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tobyyy's review against another edition
4.0
Unread shelf project 2021: book 1. Yay! Starting off on a good note this year!
This year I’ve determined to become less strict with star ratings and to also be cognizant that if I rate lower than the average, I’ll be dragging the average down. If a book is truly deserving of that, then so be it — but I’m going to do better while stressing less about marking half stars or quarter stars in my reviews.
This was a good but fairly slow story. I enjoy Anne Perry’s books but the ones that are courtroom dramas (or culminate in a courtroom drama) can sometimes be difficult to slog through. The ending was somewhat surprising, and I feel like as early as this is in the Monk series (he isn’t married to Hester yet! Shocked me), we still get a good feel for the characters that carries over into later books. That being said, neither Monk nor Hester were as likable or as “gentle” as they are in later books in the series, which is kind of interesting to me.
This year I’ve determined to become less strict with star ratings and to also be cognizant that if I rate lower than the average, I’ll be dragging the average down. If a book is truly deserving of that, then so be it — but I’m going to do better while stressing less about marking half stars or quarter stars in my reviews.
This was a good but fairly slow story. I enjoy Anne Perry’s books but the ones that are courtroom dramas (or culminate in a courtroom drama) can sometimes be difficult to slog through. The ending was somewhat surprising, and I feel like as early as this is in the Monk series (he isn’t married to Hester yet! Shocked me), we still get a good feel for the characters that carries over into later books. That being said, neither Monk nor Hester were as likable or as “gentle” as they are in later books in the series, which is kind of interesting to me.
margaretefg's review against another edition
3.0
This is a first rate Monk... Plot, characters, the connection to the coming of German unification, etc. And the mystery isn't solved until the last couple pages. Fun.
okenwillow's review against another edition
4.0
À partir d’une affaire de diffamation Anne Perry brode une intrigue sur fond d’intérêts politiques, d’amours contrariées, de jalousies, et nous balade ici et là d’un bout à l’autre du livre. Tout son art consiste à trimballer le lecteur, à le perdre, à le faire douter, même lorsque celui-ci croit déjà connaître le coupable. Et lorsqu’il a raison, il reste à démêler le
felinity's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
Rathbone has taken a case which - in hindsight - may not have been the best decision. "Hopeless" might be a better description, as his client has been charged with slander, and yet refuses to offer any proof while maintaining its truth. In desperation, Monk travels across Britain and over to Europe in search for understanding or evidence anything to keep Rathbone from ignominious and very public failure. After all, the Lord Chancellor and at least one Queen have a very keen interest in seeing it resolved quickly and without undue mess, but it soon becomes about far more than just slander.
It was a little slower to start than most, mainly because the political issue at the beginning was a little heavier than usual (at least you'll know to expect it), but the intrigue, the romance of Venice, the power play of principalities and the impact of unification versus independence soon make up for it. Meanwhile Monk and Rathbone seem to be unconsciously competing for Hester. There's nothing said, no untoward comments or gestures, but each is overly aware of the other and the other's interactions with Hester. There might even be a little jealousy. Hester stays rightfully focused on the priority of the case and her current patient, an unfortunate young man facing permanent paraplegia, but providing insight and medical suggestions when needed.
The conclusion is outstanding, and Perry catches the volatile mood of the public so well. Not my favorite of the series, but certainly worth a read.
Rathbone has taken a case which - in hindsight - may not have been the best decision. "Hopeless" might be a better description, as his client has been charged with slander, and yet refuses to offer any proof while maintaining its truth. In desperation, Monk travels across Britain and over to Europe in search for understanding or evidence anything to keep Rathbone from ignominious and very public failure. After all, the Lord Chancellor and at least one Queen have a very keen interest in seeing it resolved quickly and without undue mess, but it soon becomes about far more than just slander.
It was a little slower to start than most, mainly because the political issue at the beginning was a little heavier than usual (at least you'll know to expect it), but the intrigue, the romance of Venice, the power play of principalities and the impact of unification versus independence soon make up for it. Meanwhile Monk and Rathbone seem to be unconsciously competing for Hester. There's nothing said, no untoward comments or gestures, but each is overly aware of the other and the other's interactions with Hester. There might even be a little jealousy. Hester stays rightfully focused on the priority of the case and her current patient, an unfortunate young man facing permanent paraplegia, but providing insight and medical suggestions when needed.
