The Twisted Root

This was a pretty good one. At least 3.5 stars for the issues raised, the lack of stupidity in following or not following clues, and the much-needed mellowing of the character of Monk.

When a missing fiancee becomes a murder investigation, Monk and Hester, now married, are embroiled and must find the real murderer. Missing drugs at the hospital where Hester now volunteers just adds to the mystery.
This series has really hit its stride now. The last few books have been excellent, and this one is great. There are many twists and turns, only resolved in the last few pages. As always, Ms. Perry incorporates some social history into the story; here we see how veteran soldiers and sailors are treated after their time of service has occurred, something that unfortunately still happens in our own time.
I was glad to see Oliver Rathbone again and find out how he was dealing with Hester's marriage to Monk. I also liked the show more introduction of the new police sergeant Robb and hope to see him in future books in the series.
Ms. Perry is an excellent writer, very detailed in her descriptions and accurate in her history. This is another fine book in this great series. show less

I enjoyed the book very much and the development between William and Hester.
William Monk is hired to find a missing woman (Miriam Gardner) by her fiancé Mr. Lucius Stourbridge. During the quest, Monk meets Sergeant Michael Robb, a young policeman. And they learn their cases are connected. Meanwhile, Hester is dealing with a theft of medicine from the hospital and an unsupportive director. Sir Oliver Rathbone is asked to defend two women charged with conspiracy and murder of coachman Treadwell. It’s a race against the clock to find the truth. What a mystery!

The author masterfully addresses the lack of care and concern for older and impoverished veterans.

As I have mentioned, Anne Perry's books improve with each new novel. Hester and Monk are newlyweds and attempting to adjust to this new lifestyle. Hester has never been a "housewife" and dislikes the confines of cooking and cleaning, and Monk will not allow Hester to work for wages. The story centers on a young widow, Miriam Gardiner, about to remarry. At a casual party, the prospective bride runs away without telling her reason. The coachman who drives her is found murdered five days later, and Miriam Gardiner has disappeared. Monk becomes involved when the future groom, Lucius Stourbridge, needs help locating Miriam. As usual, Perry discusses the problems of the time such as the sorry state of nursing. The majority of nurses could show more barely read and their wages were poor and consisted of a meal and alcohol. A surgeon might save a patient, but the nursing care after surgery was deadly. Sir Oliver Rathbone appears to defend Miriam and her friend Cleo from murder and from stealing medicine. Perry inserts the dilemma of war veterans that are sick and poor and cannot afford medicine or medical attention. Cleo has been stealing medicine from the hospital to give to these veterans. And of course, the ending is a surprise. I had figured the correct murderer, but not all the issues involved. show less

Thoroughly satisfying blend of mystery, romance, and social commentary.

Just so slow and tedious. I found myself skimming after about halfway through. With all due respect to nurses, nursing, Trafalger vets, etc, so much of this book is just plain filler.

Another good William Monk, private investigator, story. I enjoy historical fiction and this has a strong female character who is striving for change. I like the background story of the Victorian hospital.