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William Monk #22
Revenge in a Cold River
Master of mystery and historical intrigue Anne Perry once again transports readers to the banks of the Thames in Victorian London for her thrilling new William Monk novel. In Revenge in a Cold River, Monk faces his darkest hour ever as he spars with a quarry hell-bent on vengeance.
When Commander Monk of the Thames River Police is called to investigate the drowning of an escaped prisoner, he's forced to contend with customs officer McNab, who clearly bears a bitter grudge against him. But the reason is a mystery in itself. Monk's memory loss--a secret he guards closely--leaves him vulnerable to repercussions from his missing past, especially his exploits overseas in the tumultuous Gold Rush days of San Francisco. And now McNab, as icy and unfathomable as the steel-gray Thames itself, appears intent on using whatever damning facts he can find to his advantage to ruin Monk's future as an officer of the law.
As Monk explores the possibility of a conspiracy, McNab's game of cat and mouse escalates, with veiled threats and cryptic insinuations. Snared in an unforeseen trap, a desperate Monk must turn to his wife, Hester, and friend and attorney Oliver Rathbone for help, as his life literally hangs in the balance.
With razor-edged suspense and shocking twists and turns, Revenge in a Cold River is Anne Perry at her most intense--and most satisfying.
Praise for Anne Perry and her William Monk novels
Corridors of the Night
"[A] suspenseful, twisting narrative." --Historical Novels Review
Blood on the Water
"One of Ms. Perry's most engrossing books . . . gallops to a dramatic conclusion."--The Washington Times
Blind Justice
"[Perry's] courtroom scenes have the realism of Scott Turow."--Huntington News
A Sunless Sea
"Anne Perry's Victorian mysteries are marvels."--The New York Times Book Review
Acceptable Loss
"Masterful storytelling and moving dialogue."--The Star-Ledger From the Hardcover edition.
When Commander Monk of the Thames River Police is called to investigate the drowning of an escaped prisoner, he's forced to contend with customs officer McNab, who clearly bears a bitter grudge against him. But the reason is a mystery in itself. Monk's memory loss--a secret he guards closely--leaves him vulnerable to repercussions from his missing past, especially his exploits overseas in the tumultuous Gold Rush days of San Francisco. And now McNab, as icy and unfathomable as the steel-gray Thames itself, appears intent on using whatever damning facts he can find to his advantage to ruin Monk's future as an officer of the law.
As Monk explores the possibility of a conspiracy, McNab's game of cat and mouse escalates, with veiled threats and cryptic insinuations. Snared in an unforeseen trap, a desperate Monk must turn to his wife, Hester, and friend and attorney Oliver Rathbone for help, as his life literally hangs in the balance.
With razor-edged suspense and shocking twists and turns, Revenge in a Cold River is Anne Perry at her most intense--and most satisfying.
Praise for Anne Perry and her William Monk novels
Corridors of the Night
"[A] suspenseful, twisting narrative." --Historical Novels Review
Blood on the Water
"One of Ms. Perry's most engrossing books . . . gallops to a dramatic conclusion."--The Washington Times
Blind Justice
"[Perry's] courtroom scenes have the realism of Scott Turow."--Huntington News
A Sunless Sea
"Anne Perry's Victorian mysteries are marvels."--The New York Times Book Review
Acceptable Loss
"Masterful storytelling and moving dialogue."--The Star-Ledger From the Hardcover edition.
325 pages, Paperback
First published April 21, 2016
525 people are currently reading
1795 people want to read
About the author
Anne Perry
362 books3,376 followersAnne Perry, born Juliet Hulme in England, lived in Scotland most of her life after serving five years in prison for murder (in New Zealand). A beloved mystery authoress, she is best known for her Thomas Pitt and William Monk series.
Her first novel, "The Cater Street Hangman", was published in 1979. Her works extend to several categories of genre fiction, including historical mysteries. Many of them feature recurring characters, most importantly Thomas Pitt and amnesiac private investigator William Monk, who first appeared in 1990, "The Face Of A Stranger".
Her story "Heroes," from the 1999 anthology Murder And Obsession, won the 2001 Edgar Award For Best Short Story. She was included as an entry in Ben Peek's Twenty-Six Lies / One Truth, a novel exploring the nature of truth in literature.
Series contributed to:
. Crime Through Time
. Perfectly Criminal
. Malice Domestic
. The World's Finest Mystery And Crime Stories
. Transgressions
. The Year's Finest Crime And Mystery Stories
Her first novel, "The Cater Street Hangman", was published in 1979. Her works extend to several categories of genre fiction, including historical mysteries. Many of them feature recurring characters, most importantly Thomas Pitt and amnesiac private investigator William Monk, who first appeared in 1990, "The Face Of A Stranger".
Her story "Heroes," from the 1999 anthology Murder And Obsession, won the 2001 Edgar Award For Best Short Story. She was included as an entry in Ben Peek's Twenty-Six Lies / One Truth, a novel exploring the nature of truth in literature.
