What do you think?
Rate this book
Daniel Pitt #5
Three Debts Paid
In un tardo pomeriggio di febbraio, mentre il vento porta un annuncio di gelo e le lampade a gas baluginano nella foschia, l'avvocato Daniel Pitt raggiunge il laboratorio annesso a uno degli obitori cittadini. Accolto dal caratteristico odore di acido fenico e liscivia che non riesce a mascherare il lezzo della morte, trova ad attenderlo due anatomopatologhe intente a esaminare sul tavolo autoptico il corpo insanguinato di una ragazza. Ventotto o ventinove anni, nessun segno di violenza carnale; sembra escluso il movente della rapina. Pugnalata più volte con una lama curva affilatissima, come in un raptus di furioso accanimento, non è la prima a cadere vittima di questo efferato modus nei giorni precedenti un'altra era arrivata con ferite molto simili. Entrambi gli omicidi sono avvenuti al crepuscolo sotto una pioggia battente, quando i passanti infagottati negli impermeabili e celati dai cappelli a larga tesa appaiono indistinguibili. C'è poi un particolare agghiacciante che elimina qualsiasi dubbio sulla natura seriale di questi crimini. Un particolare di cui sarà opportuno tenere all'oscuro l'opinione pubblica per evitare il diffondersi del panico. Nessuno potrà dirsi al sicuro finché l'ignoto Accoltellatore della Pioggia si aggirerà per le strade di Londra.
Audible Audio
Published April 12, 2022
366 people are currently reading
6797 people want to read
About the author
Anne Perry
362 books3,374 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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 267 reviews
June 26, 2022
Police inspector Ian Frobisher and barrister Daniel Pitt team up to find "the rainy day slasher" before he commits more murders. Although the plot is intriguing, and the characters are likable, I felt that this book dragged in some parts.
I personally find that Anne Perry's William Monk series is much more interesting, enjoyable and well written.
I personally find that Anne Perry's William Monk series is much more interesting, enjoyable and well written.
March 19, 2022
Anne Perry is an excellent writer of historical mysteries, and I've enjoyed her William Pitt series for years. Somehow I hadn't realized that this series has led to another: the Daniel Pitt series. That's Daniel, son of William. He's graduated from university and is now working for a law firm. Ian Frobisher, a schoolmate who is now a police detective, turns to Daniel for help in investigating a series of seemingly random murders with a method unique enough that they must be connected. The bodies wind up with Miriam fford Croft, the daughter of the head of the law firm Pitt works for, who has just returned from studying pathology abroad and is working with England's only other female pathologist. Daniel is fond—still deciding exactly how fond—of Miriam, who helped him with cases in the past before leaving Britain to study pathology.
This is a mystery with very satisfying plot twists and false leads. The central trio make a great tems: very intelligent and deeply appreciative of one another's strengths. I read Three Debts Paid in a single sitting because both the characters and the pot were so engaging. If you enjoy historical mysteries this title—and this series—are not to be missed.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.
This is a mystery with very satisfying plot twists and false leads. The central trio make a great tems: very intelligent and deeply appreciative of one another's strengths. I read Three Debts Paid in a single sitting because both the characters and the pot were so engaging. If you enjoy historical mysteries this title—and this series—are not to be missed.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.
April 12, 2022
Many thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for this opportunity to review Three Debts Paid. All opinions and comments are my own.
This is a character study, first and foremost. Oh, there is a court case for Daniel Pitt: his friend Inspector Ian Frobisher has sent Professor Nicholas Wolford to him. The “Prof” has been accused of first, plagiarism and then grievous assault on the fellow scholar who accused him of plagiarism. That occupies Daniel’s time throughout “Three Debts Paid,” the fifth in Anne Perry’s series concerning the young London barrister. In addition, we have a killer terrorizing the city, striking down seemingly random citizens in horrific attacks with a knife, and taking off the tip of a finger each time. The solving of that involves Miriam fford Croft, daughter of his now-retired Head of Chambers. She is finally been able to work at her chosen craft as a forensic pathologist. How these two cases come together will demonstrate Ms. Perry’s success as a consummate plotter and writer of mystery novels.
These are always books to make one think, filled with word pictures. They are to be savored, not rushed through. This one is equally thought-provoking. The motivation of what amounts to a serial killer, although he is not called that here, consumes much of everyone’s thoughts, from Inspector Frobisher’s anguish as he sees the solution slipping away from him, and of course Daniel and Miriam. Miriam knows she needs to be perfect, that the little evidence they have must be “seen” correctly to be of use. This is all gone over in minute detail. Some readers may find this a bit over the top, but it is part of the appeal of the books to me.
