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Cover of A Breach of Promise

Historical Fiction · 2011 · PG-13

A Breach of Promise

by Anne Perry

A sensational lawsuit conceals a murder — and Monk must uncover the truth beneath the legal drama

In a sensational breach-of-promise suit, two wealthy social climbers are suing on behalf of their beautiful daughter, Zillah. The defendant is Zillah’s alleged fiancé, brilliant young architect Killian Melville, who adamantly declares that he will not, cannot, marry her. Utterly baffled by his client’s refusal, Melville’s counsel, Sir Oliver Rathbone, turns to his old comrades in crime—William Monk and nurse Hester Latterly. But even as they scout London for clues, the case suddenly and tragically ends, in an outcome that no one—except a ruthless murderer—could have foreseen.

For14+GenreHistorical FictionLength355 pagesRead time~9.5 hours

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What's in this book, at a glance — five things readers want to know before they start.

Violence

Some

Murder investigation; death discovered mid-investigation

Language

Barely any

Mild Victorian language

Sexual Content

Barely any

References to hidden identity in context of Victorian marriage law; no explicit content

Substance Use

Barely any

Minimal substance use

Emotional Intensity

Some

Moderate psychological weight; Victorian gender injustice; secrets with lethal consequences

What this book is about

A young woman named Zillah Lambert brings a breach-of-promise suit against architect Killian Melville, claiming he abandoned her after a solemn engagement. But when the flamboyant trial takes an unexpected turn and Melville is found dead, William Monk must investigate a case that hides far darker secrets than a simple jilting. The tenth William Monk novel is a searching examination of Victorian marriage, identity, and the law's deep injustices toward women.

Notes for sensitive readers

Reader-flagged moments and themes that may affect your experience.

Victorian legal injustice toward women

Hidden identity

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