The conclusion is outstanding, and Perry catches the volatile mood of the public so well. Not my favorite of the series, but certainly worth a read.
mrslyonslibrary's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
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? Yes
4.0
we_are_all_mad_here26's review against another edition
3.0
Rather extreme dislike of William Monk continues and I HAVE GOT TO KNOW whether the author will ever resolve this.
This may have been my least favorite so far in the series. Monk still regularly noticing how beautiful women can't seem to help but notice him, getting distracted completely by said beautiful women, and this time actually resents the people who have paid for him to go off and mingle with beautiful women. People continue to have 'aquiline' noses or noses that are too long, sensitive mouths, etc.
A very charming train of thought by Monk: "He was so much more attracted to women who were fun, uncritical, charming; who knew when to speak, how to flatter and laugh, how to enjoy themselves; who knew how to be vulnerable in the little things it was so easy to supply, and yet not discard the great things, the sacrifices which cost too much, asked of the fabric of his nature and his dreams."
OH IS THAT ALL.
I like the atmosphere of these books, I love Hester and Rathbone, and things generally get pretty page-turning in the last half. Thus on to #8.
This may have been my least favorite so far in the series. Monk still regularly noticing how beautiful women can't seem to help but notice him, getting distracted completely by said beautiful women, and this time actually resents the people who have paid for him to go off and mingle with beautiful women. People continue to have 'aquiline' noses or noses that are too long, sensitive mouths, etc.
A very charming train of thought by Monk: "He was so much more attracted to women who were fun, uncritical, charming; who knew when to speak, how to flatter and laugh, how to enjoy themselves; who knew how to be vulnerable in the little things it was so easy to supply, and yet not discard the great things, the sacrifices which cost too much, asked of the fabric of his nature and his dreams."
OH IS THAT ALL.
I like the atmosphere of these books, I love Hester and Rathbone, and things generally get pretty page-turning in the last half. Thus on to #8.
squishies's review against another edition
3.0
Hester saves the day again! I'm not surprised any more by this stage.
With each instalment of the series, I have become increasingly annoyed with the very slowly developing love triangle. Not because it's slow in developing (that's actually helping me be okay with it), it's more of the whole mindset the guys have towards Hester. Yeah, I get that it's the mindset from back then, but I guess all those regency trashy romances made me think that if the guy really liked her, he'd forget about the societal constraints. Eh.
Monk turned by another pretty face. Sigh. I tsked quite a bit.
With each instalment of the series, I have become increasingly annoyed with the very slowly developing love triangle. Not because it's slow in developing (that's actually helping me be okay with it), it's more of the whole mindset the guys have towards Hester. Yeah, I get that it's the mindset from back then, but I guess all those regency trashy romances made me think that if the guy really liked her, he'd forget about the societal constraints. Eh.
Monk turned by another pretty face. Sigh. I tsked quite a bit.
Spoiler
Also, I'm so surprised the Countess was right in her accusation! I was totally convinced she was just blowing out of her ass.taisie22's review against another edition
5.0
When Sir Oliver Rathbone chooses to defend Countess Zorah Rostova in a slander case, he finds he has picked a difficult cause. Zorah has accused Princess Gisela of murdering her husband, a Prince who gave up his throne for her love. Rathbone hires Monk to discover what he can about the case and Hester becomes involved in nursing a young man whose family is associated with the case.
One of the reasons I enjoy this series so much is the social and historical aspects that Ms. Perry emphasizes. The political situation in Europe at this time is reflected in her story which adds the reader's involvement in the background to the slander/murder part of the story.
Monk didn't accomplish much in this book except on a personal level, and I was glad to see him acknowledge respect and admiration for Hester. The subplot with Hester's nursing patient was also interesting.
Another great book in this series.
One of the reasons I enjoy this series so much is the social and historical aspects that Ms. Perry emphasizes. The political situation in Europe at this time is reflected in her story which adds the reader's involvement in the background to the slander/murder part of the story.
Monk didn't accomplish much in this book except on a personal level, and I was glad to see him acknowledge respect and admiration for Hester. The subplot with Hester's nursing patient was also interesting.
Another great book in this series.