When the Maude Idris docks at the Pool of London, laden with ebony, spices and first-grade tusks of ivory collected from her voyage to Zanzibar, Clement Louvain leaves four armed seamen on board to guard the precious cargo. But as soon as the relief for the night watch arrives ready for duty in the morning, he finds the ivory gone and one of the seamen dead. Hindered by his ignorance of the river and its customs, and ashamed of the fact that he so badly requires the huge fees that Louvain is prepared to pay, William Monk nevertheless begins his investigation into the theft and murder. Meanwhile Hester's work at the refuge at Portpool Lane is encountering acute financial difficulties. Sick prostitutes are arriving daily and the medicines needed to help them are running out. When a man arrives promising to pay a huge amount of money for the care of one particular woman, Hester is astonished to meet him. He is none other than Clement Louvain. So who is the woman he is so generously helping? And why is he offering such a substantial sum? Will Monk discover what Louvain is hiding before it is too late?

The fourteenth atmospheric William Monk mystery from bestselling author Anne Perry

About the Author
Anne Perry is a New York Times bestselling author noted for her memorable characters, historical accuracy and exploration of social and ethical issues. Her two series, one featuring Thomas Pitt and one featuring William Monk, have been published in multiple languages. Anne Perry has also published a successful series based around World War One and the Reavley family, and the recent standalone novel The Sheen on the Silk. Anne Perry was selected by The Times as one of the twentieth century's '100 Masters of Crime'.

Reviews
'Anne Perry not only writes a dashed good story but almost outdoes Dickens for atmosphere and portrayal of the sleazy side of life' Northern Echo, 24/2/04 * Northern Echo *
'Anne Perry not only writes a dashed good story but almost outdoes Dickens for atmosphere and portrayal of the sleazy side of life' Northern Echo, 24/2/04 * Northern Echo *
'Anne Perry's command of story-telling and power of description is terrifyingly real...meaningful and illustrious writing, as if watching live theatre. She has such perception of passion too' Bangor Chronicle, 26/2/04 * Bangor Chronicle *
'Perry uses her characters and story to comment on ethical issues that remain as relevant today as they were in Victorian times' Publishers Weekly, 29/3/04 * Publishers Weekly *



Book Information
ISBN 9780747268994
Author Anne Perry
Format Paperback
Page Count 416
Imprint Headline Book Publishing
Publisher Headline Publishing Group
Weight(grams) 218g
Dimensions(mm) 179mm * 113mm * 27mm