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Charlotte & Thomas Pitt #29
Death on Blackheath
NATIONAL BESTSELLER
Anne Perry’s superb New York Times bestselling novels set in the glorious reign of Victoria are loved by readers far and wide. Now, with this new Charlotte and Thomas Pitt mystery, Perry returns us to that charmed era, when wealth and power rule—but where, alas, poisonous corruption lies coiled in the heart of the empire.
As commander of the powerful Special Branch, Thomas Pitt has the job of keeping Britain safe from spies and traitors. So there’s no obvious reason why he is suddenly ordered to investigate two minor incidents: the blood, hair, and shards of glass discovered outside the home of naval weapons expert Dudley Kynaston, and the simultaneous disappearance of Mrs. Kynaston’s beautiful lady’s maid.
But weeks later, when the mutilated body of an unidentified young woman is found near Kynaston’s home, Pitt realizes that this is no ordinary police investigation. Far from it. Is Kynaston—one of Britain’s most valuable scientists—leading a double life? Is Pitt saddled with a conspiracy so devilishly clever that it will ruin him?
A baffled Pitt has never needed his friends more desperately, including his indomitable wife, Charlotte; his canny old colleague Victor Narraway; and his personal drawing-room spy, Lady Vespasia Cumming-Gould. But even these allies may not be able to save Pitt—or Britain.
Only Anne Perry could have created the tense unfolding of plot and counterplot, love and betrayal, scandal and murder that follows. Death on Blackheath is rich with fascinating characters, authentic period flavor, knife’s-edge suspense, and a haunting, unforgettable denouement.
Anne Perry’s superb New York Times bestselling novels set in the glorious reign of Victoria are loved by readers far and wide. Now, with this new Charlotte and Thomas Pitt mystery, Perry returns us to that charmed era, when wealth and power rule—but where, alas, poisonous corruption lies coiled in the heart of the empire.
As commander of the powerful Special Branch, Thomas Pitt has the job of keeping Britain safe from spies and traitors. So there’s no obvious reason why he is suddenly ordered to investigate two minor incidents: the blood, hair, and shards of glass discovered outside the home of naval weapons expert Dudley Kynaston, and the simultaneous disappearance of Mrs. Kynaston’s beautiful lady’s maid.
But weeks later, when the mutilated body of an unidentified young woman is found near Kynaston’s home, Pitt realizes that this is no ordinary police investigation. Far from it. Is Kynaston—one of Britain’s most valuable scientists—leading a double life? Is Pitt saddled with a conspiracy so devilishly clever that it will ruin him?
A baffled Pitt has never needed his friends more desperately, including his indomitable wife, Charlotte; his canny old colleague Victor Narraway; and his personal drawing-room spy, Lady Vespasia Cumming-Gould. But even these allies may not be able to save Pitt—or Britain.
Only Anne Perry could have created the tense unfolding of plot and counterplot, love and betrayal, scandal and murder that follows. Death on Blackheath is rich with fascinating characters, authentic period flavor, knife’s-edge suspense, and a haunting, unforgettable denouement.
302 pages, Paperback
First published March 24, 2014
484 people are currently reading
1502 people want to read
About the author
Anne Perry
362 books3,377 followersAnne Perry, born Juliet Hulme in England, lived in Scotland most of her life after serving five years in prison for murder (in New Zealand). A beloved mystery authoress, she is best known for her Thomas Pitt and William Monk series.
Her first novel, "The Cater Street Hangman", was published in 1979. Her works extend to several categories of genre fiction, including historical mysteries. Many of them feature recurring characters, most importantly Thomas Pitt and amnesiac private investigator William Monk, who first appeared in 1990, "The Face Of A Stranger".
Her story "Heroes," from the 1999 anthology Murder And Obsession, won the 2001 Edgar Award For Best Short Story. She was included as an entry in Ben Peek's Twenty-Six Lies / One Truth, a novel exploring the nature of truth in literature.
Series contributed to:
. Crime Through Time
. Perfectly Criminal
. Malice Domestic
. The World's Finest Mystery And Crime Stories
. Transgressions
. The Year's Finest Crime And Mystery Stories
Her first novel, "The Cater Street Hangman", was published in 1979. Her works extend to several categories of genre fiction, including historical mysteries. Many of them feature recurring characters, most importantly Thomas Pitt and amnesiac private investigator William Monk, who first appeared in 1990, "The Face Of A Stranger".
Her story "Heroes," from the 1999 anthology Murder And Obsession, won the 2001 Edgar Award For Best Short Story. She was included as an entry in Ben Peek's Twenty-Six Lies / One Truth, a novel exploring the nature of truth in literature.
Series contributed to:
. Crime Through Time
. Perfectly Criminal
. Malice Domestic
. The World's Finest Mystery And Crime Stories
. Transgressions
. The Year's Finest Crime And Mystery Stories
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 371 reviews
September 27, 2022
Upstairs and downstairs, at home and out of the house, at work and at play
Thomas Pitt’s focus as newly appointed commander of Special Branch is espionage, insurrection and treason. Of course, as it is with any government employee, his job is also to make his employer look good. Mrs. Rosalind Kynaston’s lady’s maid is missing and blood, hair, broken glass have been found outside their home. So it falls to Pitt to determine whether her husband, Dudley, a weapons expert and inventor intimately involved with the future of England’s naval defense, is guilty or somehow compromised. Discovering treason and espionage is not the outcome that Downing Street is looking for!
As Victorian mysteries go (and goodness knows, the genre is a very crowded one), DEATH ON BLACKHEATH passes muster but contains nothing that would elevate it to a description such as gripping or compelling. That said, my take was that Ms Perry’s descriptions of Victorian class politics, behaviours, personal motivations, social activities, and the profound differences between life upstairs versus downstairs in a moneyed household were well worth the reading.
DEATH ON BLACKHEATH was an enjoyable story of life in Victorian England at the dawn of the 20th century.
Paul Weiss
Thomas Pitt’s focus as newly appointed commander of Special Branch is espionage, insurrection and treason. Of course, as it is with any government employee, his job is also to make his employer look good. Mrs. Rosalind Kynaston’s lady’s maid is missing and blood, hair, broken glass have been found outside their home. So it falls to Pitt to determine whether her husband, Dudley, a weapons expert and inventor intimately involved with the future of England’s naval defense, is guilty or somehow compromised. Discovering treason and espionage is not the outcome that Downing Street is looking for!
As Victorian mysteries go (and goodness knows, the genre is a very crowded one), DEATH ON BLACKHEATH passes muster but contains nothing that would elevate it to a description such as gripping or compelling. That said, my take was that Ms Perry’s descriptions of Victorian class politics, behaviours, personal motivations, social activities, and the profound differences between life upstairs versus downstairs in a moneyed household were well worth the reading.
DEATH ON BLACKHEATH was an enjoyable story of life in Victorian England at the dawn of the 20th century.
Paul Weiss
July 14, 2017
Three more books before I reach the end of this series.