Series contributed to:
. Crime Through Time
. Perfectly Criminal
. Malice Domestic
. The World's Finest Mystery And Crime Stories
. Transgressions
. The Year's Finest Crime And Mystery Stories
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 325 reviews
August 20, 2016
For over twenty years, I have been enjoying this series about a Victorian era police detective who lost his memories and in so doing found his way to a second chance at life. Each case Monk, his intrepid wife Hester, and other friends work together have delivered a thought provoking, intensity both on the dark, gritty streets of London and in it's courtrooms.
This latest tale took Monk back to the beginning in a desperate race against time and his own missing memories because someone is plotting cold, calculated revenge- a revenge against something Monk cannot even fathom why since most of his past is lost since his carriage accident.
Each time I spot a new release for this series, it is not a matter of if, but when I will snag the time to read it. I am addicted to the author's writing style that can evoke more feeling and description in a sentence than some can achieve in a chapter. Each character is drawn so well, I can see them clearly and get to their underlying thoughts and motivations as well.
Well researched background for each novel- in this case, the Gold Rush days in San Francisco and the mid-Victorian period of the London River Police- and even beyond to knowledge of society, marriage, abuse, criminal law, and daily life of the times. All this is present, but is window dressing for the main draw- the characters and the mystery.
For this story, the murder mystery is secondary to the plottings going on against Monk. His wife, Hester and son, Scruff play minor roles though Oliver Rathbone and Beata York play much larger roles with part of the story told from their angle. Monk is very much the central figure as he investigates the deaths, interacts with the other characters, and has to fight his fear of what he was in the past- before the accident that took his memories- and its repercussions on the present.
The first book had Monk fighting for his freedom and his very life when he was implicated in a murder that he couldn't remember. And here we are full circle. It's exciting reading about a protagonist that is operating in the dark and isn't sure he is the good guy with others more than willing to see him caught up in their plans for revenge.
I read this in two sittings and didn't want to put it down. The tension mounted and I had to toss out my early theories only to find that getting the truth might not matter. Perry does it again with her characters backed into the proverbial corner and the reader left gripping the book and flipping pages fast to see how she will get them out of it.
This is a book from an ongoing series that is best read in order. I highly recommend the series to those who enjoy authentic historical fiction blended with cunning mysteries with a compelling cast of characters.
I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
This latest tale took Monk back to the beginning in a desperate race against time and his own missing memories because someone is plotting cold, calculated revenge- a revenge against something Monk cannot even fathom why since most of his past is lost since his carriage accident.
Each time I spot a new release for this series, it is not a matter of if, but when I will snag the time to read it. I am addicted to the author's writing style that can evoke more feeling and description in a sentence than some can achieve in a chapter. Each character is drawn so well, I can see them clearly and get to their underlying thoughts and motivations as well.
Well researched background for each novel- in this case, the Gold Rush days in San Francisco and the mid-Victorian period of the London River Police- and even beyond to knowledge of society, marriage, abuse, criminal law, and daily life of the times. All this is present, but is window dressing for the main draw- the characters and the mystery.
For this story, the murder mystery is secondary to the plottings going on against Monk. His wife, Hester and son, Scruff play minor roles though Oliver Rathbone and Beata York play much larger roles with part of the story told from their angle. Monk is very much the central figure as he investigates the deaths, interacts with the other characters, and has to fight his fear of what he was in the past- before the accident that took his memories- and its repercussions on the present.
The first book had Monk fighting for his freedom and his very life when he was implicated in a murder that he couldn't remember. And here we are full circle. It's exciting reading about a protagonist that is operating in the dark and isn't sure he is the good guy with others more than willing to see him caught up in their plans for revenge.
I read this in two sittings and didn't want to put it down. The tension mounted and I had to toss out my early theories only to find that getting the truth might not matter. Perry does it again with her characters backed into the proverbial corner and the reader left gripping the book and flipping pages fast to see how she will get them out of it.
This is a book from an ongoing series that is best read in order. I highly recommend the series to those who enjoy authentic historical fiction blended with cunning mysteries with a compelling cast of characters.
I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
July 15, 2016
Got this early from NetGalley.
Anne Perry's series continues with the same idiosyncrasies. Her characters spend a huge amount of time in introspection. Seriously! Even in a life or death situation, they are analyzing their past as if they were on a therapist's couch. They also repeatedly cover the same ground in their thoughts, which I understand may be necessary to some degree if someone's not read previous books, but it all gets to be a bit much.
I rather enjoy the parts of the story that focus on the main characters, their families, etc., but the mysteries, not so much, especially now that they deal almost exclusively with the gritty river police matters.
Anne Perry's series continues with the same idiosyncrasies. Her characters spend a huge amount of time in introspection. Seriously! Even in a life or death situation, they are analyzing their past as if they were on a therapist's couch. They also repeatedly cover the same ground in their thoughts, which I understand may be necessary to some degree if someone's not read previous books, but it all gets to be a bit much.
