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William Monk #16
Execution Dock
Readers of Anne Perry’s bestselling William Monk novels feel as if they’ve experienced the many shades of Victorian London, from Belgravia to Limehouse, from drawing room to brothel. In Execution Dock , Perry’s first Monk novel in three years, we find ourselves on the bustling docks along the River Thames. Here the empire’s great merchant ships unload the treasures of the world. And here, in dank and sinister alleys, sex merchants ply their lucrative trade.
The dreaded kingpin of this dark realm is Jericho Phillips. On his floating brothel, sex slaves are forced to endure unspeakable acts. Now one such soul, thirteen-year-old Fig, is found with his throat cut, his tortured body tossed into the river.
Commander William Monk of the River Police swears that Phillips will hang for this abomination. But the miscreant is as wily as he is monstrous, and his wealthy clients seem far beyond the reach of the law. Monk’s attempt to bring about justice becomes the first electrifying episode in a nightmare that will test his courage and integrity.
However, reinforcements are on the way. Monk’s wife, Hester, who runs a free clinic for abused women, draws a highly unusual guerrilla force to her husband’s cause–a canny ratcatcher, a retired brothel keeper, a fearless street urchin, and a rebellious society lady. To one as criminally minded as Phillips, these folks are mere mosquitoes, to be sure. But as he will soon discover, some mosquitoes can have a deadly sting.
This gripping, terrifying story hurtles toward to a denouement that will leave the reader breathless but cheering. Execution Dock is Anne Perry at her incomparable, magnificent best.
The dreaded kingpin of this dark realm is Jericho Phillips. On his floating brothel, sex slaves are forced to endure unspeakable acts. Now one such soul, thirteen-year-old Fig, is found with his throat cut, his tortured body tossed into the river.
Commander William Monk of the River Police swears that Phillips will hang for this abomination. But the miscreant is as wily as he is monstrous, and his wealthy clients seem far beyond the reach of the law. Monk’s attempt to bring about justice becomes the first electrifying episode in a nightmare that will test his courage and integrity.
However, reinforcements are on the way. Monk’s wife, Hester, who runs a free clinic for abused women, draws a highly unusual guerrilla force to her husband’s cause–a canny ratcatcher, a retired brothel keeper, a fearless street urchin, and a rebellious society lady. To one as criminally minded as Phillips, these folks are mere mosquitoes, to be sure. But as he will soon discover, some mosquitoes can have a deadly sting.
This gripping, terrifying story hurtles toward to a denouement that will leave the reader breathless but cheering. Execution Dock is Anne Perry at her incomparable, magnificent best.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published March 24, 2009
223 people are currently reading
1347 people want to read
About the author
Anne Perry
363 books3,381 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
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 339 reviews
January 24, 2015
This was an outstanding read right up until the last paragraph, or rather the paragraph that I thought should have followed the last paragraph but didn't. I was left surprised, not in a good way, by the ending that wasn't there. I would love to be able to ask Ms. Perry why she finished the story the way she did.
That aside, Perry as always paints a brilliant picture of London gloom, the atmosphere so thick you can feel it. The characters, not just Monk and Hester, but all of them, are multi-dimensional, not perfect, and truly appealing or distasteful, as the case may be. The moral issues they confront are presented honestly in a manner that shows human frailty and hypocrisy arising even in the best of people, and even more among those who are not virtuous at all. Not even the good guys are ever completely satisfied with themselves, but they struggle on.
That aside, Perry as always paints a brilliant picture of London gloom, the atmosphere so thick you can feel it. The characters, not just Monk and Hester, but all of them, are multi-dimensional, not perfect, and truly appealing or distasteful, as the case may be. The moral issues they confront are presented honestly in a manner that shows human frailty and hypocrisy arising even in the best of people, and even more among those who are not virtuous at all. Not even the good guys are ever completely satisfied with themselves, but they struggle on.
December 22, 2023
Despite being more than a dozen books into the Monk series, the writing remains crisp, the details amazing and the plot lines both disturbing and real.
This book felt like it began at the end, and that was its genius. The story seemed to plummet early on then took a disturbing twist.
Perry continues to introduce us to both Society and London’s seemier side. The characters have changed and as a long term reader, I’m now enjoying getting to know some of the background players better as Monk and Hester have settled into marriage now.
Both Claudine and Squeaky continue to surprise me, maybe as much as they’ve surprised themselves. Hester’s friends are now the strength of the series; they shine brightly at the end of this one.
And the bad guys got what they deserved; Monk and company wouldn’t have it any other way.
(reviewed Nov 2018)
This book felt like it began at the end, and that was its genius. The story seemed to plummet early on then took a disturbing twist.
Perry continues to introduce us to both Society and London’s seemier side. The characters have changed and as a long term reader, I’m now enjoying getting to know some of the background players better as Monk and Hester have settled into marriage now.
Both Claudine and Squeaky continue to surprise me, maybe as much as they’ve surprised themselves. Hester’s friends are now the strength of the series; they shine brightly at the end of this one.