Little by little, the evidence comes together. There might even be a government connection. The book focuses on Inspector Ian Frobisher as much as anyone else. Author Anne Perry throws out theories for us to ponder. Red herrings? Perhaps.
“Three Debts Paid” is definitely all about the characters in it. Their thoughts, their feelings, especially their worries and fears, are manifest. The crimes, while integral, are almost relegated to the background. We have a few twists along the way, a denouement, the ending that comes and goes quickly, as is the author’s inclination.
But that is not important. As Shakespeare told us, “And when love speaks, the voice of all the gods Make heaven drowsy with the harmony.” Oh, yes, indeed it does. It is her prowess at describing these interesting people, especially Daniel and Miriam, and how they come to grips with what they are facing both personally and professionally, that makes a reader hurry to turn the pages of Three Debts Paid.
This is a character study, first and foremost. Oh, there is a court case for Daniel Pitt: his friend Inspector Ian Frobisher has sent Professor Nicholas Wolford to him. The “Prof” has been accused of first, plagiarism and then grievous assault on the fellow scholar who accused him of plagiarism. That occupies Daniel’s time throughout “Three Debts Paid,” the fifth in Anne Perry’s series concerning the young London barrister. In addition, we have a killer terrorizing the city, striking down seemingly random citizens in horrific attacks with a knife, and taking off the tip of a finger each time. The solving of that involves Miriam fford Croft, daughter of his now-retired Head of Chambers. She is finally been able to work at her chosen craft as a forensic pathologist. How these two cases come together will demonstrate Ms. Perry’s success as a consummate plotter and writer of mystery novels.
These are always books to make one think, filled with word pictures. They are to be savored, not rushed through. This one is equally thought-provoking. The motivation of what amounts to a serial killer, although he is not called that here, consumes much of everyone’s thoughts, from Inspector Frobisher’s anguish as he sees the solution slipping away from him, and of course Daniel and Miriam. Miriam knows she needs to be perfect, that the little evidence they have must be “seen” correctly to be of use. This is all gone over in minute detail. Some readers may find this a bit over the top, but it is part of the appeal of the books to me.
Little by little, the evidence comes together. There might even be a government connection. The book focuses on Inspector Ian Frobisher as much as anyone else. Author Anne Perry throws out theories for us to ponder. Red herrings? Perhaps.
“Three Debts Paid” is definitely all about the characters in it. Their thoughts, their feelings, especially their worries and fears, are manifest. The crimes, while integral, are almost relegated to the background. We have a few twists along the way, a denouement, the ending that comes and goes quickly, as is the author’s inclination.
But that is not important. As Shakespeare told us, “And when love speaks, the voice of all the gods Make heaven drowsy with the harmony.” Oh, yes, indeed it does. It is her prowess at describing these interesting people, especially Daniel and Miriam, and how they come to grips with what they are facing both personally and professionally, that makes a reader hurry to turn the pages of Three Debts Paid.
April 12, 2022
Not quite the Ripper!
Twitchy, very twitchy! Thrust and counter thrust deaths, with three victims! What do the deaths have in common? Daniel Pitt’s friend Ian Frobisher is investing the “Rainy-day Slasher” murders. (I do like Frobisher) Miriam fford Croft is the pathologist, Daniel is working on a completey different case. One sent to him via Frobisher.
Wheels within wheels. So many question marks, and yet small somethings tinkle, and strike a slight discordant note, in the back of the mind as I read on.
We start to see the events of the story from three sides. The plot lines are mostly seperate and any convergence is doubtful. Daniel, Miriam and Frobisher present aspects of the cases they are working on. Daniel is defending the actions of a Cambridge professor brought to trial over assault, connected to a grievance of plagiarism. Nicholas Wolford is gifted historian and orator whom Daniel admires. Daniel attended Wolford’s classes whilst in Cambridge and his insights and vigorous debate instilled in Daniel a love for history.
Miriam and Frobisher are concerned with the Slasher’s victims, searching for anything that could connect them. The tension builds and the climax is both expected and in retrospect—not!
Miriam and Daniel’s relationship dances between polite, respectful interactions and vague unsaid depths.
To my mind the years between them, Miriam is fifteen years older than Daniel, should not be an impediment, but alas there is so much more involved here. A gripping Edwardian mystery!
A Random House - Ballantine ARC via NetGalley
Twitchy, very twitchy! Thrust and counter thrust deaths, with three victims! What do the deaths have in common? Daniel Pitt’s friend Ian Frobisher is investing the “Rainy-day Slasher” murders. (I do like Frobisher) Miriam fford Croft is the pathologist, Daniel is working on a completey different case. One sent to him via Frobisher.
