Scan barcode
A review by felinity
Weighed in the Balance by Anne Perry
3.0
3.5 stars
Rathbone has taken a case which - in hindsight - may not have been the best decision. "Hopeless" might be a better description, as his client has been charged with slander, and yet refuses to offer any proof while maintaining its truth. In desperation, Monk travels across Britain and over to Europe in search for understanding or evidence anything to keep Rathbone from ignominious and very public failure. After all, the Lord Chancellor and at least one Queen have a very keen interest in seeing it resolved quickly and without undue mess, but it soon becomes about far more than just slander.
It was a little slower to start than most, mainly because the political issue at the beginning was a little heavier than usual (at least you'll know to expect it), but the intrigue, the romance of Venice, the power play of principalities and the impact of unification versus independence soon make up for it. Meanwhile Monk and Rathbone seem to be unconsciously competing for Hester. There's nothing said, no untoward comments or gestures, but each is overly aware of the other and the other's interactions with Hester. There might even be a little jealousy. Hester stays rightfully focused on the priority of the case and her current patient, an unfortunate young man facing permanent paraplegia, but providing insight and medical suggestions when needed.
The conclusion is outstanding, and Perry catches the volatile mood of the public so well. Not my favorite of the series, but certainly worth a read.
Rathbone has taken a case which - in hindsight - may not have been the best decision. "Hopeless" might be a better description, as his client has been charged with slander, and yet refuses to offer any proof while maintaining its truth. In desperation, Monk travels across Britain and over to Europe in search for understanding or evidence anything to keep Rathbone from ignominious and very public failure. After all, the Lord Chancellor and at least one Queen have a very keen interest in seeing it resolved quickly and without undue mess, but it soon becomes about far more than just slander.
It was a little slower to start than most, mainly because the political issue at the beginning was a little heavier than usual (at least you'll know to expect it), but the intrigue, the romance of Venice, the power play of principalities and the impact of unification versus independence soon make up for it. Meanwhile Monk and Rathbone seem to be unconsciously competing for Hester. There's nothing said, no untoward comments or gestures, but each is overly aware of the other and the other's interactions with Hester. There might even be a little jealousy. Hester stays rightfully focused on the priority of the case and her current patient, an unfortunate young man facing permanent paraplegia, but providing insight and medical suggestions when needed.
The conclusion is outstanding, and Perry catches the volatile mood of the public so well. Not my favorite of the series, but certainly worth a read.