And the bad guys got what they deserved; Monk and company wouldn’t have it any other way.
(reviewed Nov 2018)
April 22, 2013
Not really a review but just a comment. I read (or skimmed) most of the reviews here and I'm surprised no one else was infuriated by Oliver Rathbone's defense of that scumball Jericho Phillips. I was angry with him(O.R.)through most of the book and only slightly mollified by the end. I still think the lofty reasons he gives about "everyone deserves a good defense" are shaky, at best. And then to humiliate two close friends by using information (that he only has because they are friends) to win the trial is pretty hard to excuse. I'm also very disappointed in Margaret. I thought she would back up Hester at least a little bit.
June 4, 2009
First Sentence: The man balanced on the stern of the flat-bottomed lighter, his wild figure outlined against the glittering water of the Thames, hair whipped in the wind, face sharp, lips drawn back.
Commander Thomas Monk of the Thames River Police is accomplishes the job his predecessor started and captures Jericho Phillips for the murder of a young boy, Fig. Phillips is the owner of a floating brothel that specializes in torturing young boys and using them sex and pornographic photographs with London’s wealthy and powerful. Olive Rathbone, a leading barrister, is hired by his wealthy father-in-law, to defend Phillips. When Rathbone wins his case and Phillips is declared “not guilty,” Monk, his force, wife Hester and their friends band together to get Phillips off the streets.
With each new Anne Perry book I am reminded of what an amazing writer she is. She seems to love contrasts but doesn’t ignore the shades of gray. Her plots are so well done and touch every emotion. They are completely engrossing and the reading of them supersedes any other activity for that day. The courtroom scene is suspenseful and it aftermath poignantly conveys the sense of failure and frustration all police must feel when a criminal is found not guilty due to the evidence not being strong enough.
She shows us London with all its layers from the wealthiest to the most poor and desperate, and that goodness and corruption exist at all levels. Perry’s characters are so real it is easy to remember them book to book. At the same time she gives new, or forgetful, readers enough of each character’s background to the character to become known or remembered. Perry’s dialogue, including her use of vernacular and dialect, make them come to life. Monk still has his determination for justice but has softened as a man, Hester is strong and determined, Scuff’s street smarts layered over vulnerability, Sutton, the ratcatcher with his dog, Snoot, Squeaky, the ex-brothel owner, and so many more who give palpable emotion to the story. One thing I particularly loved in this book was her look at the differences in three marriages; Hester and Monk, Rathbone and Margaret and Claudine and Wallace.
Ms. Perry’s books inform, entertain, and make me think. Her sense of time, place, dialogue, characters and plot are excellent. I look forward to each new book and am never disappointed. For what more can a reader ask? Brava, Ms. Perry.
EXECUTION DOCK (Hist/Pol. Proc- William Monk-England-1864) – Ex
Perry, Anne – 16th in Monk series
Ballentine Books, 2009, US Hardcover – ISBN: 9780345469335
Commander Thomas Monk of the Thames River Police is accomplishes the job his predecessor started and captures Jericho Phillips for the murder of a young boy, Fig. Phillips is the owner of a floating brothel that specializes in torturing young boys and using them sex and pornographic photographs with London’s wealthy and powerful. Olive Rathbone, a leading barrister, is hired by his wealthy father-in-law, to defend Phillips. When Rathbone wins his case and Phillips is declared “not guilty,” Monk, his force, wife Hester and their friends band together to get Phillips off the streets.
With each new Anne Perry book I am reminded of what an amazing writer she is. She seems to love contrasts but doesn’t ignore the shades of gray. Her plots are so well done and touch every emotion. They are completely engrossing and the reading of them supersedes any other activity for that day. The courtroom scene is suspenseful and it aftermath poignantly conveys the sense of failure and frustration all police must feel when a criminal is found not guilty due to the evidence not being strong enough.
She shows us London with all its layers from the wealthiest to the most poor and desperate, and that goodness and corruption exist at all levels. Perry’s characters are so real it is easy to remember them book to book. At the same time she gives new, or forgetful, readers enough of each character’s background to the character to become known or remembered. Perry’s dialogue, including her use of vernacular and dialect, make them come to life. Monk still has his determination for justice but has softened as a man, Hester is strong and determined, Scuff’s street smarts layered over vulnerability, Sutton, the ratcatcher with his dog, Snoot, Squeaky, the ex-brothel owner, and so many more who give palpable emotion to the story. One thing I particularly loved in this book was her look at the differences in three marriages; Hester and Monk, Rathbone and Margaret and Claudine and Wallace.
Ms. Perry’s books inform, entertain, and make me think. Her sense of time, place, dialogue, characters and plot are excellent. I look forward to each new book and am never disappointed. For what more can a reader ask? Brava, Ms. Perry.
EXECUTION DOCK (Hist/Pol. Proc- William Monk-England-1864) – Ex
Perry, Anne – 16th in Monk series
Ballentine Books, 2009, US Hardcover – ISBN: 9780345469335
December 30, 2020
I think almost anyone could have seen the solution to this one coming from, I don't know, twelve days before even picking the book up. And yet - still - so much tension! And despair! As with most books in this series, I got to a certain point and then could not put it down.
