William Monk Series #12
Random House
August 2002
Featuring: Dr. Kristian Beck; Hester Monk; William Monk
352 pages ISBN: 0345440021 Paperback (reprint) Add to Wish List
When her brother, Charles, suddenly arrives on her doorstep
one cold October evening, Hester Monk is shocked – as much
by the unexpectedness of the visit as by the nature of
it. For since her marriage to monk, Charles and his
elegant wife, Imogen, have kept their distance. But now,
driven to discover what has caused a dramatic change in his
wife’s behaviour, Charles seeks Hester’s help. Imogen,
who has suddenly taken to mysterious outings at
unconventional times, and who is either in a state of
elated excitement or restless despair, must be having an
affair – Charles can think of no other explanation. But
before Hester is able to renew her friendship with Imogen,
a greater tragedy occurs.
Murder has taken place not far away in an artist’s studio
and two women have been killed. One of them is the
beautiful wife of Hester’s friend and colleague, Dr. Beck –
also the daughter of a prominent politician. The other is
an attractive but common artist’s model. Having left the
police force with extreme ill feeling between himself and
his superior, the last thing Monk wants to do is face the
demons of his past. But, concerned about the profile of
the case and its likely effect on the reputation of their
surgeon friend, Monk is left with no choice but to visit
Runcorn and involve himself with the murder case.
As Hester and Monk begin their individual investigations,
it seems that behind the respectable facades of the upper
classes, deception and betrayal are rife. And as the
secrets of Imogen Latterly and Elissa Beck are gradually
exposed, the Monks are to face their most emotionally
demanding case yet...