Book Review: Brit detective returns (Anne Perry)

From Oklahoma NewsOK --

Book Review: Brit detective returns - LONDON DOCKS OFFER EXCITING LOCALE FOR CRIME NOVEL SET IN 1860s --

May 17, 2009 --

John Harrington --

After almost three years, author Anne Perry brings back William Monk in "Execution Dock” (Ballantine Books, $26). Monk is now the commander of the Thames River Police. The time is 1864, and the Thames is teeming with ships and merchant trade from around the world.

But there are other types of action that are dark and evil. One of the chief problems is Jericho Phillips, who operates a floating brothel dealing primarily with young boys he holds as virtual slaves.

Monk captures Phillips and charges him with murdering one of his boys. Unfortunately, the case falls apart, and Phillips is acquitted. Monk and his river police are disgraced, but Monk and his wife, Hester, are determined to find out who and what is behind Phillips’ acquittal.

With wonderful, believable characters and details that make you a part of the London dockside, Perry has written another fine book.