Wheels within wheels. So many question marks, and yet small somethings tinkle, and strike a slight discordant note, in the back of the mind as I read on.
We start to see the events of the story from three sides. The plot lines are mostly seperate and any convergence is doubtful. Daniel, Miriam and Frobisher present aspects of the cases they are working on. Daniel is defending the actions of a Cambridge professor brought to trial over assault, connected to a grievance of plagiarism. Nicholas Wolford is gifted historian and orator whom Daniel admires. Daniel attended Wolford’s classes whilst in Cambridge and his insights and vigorous debate instilled in Daniel a love for history.
Miriam and Frobisher are concerned with the Slasher’s victims, searching for anything that could connect them. The tension builds and the climax is both expected and in retrospect—not!
Miriam and Daniel’s relationship dances between polite, respectful interactions and vague unsaid depths.
To my mind the years between them, Miriam is fifteen years older than Daniel, should not be an impediment, but alas there is so much more involved here. A gripping Edwardian mystery!
A Random House - Ballantine ARC via NetGalley
April 15, 2022
Returning to the dark streets and shadowy secrets of Edwardian London, the latest book draws the reader not just into Daniel Pitt’s world, but into the mind and heart of him and the other engaging characters as they solve the crime and bring the cases to court. Each installment of the series is highly anticipated as I’m a long-time fan of the author’s writing, but particularly Daniel Pitt as the main character and the strong, complex cast who are also series regulars.
Three Debts Paid is the fifth book in the series. It could be read out of order because the mystery is standalone, but the author develops the character and the relationships throughout the series so they are definitely best read in order.
Much is happening in Three Debts Paid. Daniel is handling a legal case on his own now. Miriam is back from training in Holland and is now working for the police as only the second woman pathologist and on her first criminal death with the two bodies that have come in. They feel the gentle tug of attraction in spite of her being fifteen years his senior, but are taking it slow as they figure out feelings and what they want to do about it. Miriam’s bodies are part of new main character and Daniel’s good university friend, Inspector Ian Frobisher’s case on the trail of a serial killer.
Daniel’s legal case is interesting so far as it demonstrates his personal growth and his career growth, but the focus of the book was most definitely the series of murders. I loved how Miriam’s forensic and pathology work were a big part and equal to Ian’s investigative work. Daniel was in the know and on the periphery. I was not expecting the shift to now there being three main characters, but I don’t mind. The author has done this in the past with previous series and it adds more facets and depth to the books as far as I’m concerned. I liked Ian right away even when he and his crusty sergeant who is his investigation partner would do some verbal sparring and sniping as they went. I was definitely all for the progress of Daniel and Miriam’s gently paced romance.
The blend of authentic historical backdrop of Edwardian times leading toward the shadows of WWI, women’s progress in careers and votes, and more with the mystery is a huge reason I enjoy this series beyond the characters. The mystery was one I figured out early on, but was glad to go along as they got there with the evidence and investigation.
There were a few engaging scenes with Daniel’s parents and references back to their own mystery solving days and how they fill support roles in this spinoff series.
Wrapping it up, I was well satisfied with being back in the Daniel Pitt world and can’t wait for the next installment. Authentic history fiction and gritty, gripping mystery all in one are definitely recommended to other historical mystery fans.
I rec'd an eARC via Net Galley to read in exchange for an honest review.
Three Debts Paid is the fifth book in the series. It could be read out of order because the mystery is standalone, but the author develops the character and the relationships throughout the series so they are definitely best read in order.
Much is happening in Three Debts Paid. Daniel is handling a legal case on his own now. Miriam is back from training in Holland and is now working for the police as only the second woman pathologist and on her first criminal death with the two bodies that have come in. They feel the gentle tug of attraction in spite of her being fifteen years his senior, but are taking it slow as they figure out feelings and what they want to do about it. Miriam’s bodies are part of new main character and Daniel’s good university friend, Inspector Ian Frobisher’s case on the trail of a serial killer.
Daniel’s legal case is interesting so far as it demonstrates his personal growth and his career growth, but the focus of the book was most definitely the series of murders. I loved how Miriam’s forensic and pathology work were a big part and equal to Ian’s investigative work. Daniel was in the know and on the periphery. I was not expecting the shift to now there being three main characters, but I don’t mind. The author has done this in the past with previous series and it adds more facets and depth to the books as far as I’m concerned. I liked Ian right away even when he and his crusty sergeant who is his investigation partner would do some verbal sparring and sniping as they went. I was definitely all for the progress of Daniel and Miriam’s gently paced romance.
