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book_worm_13's review against another edition
2.0
Good lord. This was mostly about Hesters experiences in the Crimean war. I hope all novels with Monk and Hester are not like this.
tracey_stewart's review against another edition
2.0
I want to say that I've been a fan of Anne Perry's books for decades … but I think it's more that I've been a reader of her books for that long. I've always liked reading them – but I don't think I've ever loved them, except for maybe one. The characters have never become important enough to me that I'll cry if they're killed off. And actually, the first one I read after a hiatus of several years was very disappointing.
This one … I wouldn't say that about it, but … I just don't have any strong feelings about it. Didn't hate it, didn't love it.
It all begins when good old Monk is called in to a murder scene which is built up as absolutely horrific. The reactions of everyone he meets on the way in indicate that it's ghastly, without anyone ever giving him (or the reader) a detail. Which was clever … until we walk into the room with Monk and get the first description of the scene and the victim, and it's an anticlimax. "It's a bad one, sir", someone says, and then left me wondering what was so bad about it for a few more pages. I mean, once the full scope of what happened to the victim became clear, my response was "oh" – yes, it was indeed plenty awful – but might it not have been more effective to whack the reader with that all at once? Anne Perry's been writing for … forever (oh, only since 1990; not quite thirty years (as of now). For some reason I thought it was longer), so she obviously knows what she's doing; it just seemed an odd choice. Or maybe it's just me.
And maybe it was just me being put off by the fact that despite a quite detailed description of the murder scene(s), I had to go back over and over to see if the many many candles placed around the room(s) were lit or not. I don't think I ever did find out. Those candles also had me yelling at the book for them to go check out chandlers in the area, which didn't seem to be something that occurred to anyone for ages.
I don't really recommend reading this series the way I have. It looks like I missed about ten years' worth of books in this series (which I always liked more than the Charlotte & Thomas Pitt books), and obviously a lot happened in those five books, leaving me saying things like "Wait, who, now?" and "Oliver did what?" and "They were in America for the Civil War?" and so forth. Perry provided a decent amount of backstory, but I wouldn't say this worked well as a stand-alone (or stand-apart).
Obviously the exploration of intolerance against immigrants is extremely topical today. Which is incredibly sad. The discussion of what we now call PTSD is quite timely as well. Both of these threads lead to possible answers to the mystery…
What annoyed me a little was – well: "Monk was a brilliant detective; he could acknowledge that without immodesty." Okay. The story doesn't really bear that out, but … okay. (And no, you can't say that about yourself without being immodest. You really can't.)
It was an interesting mystery, this; lots of red herrings that led to interesting passages, but with a final solution I just didn't find as interesting. Like that first murder scene description, it was somewhat anti-climactic.
The main reason I never loved Anne Perry's books as much as others is simply the writing. It's perfectly serviceable, although sometimes awkward; it's workmanlike. See Spot run. I never feel the connection, not only to the characters but to the author, that I do when reading – say, Robin McKinley, or Barbara Hambly. It makes for - what was that word again? interesting reads – but not really fun.
The usual disclaimer: I received this book via Netgalley for review.
This one … I wouldn't say that about it, but … I just don't have any strong feelings about it. Didn't hate it, didn't love it.
It all begins when good old Monk is called in to a murder scene which is built up as absolutely horrific. The reactions of everyone he meets on the way in indicate that it's ghastly, without anyone ever giving him (or the reader) a detail. Which was clever … until we walk into the room with Monk and get the first description of the scene and the victim, and it's an anticlimax. "It's a bad one, sir", someone says, and then left me wondering what was so bad about it for a few more pages. I mean, once the full scope of what happened to the victim became clear, my response was "oh" – yes, it was indeed plenty awful – but might it not have been more effective to whack the reader with that all at once? Anne Perry's been writing for … forever (oh, only since 1990; not quite thirty years (as of now). For some reason I thought it was longer), so she obviously knows what she's doing; it just seemed an odd choice. Or maybe it's just me.
