A Sudden, Fearful Death

By: Anne Perry

Narrated by: Davina Porter

Length: 16 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

Anne Perry's Victorian murder mysteries have enthralled millions with their evocative atmosphere and finely-crafted suspense. Now, in this mesmerizing best seller, the star of these mysteries, Inspector William Monk, returns to solve the most heartbreaking case of his career.

Prudence Barrymore braved the horrors of war to nurse the wounded on the battlefronts of the Crimea. Shortly after she returned to England, she was strangled to death in a hospital. Inspector Monk is instantly convinced that her death was not a random act of violence, but a deliberately-plotted murder.

Who would murder the courageous young nurse? And why? With the help of Prudence's friend, Nurse Hester Latterly, Inspector Monk works feverishly to find the answers. In an explosive courtroom confrontation, he will expose a cunning murderer, and a horrifying evil that threatens every woman in England.

For all Inspector Monk fans, and for all listeners encountering this extraordinary mystery series for the first time, A Sudden, Fearful Death is an unforgettable listening experience.

©1993 Anne Perry (P)1996 Recorded Books, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Anne Perry's mysteries, set in Victorian England and featuring William Monk and Hester Latterly, are engrossing....Anne Perry and Davina Porter seem made for each other. Porter reads in a manner that enhances the story and completely immerses the listener in the various characters, no matter what their sex or station in life. She captures the essence of each person's voice as the novel moves from an arrest to a trial and a surprising conclusion" (AudioFile)

Another well done novel

Perry has again peppered her compelling plot with characterizations and period color to make a story well worth reading. The dreadful plight of the poor and the blind selfishness of the rich are starkly evident in this novel.

Another winner!

Monk returns and doesn't participate quite as much in this installment. Hester does most of the work! The mystery was great.. though, she has written better. I didn't guess who-dun-it until 3/4's of the way through the book.

Ms Perry seems to be addressing a lot of current issues in these Monk novels. This one.. well, I'd spoil it if I said more.. suffice it to say, that she seems to try to get us to empathize with certain aspects of society. However, she does it in a very gentle way.. it doesn't change my mind, but doesn't offend either.

Ms. Porter, as usual does an excellent job narrating. It wouldn't be a Perry book without her voice!

As usual, Ms. Perry's signature ending is at work... abrupt!

Yes, I'd recommend it!

Suspenseful

Good story, but a very, abrupt ending. It was like having a door slammed shut in your face.

What a mix of emotions!

This was the best so far - with more than one mystery and so well put together! Monk was even better - except needs to work a bit on his temper & tongue with Hester!
Narration again was great - Davina Porter is wonderful to listen to!
Very Good!

Another great Porter read

I would listen to anything Davina Porter reads, and these Perry novels are well written period pieces that make it even better! Looking forward to the next…

My only criticism is not for Ms. Perry or Ms. Porter, but Audible - they don’t make it easy to figure out the order of the series!

A sudden fearful ending...

Excellent narration. Good development of some of the characters but clumsy or lacking development in orhers. The story concept is good with enough morality but without being preachy. Biggest problem is the abrupt ending; the conclusion is satisfying but the reader is left wondering, not about the "after" which can be filled in by imagination, but just the abrupt ending. I had to re-read the ending several times.

Another Great Anne Perry Story

This story continues to depict the plight of women in the victorian era. It is all about abortions for medical and non-medical reasons and, of course, there is a murder. A woman wants desperately to become a trained doctor which is out of the question. Women were thought to be unfit to handle the rigors emotionally and physically to become doctors. The woman is murdered. Who is the murderer? Narrator Davina Porter is excellent.

Oh yes he dido it!

This was the first time hearing this story. The ending was concealed brilliantly. I love how they weave in some of today's controversy.

Characters were not thinking in this one.

The lack of logic in this one was pretty significant. There were sources of information that were not pursued and the fact that they didn't come to the conclusion that it had nothing to do with an infatuation and was related to the pursuit of medical school and knowledge, when that had been the entire focus of her adult life is beyond me. It was pretty self evident shortly after the murder occurred. This one didn't quite live up to the previous editions.

A Sudden Fearful Death

This is the first of the William Monk series that I've read. I enjoyed it very much. I intend to get as many of them as I can. Great read.