ian Bass.
Television
The BBC revealed intentions to create a television adaptation of the novel in 2007.
Release details
- 2004, United Kingdom, Simon & Schuster, ISBN 0-7394-6346-2, Hardcover, November 1
- 2004, United Kingdom, BBC Audio Books, ISBN 0-563-52751-X, Audio drama, November 1
- 2005, United Kingdom, Pocket Books, ISBN 0-7434-8379-0, Paperback, July 21
- 2005, United Kingdom, Simon & Schuster, ISBN 0-7432-7600-0, Graphic novel, November 7