Execution Dock

Great book. I have read several and find that I really like the books where Monk is part of the Thames River Police. It seems his character is better developed in these later books. I also very much enjoyed A Sunless Sea - and I'm now buying a couple more from the same time period.

I have been a long time reader of Ms. Perry's novels, and she is in fact my favourite author. Of all her series, my favourite is the William Monk series, and this book, without exaggeration, is the best of the lot! It has been three long years since we've had a William Monk novel, and this book left me breathless right until the end. Monk, Hester, and the Barrister Oliver Rathbone are on a mission to save the reputation of a great man, and to save the River Police where Monk is Commander. They are pitted against a truly evil man who exploits young boys in the worst ways possible. They have a lot of trouble proving it, and even more trouble getting someone to stand up against this evil man, but they persevere. We are exposed to blackmail, sexual exploitation, murder and all number of horrible things as Monk and Hester try to get the evidence they need to convict this monster. No one can make a reader actually live in the moment of the time of their story like Anne Perry. Mid-nineteenth century London is teeming with life in this book. Please don't make us wait another three years for a William Monk book Ms. Perry.

As an Oliver Rathbone fan, this one was so difficult when I first started, but I feel Anne Perry really rounded out his character by giving him internal conflict and a chance to redeem a bad choice made. I loved Scuff in this book and enjoyed the deepening relationship he has with Monk and Hester. A very good addition to the Inspector Monk series.

It is 1864 in Anne Perry's "Execution Dock," and William Monk is the head of the Thames River Police. His wife, Hester, is a trained nurse who runs a clinic at Portpool Lane, where she and her staff give free medical care to destitute people who are sick or injured. As the story opens, Monk is on the brink of capturing the ruthless Jericho Phillips, a sadist who runs a "floating brothel" on which he uses and abuses young boys and sells their services to gentlemen of means. The police suspect that Phillips tortured and murdered at least one child named Walter Figgis who rebelled against him. Monk is anxious to arrest Phillips and see him tried and hanged. However, even if Monk were to take this fiend into custody, would he somehow find a way to escape punishment? Sir Oliver Rathbone, "arguably the best attorney in London" and a friend of Hester and Monk, also becomes embroiled in the Phillips case with unexpected consequences. Monk and Hester are anxious to learn the truth behind Phillips' uncanny success at keeping himself out of prison. Who is protecting him and why? In addition, they are determined to clear the name of Monk's late mentor, Commander Durban, whose integrity has been called into question. Durban hated Phillips but was never able to prove the charges against him. Monk and Hester risk their lives to bring Phillips to justice, not only for Durban's sake, but also for the vulnerable boys at risk while this monster is at liberty to ply his loathsome trade. Hester and her associates question anyone who may have relevant information, while Monk studies Durban's notes and tirelessly follows up every lead. Readers who have cared about Hester, Monk, and Rathbone over the years will notice that Monk has matured. While he used to be a loner who lashed out at others, he now tries to earn the respect and admiration of his colleagues. Hester is still feisty and independent, giving as good as she gets when anyone tries to bully her. Yet, she is a soft touch when it comes to helping those in need. Meanwhile, Rathbone finds himself in an awkward position when he uncovers scandalous secrets that, if revealed, would cause an uproar in the corridors of power. For years, Perry has written novels that highlight the huge chasm between the rich and poor. She does so again here with vivid descriptions of the busy docks, fetid slums, stately homes, and marketplaces of Victorian London. This is a city of contrasts--home to the satiated and the starving, the compassionate and the selfish, honorable men as well as those without scruples. Perry delivers a scathing indictment of the hypocrisy among London's wealthy and influential men who behave respectably in public but commit depraved acts under the cover of darkness. In addition, the author explores the imperfections of a legal system that too often allows the guilty to go free. "Execution Dock" has stirring courtroom scenes, an undercurrent of danger, and a colorful supporting c

Anne Perry is an elegant writer - even when she is exposing (pardon the expression) the prevalent pornography exploitation in Victorian England. This book takes place just after Prince Albert's death, and Queen Victoria has started her mourning - which will last decades - Monk and his river police try to put away Phillips, a man who owns a river boat where patrons can come and use children for their sexual needs, or buy pornagraphic photographs, or watch the action as it happens. It is a disgusting thing that truly was the 'rage' in this era, and unfortunately pornography has no era constraint. Phillips is tried (his counsel is the Monk's longtime friend Sir Oliver Rathbone) and found not-guilty for the murder of a boy who had started puberty and no longer useful to his porno industry. Monk, and his wife Hester start an investigation to catch Phillips in something that will bring him to justice. Including the characters that have endeared themselves to us in this series, Sullivan, the rat catcher, and his wonderful dog, Scuff, the homeless boy that Hester and Monk have semi-taken in, and a cast of others. They persue Phillips, and face dangers. This book delves into the relationships of the Monks and the Rathbones and the dynamic changes. It is excellently written and is Anne Perry at her best. Mrs. Perry is now writing one book a year and is alternating between the Monk series and the Pitt series (Victorian England at its latter stages), as well as the Christmas books she writes about a character from her series and their experiences around Christmas. She is a lovely lady - I emailed her and to my surprise received a lovely handwritten card from her and I have kept it in the 1st Christmas book. Execution Dock is vintage Perry - you will not be disappointed - great read.

One of her best books of the Monk series since "Sins of the Wolf". It's well crafted and well written. I'm not sure how it would rate for readers new to the series as its richest aspect is the exploration into the lives and relationships of the main characters. Anne Perry did not disapoint in this regard as she managed to avoid simplyfying and gloryfying them, in essence turning them into black and white caricatures of the complicated characters they once were. She remained true to the characters testing their many strengths and displaying their flaws. As is usual with the Monk series, there are dark and uncomfortable undertones and gripping courtroom drama, although again what is at stake for the reader is not so much the outcome of the trial but the relationships of the participants. An excellent job by Ms Perry with quite a few loose ends to tie up. Here's hoping it doesn't take 3 years for the next part of the story to be told.