Acceptable Loss

Publisher's Summary

When the body of a small-time crook named Mickey Parfitt washes up on the tide, no one grieves; far from it. But William Monk, commander of the River Police, is puzzled by the expensive silk cravat used to strangle Parfitt. How did this elegant scarf - whose original owner was obviously a man of substance - end up imbedded in the neck of a wharf rat who richly deserved his sordid end?

Dockside informers lead Monk to what may be a partial answer - a floating palace of corruption on the Thames managed by Parfitt, where a captive band of half-starved boys is forced to perform vile acts for men willing to pay a high price for midnight pleasures. Although Monk and his fearless wife, Hester, would prefer to pin a medal on Parfitt’s killer, duty leads them in another direction - to an unresolved crime from the past, to blackmail and more murder, and to a deadly confrontation with some of the empire’s most respected men.

To a superlative degree, Acceptable Loss provides colorful characters, a memorable portrait of waterfront life, and a story that achieves its most thrilling moments in a transfixed London courtroom, where Monk faces his old friend Oliver Rathbone in a trial of nearly unbearable tension - in sum, every delectable drop of the rich pleasure that readers expect from an Anne Perry novel.

©2011 Anne Perry (P)2011 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Critic Reviews

Crack another case with William Monk.

#17 - and it shows...

If you're new to Hester/Monk novels, start with the early ones, which are much better and introduce the characters well.

#17 - the good news is that Lister is a MUCH better voice for Perry than Collaci; the bad news - I found this one of Perry's weaker novels - wordy and repetitive in places, and Hester seems to have amnesia at times when reporting her sleuthing to Monk. I think #15-#17 could have been condensed into two good novels rather than spun out into three.

That said, the venerable Ms Perry says that she will keep wriitng these as long as we keep reading, and I'll probabaly keep downloading them for easy listening relaxation. I hope Hester and Monk are in better form in #18, however!

8 of 8 people found this review helpful

Acceptable Loss

Ralph Lister did a good job reading this story. Good court room drama with Oliver Rathbone defending his father in law. Hester and her clinic were in the middle of this along with Margaret Rathbone. We have followed along in other book the courtship of the Rathbone's and now is it interesting to see the changes in Margaret as she struggles to come to terms with the horrible crimes her father is accused of. Hester seems to grow stronger and more compassionate in each book. Oliver and Monk seem to understand each other better in this book. Can not wait for the next book. Reading about the 1850 is a good reminder of how far we have come in women's rights, legal changes and running water.

5 of 6 people found this review helpful

Excellent!

Once again, Perry gives us a wonderful experience in her 17th Monk and Hester book. The characters are multi-dimensional beings that the reader cares about, and the plot is engrossing. Ralph Lister gives a magnificent performance, bringing each character to life with his or her own voice, accent and attitude. A great listen.

2 of 3 people found this review helpful

Subject

Once again I find myself unable to read/listen to this book. I love Anne Perry she is too precise a writer. The book engulfs you & the subject is just too vile. When I read the preview, after returning "Execution Dock", for the same reason: I still missed the third paragraph. Be advised, read the preview twice before you attempt this.

great book

Anne Perry is a great author who really knows how to make you feel as if you are personally involved with the characters. I am an avid reader of 19th century literature and Perry's books are nearly indistinguishable from those actually written by victorian authors.

Brilliant

I enjoyed this book. It was hard to put down. Another brilliant book amongst Anne Perry Monk & Hester series. Perfect!

Excellent Ann Perry story

Where does Acceptable Loss rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It is one of Anne Perry's best

What was one of the most memorable moments of Acceptable Loss?

The role of Scuff and his getting closer to Hester

What does Ralph Lister bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He varies his tone of voice in that women sound like women and men men. You can always tell who is speaking.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, enjoy listening while I drive, so it makes the book last longer.

Mystery Maven

Marvelous and best yet. Highly recommend and if you are a follower of the series you will be happy.

0 of 2 people found this review helpful