After that the main character switch to Daniel Pitt, Thomas and Charlotte's son.
Currently he still only 13 years old boy:) His book won't publish until November though and he will be a solicitor. The book setting will be 10 years after the last Thomas and Charlotte's book.
I think that's what I love about this series, the characters development.
It was 17 years since Thomas and Charlotte met in book #1.
Their lives had never been easy especially with Thomas's common background.
There was ups and downs with Thomas's career but one thing which never change, they still very much in love probably more and the story is getting better and better too.
So now I just enjoy it and wrote the big review in the last book in the series!:)
After that the main character switch to Daniel Pitt, Thomas and Charlotte's son.
Currently he still only 13 years old boy:) His book won't publish until November though and he will be a solicitor. The book setting will be 10 years after the last Thomas and Charlotte's book.
I think that's what I love about this series, the characters development.
It was 17 years since Thomas and Charlotte met in book #1.
Their lives had never been easy especially with Thomas's common background.
There was ups and downs with Thomas's career but one thing which never change, they still very much in love probably more and the story is getting better and better too.
So now I just enjoy it and wrote the big review in the last book in the series!:)
March 31, 2014
I have said (and I believe this) that Anne Perry must have lived in the Victorian era. After twenty-nine volumes of her Thomas and Charlotte Pitt mystery series, she continues to prove me right. No one quite captures this age of manners and sins like this author. Ever since The Cater Street Hangman, I have been an ardent fan of this series, especially of the female characters of Charlotte, her sister Emily, the brave Gracie, and of course Great Aunt Vespasia.
It's been quite awhile since I've returned to the middle-class home of Inspector (now the commander of Special Branch) Thomas Pitt and his indomitable wife (and often co-investigator) Charlotte on Keppel Street. But I always know whenever I return, there will always be a complex mystery to unravel featuring the creme de la creme of English society--most of whom have secrets and sins they are willing to do anything to hide.
Perry herself often reminds me of a fictional Victorian cross between Woodward and Bernstein and Hedda Hopper. There's a certain amount of glee in Thomas Pitt exposing the hypocrisy of the so-called 'Gilded Age', a time of great promise and societal upheaval. Pitt truly cares as much for justice for the powerless as he does in solving the mystery. He's far too honest and not very schooled in drawing room banter and machinations. What began as perhaps the murder of a lady's maid (a crime which would normally be under the purview of the police) has morphed into treason by a high-ranking member of society that may jeopardize the security of the seas.
Of course, I must spare a few words for another of my all-time favourite heroines, Vespasia Cumming-Gould. She's amazing, and unlike many authors who are youth-obsessed, Vespasia, who was considered one of the foremost beauties of the age, has a graceful maturity even Queen Victoria might have envied. She's still the mistress of the drawing room, of the intricate dance between manners and morality, able to dispense wisdom and advice easily over tea.
It's been quite awhile since I've returned to the middle-class home of Inspector (now the commander of Special Branch) Thomas Pitt and his indomitable wife (and often co-investigator) Charlotte on Keppel Street. But I always know whenever I return, there will always be a complex mystery to unravel featuring the creme de la creme of English society--most of whom have secrets and sins they are willing to do anything to hide.
Perry herself often reminds me of a fictional Victorian cross between Woodward and Bernstein and Hedda Hopper. There's a certain amount of glee in Thomas Pitt exposing the hypocrisy of the so-called 'Gilded Age', a time of great promise and societal upheaval. Pitt truly cares as much for justice for the powerless as he does in solving the mystery. He's far too honest and not very schooled in drawing room banter and machinations. What began as perhaps the murder of a lady's maid (a crime which would normally be under the purview of the police) has morphed into treason by a high-ranking member of society that may jeopardize the security of the seas.
Of course, I must spare a few words for another of my all-time favourite heroines, Vespasia Cumming-Gould. She's amazing, and unlike many authors who are youth-obsessed, Vespasia, who was considered one of the foremost beauties of the age, has a graceful maturity even Queen Victoria might have envied. She's still the mistress of the drawing room, of the intricate dance between manners and morality, able to dispense wisdom and advice easily over tea.
May 15, 2020
A weird, horrible, and seemingly unconnected (to Pitt and Special Branch) murder exposes something far worse: TREASON! Ba ba bum!
Or does it?
And what is up with the broken glass and HAIR all over the area steps?
It's a headscratcher to be sure, and also contains so much of my least favorite thing (but let's face it: it's why I keep reading): wealthy men demanding that Pitt solve crimes whilst simultaneously lying to him about the crimes, because we're GENTLEMEN, DAMMIT.
Sir, I hope your mistress gives you the French pox.
Or does it?
And what is up with the broken glass and HAIR all over the area steps?
It's a headscratcher to be sure, and also contains so much of my least favorite thing (but let's face it: it's why I keep reading): wealthy men demanding that Pitt solve crimes whilst simultaneously lying to him about the crimes, because we're GENTLEMEN, DAMMIT.
Sir, I hope your mistress gives you the French pox.
October 22, 2015
It's always a risk coming into a series blank. Obviously Charlotte and Thomas Pitt have 28 previous novels of history, shared experience, and more importantly, detectiveness and crime-solving exploits. Consequently, you're always wary of that tightrope the author must walk of balancing assumptions about what the reader can figure out for themselves against trying to be careful not to annoy the loyal readership with endless recaps and explanatory reminiscing. But, with a title of Death on Blackheath, there was no way I couldn't jump in and see what this was all about: .
And Perry walks that tightrope well. I didn't feel that I was being spoonfed the history of my two protagonists, but there were enough hints that I was comfortable working out key parts. Obviously Charlotte and Thomas used to be a detective double-act – as well as being husband and wife – but with a recent promotion to commander of Special Branch Thomas seems to be feeling he has to make more of a go of it alone in this novel. Charlotte is very much relegated to a supporting – kitchen – role. Her previous usefulness only hinted at. Replacing Charlotte is a (again presumably) new sidekick: Stoker. We know he's new because we get a little too much introspection from the two men. Both of them have numerous internal monologues where they ruminate on what great judges of men they and then using that skill to explain to us what's going on in the psyche of the other. It's a novel exposition technique, but it got tiring pretty quickly and felt false.
Charlotte and her sister both felt underutilised. There were hints that they were both better detectives (and characters) than they were allowed to be in this book. But, I'm putting this down to the new role for Thomas and the introduction of the new sidekick: Stoker. Hopefully they're potential is explored more in either earlier, or later novels. Equally, Blackheath – the village or the heath – doesn't really get the billing I was hoping for. A body in Shooters Hill, a couple of bodies in some stone quarries around Blackheath, but nothing actually on Blackheath itself. The title starts to feel a little like an oversell.