Anne Perry, if you are reading this: thank you for the gift of Hester's friends. Now including Claudine and Squeaky, who I love along with the rest of them. Also, it's kind of interesting that sixteen books in, Hester has a whole list of people who might be willing to die for her, and Monk has - one friend? And an iffy one, at that?
A final note: you may not want to finish this one without having #17 ready at hand.
Anne Perry, if you are reading this: thank you for the gift of Hester's friends. Now including Claudine and Squeaky, who I love along with the rest of them. Also, it's kind of interesting that sixteen books in, Hester has a whole list of people who might be willing to die for her, and Monk has - one friend? And an iffy one, at that?
A final note: you may not want to finish this one without having #17 ready at hand.
August 7, 2011
Execution Dock is 16th in the William Monk mystery series set in Victorian London. Monk is in charge of the Thames River Police, chosen by the previous Commander Durban. Monk is anxious to prove his mettle and honor Durban by bringing to justice Jericho Phillips, a vicious criminal who traps young boys and uses them for sadistic purposes to satisfy illegal perverted appetites of high-ranking customers. Durban had pursued Phillips many years without success. When Monk at last captures Phillips and brings him to trial for torture and murder, he feels justice will be served. However, a mysterious client hires Oliver Rathbone to defend Phillips. Can the deep friendship and loyalty shared by Monk, Rathbone and Hester survive the test?
This is a deep story of honor, loyalty, judgement, wisdom, justice, friendship, love and betrayal. Possibly the most powerful and riveting book yet in the series, all that has come before in Monk's, Hester's and Rathbone's relationships is now put to the test. I absolutely recommend this book, but strongly suggest reading the entire series in order, for full appreciation of the conflict. While I enjoyed every page, from two-thirds of the way through this book, I could not put it down.
This is a deep story of honor, loyalty, judgement, wisdom, justice, friendship, love and betrayal. Possibly the most powerful and riveting book yet in the series, all that has come before in Monk's, Hester's and Rathbone's relationships is now put to the test. I absolutely recommend this book, but strongly suggest reading the entire series in order, for full appreciation of the conflict. While I enjoyed every page, from two-thirds of the way through this book, I could not put it down.
March 31, 2009
Perry's excellent characters carry her latest effort. And effort it is. Either PL or Booklist commented a few books ago that the strain of producing two novels (or more) per year is beginning to tell on Perry, and that's the truth. Or perhaps she's simply bored with her Victorian series? The characters are well defiined as always and you can practically smell the fug of 19th century London, but the plot is repetitive and too often we're told what the characters are thinking rather than shown.
Fans of Perry will either love it or slog through it. If the next couple aren't an improvement, this series will be struck off my list of mysteries to catch. Definitely recommend to reader queries to start with the earlier novels, if not at the very beginning!
Fans of Perry will either love it or slog through it. If the next couple aren't an improvement, this series will be struck off my list of mysteries to catch. Definitely recommend to reader queries to start with the earlier novels, if not at the very beginning!
May 12, 2009
Does Anne Perry have a life outside of writing? I find it remarkable how many books she publishes on a regular basis. At present she has at least four series going and this book is the 16th in the William Monk series. I like this series because of the portrait that the author paints of life in Victorian England with its strict class structure. This book features William Monk who is now the Superintendent of the Thames River Police and his wife Hester. Usually the books in this series end with a trial guaranteed to hold an unusual twist or surprise. This book has the trial at the beginning of the story and aptly demonstrates how a skillful barrister can create sympathy for the most unsavory client. Then after the client, in this case Jericho Philipps is acquitted, the rest of the story concerns a quest for justice. The subject matter is particular unsavory--child prostitution (male) and pornography. The setting is the dock section of London with ships unloading cargoes from around the world. I liked the book, but found that it was often rather preachy. No need to convince the reader that the sexual exploitation of children is wrong. Other than readers who could be featured on "To Catch a Predator", the rest of us are against it. Also, the ending of the book was rather abrupt. I wanted to few more details on what happened after the last page. Come on Ms Perry--some of these characters are in real trouble--let us know what happens to them.
July 6, 2010
I have read the entire Monk series, in order,and some books twice because they are so good. The character of William Monk is superb. Ms. Perry created a masterpiece when she wrote "Face of a Stranger," which is the first in this series. That said, I had difficulty reading this book until I got half way through. She is a wonderful writer & I love the characters, so I soldiered on, and it was worth it. The denouement was edge of seat exciting. Ms. Perry's Victorian series always has a moral or social issue, and this one was the most difficult to read about by far. There seemed to be a bit too much character introspection, and too little action and too little dialog. Those things made it hard to get through. If you are already a fan, go on and get it. The evolution of these characters continues admirably. If you have not read the previous books, you do not need to in order to enjoy this selection, but I think you would enjoy it more after reading the others.
