In a London hospital, a talented nurse is found strangled to death. As Inspector Monk searches for the killer, he uncovers a tragic evil that darkens every level of the city's society.
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"This was a bit slower after Defend and Betray, but I found it engrossing nonetheless. Although some might find the beginning to be inconsequential once 50-60 pages in, despite a tenuous connection later in the novel, I felt it to be a powerful display of the troubles and choices (or lack thereof) facing women in Victorian times... moral of the story: don't dismiss it out of hand. I have to admit I did not see the identity of the culprit coming. Finally, I love how vividly Prudence Barrymore comes to life, even though we never actually see her alive in the novel."
— Sandra (4 out of 5 stars)
" I read many of the Monk books in my pre-foodreads days, and found them to be quite compelling. Whether it was the amnesia Monk had, and his trying to solve a mystery plus solve his own mystery, or Hester's fierce determination to maintain her nursing skills, worth, and strength of character, or some of all of the above, I don't know, but I enjoyed the series. That I fell off later in the game is probably only because my life circumstances made it more complicated to keep up with when new books came out. I'll probably get back to the series again some day, or listen on audio book. "
— bookczuk, 2/17/2014" Another Monk: Victorian manners and murder. Love it, want more. "
— Leslie, 2/10/2014" Great portrait of the era, good introduction to the series. Ends a bit abruptly. "
— Martin, 2/7/2014" This was great!!! Monk interviewed Florence Nightengale! Loat's of old Nursing history which was just up my alley. Great read! "
— Cindy, 1/15/2014" Usually like this author.Found this book to be very confusing. Maybe too many characters. "
— Holly, 1/11/2014" I read this years ago, but I remember it as being a well-plotted mystery and an incisive look under Victorian mores. I also think it made me fall in love with Hester Latterly, the bright, abrasive nurse that works with Anne Perry's detective Monk. "
— Felicity, 1/4/2014" I enjoyed this. It is fun to see relationships develop between the main characters while a murder is being solved. "
— Allison, 12/29/2013" For a brilliant detective, Monk sure misses a lot. But I love the characters, so I'll keep with the series. "
— Sarah, 11/4/2013" Very "Law and Order"esque, covering the investigation, the trial and the effects on the families and friends of the victim and the accused. But Monk adds a hint of danger and ruthlessness that makes it less about the law and more about justice. "
— Melissa, 10/21/2013" I'm sorry, Ms. Perry, but WTF? This had too many loose threads running around the book, too many personal moral opinions clumsily expressed, and it didn't have an ending. It just stopped. Not the best of the series, I expect better from the next! "
— Heather, 8/13/2013" A page turner for me;I was very much engaged with the characters and, to a lesser degree, the plot. So much psychological suspense,an interesting treatment of what is still a controversial issue, a little insight into early nursing practices, but the end seemed abrupt. "
— Kris, 8/4/2013" Gooooshhhh... The hard reality, the gritty truths, the tough choices and the fervent passion: Anne Perry's trademarks that never ever ever FREAKING EVER get old. "
— Yearning, 6/30/2013" I'm getting into this series. So far so good. "
— J, 12/12/2012" I love to watch William, Hester, and Callandra work. "
— Lisa, 12/9/2012" I just finished the book and it is way to late or should I say early? Another great book in the Monk series. Not quite as good as book 3 but still a very enjoyable read! "
— Sidsel, 3/28/2012" William Monk novel, I love all of them as well as the Pitt novels. "
— Kathleen, 9/1/2011" Okay, I get it already: women had no rights in 19th century England and life was difficult. Four books into this series and already Perry's themes are becoming predictable "
— Susan, 7/28/2011" I enjoyed this. It is fun to see relationships develop between the main characters while a murder is being solved. "
— Allison, 4/27/2011" I'm sorry, Ms. Perry, but WTF? This had too many loose threads running around the book, too many personal moral opinions clumsily expressed, and it didn't have an ending. It just stopped. Not the best of the series, I expect better from the next! "
— Heather, 3/19/2011" Brrrr... On n'aimerait pas traîner dans les couloirs de cet hôpital la nuit... ni le jour, d'ailleurs. "
— La, 11/25/2010" Hands down, my favorite William Monk thus far. This book is really quick moving and draws in the reader very quickly with the death and taboo subjects in the book. "
— Naomi, 11/1/2010" I have become an Anne Perry fan. A Sudden Fearful Death is wrote brillantlyand I could hardly put it down. I will read more of her books. "
— Jeanette, 8/16/2010" Another Monk: Victorian manners and murder. Love it, want more. "
— Leslie, 8/3/2010" This was great!!! Monk interviewed Florence Nightengale! Loat's of old Nursing history which was just up my alley. Great read! <br/> "
— Cindy, 6/8/2010" I'll try one more William Monk book and if it's not better than this one, I'm done. "
— Joanne, 3/1/2010" First book I read by this author. I'm looking for more. The characters are well established. You waiver back and forth on who may be guilty - the twists and turns keep you guessing. Excellent detail for a period piece. I was able to visualize the scenarios easily. "
— Martha, 9/20/2009Anne Perry (1938-2023) was an English author of historical detective fiction, mysteries, young-adult fantasy, and young-adult fiction, and holiday novels, with several making the New York Times bestsellers list. Her novels were set in Victorian England, the Ottoman empire, and in Europe during WWI and WWI.
Davina Porter has been enthralling listeners for over twenty-five years with her ability to mine the psychological depths of the characters she reads and bring them convincingly to life. In 2006, she won the prestigious Audie Award for Best Female Narration and in 2004 for Best Inspirational Literature Narration. She has been honored as an AudioFile Golden Voice and has won nineteen AudioFile Earphones Awards. As an actress, she has appeared on stage at the Vineyard Playhouse and the Square One Theater, among others.