My advance copy had some interesting turns of language. For example, just on the first page we find a body in the areaway of a Blackheath house. I didn't even know what an areaway was, and had to look it up. Turns out it's a sunken entrance to a basement or passageway, but it's North American English, so I would be surprised to find one referred to in a house in Shooters Hill. That said, I'm not sure what we would call them in England. Further down the same page is the first of many jarring uses of the word 'gray' instead of 'grey'. Our English narrator seems to have some sort of American English learnings. It's important to remember that this was an advanced copy, so an eagle-eyed editor may well have marked these already – or maybe it's only me that's irked by these little things...
But, my few niggles aside, it's a fun genre novel, and the characters are all well drawn and I would expect them to stand up to the kind of dragging out that a series like this demands. If you like these kind of historical crime series, this certainly seems like a good one. And while I'm not going to rush out and pick up the rest of the series myself, I certainly wouldn't turn one away if it fell open in my lap. Recommended if you like this kind of thing...
And Perry walks that tightrope well. I didn't feel that I was being spoonfed the history of my two protagonists, but there were enough hints that I was comfortable working out key parts. Obviously Charlotte and Thomas used to be a detective double-act – as well as being husband and wife – but with a recent promotion to commander of Special Branch Thomas seems to be feeling he has to make more of a go of it alone in this novel. Charlotte is very much relegated to a supporting – kitchen – role. Her previous usefulness only hinted at. Replacing Charlotte is a (again presumably) new sidekick: Stoker. We know he's new because we get a little too much introspection from the two men. Both of them have numerous internal monologues where they ruminate on what great judges of men they and then using that skill to explain to us what's going on in the psyche of the other. It's a novel exposition technique, but it got tiring pretty quickly and felt false.
Charlotte and her sister both felt underutilised. There were hints that they were both better detectives (and characters) than they were allowed to be in this book. But, I'm putting this down to the new role for Thomas and the introduction of the new sidekick: Stoker. Hopefully they're potential is explored more in either earlier, or later novels. Equally, Blackheath – the village or the heath – doesn't really get the billing I was hoping for. A body in Shooters Hill, a couple of bodies in some stone quarries around Blackheath, but nothing actually on Blackheath itself. The title starts to feel a little like an oversell.
My advance copy had some interesting turns of language. For example, just on the first page we find a body in the areaway of a Blackheath house. I didn't even know what an areaway was, and had to look it up. Turns out it's a sunken entrance to a basement or passageway, but it's North American English, so I would be surprised to find one referred to in a house in Shooters Hill. That said, I'm not sure what we would call them in England. Further down the same page is the first of many jarring uses of the word 'gray' instead of 'grey'. Our English narrator seems to have some sort of American English learnings. It's important to remember that this was an advanced copy, so an eagle-eyed editor may well have marked these already – or maybe it's only me that's irked by these little things...
But, my few niggles aside, it's a fun genre novel, and the characters are all well drawn and I would expect them to stand up to the kind of dragging out that a series like this demands. If you like these kind of historical crime series, this certainly seems like a good one. And while I'm not going to rush out and pick up the rest of the series myself, I certainly wouldn't turn one away if it fell open in my lap. Recommended if you like this kind of thing...
January 15, 2014
I received this an uncorrected proof from the publisher.As a devoted reader of both Anne Perry series, I was delighted to read her latest in the Pitt series, "Death on Blackheath". Thomas Pitt, now in charge of Special Branch, has not lost his special way of maneuvering in a criminal investigation between the upstairs & downstairs of living in Victorian England. The story contains murder, espionage, revenge and treason and with the help of Stoker, his steadfast partner they begin to look into a case of possible blackmail against Dudley Kynaston, who may be privy to top secret naval warfare. There may be more to the case than initially appears, even though two dead bodies are found in the gravel pits near Kynaston's home. Stoker works overtime to get to the bottom of them, while Pitt gets a dressing down by his superior Edom Talbot. As is always the case, Pitt's wife Charlotte, her sister Emily, and the indomitable, Lady Vespasia are on hand to help find clue and aid Pitt with the investigation. In the end Pitt, must call upon his brother-in-law, Jack Radley to assist in fleshing out the culprit. Vespasia's old friends Victor Narraway & Mr. Carlisle appear as well, though I did find the doings of Carlisle a bit hard to swallow and can't imagine Pitt, would really let him get away with it. In the end there's a satisfying conclusion, love in the air and maybe wedding bells?
May 28, 2014
The premise of this book was ridiculous. An MP has heard that a high-ranking Naval officer is selling secrets, so he grabs a couple of bodies from the morgue and plants them near the officer's house to raise suspicion? Why not just contact the head of the Special Branch and tell him what you have heard?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2014
How wonderful it is to return to an author I have enjoyed in the past and find that her work still has the high standards I had found in her previous books. Anne Perry has a long record of published novels but the quality has not diminished from my first experience with “The Cater Street Hangman” where she began the adventures featuring Thomas Pitt and Charlotte Ellison through to this latest book. Much time has passed over the course of these novels, but Perry has maintained a very realistic feeling of warmth, love, and regard between Pitt and Charlotte and the large group of friends they have made during the course of the investigations. This novel has Pitt calling on all of them in hopes of solving the questions of murder and disappearance which seem to evade his best investigative abilities.
Thomas Pitt is now the Commander of Special Branch investigators who keep a close watch on anything concerning the political welfare of the British government. When a lady’s maid disappears it is indeed cause for the Special Branch to become involved because that maid worked in the household of Dudley Kynaston, a senior government official who is assigned to work with naval defenses. Kynaston is working on the new submarine systems which are expected to change the way war is carried out and his work is vitally important, especially for an island nation such as Britain. The body of the woman found close to the Kynaston home could possibly be the missing lady’s maid, but how did she die and why was she disfigured after death?
Anne Perry was so successful in describing the biting cold and wet of this British winter that I kept making pots of hot tea to warm myself while I read. I appreciate the way she also puts so much thought into every character which appears in her novels and how they don’t always act in prescribed ways, just in human ways. It makes them seem very much like real people. There are quite a few other Thomas and Charlotte Pitt novels and yet a reader new to the series could easily begin here and fully understand this story. I can’t help but think that curiosity will then have them searching out previous novels because this book contains many references to cases which have been solved before. I found this novel to be completely satisfying and can definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys a well written and well plotted novel augmented with a historical feel. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did.
I received this arc through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
Thomas Pitt is now the Commander of Special Branch investigators who keep a close watch on anything concerning the political welfare of the British government. When a lady’s maid disappears it is indeed cause for the Special Branch to become involved because that maid worked in the household of Dudley Kynaston, a senior government official who is assigned to work with naval defenses. Kynaston is working on the new submarine systems which are expected to change the way war is carried out and his work is vitally important, especially for an island nation such as Britain. The body of the woman found close to the Kynaston home could possibly be the missing lady’s maid, but how did she die and why was she disfigured after death?
