Title: The Face of a Stranger
Author: Anne Perry
First published January 1, 1990
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 9780804108584 (ISBN10: 0804108587)
Rating: 4.03
Overview
She wakes up to find herself in a strange place, with no memory of who she is or how she got there. They say her name is Jane Doe, but that’s all she knows.
As she tries to piece together her past, Jane Doe embarks on a journey of self-discovery. But when she is hired to investigate the murder of a wealthy businessman, her lack of memory becomes a major obstacle in the case.
With no professional skills to rely on, Jane Doe must rely on her instincts to solve the mystery and uncover the truth about her own identity.
About the Author
Anne Perry is a renowned author from England who specializes in historical detective fiction. Her most popular works include the Thomas Pitt and William Monk series.
However, her life was not always as successful as it is now. When she was just fifteen years old, she was convicted for playing a role in the murder of her friend’s mother.
After serving a five-year sentence, she changed her name to Anne Perry.
Her first book under this name was published in 1979. Her books usually fall under one of two genres – historical murder mysteries or detective fiction.
Many of her stories feature recurring characters, especially Thomas Pitt and William Monk. Thomas Pitt was introduced in her very first book, whereas William Monk, an amnesiac private investigator, was first seen in her 1990 novel.
Over the years, she has published 47 novels and various collections of short stories. Her story “Heroes” won the 2001 Edgar Award for Best Short Story.
It was first published in the 1999 anthology “Murder and Obsession,” which was edited by Otto Penzler. Ben Peek’s novel “Twenty-Six Lies/One Truth” also includes an entry about her, exploring the concept of truth in literature.
Editoral Review
Anne Perry’s novel, The Face of a Stranger, is a captivating historical mystery that provides readers with a glimpse of Victorian England. Perry, a renowned writer of historical fiction, weaves a tale of intrigue, suspense, and murder that will leave the reader at the edge of their seat.
Set in London in 1864, the book introduces the reader to William Monk, a former police inspector who lost his memory and identity after a carriage accident. Forced to create a new life for himself, Monk starts to investigate the brutal murder of a high-born gentleman.
Monk’s investigation is carried out with the aid of his nurse, Hester Latterly, and Oliver Rathbone, a young, ambitious lawyer. The trio navigates the dark alleys, luxurious mansions, and the intrigue of the political and social elite, each using their unique perspective to unravel the mystery.
Perry masterly describes the era’s societal norms, the struggles of women, the class divide, and the corrupt justice system. She skillfully depicts the characters’ struggles, their doubts and fears, their scheming, and their secrets.
The book’s strength lies in its character development, where the three main characters are portrayed with depth and nuance. The author’s pacing of the plot is also commendable, making the book a page-turner that will have readers guessing at the identity of the killer until the very end.
However, the book’s weakness lies in its predictability. The solution to the murder mystery can be deduced early in the book, and it becomes evident halfway through the story.
Despite this shortcoming, The Face of a Stranger is a must-read for history enthusiasts, mystery lovers, and those who enjoy character-driven stories. Perry’s writing style is precise, evocative, and historically accurate, and the book is a fascinating insight into Victorian London’s life and times.
Overall, I give this book a four-star rating, with the biggest strength lying in its excellent character development and one weakness being its predictable plotline. I highly recommend The Face of a Stranger to readers searching for an immersive historical mystery that will transport them to another era.
