Anne Perry weighs in with another reliably written William Monk mystery. She incorporates the always timely issue of the treatment of immigrants along with the horrors of war and some details about 19th century medical practice into her story. All of this is presented in well-written prose that keeps the action moving along. Hester's brother's status and his almost-too willing embrace of his estranged sister is jarring, but not more so than the solution to the four identical murders. Not only does Perry not play quite fair with readers who like a chance to solve the mysteries of which they're reading, but she presents a solution that truly is hard to believe. Still, it's a fun read that leaves the reader eager for the next installment.

Whenever an Anne Perry book is released, I drop everything; I stop whatever I'm reading at the time; I pick up that book with delicious anticipation, and I'm never disappointed. This new William and Hester Monk story is another excellent read, keeping to the exceptionally high quality of writing and story that Perry always delivers. Fans know that they are going to discover fascinating, and, yes, gory, details of mid-19th century medicine because of Hester's nursing background. This is no exception, as Hester must relive gruesome memories of the devastating Crimean War in which she served under Clara Barton. Perry explores PSTD in an historical setting, while setting up a series of horrific murders in the Hungarian immigrant community of London. Perry also explores the all too relevant dilemma of immigrants -- the distrust and hatred of the native population, as well as the uncertainty and troubles of settling in a new country by the immigrants. As always, Perry brings relevancy to these historical stories.