Anne Perry was so successful in describing the biting cold and wet of this British winter that I kept making pots of hot tea to warm myself while I read. I appreciate the way she also puts so much thought into every character which appears in her novels and how they don’t always act in prescribed ways, just in human ways. It makes them seem very much like real people. There are quite a few other Thomas and Charlotte Pitt novels and yet a reader new to the series could easily begin here and fully understand this story. I can’t help but think that curiosity will then have them searching out previous novels because this book contains many references to cases which have been solved before. I found this novel to be completely satisfying and can definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys a well written and well plotted novel augmented with a historical feel. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did.
I received this arc through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
March 25, 2014
Perry come through again!
Blood and hair and broken glass on stone steps, a disappeared lady's maid in a household near Greenwich. Special Branch Commander Pitt is called in because Owner Dudley Kynaston is 'deeply involved in matters of naval defense.'
Rosalind Kynaston is puzzled, but all Ailsa, Mrs. Bennett Kynaston, the Dudley's widowed sister-in-law, and uncharitable piece of work can say is, how dare maid, Kitty Ryder, meet someone unsuitable so close to the house and if she does return she should be dismissed.
Was the hair and blood evident of an argument, or something more dire?
That's what Pitt and the stalwart Stoker have to ascertain. We learn more about who Stoker is in this volume. One's heart warms to this man!
There are other high up persons and offices interested in what's going on. Edam Talbot for one. Things spiral out in concentric rings from here to a surprising end.
I sympathized with what Charlotte is undergoing. Her sadness that sharing in Pitt's cases as she used to is less possible with his new position. Not that that slows her down too much.
A NetGalley ARC
Blood and hair and broken glass on stone steps, a disappeared lady's maid in a household near Greenwich. Special Branch Commander Pitt is called in because Owner Dudley Kynaston is 'deeply involved in matters of naval defense.'
Rosalind Kynaston is puzzled, but all Ailsa, Mrs. Bennett Kynaston, the Dudley's widowed sister-in-law, and uncharitable piece of work can say is, how dare maid, Kitty Ryder, meet someone unsuitable so close to the house and if she does return she should be dismissed.
Was the hair and blood evident of an argument, or something more dire?
That's what Pitt and the stalwart Stoker have to ascertain. We learn more about who Stoker is in this volume. One's heart warms to this man!
There are other high up persons and offices interested in what's going on. Edam Talbot for one. Things spiral out in concentric rings from here to a surprising end.
I sympathized with what Charlotte is undergoing. Her sadness that sharing in Pitt's cases as she used to is less possible with his new position. Not that that slows her down too much.
A NetGalley ARC
March 19, 2018
Otra aventura más de Charlotte y Thomas Pitt que, en este caso, con un buen principio y un final que lo es solo un poquito menos, da demasiadas vueltas en el mismo sitio (apenas avanza) durante buena parte del desarrollo.
El quién es altamente predecible (aunque una no se imagina semejante grado de melodrama) y, por alguna razón, me ha parecido que la claridad de ideas y sentimientos, sobre todo en lo referente a los personajes de Emily y Vespasia, brilla por su ausencia en más de una ocasión.
En resumen, no es mi favorito de la serie, pero tiene suficiente interés como para quedarse en el punto medio.
El quién es altamente predecible (aunque una no se imagina semejante grado de melodrama) y, por alguna razón, me ha parecido que la claridad de ideas y sentimientos, sobre todo en lo referente a los personajes de Emily y Vespasia, brilla por su ausencia en más de una ocasión.
En resumen, no es mi favorito de la serie, pero tiene suficiente interés como para quedarse en el punto medio.
April 5, 2018
There is no mistaking Anne Perry's style. She approaches the Victorian era as though it is current day and delivers daily living by deeply thinking adversaries. It's exactly the way I like to learn my history--by making it an integral part of a story. In this one, Pitt is confronted by the death of a ladies maid--or is it? Charlotte and her sister Emily play their parts in their limited roles as wives of men in different social strata. Great-aunt Vespasia is her commanding best (in a role that Dame Helen Mirren could knock out!).
May 7, 2014
First Sentence: Pitt stood shivering on the steps leading up from the areaway to the pavement and looked down at the clumps of blood and hair at his feet.
Thomas Pitt, Commander of Special Branch, and his sideman, , has been called in to investigate a crime involving signs of a violent struggle, a missing ladies made from the hope of Dudley Kynaston, a naval weapons expert and important to the English Government. The discovery of a severely mutilated female body makes it important to discover whether this is the maid and, if not, where she is. As the investigation proceeds, it becomes clear that people, and their relationships, are not always as they seem.
A well-written hook draws you into the story, establishes Pitt’s position, role and background very quickly. This is critical for readers new to the series. It also returns Pitt much more to his previous role conducting a police investigating; something many of his fans have missed.
Perry’s descriptions create such a strong sense of place and atmosphere. Whether the characters are standing in the dark and cold, or in a warm kitchen with the smells of cooking; she immediately makes the reader part of the scene. Beyond description is the understanding Perry conveys regarding life during Victorian times. The social customs and restrictions, particularly on women, dress, manners, different types of households depending upon wealth and social strata all come to life under Ms. Perry’s deft hand.
The dialogue is excellent and conveys not only the period, but the class and area of England from which each character has come. At the same time, when she does write in dialect, it is never to where the reader has difficulty understanding the conversation.
It is the characters and their relationships which are the true strength of the story. Again, each is introduced, a brief background given and their relationship to the other characters established. One never feels they need a cast of character to understand the interrelationships. For those of us who’ve long followed the series, we’re even caught up, briefly, on past characters. The relatively new character of Stoker, Pitt’s bagman (in the British sense of the word), is a wonderful addition to the series and we learn more about him in this book. One wonders whether he might not take a larger role going forward.
A major theme in all of Ms. Perry’s work is honor, integrity, loyalty to another and to one’s country, and relationships--”…You can’t go through life without owing anybody. The real debts are hardly ever a matter of money: they are about friendship, trust, help when you desperately need it, a hand out in the darkness to take yours, when you’re alone.” ”What debt of honor could he own great than that to his country?
With “Death on Blackheath,” Ms. Perry has added another wonderful book to an excellent series. Yes, there may have been a couple slight deficiencies in the plot and some might find aspects a bit twee (overly sweet), but it also had very good suspense, and some excellent twists that made you question some of the characters. All I know is that I’ll definitely be back for book #30.
DEATH ON BLACKHEATH (Hist Mys-Charlotte and Thomas Pitt-England-Victorian) – VG+
Perry, Anne – 29th in series
Ballentine Books, 2013
Thomas Pitt, Commander of Special Branch, and his sideman, , has been called in to investigate a crime involving signs of a violent struggle, a missing ladies made from the hope of Dudley Kynaston, a naval weapons expert and important to the English Government. The discovery of a severely mutilated female body makes it important to discover whether this is the maid and, if not, where she is. As the investigation proceeds, it becomes clear that people, and their relationships, are not always as they seem.
A well-written hook draws you into the story, establishes Pitt’s position, role and background very quickly. This is critical for readers new to the series. It also returns Pitt much more to his previous role conducting a police investigating; something many of his fans have missed.
