Dark Assassin: A William Monk Novel (William Monk Novels)

Book Description

For countless readers, one of life’s great pleasures is the mesmerizing magic of a Victorian mystery by New York Times bestselling author Anne Perry. Her dramas of good and evil unfolding inside London’s lavish mansions and teeming slums hold us spellbound. Now, in Dark Assassin, she sweeps us into a darkly compelling world that we never dreamed existed.

A Thames River Police superintendent struggling to win the respect of his men, William Monk is on a patrol boat near Waterloo Bridge when he notices a young couple standing at the bridge railing, apparently engaged in an intense discussion. The woman waves her arms and places her hands on the man’s shoulders. A caress or a push? The man grasps hold of her. To save her or to kill her? Seconds later, the pair plunge to their death in the icy waters. Monk can’t help but wonder, was it an accident, a suicide, or a murder? It seems impossible to determine the truth, but haunted by the woman’s somber beauty, he is impelled to try.

Mary Havilland was her name, and she had planned to marry Toby Argyll, the fair-haired man who shared her fate. Mary’s father, an engineer employed by the Argyll Company, had recently died–a suicide, according to the police and Mary’s sister. But Mary’s friends tell Monk that she suspected her father had been murdered because of his stubborn insistence that the Argyll Company’s current project–the construction of a splendid new sewer system for the metropolis–was so badly flawed that it put the entire city in peril from flood and fire.

Monk is now faced with the mysteries of the three deaths. Aided by his intrepid wife Hester, he starts looking for answers and is soon treading a slippery path that takes him from the luxurious drawing rooms where powerful men hatch their unscrupulous plots to a world beneath the city where poor folk fight starvation. In nightmarish tunnels, Monk and Hester find true friends, among them Scuff, a young mudlark; Sutton the ratcatcher; and Snoot, Sutton’s clever terrier. For once, even Monk’s old enemy, Superintendent Runcorn, is on his side. As rainfall strains the fragile manmade underground, Monk must connect the clues before death strikes again.

With characters as vivid as Dickens’s, gripping courtroom scenes, breathless horrors beneath the earth, and a plot that twists and turns toward a stunning denouement, Dark Assassin is absolutely one of Anne Perry’s best.

From the Hardcover edition.

Download Description

Anne Perry is the bestselling author of the World War I novels No Graves As Yet, Shoulder the Sky, and Angels in the Gloom, as well as the holiday novels A Christmas Journey, A Christmas Visitor, and A Christmas Guest. She is also the creator of two acclaimed series set in Victorian England. Her William Monk novels include The Shifting Tide, Death of a Stranger, and Funeral in Blue. The popular novels featuring Charlotte and Thomas Pitt include Long Spoon Lane, Seven Dials, and Southampton Row. Her short story “Heroes” won an Edgar Award. Anne Perry lives in Scotland. Visit her website at www.anneperry.net.

From the Hardcover edition.

Customer Reviews:

Anne Perry's Monk NEVER disappoints........2007-06-22

Anne Perry's beautiful prose and her excellent scope of social values in Victorian England is top notch. Her mysteries are of both historical value and pure, unadulterated entertainment. William Monk is often a mystery in himself except what Anne Perry allows us in exquisite probing. Once begun, it's difficult to put down any Monk book. Once you finish, you're looking for the next.

Great book.......2007-05-13

This was one of Anne Perry's best books. I've been waiting for another William Monk novel, and this one was superb. The plot was great, kept one guessing until the very end. A hard book to put down and yet so enjoyable that I didn't want it to end. The author's understanding of history in England in the Victorian era is fascinating. I feel as if I am right there in that particular time and place. Her descriptions of the characters are detailed enough to picture them in the mind's eye as if you saw actual pictures of them. I highly recommend this book to everyone who enjoys a good mystery.

History and Mystery, an unbeatable combination.......2007-05-07

First Sentence: "Waterloo Bridge loomed in the distance as William Monk settles himself more comfortably in the bow of the police boat."

William Monk is now an Inspector with the Thames River police. London is building a new sewer system after The Great Stink of 1858. While on boat patrol, Monk and his men see a couple arguing and both go into the polluted Thames which kills them. But what did they see? Was it an accident that became a fatal accident? A murder and the killer dies with the victim? A suicide and the man dies trying to save the woman? The woman's death is proclaimed a suicide. Monk doesn't believe anyone who was working so hard to clear her father's reputation, after he also died of a supposed suicide, and provide he was right in believing the way in which the sewers were being built was dangerous would take their own life. Monk even joins forces with his old nemeses, Superintendent Runcorn.

