Today I am excited to invite Sophia Rose to share her review of Revenge in a Cold River by Anne Perry. Many of you know Sophia as a co-blogger at Delightful Reader. Sophia is a book addict like myself and loves to read a plethora of genres. Since Delightful Reader focuses on books with a romance, Sophia will occasionally pop over here to Caffeinated and share other genres she loves. I hope you will give her a warm welcome. Sophia will be replying to your comments and questions. Enjoy!
by Anne Perry
Series: William Monk #22
Genres: Historical, Mystery
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
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 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.
After a second prisoner takes flight, Monk’s pursuit results in the accidental death of McNab’s right-hand man. As Monk explores the possibility of a conspiracy, McNab’s game of cat and mouse escalates, with veiled threats and cryptic references to Monk’s past. 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.
Guest Review
Thank you, Kimberly, for the opportunity to guest review for your blog. I count it a privilege since I respect you as a blogger with integrity and find it one of the highlights of my day to read your posts. I also blame you greatly for a significant amount of the books on my reader wish list.
But ahem, my review…
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 its courtrooms.
This latest tale Revenge in a Cold River 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 Revenge in a Cold River 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.
Sophia Rose stops by and reviews: Revenge In A Cold River By Anne Perry Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Sophia Rose
I adore the Thomas and Charlotte Pitt series, too. This one was started after that one and is set in the earlier part of the Victorian period so the two work within two different times which is nice. I think you’ll like these as much as T&C series.
So glad to meet a fellow fan, Lark!
Lark
I avidly followed the Thomas and Charlotte Pitt series for over a decade, but haven’t read this series, or indeed any of Perry’s more recent work. She does write well and doesn’t glamorize the Victorian era. Perhaps it’s time for me to pick up her books again.
Christy LoveOfBooks
Nice to see you on here Sophia! Wow, 20 years? That’s dedication. Sounds like a wonderful series.
Sophia Rose
Yeah, Hi Christy! Surprise!
LOL! It really is. I’m not generally the type who sticks with a longer series so I surprise even myself.
Though, not really. I love her writing and for the most part, it has stayed pretty strong.
Sophia Rose
That’s fantastic, Leona! Hope you get the chance to try the series.
And thank you, I hope to stop by again with some book thoughts. 🙂
Leona
I love historical mystery stories so I will definitely be checking out this series! Looking forward to reading more of your reviews here at Caffeinated and Delighted 🙂
The Bibliophile Babe
Oooh, I’m intrigued!
Sophia Rose
Then my temptress work is done. 🙂
Lorna
Hey Sophia! Wonderful review as always. I am wondering how old the main character is? Just curious. Sounds like a good read!
Sophia Rose
Howdy, Lorna!
Thanks a bunch for the kind words.
Monk is about 50 in this book. The author has stretched this series out over many years and lets her characters age right along with it. Glad you asked b/c I see just another authenticism she uses to make the series better. 🙂
Melissa (Books and Things)
Hi Sophia! Nice to see a new to me series!
I really need to check this series out. It sounds so good. The fact you didn’t want to put it down spoke volumes. Hm… in order huh? I better get cracking! 😀
Sophia Rose
Scary to see the double figures for the series count, right Melissa? 😉
But I do love these so hope you get the chance to pick one up. Thanks for the welcome!
Tracy Terry
Nice to meet you Sophia and thanks for sharing your thoughts on what sounds like a promising read. But 22 books????
An author I am familiar with having read several of her Christmas reads but alas the sheer size of this series puts me off.
Sophia Rose
I get intimidated when I see a series that is so long. Don’t blame you there, Tracy.
Oh neat! I love her Christmas reads, too.
ShootingStarsMag
Wow, it’s always nice to hear that people still love a series after so many books. I’m a big fan of mysteries and great characters, so I think I’d enjoy these (and this one in particular).
Sophia Rose
Yes, it is tough to stick with a series this long, generally, (at least for me), but I’ve kept up with both Anne Perry’s series b/c I love her stuff. Hope you get the chance!
sherry fundin
Nice to meet you Sophia and thanks for the great review.
Sophia Rose
Sure thing, Sherry! It was fun to guest for Kimberly today and meet lots of new commentors and talk books.
Dani Chapman
Awesome review! My MIL loves Anne Perry’s books and always gets them as soon as they are released!
Sophia Rose
Same here! I see a release and I am right on that. Addicted, Dani! 🙂
Jenny
Welcome Sophia!!! This sounds like a series I would really enjoy, so I’m excited to go back and start at the beginning. I also think it’s one my mother in law would LOVE, so I’m going to recommend to her as well:)
Sophia Rose
Woohoo! Making the MIL happy makes you the best. 🙂 Hope you both enjoy some Anne Perry.
kindlemom1
Great review Sophia, thanks for sharing it with us!
Sophia Rose
You’re welcome! It was my pleasure. Love this series and happy to share about it.
Debbie Haupt
Hey girlfriend you’re everywhere LOL 😉
Great review and I know I know Anne is obviously an author who I would love so I better get cracking. Glad to see you hyped up on caffeine 🙂
Sophia Rose
Buahaha! I’m like Santa or the Tooth Fairy. I get a round. 😉
Oh yes, I think you are one that would appreciate Anne Perry’s books. Get cracking, Debbie! 🙂
Tyler H. Jolley
Thanks for the review Sophia. Happy reading!
Sophia Rose
Absolutely, Tyler!
Glad you could stop by today.
Bookworm Brandee
Perry is an author I’ve thought about picking up several times, Sophia Rose. And having read your review of this book – and this series – I will certainly not hesitate next time! The detail Perry seems to weave in is something I really like, particularly in historicals. But the mystery and the very well-defined characters are the true draw. Thanks for introducing me to Monk!
Sophia Rose
You betcha, Brandee!
I hope you enjoy her books once you get the chance to pick one up.
Lindsey
What a great review! This series looks really interesting, I’m going to have to see if I can track it down now!
Sophia Rose
Hey, hey! That’s great, Lindsey. She writes two different Victorian era detective mystery series so check out both. 🙂
Melliane
I didn’t know about this series but it looks really intriguing between the period and the characters! I’m curious! thank you
Sophia Rose
Oh good! Glad I could introduce you to Anne Perry’s books, Melliane! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks for sharing your review Sophia. I am glad you love this series. The mystery sounds great.
Your comment about the blog made me smile. My own TBR pile has grown thanks to you!
Sophia Rose
Only fair, dear book friend! Tempting with new books for the shelves is what we do. LOL