Perry’s descriptions create such a strong sense of place and atmosphere. Whether the characters are standing in the dark and cold, or in a warm kitchen with the smells of cooking; she immediately makes the reader part of the scene. Beyond description is the understanding Perry conveys regarding life during Victorian times. The social customs and restrictions, particularly on women, dress, manners, different types of households depending upon wealth and social strata all come to life under Ms. Perry’s deft hand.
The dialogue is excellent and conveys not only the period, but the class and area of England from which each character has come. At the same time, when she does write in dialect, it is never to where the reader has difficulty understanding the conversation.
It is the characters and their relationships which are the true strength of the story. Again, each is introduced, a brief background given and their relationship to the other characters established. One never feels they need a cast of character to understand the interrelationships. For those of us who’ve long followed the series, we’re even caught up, briefly, on past characters. The relatively new character of Stoker, Pitt’s bagman (in the British sense of the word), is a wonderful addition to the series and we learn more about him in this book. One wonders whether he might not take a larger role going forward.
A major theme in all of Ms. Perry’s work is honor, integrity, loyalty to another and to one’s country, and relationships--”…You can’t go through life without owing anybody. The real debts are hardly ever a matter of money: they are about friendship, trust, help when you desperately need it, a hand out in the darkness to take yours, when you’re alone.” ”What debt of honor could he own great than that to his country?
With “Death on Blackheath,” Ms. Perry has added another wonderful book to an excellent series. Yes, there may have been a couple slight deficiencies in the plot and some might find aspects a bit twee (overly sweet), but it also had very good suspense, and some excellent twists that made you question some of the characters. All I know is that I’ll definitely be back for book #30.
DEATH ON BLACKHEATH (Hist Mys-Charlotte and Thomas Pitt-England-Victorian) – VG+
Perry, Anne – 29th in series
Ballentine Books, 2013
June 6, 2014
What a disappointment! I love this series of mysteries set in late Victorian London and couldn't wait to grab this book as soon as it came out. However, this installment was truly sub-par. (And there will be spoilers here, so if they bother you, quit reading)
Thomas Pitt, late the head of Special Branch is called out to investigate what seems to be a minor incident - blood, hair and shards of glass discovered outside the house of Dudley Kymaston (an expert in naval weaponry) and the disappearance of Mrs. Kynaston's maid. At first it seems as though the maid has run off with her young man and that the blood and hair is the consequence of an ordinary mugging. But several weeks later a mutilated body is found in a gravel pit near Kynaston's house and a member of Parliament, Somerset Carlisle starts asking questions and one Edom Talbot on the Prime Minister's staff starts questioning Pitt's ability to solve the case.
Pitt, of course seeks advice from his old boss, Victor Narroway, and his wife's aunt, Lady Vespacia Cumming-Gold. They, along iwth his wife, Charlotte, seem to follow one blind alley after another until finally, after a second mutilated body appears, the deus ex machina literary convention is employed and we find out that the bodies have been stolen from a morgue by Somerset Carlisle to smoke out Edom Talbot who is passing British naval secrets to the Swedes as part of a plot to avenge the death of a young Swedish girls years before.
Sound like a mess? Well it is. By the end of 302 pages, I really didn't care who had done what. Please Ms. Perry, do a better job next time.
Thomas Pitt, late the head of Special Branch is called out to investigate what seems to be a minor incident - blood, hair and shards of glass discovered outside the house of Dudley Kymaston (an expert in naval weaponry) and the disappearance of Mrs. Kynaston's maid. At first it seems as though the maid has run off with her young man and that the blood and hair is the consequence of an ordinary mugging. But several weeks later a mutilated body is found in a gravel pit near Kynaston's house and a member of Parliament, Somerset Carlisle starts asking questions and one Edom Talbot on the Prime Minister's staff starts questioning Pitt's ability to solve the case.
Pitt, of course seeks advice from his old boss, Victor Narroway, and his wife's aunt, Lady Vespacia Cumming-Gold. They, along iwth his wife, Charlotte, seem to follow one blind alley after another until finally, after a second mutilated body appears, the deus ex machina literary convention is employed and we find out that the bodies have been stolen from a morgue by Somerset Carlisle to smoke out Edom Talbot who is passing British naval secrets to the Swedes as part of a plot to avenge the death of a young Swedish girls years before.
Sound like a mess? Well it is. By the end of 302 pages, I really didn't care who had done what. Please Ms. Perry, do a better job next time.
November 15, 2015
Bereits zu Beginn hatte ich meine Zweifel, dass dieser Krimi funktionieren könnte, der im Viktorianischen Zeitalter spielen soll, aber von einer Autorin verfasst wurde, die erst 1938 geboren ist. Ich stoße mich daran, wenn eine Handlung in eine längst vergangene Zeit angesiedelt wird, indem hier und da oberflächlich einfließende politische und gesellschaftliche Umstände den historischen Rahmen konstruieren und der Handlung einen authentischen Anstrich verleihen sollen. Schön und gut, aber dann sollten jene Autoren bitte auch darauf achten, dass die Rede- und Denkweise ihrer fiktiven Figuren dort hinein passen. Dass die Frau, Schwägerin und Großtante des ermittelnden Commanders des Staatsschutzes auf eigener Faust losziehen und durch Beobachtungen und Gespräche zur Lösung des Falls beitragen, ist bereits unverzeihlich und schwächt den Roman in seiner Glaubwürdigkeit immens. Aber dass die Tante inmitten des spannendsten und überhaupt einzig packendsten Teil des Krimis einen Heiratsantrag vom ehemaligen Chef des Commanders erhört, schlägt dem Fass geradezu den Boden aus. Die Autorin hätte besser daran getan, die ganze Gefühlsduselei herauszulassen, sich auf kriminalistische Fakten zu konzentrieren und ihrem Commander mehr zuzutrauen. - Einzig allein das Cover des Buches ist eines Lobes wert!
May 3, 2016
This one was a bit all over the place. But I've come to the conclusion that Vespasia is a vampire as she's now younger than when the series first started, which is almost a 20 years time span. Now that is a mystery worthy of a Pitt investigation!
April 12, 2017
The book opened well enough. Unfortunately, it quickly became as bogged down as the investigation. As the plot slowed to a trickle, the author resorted to melodramatic flourishes to try to maintain interest, which didn't resonate with me. I also didn't find the ever increasing call on honor as the ultimate dictate of how one could either predict and/or manipulate others as particularly persuasive. While the overall style of writing is not to my taste, there were two quotes from the book that I appreciated: 1) "The position he now held demanded ruthlessness, and therefore an ability to live with mistakes, to forgive himself and move on, not allowing the memory of them to debilitate him." 2) Expect the best. Then you will not be filled with guilt when you receive it."
