Two things I didn't like about this book: First, they went on about how 'frail' Florence Nightingale was, when she turned up to testify, whereas the woman was a hyprochrondiac who was strong as a horse and lived to be 90. Second, they had Hester taking the stand in her own defence, which was not legal at that time. Witness the contemporary real life trial, also in Edinbrugh, of Madelaine Smith, for poisoning her lover. She just had to sit there, silently. (If you are wondering, the verdict in Smith's case was the uniquely Scottish one of "Not Proven', which means "We think you did it, but we can't actually prove it."
I read this series for the relationships, so this book was both really big (!) but also kind of a let down because it comes out of nowhere and is over just as fast.
As I remember, the relationship sinks back down into the deep for a book or two and then gasp! there's a series of three books that really advances Monk and Hester in a satisfying way.
You have so much to look forward to!
sandra: Interesting. I didn't know that, so obviously, it didn't bother me. But if I had been aware of it, I know I would have been very irritated!
Liz L: Yes, exactly. They've been dancing around each other since book 1, and then when something finally happens, it's not really a Monk/Hester kind of thing. What I mean is, it's not something that feels organic to the development of the characters until then. I don't know if I'd say "out of character", but I'm tempted to go that far.
I've read Cain His Brother already as I post this (hey, I had to know what would happen), and oh, yes, Monk is in total denial here. So I still have another book to go before they move forward?
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