Rating: 
Summary: Thumbs down
Review: This is my first Anne Perry book, and it very well may be my last. I give this book two stars (instead of one) because of some mildly interesting characters and some nice period images of London. Otherwise, as a mystery, this book is the opposite of a "page-turner," plodding along with relatively few plot developments and virtually no suspense. I had hoped that the ending would make the voyage worthwhile, but alas, the conclusion is an embarrassment. Thumbs down.
Rating:
Summary: A Formula Mystery
Review: This is my first Perry book and I am disappointed. First, the plot is your typical mystery formula with false runs and blind ends, and a bit of a 'surprise' ending (but not really.) Second, the characters are all 'canned,' from the heroic freedom-fighter Elissa to the compassionate nurse, Hester, to the dedicated and logical surgeon, Beck, and on and on. Third, Perry uses the annoying technique of telling you what to think of her characters, instead of building their reputations on their actions and letting you decide for yourself what to think. I gave it Two Stars instead of One Star because there were some interesting period scenes of old England and some historical insights. Overall, it was boring.
Rating: 
Summary: Murder with Victorian Restraint
Review: This low-key murder mystery is set in the London of 1861. The major characters all are well-born, though not necessarily solvent. A high-spirited woman who fought in the failed 1848 revolution in Vienna is found dead in an artist's flat in London, along with the body of a woman of much less repute. Investigator William Monk and his wife Hester pursue the case, believing that the police have arrested the wrong man. Much of the motivation is driven by reactions to improper behavior, such as (horrors!) compulsive gambling. Characters struggle against Victorian restraints on personal behavior. London is dense with choking fog. All this would be interesting if the author had dropped a clue or two that would allow the reader to deduce the identity of the murderer. Unfortunately, we get an Agatha Christie ending.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent mystery
Review: Victorian era private investigator William Monk lost his memory in a London accident six years ago. He remade himself and his wife Hester is very proud of how her beloved has dealt with adversity. Hester studied nursing under Nightingale and assists surgeon Kristian Beck in the operating room.
When Kristian's wife and a model are killed in an artist's studio, Hester prevails upon Monk to investigate so that any stigma to her employer's name is removed. Unfortunately, Monk finds no evidence to clear him. Instead he finds many reasons why Kristian would want to kill his wife. The police arrest the doctor but his true friends rally around him and force Monk to dig deeper.
Anne Perry has written another fine mystery that captures the essence of Victorian England. Monk is at his best when he searches for the truth even if he is the only outside the police who feels Kristian murdered his spouse. Hester humanizes Monk by showing his compassionate side. Place FUNERAL IN BLUE on your book-shopping list if you want to read an excellent historical mystery by a talented author. Harriet Klausner
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