March 22, 2020
Only 3 more to go!! I love this series. No one can evoke Victorian England like Anne Perry. This was quite an exciting book with a lot happening. It was all hands on deck, Pitt, Charlotte, Emily, Carlisle, Vespasia, and Narroway, all pitching in to solve this mystery. I did not know that submarines were being developed before WWI (although they might have been used in the Civil war) apparently Britain was behind in developing them. We learn so much history from these books, but the mysteries are always intriguing
I will finish the series this week. Yay
I will finish the series this week. Yay
January 13, 2020
Another involved novel starring Thomas and Charlotte Pitt (#28, I think). I don’t know how Anne Perry continues to write so much and still have it so complex and the characters so human. This time murder, theft, and possible treason have Pitt investigating a dead body found in a gravel pit.
April 30, 2020
I can only read Anne Perry by listening to the audio book. I love the reader and the pace is just right for long car rides. For actual reading it would probably more repetitive than I would like. Anyway, his one was fun -- I never do figure out the twists and I love the environment and characters.
January 23, 2020
3.5 stars. I enjoyed this entry in the series. I liked that Emily was around more. I also liked that the case was more along the line of a regular police case as opposed to as political as a lot of the Special Branch cases are.
January 19, 2025
I haven’t read a book in this series for many years. It was like going home! Familiar characters that I love, and a story that I couldn’t put down!
September 18, 2024
Another good mystery that leaves you guessing till the very end. Liked the new development between Narroway and Vespasia.
March 25, 2014
BOOK REVIEW: 'Death on Blackheath': Special Branch Commander Thomas Pitt Faces His Greatest Challenge
Readers of Anne Perry's Thomas and Charlotte Pitt novels have come to expect twists and turns and red herrings by the bushel full, but her newest entry, "Death on Blackheath" raises the bar in this respect. And that's a good thing, because much of the charm of these Victorian era novels is the clash of personalities in a world threatened by competing empires.
Pitt has been challenged before by people who don't believe he has the right credentials or the gravitas to head the country's Special Branch, the agency that was created to protect the country from foreign and domestic terrorism (it was originally called the Irish Special Branch).
He's the son of a gamekeeper, and he lacks the army or navy service that is deemed vital to men who head the agency. Through ability and success in solving crimes, he rose through the ranks of Scotland Yard and was named Special Branch commander, replacing Victor Narraway, who was removed from the post and elevated to the House of Lords in the wake of a corruption scandal. Pitt retains his ties to Narraway and in this novel, those connections prove to be invaluable.
At first there appears to be no need for Pitt to be involved in the disappearance of a maid in the household of Dudley Kynaston, except that Kynaston is a high-ranking scientist working on naval weapons, especially submarines. The time of the novel isn't specified, but I'm guessing it's 1898 or 1899, near the end of the reign of Queen Victoria, when Europe's empires were engaged in power struggles that in 1914 boiled over and started the Great War, later known as World War I.
There are signs of a bloody struggle outside the Kynaston house on Shooter's Hill in Blackheath, the area of southeast London adjacent to the Greenwich Observatory (for more on this scenic area of London: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackhea...) today better known as the start of the London Marathon.
What would normally be a case for Scotland Yard -- the blood, hair and shards of glass evident of a struggle outside the Kynaston home and the disappearance of the family's beautiful maid Kitty Ryder -- becomes a case for the Special Branch, with Pitt and his trusty right-hand man Davey Stoker becoming involved because of Kynaston's national security work.
When a mutilated woman's body is found in a gravel pit not far from Kynaston's house, speculation begins that the scientist might be involved in what might be the murder of the unidentified woman who may or may not be Kitty.
Questions are asked in the House of Commons and the pressure on Pitt becomes more intense as Home Secretary bureaucrat Edom Talbot, who becomes an instant foe of Pitt, pressures him to solve the case as quickly as possible. Following the advice of Narraway, Pitt manages to contain his anger at Talbot.
As evidence mounts that seemingly implicates Dudley Kynaston in an espionage conspiracy and murder, Pitt needs the help of everyone, including the dogged investigator Stoker; his wife and confidante Charlotte; his sister-in-law Emily Radley and her husband Jack, who is considering a post with Kynaston; and his key to London's drawing room gossip, Lady Vespasia Cumming-Gould.
Even with all these people providing information, the case baffles Pitt. Only through the kind of meticulous investigation work that distinguished his career in Scotland Yard can Pitt hope to unravel the tangled web facing him. Even this might not be enough; sheer luck may play a role.
"Death on Blackheath" sets new high standards for a Thomas and Charlotte Pitt novel. It has a complex and rewarding plot and outstanding characterization and even involves important events in Sweden, making it a book that fans of Stieg Larsson's "Dragon Tattoo" trilogy will find interesting.
Readers of Anne Perry's Thomas and Charlotte Pitt novels have come to expect twists and turns and red herrings by the bushel full, but her newest entry, "Death on Blackheath" raises the bar in this respect. And that's a good thing, because much of the charm of these Victorian era novels is the clash of personalities in a world threatened by competing empires.
Pitt has been challenged before by people who don't believe he has the right credentials or the gravitas to head the country's Special Branch, the agency that was created to protect the country from foreign and domestic terrorism (it was originally called the Irish Special Branch).
He's the son of a gamekeeper, and he lacks the army or navy service that is deemed vital to men who head the agency. Through ability and success in solving crimes, he rose through the ranks of Scotland Yard and was named Special Branch commander, replacing Victor Narraway, who was removed from the post and elevated to the House of Lords in the wake of a corruption scandal. Pitt retains his ties to Narraway and in this novel, those connections prove to be invaluable.
At first there appears to be no need for Pitt to be involved in the disappearance of a maid in the household of Dudley Kynaston, except that Kynaston is a high-ranking scientist working on naval weapons, especially submarines. The time of the novel isn't specified, but I'm guessing it's 1898 or 1899, near the end of the reign of Queen Victoria, when Europe's empires were engaged in power struggles that in 1914 boiled over and started the Great War, later known as World War I.
There are signs of a bloody struggle outside the Kynaston house on Shooter's Hill in Blackheath, the area of southeast London adjacent to the Greenwich Observatory (for more on this scenic area of London: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackhea...) today better known as the start of the London Marathon.
What would normally be a case for Scotland Yard -- the blood, hair and shards of glass evident of a struggle outside the Kynaston home and the disappearance of the family's beautiful maid Kitty Ryder -- becomes a case for the Special Branch, with Pitt and his trusty right-hand man Davey Stoker becoming involved because of Kynaston's national security work.
When a mutilated woman's body is found in a gravel pit not far from Kynaston's house, speculation begins that the scientist might be involved in what might be the murder of the unidentified woman who may or may not be Kitty.
Questions are asked in the House of Commons and the pressure on Pitt becomes more intense as Home Secretary bureaucrat Edom Talbot, who becomes an instant foe of Pitt, pressures him to solve the case as quickly as possible. Following the advice of Narraway, Pitt manages to contain his anger at Talbot.
As evidence mounts that seemingly implicates Dudley Kynaston in an espionage conspiracy and murder, Pitt needs the help of everyone, including the dogged investigator Stoker; his wife and confidante Charlotte; his sister-in-law Emily Radley and her husband Jack, who is considering a post with Kynaston; and his key to London's drawing room gossip, Lady Vespasia Cumming-Gould.
