After a brilliant military career, esteemed General Thaddeus Carlyon finally meets his death, not in the frenzy of battle but at an elegant London dinner party. His demise appears to be the result of a freak accident, but the general’s beautiful wife, Alexandra, readily confesses that she killed him–a story she clings to even under the threat of the noose.Investigator William Monk, nurse Hester … nurse Hester Latterly, and brilliant Oliver Rathbone, counsel for the defense, work feverishly to break down the wall of silence raised by the accused and her husband’s proud family. With the trial only days away, these there sleuths inch toward the dark and appalling heart of the mystery.
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Great historical novel. Realistic characters and topics. Always looking for new Anne Perry books. Enjoy series.
Any Anne Perry book is outstanding! I have read them all. There is always some kind of twist at the end that you never saw coming. Enjoy reader enjoy!
Though written for 1900’s many of the women’s issues are still current ptpblems. Much info for thought. Extremely intriguing.
Anne Perry is on my list of top British authors, and this book does not disappoint. Well-developed characters and great plot.
My favorite author . I will read anything that she writes . I get totally into the plot and characters.
Loved it
This series always does an excellent job of presenting the problems of women in a time when they had almost no individual rights.
I love the characters, and a looks at the times.
Great read.
All of Anne Perry’s books are great on several levels. They are historically accurate and give a great view of British Victorian history.The characters are full and easy to become attached to. And, her books are always cracking mysteries.
Love the entire William Monk series. Anne Perry never fails to delivers on her stories !
Love Anne Perry books…historical and a twist all in the same book.
Don’t know how I missed reading this when it came out. I am a huge Anne Perry fan and read all of her Monk and Pitt novels. It was an excellent book and covered a very painful subject with compassion and understanding.
I’ve read all of Anne Perry’s books — at least, so I thought. Somehow, I missed Defend and Betray, and it’s a winner! Hester, Oliver, and the inimitable Monk combine forces to uncover the devilish behavior that caused a woman to murder her husband. Twists and turns, as usual, and great character development.
I just love Anne Perry’s books. Plan to read them all!
Good writing! Monk. His wife Hester and Oliver Rathborne in a murder with court room drama at the end.
Any of the Victorian England novels by Anne Perry are always worth reading!
I like the Monk/books, want to read some more of them.
I’m a HUGE fan of Anne Perry, and I approve this book.
Victorian setting, with all-too-flawed humans. Usually dark, and great sense of place. I can smell the nasty fog and feel the dampness.
typical Anne Perry with an interesting and twisting plot. Great familiar characters