August 2, 2012
I have read many of Anne Perry's novels and on the whole, enjoyed them. "Execution Dock" is one of the best in a while, I must say. It moves into "polite society" and exposes more of the falseness within the well-do and their belief they are untouchable.
It is a continuation of the Detective William Monk and his wife Hester. In the mid-1800's in England a woman is deemed an object or social needs rather than a person of true intellectual or creative value. Hester continues to attract attention to her work as a nurse and for it, slowly receive respect for what a woman can offer in a time and place that deems otherwise. Monk, on the other hand, continues to develop a more caring, less egotistical side of his nature.
The story is about sexual use, bondage and killing of children -- young boys to be exact. And this is an uncomfortable and horrid realization. Happened back then and continues to happen. It tells about the boys as victims of a sick society that hides any involvement to save their own reputation. Hester and her crew at the clinic she runs (for the poor and criminals)begin to sleuth the pervert who runs the boys' sex club.All the while Monk is on the case and between the two, the run into a lot of dangerous people and situations.
I found it historically interesting while a good mystery and could hardly wait to read the next pages. It's been a long time I felt that way about a book. Kudos to you Anne Perry!
City of Redemption
It is a continuation of the Detective William Monk and his wife Hester. In the mid-1800's in England a woman is deemed an object or social needs rather than a person of true intellectual or creative value. Hester continues to attract attention to her work as a nurse and for it, slowly receive respect for what a woman can offer in a time and place that deems otherwise. Monk, on the other hand, continues to develop a more caring, less egotistical side of his nature.
The story is about sexual use, bondage and killing of children -- young boys to be exact. And this is an uncomfortable and horrid realization. Happened back then and continues to happen. It tells about the boys as victims of a sick society that hides any involvement to save their own reputation. Hester and her crew at the clinic she runs (for the poor and criminals)begin to sleuth the pervert who runs the boys' sex club.All the while Monk is on the case and between the two, the run into a lot of dangerous people and situations.
I found it historically interesting while a good mystery and could hardly wait to read the next pages. It's been a long time I felt that way about a book. Kudos to you Anne Perry!
City of Redemption
June 5, 2009
This, the latest in Anne Perry's Monk series, involves Monk's attempt to bring a child pornographer and worse to justice. He is thwarted at first by the criminal's wealthy clients who hire a brilliant lawyer, and friend of Monk and his wife, Hester, Oliver Rathbone, to defend him. Rathbone points out every failure on the part of the River Police Department, which Monk commands, to provide an air-tight case against the pornographer, and is thus able to establish reasonable doubt and get the man acquitted.
Since this happens fairly early in the book, the rest of the book involves Monk and Hester, and other friends, in a search for more information, and better evidence, so they can bring the man to justice on other crimes they are sure he has committed. It's a adventure of insight as layers upon layers are peeled back and more and more is discovered about the man and his past, as well as that of some of those who have also pursued him, and those who have been his clients.
Another great mystery that not only explores the underside of Victorian London, but the hearts of her characters.
Since this happens fairly early in the book, the rest of the book involves Monk and Hester, and other friends, in a search for more information, and better evidence, so they can bring the man to justice on other crimes they are sure he has committed. It's a adventure of insight as layers upon layers are peeled back and more and more is discovered about the man and his past, as well as that of some of those who have also pursued him, and those who have been his clients.
Another great mystery that not only explores the underside of Victorian London, but the hearts of her characters.
April 2, 2009
Mystery is my genre of choice and has been since I was little. I've read every mystery Anne Perry has written. She has a fascinating personal history and I love the detail she puts in her stories. This book is the latest in the Monk series. It begins with a chase to capture a man who exploits boys and has killed one of them. Monk thinks he has a slam dunk, but Sir Oliver Rathbone is the defense attorney. Monk, Hester, and Oliver are pitted against each other and their once close friendship hangs by threads when the killer is found innocent. Monk vows to bring him to justice and Hester agrees. And things go from good to better in the story. I really liked this book. Again, my biggest complaint about Perry's books is that she gets to this great ending and stops. No resolutions about characters, etc. But she usually fills it in at the beginning of the next book. I just hate waiting that long. Still,if she writes it, I'll read it!
June 29, 2009
This is the last book in the William Monk series. It makes a good case,
as could my eldest daughter, for reading books in a series in order.
I found I was really curious about the relationship between Monk and
his wife, Monk's early life, Monk's involvement with the River Police.
I have checked out the first two books in the series, so I'll start at
the beginning. This book was good. I suppose that is characteristic
of good writing that books in a series can stand alone. I liked the
characters. The book could have moved faster. Too many details were
repeated, I thought. A new term I learned was 'hostage of fortune'
which means caring enough about something that you can't afford to lose it, so people can make you do what they want. I enjoyed the courtroom
scenes, although the result was not always what I would choose. "The
message to the people was that skill wins, not honor." Wisdom: "The
process of thought required to explain sometimes clarifies the mind."
as could my eldest daughter, for reading books in a series in order.