Even with all these people providing information, the case baffles Pitt. Only through the kind of meticulous investigation work that distinguished his career in Scotland Yard can Pitt hope to unravel the tangled web facing him. Even this might not be enough; sheer luck may play a role.
"Death on Blackheath" sets new high standards for a Thomas and Charlotte Pitt novel. It has a complex and rewarding plot and outstanding characterization and even involves important events in Sweden, making it a book that fans of Stieg Larsson's "Dragon Tattoo" trilogy will find interesting.
March 15, 2015
With each new installment to the series, I am always impressed by how carefully and deftly the author pays attention to not only the plot and the setting (and boy does she do a fab job with those), but also the humanizing of her flawed characters. Some characters come through the fire stronger and others as disappointments, but always interesting. By the end of the story, each significant character has become a mystery that is plumbed and then solved too.
And on a lighter note, I am always happy to reunite with Pitt, Charlotte, their children, Minnie Mae, Great Aunt Vespasia, Emily and Jack, Pitt's lieutenant Stover and his former commander Narraway. As they all work together and separate to help Pitt solve his cases, there is a glimpse into their personal lives.
In this episode, Pitt and Special Branch are called in because a murder occurs that may or may not have something to do with the professional life a man working on special secret work for the Navy. At first glance, it seems just another sordid murder for the local police to handle, but then little things start to stack up and become significant so that Pitt is forced to return to the matter. He then falls under the pressure of the Prime Minister's office to get it handled when somehow the case ends up becoming a topic of discussion in the House.
Meanwhile, Charlotte discovers that something is wrong between Emily and Jack and Vespasia discovers that she is not too old to be surprised by other people and also by her own feelings.
In the end, the case is very tangled and the danger does have far-reaching repercussions. Pitt and everyone else must all work together and fit together the clues they find to come to a solution.
This particular mystery was one that I found fairly easy to solve. I had the whos, whys, hows, etc early on, but it didn't make the story any less engaging for me. Part of the reason I figured it out was some of the characters were less subtle and drew attention to their actions and part of it was because it wasn't as complex as some of the plots in the series. I wouldn't say this is a complaint, but more of an observation. I found the focus on the human motive and behavior interesting enough along with the side stories to keep me reading with enjoyment.
All in all, I enjoyed this story that combined Pitt doing his old policework with his new responsibility of special services. Those who enjoy historical mysteries with an emphasis on historical accuracy, cunning plotting and well-drawn characters should give these a look-see.
And on a lighter note, I am always happy to reunite with Pitt, Charlotte, their children, Minnie Mae, Great Aunt Vespasia, Emily and Jack, Pitt's lieutenant Stover and his former commander Narraway. As they all work together and separate to help Pitt solve his cases, there is a glimpse into their personal lives.
In this episode, Pitt and Special Branch are called in because a murder occurs that may or may not have something to do with the professional life a man working on special secret work for the Navy. At first glance, it seems just another sordid murder for the local police to handle, but then little things start to stack up and become significant so that Pitt is forced to return to the matter. He then falls under the pressure of the Prime Minister's office to get it handled when somehow the case ends up becoming a topic of discussion in the House.
Meanwhile, Charlotte discovers that something is wrong between Emily and Jack and Vespasia discovers that she is not too old to be surprised by other people and also by her own feelings.
In the end, the case is very tangled and the danger does have far-reaching repercussions. Pitt and everyone else must all work together and fit together the clues they find to come to a solution.
This particular mystery was one that I found fairly easy to solve. I had the whos, whys, hows, etc early on, but it didn't make the story any less engaging for me. Part of the reason I figured it out was some of the characters were less subtle and drew attention to their actions and part of it was because it wasn't as complex as some of the plots in the series. I wouldn't say this is a complaint, but more of an observation. I found the focus on the human motive and behavior interesting enough along with the side stories to keep me reading with enjoyment.
All in all, I enjoyed this story that combined Pitt doing his old policework with his new responsibility of special services. Those who enjoy historical mysteries with an emphasis on historical accuracy, cunning plotting and well-drawn characters should give these a look-see.
May 3, 2014
A reader can always rely on Anne Perry for a little old fashioned Victorian melodrama. Pitt is no longer a common policeman. He is head of "Special Branch." Not everyone likes the fact that he was made head since his father was just a common gameskeeper. He and Charlotte who came from a wealthy middle class family have now been married for about 16 years. Their daughter, Jemima, is 15 and Daniel is 12. I wish the children were a little more fleshed out, but perhaps that's not Perry's interest. In this story, blood and broken glass is discovered on the kitchen steps of a well known scientist who is working on submarines, and his wife's personal maid is missing. It is the end of the Victorian era. The queen still reigns but not for much longer, and the world is changing - not for the better as far as many in government think. Then a body of a woman who may be the maid in question is found. It is horribly mutilated so it's hard to tell. Once again, Perry refers back to an earlier book, Resurrection Row, one that I haven't read. This is kind of an annoying trait of hers although this time it didn't take away from the story. I'm not sure I found the plot that convincing to be honest. To me it was more than a little convoluted. However, I do enjoy the relationship of Charlotte and Pitt. Charlotte didn't have a lot to do in this story. Her sister, Emily, was going to "play detective," but she really doesn't get to do much. It is Charlotte's observation that helps to solve the case. It didn't take long to read, and it took me a very different place for a while. I enjoy that in a book.
June 2, 2018
C’est peut-être l’intrigue qui annonce la fin de la série… Nous sommes en 1897 à la toute fin du règne de la reine Victoria, et toutes les causes de la première guerre mondiale apparaissent peu à peu dans cette intrigue, dans une impeccable toile de fond qui enrichit considérablement le roman. Et pourtant, il semble ne s’agir que d’un meurtre « banal », et s’il ne mettait pas en cause non pas un ministre comme il l’est indiqué dans le résumé, mais un ingénieur militaire qui participe à la création des premiers sous-marins de guerre… L’horizon s’assombrit alors que l’Europe subit une vague de terrorisme sans précédent, les anarchistes commettant des attentats, le populisme gagne les différents gouvernements, la tension se cristallise…
J’ai particulièrement apprécié justement cette histoire, parce qu’elle n’est pas banale du tout. L’enquête est même particulièrement intelligente, une fois de plus parfaitement agencée par Anne Perry qui domine totalement son sujet. Que ce soit les caractères, la finesse des dialogues, le contexte, le rythme, et l’intrigue bien évidemment : Pitt, qui par sa fonction devient plus solitaire que jamais et en souffre, alors que Charlotte est obligée de « rester à sa place ». Les enfants grandissent et cette femme active de plus de 40 ans est une victime de son temps, une bourgeoise qui doit s’occuper seulement de son foyer. C’est encore plus frappant pour Emily, membre de l’aristocratie, qui se voit vieillir et qui s’ennuie… Mais voilà, qui dit que les deux sœurs ne peuvent pas une fois de plus aider Thomas ?