I rather enjoy the parts of the story that focus on the main characters, their families, etc., but the mysteries, not so much, especially now that they deal almost exclusively with the gritty river police matters.
January 12, 2017
It's been a while since I've read one of Perry's Monk books, and I confess I found this a little disappointing. He's still devastated by the loss of his memory in an accident years earlier, and while I suppose one would be, it wears thin as a plot device. The good news is that he does uncover a bit of his early life here, when he sailed ships in the San Francisco area during the Gold Rush but that revelation and the people who make it serve more as a deus ex machina device that anything else. When a man is found drowned and shot in the Thames, Monk's nemesis McNab (a customs officer) throws the case into Monk's lap and eventually gets Monk arrested for the murder of man he saved from drowning. (Don't ask. Way to complicated to unravel quickly.) Luckily, Monk has friends in high places and low and he's acquitted after a rather interesting trial. The story starts slowly and mostly moves at a leisurely pace; well-developed series characters but way too little of Hester, Monk's very interesting wife; muddled story line, and while there's a strong sense of place along the waterfront, there's not much of the social commentary that I expect (or it seems rather tacked on); descriptive style and more narration than dialog, which slows the pace and lessens our sense of intimacy with characters and their plight; bleak, gritty tone. Don't start with this book; go back earlier in the series, or start with the first. This is definitely lesser Perry.
December 2, 2016
It is hard to believe but this is the 22nd book in the Monk series. William Monk is Commander of the Thames River Police. Years ago, when Monk was a London police detective, he was in a carriage accident and developed total amnesia. Custom Officer McNab has a grudge against Monk but he cannot remember why. Two prisoners escape from Customs, one is killed and the other gets away. The officer pursing him drowns while fighting with Monk in the River. McNab claims Monk killed him deliberately. Monk must find out why he is being framed before he ends up hung.
The story is well written and the history and customs of the 1860s is meticulously researched. The character development of the key people, Monk, Hester and Attorney Oliver Rathbone, continues in each book. The courtroom scene is true to the period and most exciting. The suspense builds throughout the story. Perry’s descriptions of life in London and on the Thames, brings the 1860s to life. Hester is my favorite character but she only has a minor role in this book. Perry is a master story teller and also of historical fiction of the Victorian age. I cannot wait for the next book to be released.
David Colacci does an excellent job narrating the book. Colacci has narrated many of the books in the series. Colacci is an actor, director and multi-award winning audiobook narrator.
The story is well written and the history and customs of the 1860s is meticulously researched. The character development of the key people, Monk, Hester and Attorney Oliver Rathbone, continues in each book. The courtroom scene is true to the period and most exciting. The suspense builds throughout the story. Perry’s descriptions of life in London and on the Thames, brings the 1860s to life. Hester is my favorite character but she only has a minor role in this book. Perry is a master story teller and also of historical fiction of the Victorian age. I cannot wait for the next book to be released.
David Colacci does an excellent job narrating the book. Colacci has narrated many of the books in the series. Colacci is an actor, director and multi-award winning audiobook narrator.
August 14, 2018
This was my first Anne Perry book, and I must say there is some lovely writing here. The mystery was interesting and the interest/pace increased as we worked toward the end.
However, there was a lot of repetition. Seriously. A lot. The main character's past was explained many times, as if the reader might have forgotten. The other thing that surprised me was how much could be read into a character's face--that was a bit far-fetched in my opinion.
This is a good clean read for someone who enjoys a historical cozy mystery. It takes a little patience to reach the end, but as I said--there's some very good writing along the way.
However, there was a lot of repetition. Seriously. A lot. The main character's past was explained many times, as if the reader might have forgotten. The other thing that surprised me was how much could be read into a character's face--that was a bit far-fetched in my opinion.
This is a good clean read for someone who enjoys a historical cozy mystery. It takes a little patience to reach the end, but as I said--there's some very good writing along the way.
October 10, 2016
I missed Hester in this book - she doesn't show up in the first 100 pages, then relatively little. I enjoy the interaction between the two, and this one lacked that. Still a good story, even with questionable testimony (would a judge/attorney really allow that?) but Hester needs to be more present in the tale.
September 8, 2016
First Sentence: William Monk stepped out of the boat and climbed up the stone steps from the river, leaving Hopper to tie the vessel to the bollard and follow him.
Only a few people know that Insp. William Monk lost his memory in an accident years ago. One who apparently knows seems determined to use Monk’s past against him. When a man dies while Monk was trying to save him from drowning, can a jury be convinced it was actually murder? It’s going to take his colleagues, friends and family to save Monk from being hanged.
Before finishing the first past, the tension is palpable. Perry’s plots and characters draw you in so completely. Her writing keeps you reading until the wee small hours, unable to book down. Her observations are so astute –“Monk…never wanted power other than that which gave him safety for work and let him owe no one. …Great wealth tied you to its service, whether it was land, trade, or gold.”