Ms. Perry continues to impress me with her writing. Her ability to take an historic event and build an interesting, suspenseful story around it is unsurpassed. She creates fascinating characters and makes them real; not only Monk and Hester, is wife, but Scuff, the street urchin who feels responsible for Monk, and Sutton the ratcatcher and his dog, Snoot. Each of the characters is brought to live and image under Ms. Perry's writing. I am always delighted to find the newest book by Ms. Perry.

enjoyable.......2007-04-11

I love the characters and the mood set by Anne Perry. Great story with a real feel for the time period.

Deep Waters.......2007-03-28

I am a William Monk fan to the point that I like this series better than Perry's other two. Monk and Hester have a social conscience, a steadfast integrity, a deep committment to search for justice and truth no matter how difficult it may be. It is this that gives these books a depth that keeps the reader coming back for more.

Monk has a new job as superintendent with the Thames River Police. He is still uncertain in his new job, and is not sure how his men will take to him. In this mystery, Monk is on regular patrol near the Waterloo Bridge when he and his crew helplessly watch as a couple fall into the dark frigid waters. The freezing water and heavy clothes insures that no rescue is possible. Was it a murder/suicide, an accident or a death pact?

The two are identified as Toby Argyll and Mary Havilland, a young couple in love and planning to marry. Monk discovers that Mary's father is also dead, an apparent suicide. He worked for the Argyll Company, an important firm involved in the building of what is to be a splendid new London sewer system. Monk also discovers that Mr. Havilland had expressed serious doubts about the proposed system and he voiced these doubts. Mary did not believe her father committed suicide, she claimed he was murdered because of his vocal doubts about the sewer system.

Monk and Hester investigate the deaths of the young couple and in an unual twist, Monk receives help from his old nemisis, Superintendent Runcorn. Runcorn investigated Mary's father's death and is having second thoughts about it being suicide.

I gave "Dark Assassin" 4 stars instead of 5, because Perry does not have Hester as involved in this mystery as she has been in the past and her absence is noticeable. It also delves more on Monk's new duties and his uncertainties in his new job rather than on the subplots that are usual in his other novels. However, it is still an absorbing read and one which furthers our understanding of Victorian England society and Monk and Hester's place in it.

Lone Wolf and Cub Vol. 1: The Assassin's Road (Lone Wolf and Cub (Dark Horse))

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Graphic SF Reader
anime
But is it art?
Re: Lone Wolf and Cub
Great story and artwork. Too bad about the size.

Lone Wolf and Cub Vol. 1: The Assassin's Road (Lone Wolf and Cub (Dark Horse))
Kazuo Koike , and Goseki Kojima
Manufacturer: Dark Horse
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1569715025

Book Description

Dark Horse Comics is proud to present one of the authentic landmarks in graphic fiction, Lone Wolf and Cub, to be published in its entirety for the first time in America. An epic samurai adventure of staggering proportions -- over 7000 pages -- Lone Wolf and Cub (Kozure Okami in Japan) is acknowledged worldwide for the brilliant writing of series creator Kazuo Koike and the groundbreaking cinematic visuals of the late Goseki Kojima, creating unforgettable imagery of stark beauty, kinetic fury, and visceral thematic power that influenced a generation of visual storytellers both in Japan and in the West. Don`t miss this monumental monthly release, twenty-eight volumes, with each collection approximately 300 pages!

Customer Reviews:

Graphic SF Reader.......2007-09-03

An samurai of superb skills, because of political reasons, goes his own way, and takes his kid with him, partly to stop him from being murderered.

Along the way, of course, you will get all the sword slinging, head slicing samurai action you could want.

A grim, uncompromising and violent man, this is not your fluffy kids manga, so worth a look from that point of view. Not too many of those around in English, with an art style that is more likely to appeal.

anime.......2007-02-19

I like this book. It is well written and one can see where the cause is comming from. Unfortunatly I would recomend seeing the DVD, since these are awesome martial arts film. These books also explain some questions that are left unexplain in the movie (or the english caption in the movies)since my Japanese is limited to a few words.

But is it art? .......2007-01-11

First, I have to admit, I'm not a big manga fan. Though I love some anime onscreen and dig the comics, this is not what I had in mind.
Found out about Lone Wolf through a parody in Usagi Yojimbo and if that's enough to make me a wannabe just stop reading, cause I really hated this little book. The artwork was so gritty and coarse that you could barely tell what was happening and then everyone was dead. Wasn't difficult, wasn't artistic, just some blurs and then everyone is dead again. Plot? Near as I can tell its a guy and his kid who kill everyone they meet. That's it.
Takes a lot to make me not finish a book, especially a comic. I made it maybe 15 pages into this one.