J’ai particulièrement apprécié justement cette histoire, parce qu’elle n’est pas banale du tout. L’enquête est même particulièrement intelligente, une fois de plus parfaitement agencée par Anne Perry qui domine totalement son sujet. Que ce soit les caractères, la finesse des dialogues, le contexte, le rythme, et l’intrigue bien évidemment : Pitt, qui par sa fonction devient plus solitaire que jamais et en souffre, alors que Charlotte est obligée de « rester à sa place ». Les enfants grandissent et cette femme active de plus de 40 ans est une victime de son temps, une bourgeoise qui doit s’occuper seulement de son foyer. C’est encore plus frappant pour Emily, membre de l’aristocratie, qui se voit vieillir et qui s’ennuie… Mais voilà, qui dit que les deux sœurs ne peuvent pas une fois de plus aider Thomas ?
December 31, 2013
Thomas Pitt is now in charge of Special Branch and finds himself in a strange world where loyalties and obligations are rarely spoken about but affect all his dealings with everyone. When a ladies’ maid disappears from the house of Dudley Kynaston the case becomes one for Pitt because Kynaston is working on designs for submarines to be used in warfare.
The maid’s disappearance could be a matter of national security. Pitt needs to use all his contacts and those of his wife, Charlotte, to solve the case and prevent damage to his country’s interests. I enjoyed this well written Victorian crime novel with its meticulously researched background. It is the first book I have read by this author and I shall definitely be reading more of this series.
The only reason why I have not given it five stars is that I felt I was missing a dimension of the story because I hadn’t read the rest of the books in the series. Yes it can be read as a standalone novel but I think the reader will probably get more out of it when they are familiar with the rest of the series. The relationships between the various characters will mean more and nuances in the dialogue and interactions will be clearer.
If you like Victorian crime novels then try this series for interesting mysteries and believable and three dimensional characters as well as a vivid evocation of late Victorian London.
I received a free copy of this book.
The maid’s disappearance could be a matter of national security. Pitt needs to use all his contacts and those of his wife, Charlotte, to solve the case and prevent damage to his country’s interests. I enjoyed this well written Victorian crime novel with its meticulously researched background. It is the first book I have read by this author and I shall definitely be reading more of this series.
The only reason why I have not given it five stars is that I felt I was missing a dimension of the story because I hadn’t read the rest of the books in the series. Yes it can be read as a standalone novel but I think the reader will probably get more out of it when they are familiar with the rest of the series. The relationships between the various characters will mean more and nuances in the dialogue and interactions will be clearer.
If you like Victorian crime novels then try this series for interesting mysteries and believable and three dimensional characters as well as a vivid evocation of late Victorian London.
I received a free copy of this book.
May 10, 2014
Anne Perry is at the top of her game, and that's saying something! This is her 29th Pitt series book, and her 69th published novel. Yet her writing is better than ever, and I think she is already better than almost all other writers being published today.
This series features Thomas Pitt, commander of Victorian Britain's Special Branch, the investigative team assigned to cases involving danger to the nation, investigating whether the apparent murder of a maid near the home of one of Britain's leading naval scientists could affect national security. (Well of course it does, or there would be no story.)
Pitt is securely at the center of this investigation, where he belongs, and yet he has help from his assistant, Dave Stoker; his predecessor, Victor Narraway; his wife, Charlotte; her sister, Emily; Emily's first husband's great-aunt and reigning societal queen of this series, Lady Vespasia Cumming-Gould; and assorted others both antagonistic and sympathetic.
There are plenty of twists and turns in this tale, plenty of red herrings, plenty of layered problems all needing explication. The solution is satisfyingly intricate and logical. Perry does not disappoint in anything in this book. I loved it.
This series features Thomas Pitt, commander of Victorian Britain's Special Branch, the investigative team assigned to cases involving danger to the nation, investigating whether the apparent murder of a maid near the home of one of Britain's leading naval scientists could affect national security. (Well of course it does, or there would be no story.)
Pitt is securely at the center of this investigation, where he belongs, and yet he has help from his assistant, Dave Stoker; his predecessor, Victor Narraway; his wife, Charlotte; her sister, Emily; Emily's first husband's great-aunt and reigning societal queen of this series, Lady Vespasia Cumming-Gould; and assorted others both antagonistic and sympathetic.
There are plenty of twists and turns in this tale, plenty of red herrings, plenty of layered problems all needing explication. The solution is satisfyingly intricate and logical. Perry does not disappoint in anything in this book. I loved it.
May 21, 2014
As the Pitts mature (their daughter 15 years old now and the son 12)- the novels (series) remain interesting and consistently true to nuance as perceptive studies into late Victorian societal manners and conditions. In fact, even more so with #29, as that exact minutia of manners, facial expression, body posture/dress are nearly central to this interrogation into a missing lady maid. As are the questions of long married couples (several) about the level of "interest" and "concern" their spouse of former closer connection may still hold and inspire.
They do plod because of the importance of the stilted detail, IMHO. But there is politico and high levels included in the Blackheath case- so association and relationship encompass the very path to solution.
Thomas is on the edge too of losing his job, as he is making some higher ups more than uncomfortable. How? Which?
Charlotte cannot know the cases as she did when he was a lowly police officer, and I do think that quantity is missed. Now she has to act more the social access to grapevine a connection to the relevant in society with closer answers.
But I give Anne Perry praise on keeping these characters so alive and their home, work, and friends- so interesting. They are.
They do plod because of the importance of the stilted detail, IMHO. But there is politico and high levels included in the Blackheath case- so association and relationship encompass the very path to solution.
Thomas is on the edge too of losing his job, as he is making some higher ups more than uncomfortable. How? Which?
Charlotte cannot know the cases as she did when he was a lowly police officer, and I do think that quantity is missed. Now she has to act more the social access to grapevine a connection to the relevant in society with closer answers.
But I give Anne Perry praise on keeping these characters so alive and their home, work, and friends- so interesting. They are.
June 30, 2014
Thomas & Charlotte Pitt are two of my favorite characters, and the rest of the "cast" such as Charlotte's Aunt (by a marriage of her sisters) Vespasia, Pitts old boss, Narrowy, as well as his trusty sidekick Stoker, really come to life in this book. Pitt is now in charge of Special Branch, and wonders if he is up to the challenge, and proves that he is. A body is found in the gravel pits on the Blackheath, a young woman, most likely a maid, but her face is mutilated I such a way that she can not be identified, but it is speculated she could be the maid of a gentleman who works for the Navy designing parts and weapons for submarines, just now coming to be known and used for warfare, his work is secret and his reputation needs to be protected, Pitt needs to discover who the woman is, and that hopefully the gentleman is not invoked in her untimely death. Anne Perry makes the characters come alive as she always does, probing their inner most thoughts and fears. She also makes Victorian Britain come alive. A real page turner, you will not want to put this book down!
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