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tdesgross's review against another edition
3.0
Overall a good book, but I didn't find it as interesting as the first. I feel like mysteries can depend on interesting investigators, an interesting crime, or a blend of both. In this case, both the mystery and Monk's development beyond confused amnesiac detective left a lot to be desired. Now, to be fair, confused amnesiac detective is a pretty awesome premise, but the author didn't cover much new ground for Monk personally in this book compared to the previous. His professional developments were interesting enough, but Perry mostly seemed to use this book to set up future novels, so it felt pretty flat emotionally. To be fair, Hester Latterly and a mostly new character, Oliver Rathbone, are both interesting, sympathetic characters, and I'm excited to see more of them. The mystery itself and its conclusion were disappointing. Personally I thought the resolution - or at least, the main antagonists - were fairly obvious.
As a very nitpicky sidebar, all of the characters are very definite about the fact that women won't be able to be doctors, never, ever, oh no, poor Hester. I would have liked at least a throwaway line about Elizabeth Blackwell and some hope for the future. EB graduated from medical school in the US in 1849 then studied in Paris in 1852 or thereabouts. She worked in England in the late 1850s and was a recognized physician there. Either way, 4-7 years before our characters come into contact with each other she had medical training and was recognized in the States and in Europe. Now, I'm not saying this would have significantly altered Hester's career path, but you'd think it would at least have come up in conversation.
As a very nitpicky sidebar, all of the characters are very definite about the fact that women won't be able to be doctors, never, ever, oh no, poor Hester. I would have liked at least a throwaway line about Elizabeth Blackwell and some hope for the future. EB graduated from medical school in the US in 1849 then studied in Paris in 1852 or thereabouts. She worked in England in the late 1850s and was a recognized physician there. Either way, 4-7 years before our characters come into contact with each other she had medical training and was recognized in the States and in Europe. Now, I'm not saying this would have significantly altered Hester's career path, but you'd think it would at least have come up in conversation.
we_are_all_mad_here26's review against another edition
4.0
This one was better than the first in the series - book #2 is often the deciding factor for me, as to whether I'm going to keep reading or cut my losses. In this case, keep reading it is.
The good: a lot less of the amnesia angst, I mean, anyone would be angsty if they had Monk's degree of amnesia, but then I don't want everyone's train of thought to keep interrupting my reading experience. And, I enjoyed the characters in this story much better than the last.
The bad: I cannot believe that there has ever, in the history of crime fighting, been any police officer as ridiculously and obnoxiously stupid as Runcorn.
The good: a lot less of the amnesia angst, I mean, anyone would be angsty if they had Monk's degree of amnesia, but then I don't want everyone's train of thought to keep interrupting my reading experience. And, I enjoyed the characters in this story much better than the last.
The bad: I cannot believe that there has ever, in the history of crime fighting, been any police officer as ridiculously and obnoxiously stupid as Runcorn.
karynhansen's review
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
squishies's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
This dragged on a little, but when the story wrapped up, boy did it wrap up!
I was wondering how Hester and Monk would meet again - clever, very clever... Maybe too convenient?
Monk is the biggest grumpy pants ever.
This dragged on a little, but when the story wrapped up, boy did it wrap up!
I was wondering how Hester and Monk would meet again - clever, very clever... Maybe too convenient?
Monk is the biggest grumpy pants ever.
appalonia's review against another edition
3.0
I liked William Monk much better in this book. He's aware that he wasn't a very nice person before he lost his memory, and he is fighting from becoming the same person. I also like Hester, even though she seems overly harsh with Monk at times. They complement either other very well. Three and a half stars.
schlotte's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0