Blind Justice

By: Anne Perry

Narrated by: Davina Porter

Length: 12 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's summary

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

Excellent Victorian Mystery /Legal Thriller

Although Audible is not listing it as such, "Blind Justice " is a William Monk story, the 19th in the series. The story focuses primarily on Monk and Hester's friend, Oliver Rathbone, former brilliant barrister who has recently been elevated to the Bench.

The case being heard in Judge Rathbone 's court is a charge of fraud brought against a minister for pressing his parishioners to give large sums to provide food and housing to the homeless, primarily those in Africa, and then pocketing most of the money. After hearing the prosecution's case, Rathbone is sure the man is guilty. However, the defense produces a persuasive witness to discredit the prosecution witntsses by painting them to be feeble minded, naive and unbalanced. Rathbone realizes that he has incriminating evidence in his possession which would totally discredit this defense witness. Because he feels so strongly about the wrongs done to the fraud victims, all in the name of God, Rathbone turns the evidence over to the prosecuting barrister without notifying the defense. The witness changes his story and it is clear that the case will end in a guilty verdict.

Rathbone is arrested the next day for "perverting the course of justice, " and the remainder of the story concerns Rathbone's trial and Monk and Hester's search for any evidence which might mitigate Rathbone's act. It is clear that Rathbone is guilty of the charge against him, so they can only hope to find information that could lesson the punishment by keeping him out of prison.

Many of Anne Perry's books have plots which depend on an investigation, a criminal trial, and a verdict as the climax. Rather like a Victorian Law & Order UK. It is often during the trials that the most dramatic moments occur. I enjoy these fictional trials as a type of puzzle, trying to figure out how the trial will get turned on its head to reach the desired verdict.

As a former law professional, I must warn those who don't know (if there are any) that you sometimes need to suspend disbelief when it comes to the technical aspects of the criminal courts in these books. For me the enjoyment of the puzzle, the well-drawn characters and the masterful depiction of Victorian London make the suspension well worth while. And, of course, the superlative narration by Davina Porter doubles the pleasure.

Enjoy!

Monk

Would you consider the audio edition of Blind Justice to be better than the print version?

don't do print much - but I think it would be good

What did you like best about this story?

I love Monk and I like the gentle mystery

Which character – as performed by Davina Porter – was your favorite?

Monk

Abrupt ending

Loved the story and the narrator, but felt ending did not compare with the detail of the story.

Another wonderful, dark story

Anne Perry and her characters as well as Davina Porter’s excellent narration make this fictional story that includes some of the history of 1800’s England both an entertaining and enlightening listen. Thank you to all.

More depth than earlier works

Anne Perry reaches a pinnacle of perfection in revealing character and plot. This is attorney Rathbone’s comeuppance and his deliverance. Perry delves deeply into his moral makeup and his conscience and allows readers to identify with his struggles. Despite our many strengths we are fallible and have lessons to learn. The author has a gift with her insights into the human heart and mind, shown more keenly in Blind Justice than all the prior books in her Inspector Monk series. As narrator, Ms Porter does a superb job of nuancing this wonderful prose.

Perry Strikes Again

I admit it right from the start. I am an Anne Perry addict! I have been reading her work as long as she had been writing, I think.

Blind Justice is one of her best books. Monk, Hester and Oliver Rathbone are present, but the twist on the story (not a plot spoiler, no worries) is terrific, unexpected and completely engaging.

Davina Porter's narration of this wonderful mystery is - as always - magnificent. Her voice is ideal for Perry's characters, no matter their traits, accents, quirks, etc., etc.

This is a "must read" for Perry fans!

Only one bad thing about this book!

As always, an excellent story told by an excellent narrator - Davina Porter is one of my top five favorites - and only one problem. The end of this book sounds like and feels like the end of the series. I pray my instincts are totally off base. It is never pleasant to see the end of a leading character's career, though, Ms. Perry has allowed for career changes in earlier books in this series which broadened the scope of experience for those characters. I will be waiting for the next book in her Monk series and hoping she will write many more.

Love the legal analysis!!

I am an attorney and I love reading the different perspectives and the analysis of Anne Perry. She can present both sides do convincingly.

Thoroughly enjoyed it

There were a few minor plot holes but I really enjoyed it. If you like this book, look at the Pittsburgh series by the same author.

Another delightful installment to this series .

This was an excellent story with a well paced plot, fantastic characters and a skilled narrator. It was nice to have Ms. Porter back.
I will definitely be moving on to the next story in the series.