Re: Lone Wolf and Cub.......2006-08-03

One of the best pieces of literature I've ever read. The fact that it's a "comic" book kills the chance of it being read by a much larger audience. Most people who wouldn't give comics a chance would be surprised at how much they would like this story.

The story is as tragic as they come. Honor and revenge take Ogami and his son, Daigoro, down a path that no child should ever have to live or experience. The hardships of the child touched me the most.

If anything, the story is very educational. Kozure Okami's research and insight into Edo was very thorough. I learned alot about that time period. It was an excellent learing tool.

I you get the first volume, you'll never stop until you get all 28 volumes.

Great story and artwork. Too bad about the size........2006-07-20

There's no doubt that this is a great series with excellent stories and artwork. My only complaint is about the 6" by 4" size. One of the consequences is that the text is very small and bound to induce eye strain in readers (especially those who are over the age of forty).

Path Of the Assassin Volume 1: Serving In The Dark (Path of the Assassin)

Average customer rating:

Tri-focal Alert
An New Original of an Old Story
Well done
"Lifelong friends, with the Same Dreams, Striving to Grow into a Rising River"

Path Of the Assassin Volume 1: Serving In The Dark (Path of the Assassin)
Kazuo Koike , and Goseki Kojima
Manufacturer: Dark Horse
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1593075022

Book Description

Path of the Assassin, called Hanzo no Mon in Japan, is the story of Hattori Hanzo, the fabled master ninja whose duty was to protect Tokugawa Ieyasu. Ieyasu was the shogun who would unite Japan into one great nation. But before he could do that, he had to grow up and learn how to love the ladies! As the secret caretaker of such an influential future leader, not only does Hanzo use vast and varied ninja talents, but in living closely with Ieyasu, he forms a close friendship with the young shogun.

Customer Reviews:

Tri-focal Alert.......2007-06-28

This story is a four stars - but if you are over fifty, then the type is so small you may find it an uncomfortable read. A bit more real estate on the page would be a big help.

An New Original of an Old Story.......2007-06-07

I'm a big fan of the Lone Wolf and Cub series. It tells a story with multiple, multiple layers on morality and honor. Path of the Assassin tells a great story, the relationship of a ninja and his master, whom he must protect "in the shadow" without others knowing his existence. The two are 16, players navigating the traps of the adult political world. While this first book lacks the many layered complexity of Lone Wolf and Cub the stories are high energy and deals with morality issues between the bonds of master and servant. Look for other books in this series to enjoy after this book.

Well done.......2006-11-10

Right in line with Samurai Executioner and Lone Wolf and Cub.

Engrossing story, as well as a good view into how Japan was back in the Samurai era.

"Lifelong friends, with the Same Dreams, Striving to Grow into a Rising River".......2006-07-27

"Hanzo no Mon" ("Path of the Assassin") is a manga by writer Kazuo Koike and artist Goseki Kojima that was originally published in Japan in 1972. Because it is a relatively short series, compared to Kokie and Kojima's "Lone Wolf & Cub" and "Samurai Executioner," Dark Horse is only now getting around to publishing these books now that those other series have both been concluded. We are still talking a Parental Advisory for explicit content, but unlike the previous series it has been oriented in the right-to-left reading format of the original (at at the creator's request apparently). This is the story of Jattori Hanzo, the fabled master ninja whose duty was to protect his master Tokugawa Ieyasu, who was destined to be shogun who would unify Japan and great a modern nation. As told by Koike and Kojima, not only doez Hanzo use his ninja talents to serve the future leader "in the dark," but also forms a close friendship with the young shogun.

"Path of the Assassin, Volume 1: Serving in the Dark," is set in the Sengoku period, when ambitious samurai warriors were releasing ninja, called "suppa," to be part of various plots and intrigues. The "suppa" who works for the Matsudaira clan is Hattori Hanzo Yasunaga of Iga, who orders his son Mattori Hanzo Masanari, to serve Matsduaira Jiro Saburo Monotnobu, later known as Ieyasu. When these stories begin, Motonobu, the master is only sixteen, while his servant Masanari is fifteen. This first volume has seven "chapters on relinquishing pain":

No. 1: "Suppa Unsheathed" beings with Hattori Hanzo Yasunaga ordering his eldest son to steal a giant vase with a flower and a bird on it, and to do so without being noticed. If the eldest son, Yasutoshi fails, the task will fall to the next brother, Yasumasha. When neither brother can accomplish the task, the youngest son requests the opportunity to succeed. He does with "the skill of an unsheathed suppa," and the brother who was last becomes first and is ordered to "serve our master in the dark."

No. 2: "Serving in the Dark" tells of how Masanari introduced himself to his new lord, only to have to do it a second time. The future shogun does not look that impressive, but there is some reason to believe that he is truly samurai. This is really the second part of the first episode in bringing the two characters together.