And maybe it was just me being put off by the fact that despite a quite detailed description of the murder scene(s), I had to go back over and over to see if the many many candles placed around the room(s) were lit or not. I don't think I ever did find out. Those candles also had me yelling at the book for them to go check out chandlers in the area, which didn't seem to be something that occurred to anyone for ages.
I don't really recommend reading this series the way I have. It looks like I missed about ten years' worth of books in this series (which I always liked more than the Charlotte & Thomas Pitt books), and obviously a lot happened in those five books, leaving me saying things like "Wait, who, now?" and "Oliver did what?" and "They were in America for the Civil War?" and so forth. Perry provided a decent amount of backstory, but I wouldn't say this worked well as a stand-alone (or stand-apart).
Obviously the exploration of intolerance against immigrants is extremely topical today. Which is incredibly sad. The discussion of what we now call PTSD is quite timely as well. Both of these threads lead to possible answers to the mystery…
What annoyed me a little was – well: "Monk was a brilliant detective; he could acknowledge that without immodesty." Okay. The story doesn't really bear that out, but … okay. (And no, you can't say that about yourself without being immodest. You really can't.)
It was an interesting mystery, this; lots of red herrings that led to interesting passages, but with a final solution I just didn't find as interesting. Like that first murder scene description, it was somewhat anti-climactic.
The main reason I never loved Anne Perry's books as much as others is simply the writing. It's perfectly serviceable, although sometimes awkward; it's workmanlike. See Spot run. I never feel the connection, not only to the characters but to the author, that I do when reading – say, Robin McKinley, or Barbara Hambly. It makes for - what was that word again? interesting reads – but not really fun.
The usual disclaimer: I received this book via Netgalley for review.
elodiethefangirl's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
fastediting's review against another edition
3.0
I have been an avid reader of Anne Perry for years. This is a fine book on its own, but it lacks the detail, complex and cohesive plotting, and tight writing of her early books in the Monk series and Pitt series. There are plot holes as large as the Old Bailey in this book, and it is unsatisfyingly short. Our beloved main characters seem to go through the motions of “this is what this character usually does at this point.”
Having said that, I’m enjoying getting to know Scuff as a young adult, with ambitions, intelligence, compassion, and a perspective all his own. More Scuff, please!
Having said that, I’m enjoying getting to know Scuff as a young adult, with ambitions, intelligence, compassion, and a perspective all his own. More Scuff, please!
bak8382's review against another edition
4.0
Monk is investigating his most gruesome set of murders yet with what appears to be a ritualistic and ruthless killer. In the meantime Hester is forced to deal with her past. I've missed the past two books, but was able to jump right in here with this, though I wanted more about Rathbone's marriage! The court scenes were a bit rushed at the end, but otherwise another solid addition to this series with nice character development for Scuff and Hester especially.
usbsticky's review against another edition
1.0
1 star = I didn't like it.
I've never read Anne Perry but I've seen her books on shelves many times so I know she's a veteran writer. As such, I was looking forward to reading this, my first Anne Perry book. To my surprise, the book wasn't as I thought at all. I found it very poorly written and the writing very awkward. The characters behaved illogically, that's what I couldn't get over. It was like someone who never observed human behavior wrote the text. More so, I have read a ton of police procedurals and it seems everything was completely done wrong. I can't but give this book a 1 star.
I got this book free as an ARC.
Edit: I found out later on that I had another Anne Perry book on my shelf that I'd read before so this was not the first Anne Perry book I'd read.
I've never read Anne Perry but I've seen her books on shelves many times so I know she's a veteran writer. As such, I was looking forward to reading this, my first Anne Perry book. To my surprise, the book wasn't as I thought at all. I found it very poorly written and the writing very awkward. The characters behaved illogically, that's what I couldn't get over. It was like someone who never observed human behavior wrote the text. More so, I have read a ton of police procedurals and it seems everything was completely done wrong. I can't but give this book a 1 star.
