The Prisoner

An original plot (how seldom does that happen!?), a truly heroic heroine in that she defies everyone and everything expected of her by adopting children who have landed in prison, a flawed hero who seeks redemption and finds it. . .This book will satisfy your every need - love, humor, mystery, and great characterization. A great story! Check out Liz Carlyle (all of her books), Emma Jensen's "Entwined", Elizabeth Thorton's "Strangers at Dawn", and Nicole Jordan's "Seduction" for more great stories.

In her latest book The Prisoner, Karyn Monk once more gifts readers with a glorious novel that lifts the spirit and touches the heart. Ms Monk is a storyteller non pareil who creates a cast of characters so real and vivid you could almost expect them to jump off the pages and settle in for tea in your living room. As she has in previous works, the author places her characters in jeopardy, often with incredibly dark moments, but with her deft hand at humor the stories never drag or depress. In fact, the dark challenges and conflicts -- both external and emotional -- only make the resolutions and triumphs more rewarding.In particular with The Prisoner, I enjoy how Ms. Monk sets her hero, heroine and surrounding family of characters on the personal path to find their own sense of honor and nobility. It's a difficult journey, particularly for the hero who must overcome a desolute, wasted and dishonorable past to truly become heroic and believe himself worthy in the eyes and heart of the heroine.The Prisoner offers irrefutable proof that nobility has nothing to do with lofty titles and wealthy estates but instead is found in the boldest, most loving of human spirits. Well done, Ms. Monk.

In 1861 Scotland, Marquess Haydon Kent resides in prison waiting to hang for a murder he swears he did not commit. However, though weary, he refuses to allow a guard to abuse a child. He intercedes and takes a beating for his actions.Genevieve MacPhail hates seeing children thrown into prison. She bribes the prison governor to release the children to her. Though she wants to help the bruised Haydon, she knows she cannot. Instead she leaves with her latest charge unaware that Haydon has followed them to her home. Unable to refuse to help a person in need, Genevieve brings him into her home not realizing that she and Haydon will fall in love, even as they try to prove his innocence.First of all this novel does not star Patrick McGoohan. Instead, the tale is an exciting nineteenth century romance starring two strong protagonists and several children and ex-cons, wards of the heroine. The hero is flawed, blaming himself for the death of his child that he knows will haunt him to the grave. The heroine is too perfect but readers will forgive Kathryn Monk because they too will fall for the charm of the abused children.Harriet Klausner

This is the first book of Karyn Monk's upcoming Trilogy...Marquess of Redmon, Haydon Kent was convicted of murder and is to be hanged when his cellmate, a 14 year old boy, Jack, helped him escaped. Fevered and beaten, he ended up in Genevieve McPhail's doorstep. Genevieve McPhail, an outcast from the society albeit a nobel birth, all because of her devotion and belief in helping wayward urchins, went to the prison house to save yet another 14 year old boy, Jack, from being beaten and being sent to the reformary school. However, in addition to the boy, she unexpectedly got herself a convicted murderer in her doorstep. Both Haydon and Genevieve lead a very different lifestyle. Haydon, a rebellious, irresponsible & self centered second son who busy his life with nothing but gambling, drinking & womanizing. Meanwhile, Genevieve lead a very tight & unselfish lifestyle, caring for those who are in need and even sacrificing her needs for others. I like the way Karyn Monk expresses their character development. It'll make you see that Haydon & Genevieve are fitting for each other. They deserve each other however different they may be because they both bring out the passion and the goodness of each other. He brings adventure and excitement to her dull, routine-like life while she brings enlightenment & values back to his. Their love story is warm and touchy. The mystery-action twist is excitingly a page-turner. It didn't overshadow their love story. Also, Genevieve's children and their innocent conversations are heart warming. They will make you smile. Ollie, Eunice and Doreen also add a comical spice to the story. These secondary characters will truly melt your heart. Jack's story is the next book of this trilogy and is coming out in late 2002. He is one of my favorite character in this book and I am glad K.M is creating a book just for him. He is truly an intriguing subject and I can't wait to read his story. This is my 4th book of Karyn Monk and she has yet to disappoint me. Although I notice that she is not fond of "EPILOGUES" which I prefer in all my books, I still enjoy reading her works. I guess this is her style, to leave readers wondering in the end... However,I am glad that THE PRISONER is a Trilogy, that way I won't have to wonder what will become of Genevieve, Haydon & the children in the future. I can simply read updates of them in the next book. Can't wait!

Genevieve MacPhail, spinster daughter of an aristocrat, has opened her home to orphaned and imprisoned children in this novel set in 1861 Scotland. In the process of rescuing fifteen-year-old Jack from his prison cell, she meets his cellmate, Haydon Kent, Marquess of Redmond. Though injured, Haydon defends Jack against a brutal beating by a prison guard. Genevieve is amazed that Haydon would put himself in harm's way for Jack, given that Haydon is on the verge of being hanged for murder. Upon his release, Jack manages to take the guard's keys and unlock Haydon from his cell. Beaten and feverish, Haydon turns up at Genevieve's home, and her six children beg her to save him. Though she know that she could be implicated if he is found in her home, she nurses him back to health. Haydon knows that he must leave eventually to clear his name, but he wishes to wait until he can help Genevieve rectify some difficult financial problems. Things go a little awry when he is forced to explain his presence to Genevieve's former fiancee, and he introduces himself as Genevieve's husband, Mr. Blake. Will Haydon be able to clear his name without abandoning the children he has come to care for, and will Genevieve still see him as her knight in shining armour when he discovers the life he previously led? Karyn Monk has written a wonderfully crafted tale, complete with a truly selfless heroine and hero healed by the power of love. How refreshing to read of a noblewoman who has forsaken her wealth and social status to see to the needs to destitute children. And how eartwarming to find a hero, though scarred, who is capable of recognizing that the depth of the heroine's love for him can heal his wounds. The depth of the characters is more than skin-deep. Monk alludes to the difficulties faced by Genevieve as evidenced in her paintings. As secondary characters, the children and household staff are an exemplary creation of supporting players. The special bond between crippled Charlotte and Jack becomes apparent as this novel nears to a close. This book is a definite keeper, and one can hardly wait for Jack's story to follow.