William Monk knows London’s streets like the back of his hand. But the river Thames and its teeming docks—where wharf rats and night plunderers ply their trades—is unknown territory. Only Monk’s dire need for work persuades him to accept an assignment from shipping magnate Clement Louvain, to investigate the theft of a cargo of African ivory from Louvain’s recently docked schooner, the Maude … the Maude Idris. But why didn’t Louvain report the ivory theft directly to the River Police? Another mystery is the appearance of a desperately ill woman who Louvain claims is the discarded mistress of an old friend. Is she connected to the theft, or to something much darker? As Monk endeavors to solve these riddles, he can’t imagine the trap that will soon so fatefully ensnare him.
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I’ve always liked Anne Perry’s characters Hester and monk. Perry presents a realistic picture of the times: the classes, morality, habits, and everyday living. Perry is an easy read but hard to put down if u like mysteries with a twist, don’t miss this one.
I have heartily enjoyed the William Monk series and “The Shifting Tide” is another in this great series! Sometimes series main characters have life changes throughout the series that made the series less appealing to me. Not true of the William Monk series!
Anne Perry is an amazing writer, and I confess to an addiction. I have been reading her Pitt series and her Monk series in tandem. For the uninitiated, the Thomas Pitt series is set in the 1880-90s, while the William Monk series is set just after the Crimean War, in the 1850-60s.
The settings are richly detailed, and the characters well-drawn. The stories can be a bit dark, the murders gruesome, the villains evil, but I never feel overwhelmed by the darkness. The desire of the protagonists is to see justice done and extend mercy to the unfortunate.
In this installment Hester is working at a clinic for prostitutes when a woman brings a dread disease into their midst–the plague. Monk tracks down the source, and it’s a dramatic page-turner to the very end.
I wondered about the plague in the 19th century and found an account of an outbreak in Bombay in 1896. So it is conceivable that with ships coming into London from all over the world, that this scenario could have happened.
For those who like well-written murder mysteries but don’t appreciate bedroom scenes, this is the writer for you!
I have read the whole Monk series. Never disappointed by the development of the story and characters.
I love the whole series.
The books in the William Monk series are page-turners. Perry utilizes a description of the historical time, its societal constraints, and expectations, to create a canvas on which Monk works to solve the crime. All of the supporting characters are unusual and add to the reader’s fun.
I have been reading this series since the first book. I can’t wait to see what Monk and Hester will do in the next one.
Although I prefer the Thomas and Charlotte series to Monk, I absolutely adore Anne Perry’s writing and way with a story. I make a point to pick them up as soon as they are published.
One of her best books.
part of a very good series with likable main characters
Good readings!
Anne perry writes a decent mystery. She develops likeable characters, and her books have a whiff of yesteryear years. Easy to read, not demanding.
loved this book
All of her books are great. Have never been disappointed
Very enjoyable mystery set in the past. Engaging characters.
Anne Perry ‘s books are always great!
Strong characters. Well crafted.
Anne Perry is one of my favorite authors! I’ve read quite a few of her books and enjoyed all that I’ve read.
Very good series; I recommend beginning at the beginning and reading the series in order.
No one writes about the Victorian era as well as Anne Perry. Each book is a revelation. Monk and Hester and their compatriots never fail to engage the reader’s interest and emotions. Each new book is a welcome addition to my library.