Master of mystery and historical intrigue Anne Perry once again transports readers to the banks of the Thames in Victorian London for her thrilling new William Monk novel. In Revenge in a Cold River, Monk faces his darkest hour ever as he spars with a quarry hell-bent on vengeance. When Commander Monk of the Thames River Police is called to investigate the drowning of an escaped prisoner, he’s … escaped prisoner, he’s forced to contend with customs officer McNab, who clearly bears a bitter grudge against him. But the reason is a mystery in itself. Monk’s memory loss—a secret he guards closely—leaves him vulnerable to repercussions from his missing past, especially his exploits overseas in the tumultuous Gold Rush days of San Francisco. And now McNab, as icy and unfathomable as the steel-gray Thames itself, appears intent on using whatever damning facts he can find to his advantage to ruin Monk’s future as an officer of the law.
As Monk explores the possibility of a conspiracy, McNab’s game of cat and mouse escalates, with veiled threats and cryptic insinuations. Snared in an unforeseen trap, a desperate Monk must turn to his wife, Hester, and friend and attorney Oliver Rathbone for help, as his life literally hangs in the balance.
With razor-edged suspense and shocking twists and turns, Revenge in a Cold River is Anne Perry at her most intense—and most satisfying.
Praise for Revenge in a Cold River
“Fascinating and addictive . . . Another strong historical mystery that is true in both culture and manners to its Victorian setting.”—New York Journal of Books
“Perry is a master storyteller whose writing encompasses rich detail and nuance. . . . [Revenge in a Cold River] is her best to date.”—The Star-Ledger
“The storytelling is dazzling, as it always is in a Perry novel.”—The New York Times Book Review
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I came to the world of Mr. Monk, the Victorian- times detective, later in the series.
Of the 3 books I’ve Read in the series so far I found this one much less Agatha Christie formulated. The twists and turns ran through this book like the currents along the Thames. The murder of a convict on the Thames river, power plays and courtroom politics along with a personal secret Mr. Monk wants hidden endangers the quest for justice. I appreciate very much how detail and historical references draw you in and keep engaged. I also enjoy the more egalitarian marriage espoused during this time period which doesn’t feel forced or false. I enjoy watching this relationship develop but how rarely it overshadows the main storyline. I do love a strong intelligent woman wading the waters of our foremothers. I recommend attempting to read them in order no matter where you start.
For over twenty years, I have been enjoying this series about a Victorian era police detective who lost his memories and in so doing found his way to a second chance at life. Each case Monk, his intrepid wife Hester, and other friends work together have delivered a thought provoking, intensity both on the dark, gritty streets of London and in it’s courtrooms.
This latest tale took Monk back to the beginning in a desperate race against time and his own missing memories because someone is plotting cold, calculated revenge- a revenge against something Monk cannot even fathom why since most of his past is lost since his carriage accident.
Each time I spot a new release for this series, it is not a matter of if, but when I will snag the time to read it. I am addicted to the author’s writing style that can evoke more feeling and description in a sentence than some can achieve in a chapter. Each character is drawn so well, I can see them clearly and get to their underlying thoughts and motivations as well.
Well researched background for each novel- in this case, the Gold Rush days in San Francisco and the mid-Victorian period of the London River Police- and even beyond to knowledge of society, marriage, abuse, criminal law, and daily life of the times. All this is present, but is window dressing for the main draw- the characters and the mystery.
For this story, the murder mystery is secondary to the plottings going on against Monk. His wife, Hester and son, Scruff play minor roles though Oliver Rathbone and Beata York play much larger roles with part of the story told from their angle. Monk is very much the central figure as he investigates the deaths, interacts with the other characters, and has to fight his fear of what he was in the past- before the accident that took his memories- and its repercussions on the present.
The first book had Monk fighting for his freedom and his very life when he was implicated in a murder that he couldn’t remember. And here we are full circle. It’s exciting reading about a protagonist that is operating in the dark and isn’t sure he is the good guy with others more than willing to see him caught up in their plans for revenge.
I read this in two sittings and didn’t want to put it down. The tension mounted and I had to toss out my early theories only to find that getting the truth might not matter. Perry does it again with her characters backed into the proverbial corner and the reader left gripping the book and flipping pages fast to see how she will get them out of it.
This is a book from an ongoing series that is best read in order. I highly recommend the series to those who enjoy authentic historical fiction blended with cunning mysteries with a compelling cast of characters.
Anne Perry books are my favorites. She has the ability to put so much description in a single paragraph. Amazing and always hard to put down until I’ve finished the book.
Excellent writing, fully developed characters, intelligent and suspenseful plots as well as wonderful historical setting.
I like all of Anne Perry’s books, esp. the Monk series. That said, it does seem like they sort of start to drag a little in the middle.
Excellent character development and unexpected intertwining of mid-19th century England and California. Good read as both historical fiction and detective/mystery.
Not the best Perry book ever but very good. No ‘5’ rating as I began to tire of pages of questions the reader can very ask him/herself. Felt like the author was padding. Good plot though and I love the characters.
Typical Anne Perry. If you like her other books you will like this.
My only difficulty is…I cannot always Re ver which Monk book is which!
As usual Perry is easy to read and interesting at the same time. You want to find out what happened and how and who.
This series ALWAYS a pleasure. Well written; faithful adherence to historical time period, events, and characters. Catch-up information for newcommers to the series is a natural partof the story, not a tiresome intrusion as it often is for those of who’ve followed a series from the start.
A very enjoyable read. I will read it again someday. Original thought, interesting characters and a touch of history.
I am a big fan of Anne Perry. I love the Monk stories and this was no exception.
There scene was well set. The river is practically a character in the story.
There is real peril and lives will be changed. As the story unfolds characters are well developed and relationships are complex and the story has links to the past – links that deeply impact Monk.
My only quibble is that I would have liked more Hester in the story. She appears, but I hope the next story she figures more prominently.
One of a terrific series by a great author
Anne Perry’s books are great mysteries as well historically informative. I love her characters and her books are hard to put down
I have read all of Anne Perry’s books and love the fact that they are set In Old England
Perry’s family of characters never fail me. Her research of Victorian times is impeccable – you always feel like you’re being drawn back into that time and place. This particular novel has enough twists and turns to keep me curious til almost the end. It’s worth a read for those who love period mysteries.
I really like Anne perry.