Perry makes painfully clear how powerless women could be, especially those married to powerful men. Her depiction of this time is exacting, down to the customs, food, and dress—“She dressed in black, of course… She wore the traditional jet jewelry.” Her descriptions of California during the Gold Rush days are an excellent contrast from the London setting.
What a wonderful cast of characters. From Monk and Hester, to Scruff, a street orphan who adopted the Monks; from the lawyer Rathbone to the widow Beata York, we find ourselves invested in their lives and feeling as though we know them, or would like to.
One thing that has been a mystery through all the previous books is finally being revealed. Both the method and the result are fascinating. The trial, and the process due to the period, is engrossing; Grisham couldn’t do better.
“Revenge in a Cold River” is yet another masterful book by Anne Perry, filled with excitement, suspense, twists, and an excellent ending.
REVENGE IN A COLD RIVER (Hist Mys/Pol Proc-William/Hester Monk-London-1800s) - Ex
Perry, Anne – 22nd in Monk series
Ballantine Books – July 2016
Only a few people know that Insp. William Monk lost his memory in an accident years ago. One who apparently knows seems determined to use Monk’s past against him. When a man dies while Monk was trying to save him from drowning, can a jury be convinced it was actually murder? It’s going to take his colleagues, friends and family to save Monk from being hanged.
Before finishing the first past, the tension is palpable. Perry’s plots and characters draw you in so completely. Her writing keeps you reading until the wee small hours, unable to book down. Her observations are so astute –“Monk…never wanted power other than that which gave him safety for work and let him owe no one. …Great wealth tied you to its service, whether it was land, trade, or gold.”
Perry makes painfully clear how powerless women could be, especially those married to powerful men. Her depiction of this time is exacting, down to the customs, food, and dress—“She dressed in black, of course… She wore the traditional jet jewelry.” Her descriptions of California during the Gold Rush days are an excellent contrast from the London setting.
What a wonderful cast of characters. From Monk and Hester, to Scruff, a street orphan who adopted the Monks; from the lawyer Rathbone to the widow Beata York, we find ourselves invested in their lives and feeling as though we know them, or would like to.
One thing that has been a mystery through all the previous books is finally being revealed. Both the method and the result are fascinating. The trial, and the process due to the period, is engrossing; Grisham couldn’t do better.
“Revenge in a Cold River” is yet another masterful book by Anne Perry, filled with excitement, suspense, twists, and an excellent ending.
REVENGE IN A COLD RIVER (Hist Mys/Pol Proc-William/Hester Monk-London-1800s) - Ex
Perry, Anne – 22nd in Monk series
Ballantine Books – July 2016
June 27, 2016
Revenge in a Cold River by Anne Perry. I started reading Perry's historical mysteries some twenty years ago. I enjoyed the Charlotte and Thomas Pitt novels first, but after reading The Face of a Stranger, the first William Monk novel, I was completely hooked.
A little background (although I think each novel works well as a stand alone): In 1856 William Monk was seriously injured in a carriage accident and has no memory of his life before the accident. He has managed, with the help of the estimable Hester Latterly, to resume his career and to keep his lack of memory a secret from almost everyone.
In Revenge in a Cold River, Monk begins to realize that his nemesis--customs officer McNabb--has finally realized that Monk has no memory of events before 1856 and intends to destroy him. Finally, the fans of this series discover why McNabb hates Monk and are given a glimpse of Monk's background as a young man.
As usual, Perry's period depictions are detailed, the suspense is palpable, and her characters flawed and imperfect, but often courageous. Familiar characters populate the novel, and we learn more about Beata York, the woman Oliver Rathbone loves. I've been curious about her and was happy to see Beata has more to offer. Hester takes a smaller role in Revenge, but her dedicated and independent nature is, as always, of primary support to Monk.
I'm really not certain which books I like better--those that feature Monk or those that feature Hester. Perry's switching the lead protagonist keeps the series interesting and allows her to focus on different elements of the Victorian period.
(Amazon is offering a bundle of the first three books in the series, and if you relish good Victorian novels--this is a bargain.)
NetGalley/Random House/Ballentine
Historic Mystery. Sept. 6, 2016. Print length: 320 pages.
A little background (although I think each novel works well as a stand alone): In 1856 William Monk was seriously injured in a carriage accident and has no memory of his life before the accident. He has managed, with the help of the estimable Hester Latterly, to resume his career and to keep his lack of memory a secret from almost everyone.
In Revenge in a Cold River, Monk begins to realize that his nemesis--customs officer McNabb--has finally realized that Monk has no memory of events before 1856 and intends to destroy him. Finally, the fans of this series discover why McNabb hates Monk and are given a glimpse of Monk's background as a young man.
As usual, Perry's period depictions are detailed, the suspense is palpable, and her characters flawed and imperfect, but often courageous. Familiar characters populate the novel, and we learn more about Beata York, the woman Oliver Rathbone loves. I've been curious about her and was happy to see Beata has more to offer. Hester takes a smaller role in Revenge, but her dedicated and independent nature is, as always, of primary support to Monk.