I found I was really curious about the relationship between Monk and
his wife, Monk's early life, Monk's involvement with the River Police.
I have checked out the first two books in the series, so I'll start at
the beginning. This book was good. I suppose that is characteristic
of good writing that books in a series can stand alone. I liked the
characters. The book could have moved faster. Too many details were
repeated, I thought. A new term I learned was 'hostage of fortune'
which means caring enough about something that you can't afford to lose it, so people can make you do what they want. I enjoyed the courtroom
scenes, although the result was not always what I would choose. "The
message to the people was that skill wins, not honor." Wisdom: "The
process of thought required to explain sometimes clarifies the mind."
November 19, 2010
....uhhh nearly nothing happened in this book. I see why Ms Perry is able to CHURN EM OUT (seriously, check out that 'also by this author' page, damnnnn gurl) because this could easily have been a few chapters in some larger book. also, the subject matter was juuust shocking enough to be like 'oooh, a ~daring~ take on ~shocking~ subject matter (admittedly, I had never seen 'gay victorian pedophiles on a boat' done before, nor did I think that was what this book was going to be about from the back cover alone...) but then NOTHING HAPPENED. it was like one episode of law and order: victorian london. there was trite and tiny danger, but still safe. it was all just very safe, and that made it boring. sigh.
August 18, 2009
A couple of weeks ago, I listened to Great Expectations on CD. All 16 hours of it.
Yesterday afternoon I finished the 21st century's Dickens', Anne Perry's Execution Dock.
She has all the fire and zeal that Dickens does, but holds a tighter rein on the verbiage. Whereas I REALLY wanted to excise paragraphs and paragraphs of the Dickens (boring and usually redundant), I was glued to Execution Dock from beginning to end. And believe me, when a book seems to be OVER about 1/4 of the way in, and you stay glued, that's a feat of writing.
Yesterday afternoon I finished the 21st century's Dickens', Anne Perry's Execution Dock.
She has all the fire and zeal that Dickens does, but holds a tighter rein on the verbiage. Whereas I REALLY wanted to excise paragraphs and paragraphs of the Dickens (boring and usually redundant), I was glued to Execution Dock from beginning to end. And believe me, when a book seems to be OVER about 1/4 of the way in, and you stay glued, that's a feat of writing.
July 23, 2018
EXECUTION DOCK BY ANNE PERRY
This is a continuation of the William and Hester Monk series. This finds Monk catching up with Jericho Phillips and bringing him to trial, where to his surprise he finds Sir Oliver Rathbone for the defence. Unexpectedly Phillips is acquitted and free to return to the river and his disgusting trade in young boys tortured for pornography. William and Hester’s friendship with Rathbone is under severe pressure as William is determined to discover who is behind the disgraceful trade and how far Rathbone is implicated. The question of Durban’s background and the very future of the River Police is put under threat.
All the usual characters are present including the boy Scuff, Sutton and his dog Snoot as well as the staff of Hester’s clinic. Monk remains his aloof self and is desperately trying to establish himself as the leader of the Wapping Station. Will all the characters retain their integrity? Is the main question to ask. Hester is still annoyingly portrayed as the “Nurse from the Crimea” which repetition is becoming increasingly annoying. “Squeaky” Robinson, Scuff and Sutton are becoming increasingly endearing.
There are some distracting inconsistencies ie Monk and Durban referred to as Commander where previously and on the book cover he is referred to as Inspector and Lord Justice Sullivan referred to as Mr. Justice Sullivan.
The various descriptions make the book. The Court-Room scenes and the life on the river with the squalor of much of the people around river life make it easy to find yourself there. A good Victorian crime thriller.
This is a continuation of the William and Hester Monk series. This finds Monk catching up with Jericho Phillips and bringing him to trial, where to his surprise he finds Sir Oliver Rathbone for the defence. Unexpectedly Phillips is acquitted and free to return to the river and his disgusting trade in young boys tortured for pornography. William and Hester’s friendship with Rathbone is under severe pressure as William is determined to discover who is behind the disgraceful trade and how far Rathbone is implicated. The question of Durban’s background and the very future of the River Police is put under threat.
All the usual characters are present including the boy Scuff, Sutton and his dog Snoot as well as the staff of Hester’s clinic. Monk remains his aloof self and is desperately trying to establish himself as the leader of the Wapping Station. Will all the characters retain their integrity? Is the main question to ask. Hester is still annoyingly portrayed as the “Nurse from the Crimea” which repetition is becoming increasingly annoying. “Squeaky” Robinson, Scuff and Sutton are becoming increasingly endearing.
There are some distracting inconsistencies ie Monk and Durban referred to as Commander where previously and on the book cover he is referred to as Inspector and Lord Justice Sullivan referred to as Mr. Justice Sullivan.
The various descriptions make the book. The Court-Room scenes and the life on the river with the squalor of much of the people around river life make it easy to find yourself there. A good Victorian crime thriller.