No. 3: "Mizuki" is Japanese for "water princess." Facing his wedding, Motonubu orders his servant to show him what to do with a woman who has a will of her own (a round about way of saying Motonubu is a virgin). Masanari creates a diversion in a fishing village, captures one of the half naked diving girls, and sexually assaults her while his master watches. Fortunately this one takes a couple of major twists and the character does know that he has raped a young woman, but despite the Luke & Laura ending this one is a bit unsettlng, although certainly consistent with the world Koike and Kojima present in their manga.

No. 4: "Oppressive Night of Ass" shifts the attention to Motonubu and his wedding night. Despite the illustration provided by his servant in the previous story, Motonubu and his bride take a slightly different approach to their love making, which leads the future Shogun to become rather philosophical.

No. 5: "Technique of Jisatsu" is a key story because it clearly signals that Motonubu is not on the traditional path of a tyrant. After being humiliated in a test of his swordsmanship by Asahina Yasuyoshi, the strongest samurai in the clan, Motonubu cannot get over the insult. When Motonubu asks his hidden "suppa" if he can take down Yasuyoshi, Masanari says it should not be difficult. But Motonubu insists he is only asking if it is possible and not ordering it to be done. Instead he asks for proof that hsi "suppa" can do it, which results in Motonubu learning a lesson of a different sort. Here is where we get the sense for the first time that these two might both be on the road to greatness, because prior to this point Masanari is clearly the more important and more laudable figure.

No. 6: "Kite Kato" is about Kato Danzo, who has the nickname "kite" (which means raptor) and who boldly asks permission from the viceroy of Shuruga to complete a mission of revenge. Seventeen years earlier a Harunobi exiled his own father, who became a monk (and therefore as good as dead as far as Kato is concerned), and now the time has come to claim vengeance. As Kato explains his complicated plan, Motonubu admires the "suppa," and wonders how good Masanari is at the skill of hiding his thoughts and emotions. The thoughts make him nervous.

No. 7: "Who is He in the Rain?" continues the story of Kite Kato, who has backed the viceroy into a corner. But when the viceroy orders his retainers to kill Kato, the one who does not move is Motonubu. The first part of this episode is the conclusion of Kato asking the viceroy for permission to kill two men, but the second half hinges on a brief story told by Kato that sets up a "suppa" battle between Kato and Masanari. If there is a common theme in these early stories, it is that Masanari's mind is faster than his sword, and once again it serves him in good stead and these seven stories are good enough to justify rounding up, even without taking into account the stellar reputation of their creators.

Elektra - Assassin: Vol 1, No. 1 August 1986 - "Hell and Back"

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Elektra - Assassin: Vol 1, No. 1 August 1986 - "Hell and Back"
Frank Miller
Manufacturer: Marvel Comics Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Comic

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Assassins #1 : Political Suicide (Marvel / DC Amalgam Comic Book 1996)

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Assassins #1 : Political Suicide (Marvel / DC Amalgam Comic Book 1996)
D.G. Chichester
Manufacturer: DC Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Elektra - Assassin - Vol 1, No. 6 January 1987 - "What We're Fighting For" - Graphic Novel - Comics - Marvel Comics (Electra Assassin, 1)

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Elektra - Assassin - Vol 1, No. 6 January 1987 - "What We're Fighting For" - Graphic Novel - Comics - Marvel Comics (Electra Assassin, 1)
Frank Miller
Manufacturer: Marvel Comics Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Marvel Team-Up #103 : Featuring Spider-Man and Ant-Man in "The Assassin Academy" (Marvel Comics)

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Marvel Team-Up #103 : Featuring Spider-Man and Ant-Man in "The Assassin Academy" (Marvel Comics)
David Michelinie
Manufacturer: Marvel Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000VO1KJK

The Spectacular Spider-Man #224: The Assassin With My Face (The Mark of Kaine - Marvel Comics)

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The Spectacular Spider-Man #224: The Assassin With My Face (The Mark of Kaine - Marvel Comics)
Tom DeFalco
Manufacturer: Marvel Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Dark Assassin (William Monk Novels)
Anne Perry
Manufacturer: Brilliance Audio
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000N65HD6

Elektra - Assassin - Vol 1, No. 1 August 1986 - "Hell and Back" - Graphic Novel - Comics - Marvel Comics (Electra Assassin, 1)

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Elektra - Assassin - Vol 1, No. 1 August 1986 - "Hell and Back" - Graphic Novel - Comics - Marvel Comics (Electra Assassin, 1)
Frank Miller
Manufacturer: Marvel Comics Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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