I'm really not certain which books I like better--those that feature Monk or those that feature Hester. Perry's switching the lead protagonist keeps the series interesting and allows her to focus on different elements of the Victorian period.
(Amazon is offering a bundle of the first three books in the series, and if you relish good Victorian novels--this is a bargain.)
NetGalley/Random House/Ballentine
Historic Mystery. Sept. 6, 2016. Print length: 320 pages.
March 15, 2017
Great Mystery
This is well written and kept my interest throughout the whole story. I want to read more in the series.
This is well written and kept my interest throughout the whole story. I want to read more in the series.
January 1, 2017
I am a long-time fan of Thomas Monk but he is losing his edge. Or is it Anne Perry? Monk lost his memory many years ago now but when he joined the river police, he needed his lieutenant, Orme (now sadly dead) to teach him how to ply the river. Yet suddenly he turns out to have sailed to San Francisco during the gold rush before his accident and his hands automatically know how to tie knots and his feet to balance on a heaving deck. Surely some of that sea-going skill would have been transferable to smaller river craft. But he was obviously afraid when he started that job.
Secondly he picks the wrong man to chase--yet if you had to pick a forger out of a line-up, would you pick the tall hulking one or the short, weasily, fast moving one? I vote for the latter because forgers spend their time indoors, not bulking up their muscles, and they have to be agile.
Thirdly he believes a very deceitful woman for no better reason than she is extremely beautiful and spends several days on a wild goose chase as a result. He never questions her veracity.
Finally poor Hester hardly got a look-in and I missed catching up with her.
So not one of the best in the series. Monk and Perry need to up their game.
Secondly he picks the wrong man to chase--yet if you had to pick a forger out of a line-up, would you pick the tall hulking one or the short, weasily, fast moving one? I vote for the latter because forgers spend their time indoors, not bulking up their muscles, and they have to be agile.
Thirdly he believes a very deceitful woman for no better reason than she is extremely beautiful and spends several days on a wild goose chase as a result. He never questions her veracity.
Finally poor Hester hardly got a look-in and I missed catching up with her.
So not one of the best in the series. Monk and Perry need to up their game.
abandoned
December 3, 2016A library book. My first Anne Perry book, a William Monk novel.
December 31, 2020
It has been a few years since I read several Anne Perry mysteries in the Charlotte and Thomas Pitt series, but this one is published in 2016 in the William Monk series. Despite some back story missing because of earlier William Monk series novels, I could piece it together. In both series, it is the cleverness and bravery of women that help solve the mystery, and in in this case, saves River Police Captain William Monk's life when he is wrongly accused of drowning a member of the Customs Police, led by his hated rival McNab. Lots of characters to keep track of, but enjoyable in the author's real knowledge of evidence that can and cannot be brought in court, and the weight the court gives to men of distinction and scorn it gives to the poor and uneducated. Well written.
September 6, 2016
Pure intense Perry!
A drowned man is washed up along the Thames. Why has Custom Officer McNab called in Commander Monk of the Thames River Police to investigate? A man who is an escaped prisoner is under McNab's jurisdiction. The dislike of McNab for Monk is palpable, as is the supercilious attention McNab gives to Monk. Already my hackles are raised. This is the man who instigated action in which Orme was killed. Of course the Thames River cohorts are suspicious. As am I!
Monk's past rises to haunt his coming days along with the advent of some American vessel owners who recall him from San Francisco.
McNab looms like a malevolent spectre, it seems he knows things about Monk's past and is using Monk's ignorance to advantage. MacNab's feeling for Monk is 'more than professional rivalry, more than personal dislike. It was hate, deep and poisonous hate.'
The link between the river pirates and McNab is gaining weight, but why is McNab so set on going after Monk?
McNab is driving Monk to the point of ruin. Monk is being tried for the murder of one of MacNab's men in connection with another escaped prisoner.
Beata York, friend of Oliver Rathbone, and widow of the High Court Judge who so pursued Monk, joins Hester in her search for something that will point to Monk's innocence.
An American woman, Miriam, hides a past that has bearing on Monk.
The twists ramp up the intrigue and I couldn't read fast enough to see what the resolution would be.
Wow, such a satisfying ending!
A NetGalley ARC
A drowned man is washed up along the Thames. Why has Custom Officer McNab called in Commander Monk of the Thames River Police to investigate? A man who is an escaped prisoner is under McNab's jurisdiction. The dislike of McNab for Monk is palpable, as is the supercilious attention McNab gives to Monk. Already my hackles are raised. This is the man who instigated action in which Orme was killed. Of course the Thames River cohorts are suspicious. As am I!
Monk's past rises to haunt his coming days along with the advent of some American vessel owners who recall him from San Francisco.
McNab looms like a malevolent spectre, it seems he knows things about Monk's past and is using Monk's ignorance to advantage. MacNab's feeling for Monk is 'more than professional rivalry, more than personal dislike. It was hate, deep and poisonous hate.'
