Slaves of Obsession

Anne Perry

William and Hester Monk are invited to dinner with the Albertons. They get along very well with them. While there, they are an accidental audience to a scene between two Americans, one from the North and one from the seceded South. Both want to purchase the quality rifles Daniel Alberton sells. Unfortunately, Alberton is found murdered a few days later. At the same time his 16-year-old daughter disappears. Judith Alberton fears her daughter is with the man who probably killed her husband.

William and Hester follow the daughter, Merritt, to America in 1861 in time to witness the early major Battle of Bull Run. They find Merritt and the Union American and bring them both back to London. The American professes his innocence as he returns to imprisonment in England. Because of the daughter, Sir Oliver Rathbone is retained to defend both of them for the murder.

Again Perry has written a novel that brings mid 1900's England to life to us at the end of the 20th century. This one also delves into the American War Between the States and the emotions and arguements for this war. That hits me even closer. The mystery is well done and twists in the way Anne Perry writes her tales. Since I am familiar with her work in the William Monk series, I was able to figure this one out, but until the last chapter it could have gone more than one way. I recommend this one.

The Face of a Stranger
A Dangerous Mourning
Defend and Betray
A Sudden, Fearful Death
The Sins of the Wolf
Cain His Brother
Weighed in the Balance
The Silent Cry
A Breach of Promise
The Twisted Root
Slaves of Obsession
Funeral in Blue
Death of a Stranger
The Shifting Tide
Dark Assassin
Execution Dock
Acceptable Loss

The Moor by Laurie R. King