Blind Justice

England, 1865. Hester Monk, the wife of William Monk, commander of the Thames River Police, questions the finances of a ... (more)

England, 1865. Hester Monk, the wife of William Monk, commander of the Thames River Police, questions the finances of a London church whose members' hard-earned charitable gifts appear to go into the pocket of charismatic preacher Abel Taft. Taft is accused of extortion and brilliant barrister Oliver Rathbone, newly appointed a judge, is chosen to preside over the trial. Taft's guilt seems clear, until a last-minute witness completely undermines the charges. Then Rathbone makes a well-meaning but reckless move that could ruin his career, his reputation, and his life. (less)

"Inspector William Monk searches for proof of his friend's innocence in a controversial and dangerous case, in the ninet... (more)

"Inspector William Monk searches for proof of his friend's innocence in a controversial and dangerous case, in the nineteenth novel in Anne Perry's acclaimed series. Oliver Rathbone, now a judge, is presiding over a trial for corruption. Proud of his elevation to this position, he is determined to be proper and fair, and, with much skill, convicts a deeply corrupt man. On the back of this success Rathbone is given a controversial new case: that of a charismatic minister accused of using other people's faith for his own gain. This will be a real test of skill, perhaps even dangerous - is this what Rathbone wants? A sensational case begins. True to his principles, Rathbone delivers justice - but at a cost, as murder and suicide ensue, and he is arrested under the charge of blackmail. Can Monk unravel the truth behind the court hysteria? Or will Rathbone spend the rest of his years in prison for exposing a relevant truth, in an appropriate way, for a cause he saw as just?" -- from author's web page . (less)