July 12, 2012
I really liked much of this book. The subject matter around which this mystery centered made me a bit uncomfortable and for those few folks that may read this review and are sensitive to decidedly adult material (this one deals with child pornography)I wish to warn you that AP deals quite frankly with the unpleasant aspects of this subject.
That said, let me now focus on what I liked about this mystery. First off, AP is one of the best I have ever read at creating characters with depth to them. There are paragraphs in this novel that are incredibly remarkable in their ability to describe human emotion and motivation. Every time I read an AP novel I find numerous sentences that are worth remembering. This creation of hers was no exception in that category.
Monk sets out to wrap up a cold case file left by the man that occupied his position before him. Before all is said and done Monk's pursuit of the criminal in this case will threaten his position, discredit the former commander he replaced, and even threaten the well being of his adored wife.
AP has honed her craft. I am going to close this review with a couple of quotes from this novel that exemplify why I like these novels as much as I do, to wit: ". . . perhaps great sins start as simple weakness, and the consistent placing of self before others";
"Women would be a lot better off, and a lot less trouble, if they had smaller hearts, and bigger brains". (courtesy of one Squeaky Robinson)
That said, let me now focus on what I liked about this mystery. First off, AP is one of the best I have ever read at creating characters with depth to them. There are paragraphs in this novel that are incredibly remarkable in their ability to describe human emotion and motivation. Every time I read an AP novel I find numerous sentences that are worth remembering. This creation of hers was no exception in that category.
Monk sets out to wrap up a cold case file left by the man that occupied his position before him. Before all is said and done Monk's pursuit of the criminal in this case will threaten his position, discredit the former commander he replaced, and even threaten the well being of his adored wife.
AP has honed her craft. I am going to close this review with a couple of quotes from this novel that exemplify why I like these novels as much as I do, to wit: ". . . perhaps great sins start as simple weakness, and the consistent placing of self before others";
"Women would be a lot better off, and a lot less trouble, if they had smaller hearts, and bigger brains". (courtesy of one Squeaky Robinson)
September 22, 2012
Love, love, love Anne Perry! One of my favorite authors! Excellent detail woven like a fine tapestry. Compelling mysteries that keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat. Images pop into my head like I'm watching a movie. In fact, I'm wondering why these haven't been made into movies? Maybe they have? Something I'll need to check. As I am reading this, I realize I've read it before. I've read many of Anne's books. Perhaps it is her own interesting background that makes her this master storyteller.
February 3, 2017
This book was excellent! This is a great addition to the series. Usually I can put Anne Perry's books down for a while because they are so detailed and I have to take a breather, but this one I just couldn't put down. I love the way Rathbone and Monk were pitted against each other. I couldn't wait to find out what would happen next. Now I can't wait to read the next book in the series so I can find out what happens in the aftermath of it all.
October 2, 2012
This was a good read, although it has a pretty nasty plot: Monk and Hester versus child pornographers in Victorian London. Monk is running the Thames River Police now, following up on a case left unsolved by his predecessor, tracking down a vicious man who runs an infamous child brothel on a riverboat.
Since the Monks have only recently taken in a boy from the streets, it’s rather easy to predict the final crisis of the novel which has the medley of characters rushing into action.
Since the Monks have only recently taken in a boy from the streets, it’s rather easy to predict the final crisis of the novel which has the medley of characters rushing into action.
February 24, 2019
I love how no one in these novels is perfect, and I love that they spend time trying to think through different moral, ethical, and legal issues. And I also freaking love Scuff!
November 26, 2017
Young boys are being bought and sold as sex toys to those who are willing and able to pay to watch and take part. And when one protests, he is killed. A dedicated police officer tracking down the kingpin, the former commander of the River Police, has already died and has left the obligation and his notes to his replacement, Commander William Monk.
Monk is able to catch and arrest Jericho Phillips but the trial goes horribly awry and the man escapes justice. But it more than the case, now Phillips is after Monk, Hester and the whole of the River Police and he has his clients, many of whom are society born, lined up to protect him and further his cause.
Shocked by the lose of the murder trial and facing the slander against himself, Hester and his former boss, Monk is being doubly careful in tracking his steps and building a case. But can he do it before another boy is lost?
Anne Perry has created marvelous, smart, realistic characters and placed them in a world and a story that keeps the reader glued to the pages of her stories. You won't be able to put this gripping tale aside as the conclusion nears and the net widens beyond the river, beyond the poor and downtrodden.
Monk is able to catch and arrest Jericho Phillips but the trial goes horribly awry and the man escapes justice. But it more than the case, now Phillips is after Monk, Hester and the whole of the River Police and he has his clients, many of whom are society born, lined up to protect him and further his cause.
Shocked by the lose of the murder trial and facing the slander against himself, Hester and his former boss, Monk is being doubly careful in tracking his steps and building a case. But can he do it before another boy is lost?
Anne Perry has created marvelous, smart, realistic characters and placed them in a world and a story that keeps the reader glued to the pages of her stories. You won't be able to put this gripping tale aside as the conclusion nears and the net widens beyond the river, beyond the poor and downtrodden.
