Blind Justice

By: Anne Perry

Narrated by: Davina Porter

New York Times best-selling author Anne Perry transports listeners back to the Victorian era with her William Monk novels. In Blind Justice, mystery abounds in London as Hester Monk, wife of Thames River Police Commander William Monk, questions Abel Taft - a charismatic preacher accused of extortion. Taft appears guilty as sin, but his trial explodes when a star witness drops a bombshell that has the Monks scrambling to save their dear friend Oliver Rathbone.

©2013 Anne Perry (P)2013 Recorded Books

Rathbone's trial

This book is more about Oliver Rathbone than Hester and Monk. Rathbone is now a Judge; he is hearing the case of fraud and embezzlement against a church minister. Hester was the first to uncover the problem and turned it over to the local police. She deliberately stayed away from Rathbone so not to compromise him in case he ended up as the Judge of the case. From prior books we know that Rathbone had inherited pictures of prominent men having sex with young boys from his Father-in-law who he had failed to successfully defend. Rathbone turns over to the prosecutor the picture of one of the witness that was destroying the prosecution case with his testimony. Rathbone is then arrested for perverting the course of justice. The minister and family are found dead thought to be a murder suicide. Monk and Hester along with Scuff try to gather evidence to help Rathbone. This leads to some suspense, no action, some humor and tense courtroom drama. I enjoy Perry's Monk series as she paints a picture of what it was like in London in the 1850 & 60's. She appears to do a great deal of research to create as real a picture as she is able. Davina Porter is superb narrating the story. I hope they continue to use her for all the Monk series. If you are a fan of Perry's or are interested in the 1800 England you will enjoy this story.

Very fun read.

Loved the ending. Character were intriguing and interesting. Loved Monks wife. You go girl.

such a fne novel

Another fine novel in Anne Perry's tales of Monk and Hester and their friend Oliver Rathbone, who was very nearly destroyed by "perverting the course of justice"in order to expose a criminal churchman.

Thought provoking

This story poses questions of true justice versus following only the letter of the law. Excellent characterizations, and well read.

I think it's time to move on...

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

No.. I was bored to the point I actually skipped through chapters to get to the end of the book.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

It was not a new story. It lost me about the 4th chapter. I was not interested in the pages and pages of trial procedures. It was about as interesting as reading an actual trial transcript.

What about Davina Porter’s performance did you like?

I liked the narrator. She was good and precise and did a great job with the different voices for the characters.

Did Blind Justice inspire you to do anything?

nope

Any additional comments?

I think it's time for Anne to put Monk and Hester on the back burner for a while. The last few books have been about the same subject! No one wants to read book after book about child pornography and that is what they have all been about. It was the same story rehashed in a different way from a different point of view. They were all predictable and weak stories. Certainly not the same intrigue and plot strength from the earlier stories. I was very disappointed.

A great story

I truly liked this book. The development of the story is remarkable and captivating throughout.

Thought I had figured it out but I was wrong...

Figured out part, but there was so much more! Love Davina Porter, especially with this and the Pitts. Thus far, she's best captured Perry's characters. Don't blink or you will miss something and have to rewind.

Disappointing

Would you try another book from Anne Perry and/or Davina Porter?

I read all of Anne Perry's Victorian mysteries. I enjoy Davina Porter's layered and intense performance and would listen to another of her readings.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

I expected it.

What about Davina Porter’s performance did you like?

I like her voice and her accent. She adds atmosphere, interest and tension to the book.

Was Blind Justice worth the listening time?

It isn't one of her best. There is little investigation. The legal story is a bit dull. The internal monologues are interminable and repetitive. I don't regret listening to the book. I like the characters. I love Scuff. I am happy that Hester, Monk and Scuff are a family.

Any additional comments?

I look forward to the next book.

Good

Well it was Oliver’s turn to make some decisions and it came out bad and good.

Ready for a story not related to past regencies to the abuse of children.

Pretty thin mystery

Is there anything you would change about this book?

More detecting, less courtroom drama.

What was most disappointing about Anne Perry’s story?

It didn't really add up. I thought the legal arguments were pretty shaky. Was waiting for a denouement which never came. Very little sleuthing involved- maybe 1 clue for every 3-4 chapters, summarized in a sentence or two. The rest of the novel seemed repetitious and dull, self-aggrandizing on the part of the characters.

Have you listened to any of Davina Porter’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No- she's wonderful. I would not have listened till the end were her voice and accent not so lovely to listen to.

Did Blind Justice inspire you to do anything?

Will not read/listen to any Anne Perry novels again. Like a familiar wine label, the author was familiar to me, so I purchased this title from the 1/2 price sale without remembering whether I liked her work or not- I now know that I find the Monks very tedious and their 19th century London locale is wasted in these dull stories.