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)

Entertaining but predictable

predictable because author presents OBVIOUS references which her intelligent characters later ignore, forget or are dumbfounded by
later in storyline. Almost stopped listening. Second I have profound respect nursing and the origins of making it a true profession, but were all nurses drunkards prior to 1854? Anne Perry's repeated description of nurses who didn't serve in the Crimean war being intoxicated while on duty would have readers think so.

Sudden, Fearful Death

Anne Perry writes a good murder mystery. I love all of the William Monk and Hester stories.
There is a kind of progression, but each can stand alone. If you don't like the first four, you won't like the next four. This book is one of the best of the series. Great characters. Compelling story.

Anne Perry is extraordinary. She is one of my favorite authors

Anne Perry is one of my favorite authors. Her mix of unvarnished history with characters so alive and real I feel I know them as real people is entertainment of the best quality.

great book

A very interesting Victorian detective novel that incorporates contemporary issues into a 19th century setting. There are a few times during the courtroom scenes that disbelief must be suspended....but it's fiction....very good fiction actually.

Great story with mesmerizing narration!

Davina Porter does one of the best narrations I've listened to, EVER! I would listen to any or all she reads.

Riveting story and very well done!

I am fascinated with the story and the rich historical background. As a nurse I am doubly interested in Hester and the way nurses are portrayed.
Anne Perry also includes inspiring passages and
A wonderful inner value system

All "pro-lifers" need to read this book.

Another amazing story tackling difficult subject matter in a. open-minded, compassionate way.
This book is the reason WHY I am pro-choice. As a student of history, I know the barbarism that existed before Roe v Wade. We can never go back there. We MUST NEVER GO BACK THERE.

Wow

Again I am amazed at the brilliance of this author! I could not wait to see what happened but did not want it to end!!

The narrator made the story come alive !

good book

this is a good read very historically accurate. if you like description this book would be for you.

Tense

This is a tough one. It hits on several very sensitive and difficult topics. It also felt like some areas were rushed or without enough conclusions...for me. It's still very good and worth a credit, but it was not as relaxing a read.