Blind Justice: A William Monk Novel
Anne Perry
Hardcover
(Ballantine Books, Aug. 27, 2013)
NATIONAL BESTSELLERFor a generation, Anne Perryâs New York Times bestselling novels have invited readers to explore the brilliantly seductive heart of Victorian London, where great wealth and great evil live side by side, and great men sometimes make unfortunate choices. In Perryâs stunning new novel, Hester Monk, the wife of William Monk, commander of the Thames River Police, questions the finances of a London church whose membersâ hard-earned charitable gifts appear to have ended up in the pocket of charismatic preacher Abel Taft, paying for his fine home and the stylish outfits of his wife and daughters. Taft is accused of extortion, and brilliant barrister Oliver Rathbone, newly appointed a judge, is chosen to preside over his trial. It seems clear that Taft is indeed guilty. However, at the last second, the defense produces a witness who completely undermines the charges. Then Rathbone makes a well-meaning but reckless move that could ruin his career, his reputation, and his life. Blind Justice presents a rich and lively panorama of London life, from the teeming Thames docks to the wealthy West End, while unfolding a magnificent courtroom drama. And while justice, law, and morality hang in the balance, Hester and Monk race to save their distinguished friend Rathbone from disgrace. The incomparable art of Anne Perry grips us fast until the final, unforgettable scene.Praise for Blind Justice âA staggering achievement . . . Perryâs command of plot and prose shines.ââBookreporter âRanks among the best [Anne] Perry has written. Her courtroom scenes have the realism of Scott Turow.ââHuntington News âGripping . . . Those who love Victorian England will relish Ms. Perryâs presentation of period details. Her mastery of this time and place gives credence to the charactersâ moral and legal struggles.ââNew York Journal of Books Praise for Anne Perry and her Wiliam Monk novels A Sunless Sea âAnne Perryâs Victorian mysteries are marvels.ââThe New York Times Book Review Acceptable Loss âMasterful storytelling and moving dialogue.ââThe Star-Ledger Execution Dock â[An] engrossing page-turner . . . Thereâs no one better at using words to paint a scene and then fill it with sounds and smells than Anne Perry.ââThe Boston Globe Dark Assassin âBrilliant . . . a page-turning thriller . . . blending compelling plotting with superbly realized human emotion and exquisite period detail.ââJeffery Deaver, author of Edge The Shifting Tide âThe mysterious and dangerous waterfront world of Londonâs âlongest street,â the Thames, comes to life.ââSouth Florida Sun-Sentinel