The link between the river pirates and McNab is gaining weight, but why is McNab so set on going after Monk?
McNab is driving Monk to the point of ruin. Monk is being tried for the murder of one of MacNab's men in connection with another escaped prisoner.
Beata York, friend of Oliver Rathbone, and widow of the High Court Judge who so pursued Monk, joins Hester in her search for something that will point to Monk's innocence.
An American woman, Miriam, hides a past that has bearing on Monk.
The twists ramp up the intrigue and I couldn't read fast enough to see what the resolution would be.
Wow, such a satisfying ending!
A NetGalley ARC
May 31, 2016
BRILLIANT This is Anne Perry at her absolute best .
The book concentrates on the amnesia William Monk has suffered since his accident 13 years before .Since his accident he has found that , some people , who knew him before ,harbour a strong dislike and in some cases hatred of who and what he had been .
In this story one such person has discovered that Monk cannot remember him and their past - McNab , a Customs and Excise official.
uses his position to involve Monk in a case of the murder of an escaped prisoner .
As a result of his machinations Monk is falsely charge with the murder of McNab's assistant .
It takes Sir Oliver Rathbone , Hester, Scruff and Sir Oliver's new love and others to help save Monk and put the blame squarely where it should be .This very well written and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat .It shows a more humane side to Monk and show that his memory loss does not necessarily hold only bad things .
This is one of the best books in this series .
The book concentrates on the amnesia William Monk has suffered since his accident 13 years before .Since his accident he has found that , some people , who knew him before ,harbour a strong dislike and in some cases hatred of who and what he had been .
In this story one such person has discovered that Monk cannot remember him and their past - McNab , a Customs and Excise official.
uses his position to involve Monk in a case of the murder of an escaped prisoner .
As a result of his machinations Monk is falsely charge with the murder of McNab's assistant .
It takes Sir Oliver Rathbone , Hester, Scruff and Sir Oliver's new love and others to help save Monk and put the blame squarely where it should be .This very well written and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat .It shows a more humane side to Monk and show that his memory loss does not necessarily hold only bad things .
This is one of the best books in this series .
October 29, 2016
I felt the book started out slow but picked up. Monk discovers another part of his life he didn't know existed. He'd been in California during the Gold Rush! Was he a murderer?
April 25, 2017
Anne Perry's latest book in the William Monk series is Revenge In A Cold River. Monk is Commander of the Thames River Police and called upon to investigate the drowning of an escaped prisoner. He is forced to contend with customs officer McNab, who clearly bears a bitter grudge against him. The reason is a mystery because Monk has memory loss and he guards the condition closely. Thus he is vulnerable to repercussions from his missing pas, especially his exploits overseas in America from the Gold Rush days of san Francisco. McNab seems intent on using whatever damning facts he can find to his advantage to ruin Monk's future as an officer of the law. The Thames is dark, deep, and deadly. The man who escaped from prison gets into a fight with another man and they both end up in the river. Monk jumps in and saves the larger man and the other one swims away. One of the major characters is Beata who was married to a horrible man who treated her badly. Now, he lies in a hospital dying and she is forced to visit him. He takes huis last breath while she is there. She senses relief, but must don black and appear to be morning. Her husband had been a prominent Judge and everyone thought him a fine man. Anne has created another fine mystery about Monk and h is wife who have taken a boy waif into their home.
February 5, 2021
I cannot even imagine the skill, creativity, and very hard work needed to produce a single Victorian mystery novel, let alone a series of this length. And the research! So much research is seamlessly woven into each of the Monk books. So, all respect to Anne Perry, which I mention because I have sometimes been hard on this series. And am about to be again.
This installment is one that I'd categorize as "needlessly and confusingly complicated," so much so that some aspects of the conflict will carry over into #23. Or at least, I hope they will. Also, Monk and Co. made an idiotic mistake or two (nothing new there, but COME ON). Plus I'm getting a little tired of Rathbone dragging out trials while someone else is out tracking down the KEY WITNESS.
All the same, I will miss these characters when I'm done with them.
This installment is one that I'd categorize as "needlessly and confusingly complicated," so much so that some aspects of the conflict will carry over into #23. Or at least, I hope they will. Also, Monk and Co. made an idiotic mistake or two (nothing new there, but COME ON). Plus I'm getting a little tired of Rathbone dragging out trials while someone else is out tracking down the KEY WITNESS.
All the same, I will miss these characters when I'm done with them.
Read
August 13, 2017Read to lead the discussion at my mother's mystery book club.
A good concept but execution bungled. Mistakes in the time line (e g Monk couldn't have seen a wound like the one in the last scene during the Civil War, as Perry writes, because he had to have been back in London for several years by 1860; and, the defense team could have sent to California for evidence in time because the transcontinental railroad was finished in 1869). Glaring holes in Wingfield's case (Monk didn't start asking questions about Pettifer until after he was dead). Etc etc. Way too little action throughout, and way way way too much talk about why, what if, why would, maybe, ....