I got this book free as an ARC.
Edit: I found out later on that I had another Anne Perry book on my shelf that I'd read before so this was not the first Anne Perry book I'd read.
felinity's review against another edition
4.0
This latest historical mystery from Anne Perry features truly shocking murders which appear to have a ritualistic aspect, bringing religious and racial prejudice to the fore, and a community that closes against even well-meaning outsiders. Monk must partner with an interpreter - of the spoken and unspoken languages of the Hungarian community - but can he trust the translator while he investigates what appears to be either a random lunatic or a ritualistic killer?
While Monk struggles with the horrific crimes and growing condemnation from the newspapers, Scuff, now apprenticing with Crow, is learning what it takes to be a doctor for the people, and those lessons are none too easy. Hester, of course, is helping Monk whether he wants her help or not, and her assistance and insight prove invaluable. The final resolution is as surprising and nuanced as regular readers have grown to expect. You won't be disappointed.
(There's also a small tie-in with one of the Christmas novellas, A Christmas Escape.)
Disclaimer: I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
While Monk struggles with the horrific crimes and growing condemnation from the newspapers, Scuff, now apprenticing with Crow, is learning what it takes to be a doctor for the people, and those lessons are none too easy. Hester, of course, is helping Monk whether he wants her help or not, and her assistance and insight prove invaluable. The final resolution is as surprising and nuanced as regular readers have grown to expect. You won't be disappointed.
(There's also a small tie-in with one of the Christmas novellas, A Christmas Escape.)
Disclaimer: I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
eawsmom's review against another edition
4.0
William Monk is called to the scene of a gruesome murder of a Hungarian immigrant in the office of a warehouse on the river. Despite the best efforts of his men, no suspects are identified, and within a short time a second, equally gruesome, murder occurs, then a third, and a fourth. All are identical and yet there seems to be no connection between the four men and everyone who is suspected appears to be in the clear.
In the meantime, Scuff is pursuing his dream of becoming a doctor by studying with Crow. One of their patients is a Hungarian who speaks no English, and Scuff sets out to find Herbert Fitzherbert, an English doctor living in the area who is rumored to speak Hungarian. The doctor turns out to be an old friend of Hester Monk's with whom she served in the Crimean War. He also turns out to be suffering from nightmares during which he appears to be back in the war; when he wakes up, he has no idea where he is and it takes him several minutes to regain his faculties. When the doctor is found covered in blood twice, the Hungarians in the neighborhood rise up and threaten to become a lynch mob. The doctor is saved only through being arrested by Monk--and then he is put on trial for the murders. Working with Oliver Rathbone, the Monks finally discover the truth behind the murders and Dr. Fitzherbert is set free.
This was an interesting entry, as usual, and brought further insight into Hester's life in the war as well as what happened within her family during and just after. One positive aspect of the story is that Hester is reunited with her brother Charles, and I hope this will be given more attention in future books. Scuff is also shown in a more mature light, which is good. However, I was a bit disappointed with the ending, which seemed very abrupt and did not deal with an issue raised by the solution to the first murder, and leaves the question of whether or not a murderer went free.
Overall this was a good book and I would recommend it to those who like historical mysteries.
I received this book through LibraryThing's Early Reviewer program in exchange for a fair and honest review of the book.
In the meantime, Scuff is pursuing his dream of becoming a doctor by studying with Crow. One of their patients is a Hungarian who speaks no English, and Scuff sets out to find Herbert Fitzherbert, an English doctor living in the area who is rumored to speak Hungarian. The doctor turns out to be an old friend of Hester Monk's with whom she served in the Crimean War. He also turns out to be suffering from nightmares during which he appears to be back in the war; when he wakes up, he has no idea where he is and it takes him several minutes to regain his faculties. When the doctor is found covered in blood twice, the Hungarians in the neighborhood rise up and threaten to become a lynch mob. The doctor is saved only through being arrested by Monk--and then he is put on trial for the murders. Working with Oliver Rathbone, the Monks finally discover the truth behind the murders and Dr. Fitzherbert is set free.
