I enjoyed the book very much and the development between William and Hester.
William Monk is hired to find a missing woman (Miriam Gardner) by her fiancé Mr. Lucius Stourbridge. During the quest, Monk meets Sergeant Michael Robb, a young policeman. And they learn their cases are connected. Meanwhile, Hester is dealing with a theft of medicine from the hospital and an unsupportive director. Sir Oliver Rathbone is asked to defend two women charged with conspiracy and murder of coachman Treadwell. It’s a race against the clock to find the truth. What a mystery!

The author masterfully addresses the lack of care and concern for older and impoverished veterans. ( )

Like the series and, esp. main character- intense plot, no profanity but sexual situations (child / rape). Well narrated and recommended. Playback Speed 2-3 recommended ( )

M. Gardiner, la prometida de un rico heredero, es la principal sospechosa del asesinato del conductor del carromato en que viajaba. Resulta difícil entender por qué una joven con un brillante futuro cometería un acto similar. El enigma desembocará en los tribunales, donde el abogado O. Rathbone, asesorado por W. Monk y su esposa Hester, deberá invertir toda su sagacidad para defender a una mujer que está dispuesta a aceptar la horca antes que desvelar un secreto del pasado.

Another good William Monk, private investigator, story. I enjoy historical fiction and this has a strong female character who is striving for change. I like the background story of the Victorian hospital. ( )

When a missing fiancee becomes a murder investigation, Monk and Hester, now married, are embroiled and must find the real murderer. Missing drugs at the hospital where Hester now volunteers just adds to the mystery.
This series has really hit its stride now. The last few books have been excellent, and this one is great. There are many twists and turns, only resolved in the last few pages. As always, Ms. Perry incorporates some social history into the story; here we see how veteran soldiers and sailors are treated after their time of service has occurred, something that unfortunately still happens in our own time.
I was glad to see Oliver Rathbone again and find out how he was dealing with Hester's marriage to Monk. I also liked the introduction of the new police sergeant Robb and hope to see him in future books in the series.
Ms. Perry is an excellent writer, very detailed in her descriptions and accurate in her history. This is another fine book in this great series. ( )