A good concept but execution bungled. Mistakes in the time line (e g Monk couldn't have seen a wound like the one in the last scene during the Civil War, as Perry writes, because he had to have been back in London for several years by 1860; and, the defense team could have sent to California for evidence in time because the transcontinental railroad was finished in 1869). Glaring holes in Wingfield's case (Monk didn't start asking questions about Pettifer until after he was dead). Etc etc. Way too little action throughout, and way way way too much talk about why, what if, why would, maybe, ....
June 4, 2022
We finally get a lot of Monk's history and it's the *checks notes* the third to last book of the series. Get that grift, Ms. Perry.
Hester and Monk are cute as always and getting that information about Monk, though a pain in the long run, was a fun part of this story. I didn't like Beata because she's written more like a stalker than a smart woman who knows How To Get the Man(tm).
Also, down with McNabb.
Recommended 13+ for language, violence, murder, and other topics not for younger reader.
Hester and Monk are cute as always and getting that information about Monk, though a pain in the long run, was a fun part of this story. I didn't like Beata because she's written more like a stalker than a smart woman who knows How To Get the Man(tm).
Also, down with McNabb.
Recommended 13+ for language, violence, murder, and other topics not for younger reader.
August 23, 2017
This is another story about William Monk on the banks of the Tames River
In Victorian London. Custom Officer McNab Is out for revenge against
Monk who has memory loss and cannot figure out why McNab is icy
toward him. They must find out what happened to an escaped drowning
prisoner and why McNab wants revenge. The tale is filled with suspense,
twists and turns, as well as cryptic insinuations and conspiracy.
In Victorian London. Custom Officer McNab Is out for revenge against
Monk who has memory loss and cannot figure out why McNab is icy
toward him. They must find out what happened to an escaped drowning
prisoner and why McNab wants revenge. The tale is filled with suspense,
twists and turns, as well as cryptic insinuations and conspiracy.
July 10, 2019
While all the William Monk novels feature complicated plots, this story felt unnecessarily convoluted, with tantalizing flashes of memory from San Francisco and sailing adventures twenty years in the past, ongoing enmity between the leaders of the Customs men and the River Police, and the developing relationship between Beata York and Sir Oliver Rathbone. Monk’s wife Hester was relegated to the background, with the story being told from the perspectives of only Beata York and Monk himself.
February 13, 2017
Even after so many sterling works, and Anne Perry just keeps turning out
awesome tales. Prose is near matchless. This was as good as any previous Monk & Heather Mysteries.
I listened to the audio..this one read by David Colacci.
awesome tales. Prose is near matchless. This was as good as any previous Monk & Heather Mysteries.
I listened to the audio..this one read by David Colacci.
December 19, 2017
I enjoy Perry’s Monk series the most, and this one didn’t disappoint. I like how, with every book, we learn more about Monk’s past. Not much involving his wife, Hester, in this one; that is my only criticism. The courtroom portion with Monk’s friend, Rathbone, was well thought out, as usual.
April 3, 2019
Ein würdiger Monk in der Reihe.
Diesmal ist wieder Monk im Mittelpunkt. Ich habe mich jedoch auch über die Rolle von Rathbone und Beata sehr gefreut.
Spannend, wie er sich ohne Gedächtnis durch sein Leben hangelt.
Diesmal ist wieder Monk im Mittelpunkt. Ich habe mich jedoch auch über die Rolle von Rathbone und Beata sehr gefreut.
Spannend, wie er sich ohne Gedächtnis durch sein Leben hangelt.
September 19, 2016
This was a very good outing in the William Monk series. And for once, Perry didn't end it at the last line of the climatic scene. I think there were maybe two pages of aftermath of the big fight scene at the end. There were several character situations that were left hanging as always, but the reader can make a pretty good guess how those are going to come out. Anne Perry endings are typically abrupt and frustrate me endlessly, but this was a bit better than usual. Small steps. Monk is in great jeopardy in this one, and most of my favorite characters work together to come to his rescue. The plot was satisfying although it relied on an amazing coincidence of five or so people, including Monk, all reuniting by chance in London 20 years after all of them had met and known each other in the Gold Rush days of California. And, of course, all of these relationships and the events that occurred then (complicated by Monk's amnesia preventing him from remembering any of it) make for a pretty good tale and some interesting glimpses into Monk's past. Nicely done, Ms Perry. But keep working on those endings.
January 27, 2018
So-so. Very slow moving. I'm reading these more out of habit now than because of any sense of anticipation.
Too little of Hester. She does not even make an appearance until just before page 100. A negative, in my opinion. And no scenes with Monk and Hester together until page 115.
Far too much introspection with the character ruminating on the same theme resulting in a nauseating amount of repetition.
I hate the way, in book after book, Monk's thoughts assure us that he thinks Hester is not beautiful. Yes, I know its usually followed up with "not beautiful in the conventional sense", but as the man in love with her, I'd think she'd be beautiful in all aspects to Monk's eyes. If Ms. Perry wishes to get this point across (each and every book) it might work better if Rathbone or another character relayed this thought. Because having Monk think this over and over really sticks in my craw and I really want to smack him upside the head each time it happens.