March 23, 2018
When Oliver Rathbone takes on the defense of Jericho Phillips (a known procurer of young boys for the twisted taste of the elite who can afford his prices) at his Father-in-law's request he is forced to discredit the testimony of Hester and Monk in order to win the murder case against him. When Phillips goes free Monk is forced to look more closely in to Durban's past and the enmity between him and Phillips, in order to protect those who attempted to bring Phillips to justice.
Rathbone realizing how wrong he was to defend Phillips begins to look into those who helped him escape justice and is horrified to discover that the Judge was one of Phillips customers. Claudine determined to help Hester dresses as a match girl and while disguised recognizes Mr Ballinger (Rathbone's Father in law) coming out of a shop that sells pornography, but unfortunately he also recognizes her. Phillips kidnaps Scuff (young boy Monk and Hester have taken in) in an attempt to prevent Monk from using the information to bring him to justice. The friends will come together again in a desperate attempt to rescue Scuff and bring Phillips to justice.
Rathbone realizing how wrong he was to defend Phillips begins to look into those who helped him escape justice and is horrified to discover that the Judge was one of Phillips customers. Claudine determined to help Hester dresses as a match girl and while disguised recognizes Mr Ballinger (Rathbone's Father in law) coming out of a shop that sells pornography, but unfortunately he also recognizes her. Phillips kidnaps Scuff (young boy Monk and Hester have taken in) in an attempt to prevent Monk from using the information to bring him to justice. The friends will come together again in a desperate attempt to rescue Scuff and bring Phillips to justice.
August 25, 2019
WOW, WOW, WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
August 11, 2025
Another good story. We listened to it on Audible, and it was very well done.
August 26, 2023
Monk et Hester, le duo que l'on ne peut qu'aimer. Un bon moment que je n'avais plus lu la prodigue Ann Perry. Retrouvé le Londres côté sinistre, du mid-XIXe avec intérêt et plaisir. Même si ce substantif semble indécent face à ce que traque le duo: un immonde commerce de pédophilie. Mais un bémol: un peu agacé par les longs tourments intimes des héros de l'histoire (pas seulement Hester et son policier de mari). Parfois envie d'intervenir en criant "mais fonce, bordel, ne te pose pas tant de questions sur ton petit confort bourgeois, voire aristocrate. Mais elle doit avoir raison, Anne Perry, elle connaît si bien toutes les faiblesses de ses faux concitoyens nés 100 ans plus tôt.
September 8, 2022
Captivant jusqu'à la dernière page
June 15, 2015
It all starts with the death of a boy known as Fig.
William Monk is now the head of the River Police, trying to fill Durban's shoes - not an easy task. Luckily for him there are a few people, like street urchin Scuff, who are willing to take him on for an unorthodox apprenticeship along the river.
Rathbone, now married to Margaret, is prevailed upon by his father-in-law to take the case as the defense. Little does he know how friendships will be irrevocably altered, nor how revealing his comparisons between Hester and Margaret will be. Cleverness, after all, is not the same as wisdom, and decisions often have far-reaching consequences. Questions of loyalty will be raised, and all must decide where their first loyalty must lie: truth, justice, friendship, or letting fallen comrade's memories remain?
My biggest criticism is that the ending was extremely abrupt (no doubt more so because I thought there were more pages but it was a preview of another). The historical details, the intricacy of the characters' relationships with each other and their moral quandaries, and the completeness of the picture painted for us are all worth far more than my one minor issue.
Anne Perry's descriptions are so vivid you can not only picture the scene but also hear the sounds and smell the odors. There's more of a conscious division of Hester and Monk this time as both follow their own investigations, trying to stop the repulsive trade and becoming increasingly aware that the line between moral and immoral is somewhat shaded. In their own way, each person involved is forced to face his or her true motives, and the heart-wrenching consequences they may involve.
William Monk is now the head of the River Police, trying to fill Durban's shoes - not an easy task. Luckily for him there are a few people, like street urchin Scuff, who are willing to take him on for an unorthodox apprenticeship along the river.
Rathbone, now married to Margaret, is prevailed upon by his father-in-law to take the case as the defense. Little does he know how friendships will be irrevocably altered, nor how revealing his comparisons between Hester and Margaret will be. Cleverness, after all, is not the same as wisdom, and decisions often have far-reaching consequences. Questions of loyalty will be raised, and all must decide where their first loyalty must lie: truth, justice, friendship, or letting fallen comrade's memories remain?
My biggest criticism is that the ending was extremely abrupt (no doubt more so because I thought there were more pages but it was a preview of another). The historical details, the intricacy of the characters' relationships with each other and their moral quandaries, and the completeness of the picture painted for us are all worth far more than my one minor issue.
Anne Perry's descriptions are so vivid you can not only picture the scene but also hear the sounds and smell the odors. There's more of a conscious division of Hester and Monk this time as both follow their own investigations, trying to stop the repulsive trade and becoming increasingly aware that the line between moral and immoral is somewhat shaded. In their own way, each person involved is forced to face his or her true motives, and the heart-wrenching consequences they may involve.