This was an interesting entry, as usual, and brought further insight into Hester's life in the war as well as what happened within her family during and just after. One positive aspect of the story is that Hester is reunited with her brother Charles, and I hope this will be given more attention in future books. Scuff is also shown in a more mature light, which is good. However, I was a bit disappointed with the ending, which seemed very abrupt and did not deal with an issue raised by the solution to the first murder, and leaves the question of whether or not a murderer went free.
Overall this was a good book and I would recommend it to those who like historical mysteries.
I received this book through LibraryThing's Early Reviewer program in exchange for a fair and honest review of the book.
we_are_all_mad_here26's review against another edition
4.0
I try to give Monk as many breaks as I can. Honestly. Well, he didn't have access to Google, I might think, or Criminal Justice probably wasn't even a degree back then. And still as he blunders around missing the most obvious clues and actually knowing the right answer and then immediately telling himself it can't possibly be, I sometimes get actually, literally angry at the stupidity.
Four stars for the author having found yet another twist on murder that we haven't seen in this series before, and for Scuff's developing story, and for the way it ended. And as always, for Hester.
Four stars for the author having found yet another twist on murder that we haven't seen in this series before, and for Scuff's developing story, and for the way it ended. And as always, for Hester.
thenovelbook's review against another edition
3.0
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy of this to review.
In this latest installment of Anne Perry's William Monk series, she continues to show her skill at world building. There's no doubt but that she knows the Victorian age, and her descriptions are fairly light-handed so that the reader doesn't feel like a history lesson is being shoe-horned into a story. The details that are there feel natural and necessary to create the setting.
This mystery centers on the Hungarian community in London, several members of which are being violently struck down. For much of the novel, Monk is stymied as to what the motivation could even be, let alone who the culprit is. Because the investigation stalls continually, when the denouement finally does come, it feels rather rushed.
Perry's main characters all have a habit of lengthy introspection, which sometimes breaks up the narrative and makes each and every moment seem a little too deliberate. One gets the sense that these people are unable to live life one day to the next, because each action carries with it a flood of memories. However, in this novel, it works a little better than in some of the others, because a new character is obviously suffering with PTSD.
One of the up-and-coming characters who is getting a bit more notice in this book is Scuff, a/k/a Will, the orphan boy adopted by William and Hester Monk. He's now grown to about age 18 and is studying medicine. His development and medical training are among the more interesting aspects of the novel.
Overall, I found this a pretty easy read, with prose that let me move along and not get bogged down. One of the better of Anne Perry's novels to date!
In this latest installment of Anne Perry's William Monk series, she continues to show her skill at world building. There's no doubt but that she knows the Victorian age, and her descriptions are fairly light-handed so that the reader doesn't feel like a history lesson is being shoe-horned into a story. The details that are there feel natural and necessary to create the setting.
This mystery centers on the Hungarian community in London, several members of which are being violently struck down. For much of the novel, Monk is stymied as to what the motivation could even be, let alone who the culprit is. Because the investigation stalls continually, when the denouement finally does come, it feels rather rushed.
Perry's main characters all have a habit of lengthy introspection, which sometimes breaks up the narrative and makes each and every moment seem a little too deliberate. One gets the sense that these people are unable to live life one day to the next, because each action carries with it a flood of memories. However, in this novel, it works a little better than in some of the others, because a new character is obviously suffering with PTSD.
One of the up-and-coming characters who is getting a bit more notice in this book is Scuff, a/k/a Will, the orphan boy adopted by William and Hester Monk. He's now grown to about age 18 and is studying medicine. His development and medical training are among the more interesting aspects of the novel.
Overall, I found this a pretty easy read, with prose that let me move along and not get bogged down. One of the better of Anne Perry's novels to date!