The pace doesn't really pick up until after page 100, so the beginning is a real slog. And, ugh, Monk is erroneously arrested for a crime and sent to jail. Happened before with Rathbone and Hester, so I guess it's Monk's turn. Hardly original and not very suspenseful since the reader knows Monk will be exonerated in the end.
Spoiler alert ahead. Sorry, but the culprit was obvious from the beginning, as was the reason Clive killed Astley.
Not really any unusual names in this one. Another minus.
Too little of Hester. She does not even make an appearance until just before page 100. A negative, in my opinion. And no scenes with Monk and Hester together until page 115.
Far too much introspection with the character ruminating on the same theme resulting in a nauseating amount of repetition.
I hate the way, in book after book, Monk's thoughts assure us that he thinks Hester is not beautiful. Yes, I know its usually followed up with "not beautiful in the conventional sense", but as the man in love with her, I'd think she'd be beautiful in all aspects to Monk's eyes. If Ms. Perry wishes to get this point across (each and every book) it might work better if Rathbone or another character relayed this thought. Because having Monk think this over and over really sticks in my craw and I really want to smack him upside the head each time it happens.
The pace doesn't really pick up until after page 100, so the beginning is a real slog. And, ugh, Monk is erroneously arrested for a crime and sent to jail. Happened before with Rathbone and Hester, so I guess it's Monk's turn. Hardly original and not very suspenseful since the reader knows Monk will be exonerated in the end.
Spoiler alert ahead. Sorry, but the culprit was obvious from the beginning, as was the reason Clive killed Astley.
Not really any unusual names in this one. Another minus.
Read
October 19, 2016I like William Monk, but felt that Hester seems missing in action in Revenge in a Cold River. Monk unwilling falls into a trap set by McNab when he investigates the murder of an escaped prisoner. The man first appears to have drowned, but a bullet hole in the man's back dismisses an accidental death conclusion. In the course of exploring the possibilities that McNab knows all the answers, Monk meets two men from his forgotten past. Monk learns that he lived in San Francisco during the gold rush days, and that he was not a policeman. Anne Perry describes vivid scenes of the river and the sea, and the characters show many dimensions. The plight of women darkens the pages, as women must live in the shadow of a male. Only Hester stands on equal footage with Monk. I felt that the story involving the trade of the two escaped prisoners deterred from the story. Oliver Rathbone has returned to the glory of the courtroom, where he belongs.
August 26, 2016
4.5 stars
Returning more to the style of the earlier books, Monk is again faced with the very real problem of his amnesia, and this time it might prove his undoing. As he investigates prison escapes and a murder, he begins to believe he was in San Francisco during the Gold Rush... but why, and how does McNab know his secret?
The desire for revenge taints more than one person, and the bitterness and hatred they harbor prove that Monk's release of anger and general satisfaction with life are more valuable even than gold, but now trapped by circumstance, Monk must rely on his friends to fill in the gaps, saving his reputation as well as his life.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Returning more to the style of the earlier books, Monk is again faced with the very real problem of his amnesia, and this time it might prove his undoing. As he investigates prison escapes and a murder, he begins to believe he was in San Francisco during the Gold Rush... but why, and how does McNab know his secret?
The desire for revenge taints more than one person, and the bitterness and hatred they harbor prove that Monk's release of anger and general satisfaction with life are more valuable even than gold, but now trapped by circumstance, Monk must rely on his friends to fill in the gaps, saving his reputation as well as his life.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 18, 2016
3.5 stars for this well done thriller. I feel as if the main characters, William, Hester and Oliver. are old friends and I am always glad to catch up with their lives. If only their lives weren't so fraught with danger! (but then we wouldn't have these books, now, would we...)
This book's plot hinges on Monk's memories of his days in gold rush California. Long-time readers know of Monk's memory loss, so we know that he has no memories of that time in his life. Of course, nothing good can come of this situation--indeed, matters become quite dire for Monk and friends--all leading to a very dramatic conclusion.
This book's plot hinges on Monk's memories of his days in gold rush California. Long-time readers know of Monk's memory loss, so we know that he has no memories of that time in his life. Of course, nothing good can come of this situation--indeed, matters become quite dire for Monk and friends--all leading to a very dramatic conclusion.
June 20, 2017
I did not finish this book. I have read series before where I've come into the books late but quickly caught on to what happened before. If there was something I didn't understand and I liked the book, it was easy to go back to the earlier books to catch up. For some reason, however, Anne Perry seems to believe that she has to contain the earlier books within each one of her later volumes. It is very tedious reading to learn over and over again in excruciating detail that Monk has amnesia or why Rathbone lost his judgeship or any of many prior plot lines repeated ad nauseum. Is it simply to fill up pages? Like other Goodreads reviewers, I have had it. So long, Monk, Hester and Scuff.
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