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Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Historical Novels by Anne Perry and Jim Eldridge

Some NetGalley books scheduled to be released in 2016 


Revenge in a Cold River by Anne Perry.  I started reading Perry's historical mysteries some twenty years ago.  I enjoyed the Charlotte and Thomas Pitt novels first, but after reading The Face of a Stranger, the first William Monk novel, I was completely hooked.  

A little background (although I think each novel works well as a stand alone):  In 1856 William Monk was seriously injured in a carriage accident and has no memory of his life before the accident.  He has managed, with the help of the estimable Hester Latterly, to resume his career and to keep his lack of memory a secret from almost everyone.

In Revenge in a Cold River, Monk begins to realize that his nemesis--customs officer McNabb--has finally realized that Monk has no memory of events before 1856 and intends to destroy him.  Finally, the fans of this series discover why McNabb hates Monk and are given a glimpse of Monk's background as a young man.

As usual, Perry's period depictions are detailed, the suspense is palpable, and her characters flawed and imperfect, but often courageous.  Familiar characters populate the novel, and we learn more about Beata York, the woman Oliver Rathbone loves.  I've been curious about her and was happy to see Beata has more to offer. Hester takes a smaller role in Revenge, but her dedicated and independent nature is, as always, of primary support to Monk.  

I'm really not certain which books I like better--those that feature Monk or those that feature Hester.  Perry's switching the lead protagonist keeps the series interesting and allows her to focus on different elements of the Victorian period.

(Amazon is offering a bundle of the first three books in the series, and if you relish good Victorian novels--this is a bargain.)

NetGalley/Random House/Ballentine

Historic Mystery.  Sept. 6, 2016.  Print length:  320 pages.


Assassins by Jim Eldridge.  "The first of a new mystery series featuring Winston Churchill and King George V: an intriguing departure for bestselling children's author Jim Eldridge. "   

I enjoyed this first installment of a new series featuring DCI Paul Stark and set in the early 1920's.  Churchill, always controversial, is presented with both his flaws and his strengths, and I liked the way Stark's initial dislike of Churchill alters as the book progresses even as he continues to view him honestly.

Eldridge includes some of the most difficult issues faced by the British Government during the time:  debt, unemployment and the demobilization of soldiers following WWI, the problem of Irish Home Rule, women's suffrage (only women over 30 who owned property were given the vote in 1918, so the issue was still active), socialism, etc.   

The most interesting part for me, however, is the role played by secondary characters like Michael Collins.  I knew Collins was associated with Sinn Fein and the struggle for Irish Independence, but that was the extent of my knowledge.  Even though his role in the novel isn't large, his personality and appeal are obvious.  I wanted to know more and did some online research--Collins and Eamon de Valera are part of a fascinating era of history. (Now, I want to see the 1996 film Michael Collins with Liam Neeson and  Alan Rickman.) 

A good mystery and a series I will follow.

NetGalley/Severn House

Historic Mystery.  Oct. 1, 2016.  Print length:  256 pages.

I will mention both of these books again closer to publication.

12 comments:

  1. Thanks for the heads-up on the Perry bundle! I haven't read her for years but remember liking the Pitts.

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    1. I didn't read too many of the Pitt series, although I did enjoy them for a while. The Monk series, however, has been a different story! Hope you enjoy them if you read them, Debby!

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  2. I've never read Anne Perry. I've heard at least a couple other bloggers I know talk about the Monk books and enjoying them, so they're probably discussing these. I will check out both of her series and do some checking into them to see if it's a good fit for me. Thanks!

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    1. I like this the Monk series better. It is a little darker, and Monk has plenty of flaws, many of which he can't even remember!

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  3. I was quite fond of Charlotte and Thomas Pitt for awhile there, but my interest in the series fizzled after awhile. I haven't ever tried her Monk series. I am glad to hear this one is good!

    Assassins sounds good too. It sounds like the author captured that time period well.

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    1. My interest in Charlotte and Thomas waned, as well, but have yet to tire of Monk and Hester. :)

      Assassins was a little slow to begin, but I was pleased with it pretty quickly.

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  4. Been hooked on Anne Perry for years, but don't necessarily read every single one in order. I wait for them to appear in my Little Free Library or for a mystery-lvoing friend to offer them to me. As I've mentioned to you before, Jenny, I do read most of the holiday novellas to see how Perry takes a minor character and makes it their story.

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    1. I still have not read any of the holiday novellas or any of her WWI series. I need to keep them in mind when I make my next library visit. :)

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  5. I've to check out Anne Perry's books since many readers seem to love them. And Assassins sounds interesting too, given the historical setting and some of the issues faced then.

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    1. I think the title of Assassins puts it at a disadvantage. If I had not read the description or paid attention to Churchill's photo on the cover, I would probably have dismissed. The title alone fails to generate much curiosity, but I enjoyed the book. :)

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  6. I can't believe I haven't read this Anne Perry series yet. It totally sounds like something I would enjoy and I like that she shifts between the two main characters. That is interesting! I need to look through my shelves because I think I do have the first in the series but if not I may have to check out that Kindle bundle. Thanks for the great tip!

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    1. I also like that when the books center on Hester, they usually involve glimpses into the medical circumstances of the time. :)

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