April 6, 2009
I've waited a few years now for another entry in this series and when I learned that this one was coming out this spring, I pounced on it. It is a worthy successor to all the previous entries.
This one starts a bit differently. Monk is chasing a thoroughly despicable character, one who uses and abuses small boys for the entertainment of his clientele, the stodgy, upright Victorian "gentlemen" that Perry portrays so vividly. Monk catches his prey in the first chapter and he and his beloved Hester rejoice. All seems well, but soon a fly finds its way into their ointment.
Their friend and frequent ally in the fight against injustice, attorney Oliver Rathbone, is called upon to defend the dastardly prisoner. He accepts the challenge and defends the man with all of his skill, in the process casting aspersions on Monk and Hester and ripping the fabric of their friendship. The man is acquitted and Monk and Hester are devastated.
The rest of the book is taken up with the pair's attempts, along with help from their friends and supporters, to redress this injusttice. One of the characters who plays a pivotal role here is the young boy, Scuff, who has helped Monk before. Now the childless Monks take this street child into their home for his protection and it would seem that he will take his place among other recurring characters in this Victorian series.
Perry paints the streets and alleyways, great homes and flophouses of Victorian England so vividly that one feels one is there. She has a particular empathy for the horrors suffered by women and children in that closed society and she explores those issues in this as well as all the books of this series and the Pitt series as well.
The reader can always be assured that there will be justice at the end of one of these Monk adventures and so there is. In the end, even Rathbone is back on the side of the angels, and all is well once again. Until the next book.
This one starts a bit differently. Monk is chasing a thoroughly despicable character, one who uses and abuses small boys for the entertainment of his clientele, the stodgy, upright Victorian "gentlemen" that Perry portrays so vividly. Monk catches his prey in the first chapter and he and his beloved Hester rejoice. All seems well, but soon a fly finds its way into their ointment.
Their friend and frequent ally in the fight against injustice, attorney Oliver Rathbone, is called upon to defend the dastardly prisoner. He accepts the challenge and defends the man with all of his skill, in the process casting aspersions on Monk and Hester and ripping the fabric of their friendship. The man is acquitted and Monk and Hester are devastated.
The rest of the book is taken up with the pair's attempts, along with help from their friends and supporters, to redress this injusttice. One of the characters who plays a pivotal role here is the young boy, Scuff, who has helped Monk before. Now the childless Monks take this street child into their home for his protection and it would seem that he will take his place among other recurring characters in this Victorian series.
Perry paints the streets and alleyways, great homes and flophouses of Victorian England so vividly that one feels one is there. She has a particular empathy for the horrors suffered by women and children in that closed society and she explores those issues in this as well as all the books of this series and the Pitt series as well.
The reader can always be assured that there will be justice at the end of one of these Monk adventures and so there is. In the end, even Rathbone is back on the side of the angels, and all is well once again. Until the next book.
October 26, 2021
I like the Monk books more than the Pitt books largely because of Oliver Rathbone. I like the Law and Order aspect including the trial part of the stories in addition to the detection parts. Since Monk moved to the River Patrol, however, I find this series less appealing. There is little about Monk’s mysterious past, a plot twist I particularly liked. The plots are now unrelentingly dark, with this book’s focus on sexual exploitation of small children particularly hard to read.
This book starts with the trial, which is disorienting at first. It’s hard to see the Monks and Oliver at odds. But I came to appreciate this flip of the usual Monk book. The middle part of the book, however, was an endless wandering of the River area separately by Monk and Hester with no plot progression. Then suddenly at the end, minor characters are determined to be important and everything moved very quickly. By the end, some bad guys get their due, but many questions remain. What actually happened to the villains? What about the important information about a character closely related to one of the main three? The book ends without dealing with this plot at all. Hopefully there will be resolution in the next book. It cannot be ignored.
When Monk joined the River Patrol, Perry rebooted the entire series, retiring longtime secondary characters and starting over with a new cast. This took some adjustment, but by this book the new characters really come into their own. I do look forward to seeing their development.
Sixteen books into the series, I’ll keep reading for now, but mostly because of Oliver.
This book starts with the trial, which is disorienting at first. It’s hard to see the Monks and Oliver at odds. But I came to appreciate this flip of the usual Monk book. The middle part of the book, however, was an endless wandering of the River area separately by Monk and Hester with no plot progression. Then suddenly at the end, minor characters are determined to be important and everything moved very quickly. By the end, some bad guys get their due, but many questions remain. What actually happened to the villains? What about the important information about a character closely related to one of the main three? The book ends without dealing with this plot at all. Hopefully there will be resolution in the next book. It cannot be ignored.
When Monk joined the River Patrol, Perry rebooted the entire series, retiring longtime secondary characters and starting over with a new cast. This took some adjustment, but by this book the new characters really come into their own. I do look forward to seeing their development.
Sixteen books into the series, I’ll keep reading for now, but mostly because of Oliver.
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