The blend of authentic historical backdrop of Edwardian times leading toward the shadows of WWI, women’s progress in careers and votes, and more with the mystery is a huge reason I enjoy this series beyond the characters. The mystery was one I figured out early on, but was glad to go along as they got there with the evidence and investigation.
There were a few engaging scenes with Daniel’s parents and references back to their own mystery solving days and how they fill support roles in this spinoff series.
Wrapping it up, I was well satisfied with being back in the Daniel Pitt world and can’t wait for the next installment. Authentic history fiction and gritty, gripping mystery all in one are definitely recommended to other historical mystery fans.
I rec'd an eARC via Net Galley to read in exchange for an honest review.
September 14, 2022
2022: My review stands, though I also want to add that the "whodunnit" here is especially ridiculous, and feels tacked on, as if Perry couldn't figure out how to solve this.
I've noted this before, but I have to say it again here. Unlike Thomas Pitt (or for that matter William Monk) Daniel Pitt has no depth. He was brought up comfortably middle class, he was well educated at Cambridge, he slid right into a cushy law firm job. He's never experienced poverty or hardship and he's got a loving supporting family. There is no satisfaction in seeing his success, and it makes him charming but humdrum.
The plot ridiculously merges several subplots for a silly, anticlimactic conclusion, and sorry, I don't really buy the Daniel/Miriam relationship. Though unconventional it, like everything else, is just too convenient.
Readers who haven't read the Thomas/Charlotte books may accept this as a good Anne Perry book. But I am in the middle of my zillionth re-reading of the original series, and the difference is painfully obvious to anyone who actually thinks about what they're reading.
I've noted this before, but I have to say it again here. Unlike Thomas Pitt (or for that matter William Monk) Daniel Pitt has no depth. He was brought up comfortably middle class, he was well educated at Cambridge, he slid right into a cushy law firm job. He's never experienced poverty or hardship and he's got a loving supporting family. There is no satisfaction in seeing his success, and it makes him charming but humdrum.
The plot ridiculously merges several subplots for a silly, anticlimactic conclusion, and sorry, I don't really buy the Daniel/Miriam relationship. Though unconventional it, like everything else, is just too convenient.
Readers who haven't read the Thomas/Charlotte books may accept this as a good Anne Perry book. But I am in the middle of my zillionth re-reading of the original series, and the difference is painfully obvious to anyone who actually thinks about what they're reading.
April 30, 2022
Barbara’s rating: 4 of 5 Stars
Series: Daniel Pitt #5
Publication Date: 4/12/22
Period: London – George V (1912)
Number of Pages: 320
With the addition of Inspector Ian Frobisher and the return of Miriam fford Croft, this book was a really enjoyable read. After the last book, I was a bit afraid the series was headed downward (for me anyway). However, with this book, it seems it has once again hit solid footing. I am a huge fan of the Charlotte and Thomas Pitt series and loved the idea of their lawyer son, Daniel having a series. So far, while I really like Daniel, he is not his father and hasn’t seemed strong enough to have the story rest totally on his shoulders (handsome though they are). Hopefully, Ian Frobisher will become a steady character – and with Miriam as a love interest and helpmate, Daniel will find his own path and soar. I’m really looking forward to it.
Toby Kitteridge, Daniel’s friend and immediate senior at the law offices, is taking a holiday and all of the work is falling to Daniel. So, when Inspector Ian Frobisher, an old friend from Cambridge, shows up at the office, Daniel is more than happy to see him. Ian has come to request Daniel take Cambridge professor Nicholas Wolford on as a client. Wolford is a crotchety, temperamental, ill-tempered, mercurial, brilliant professor of Modern History who is being sued for plagiarism and assault. Once Daniel speaks with the professor, he knows the plagiarism case will be very easy to win, but the assault – well, that might be a bit harder since the professor readily admits that he did hit his accuser breaking his nose, jaw, and several teeth.
Ian Frobisher has a serial killer on his hands – and that killer is growing more and more violent with each attack. The killer only attacks on nights when there is a heavy rainstorm – and he mutilates the body by removing a portion of an index finger. There are already two bodies – two lovely, successful young women who were only trying to get home during a rainstorm. Pressure is mounting and Frobisher and his sergeant, Bremner, cannot find anything that ties the women together. When a third body is added to the count, everyone in the city is very afraid and wonders when/where the next victim will turn up. Then, when high government officials tell Ian he cannot investigate the life of the third victim – well – that certainly puts a spanner in the works!
Miriam fford Croft has finally returned from Holland which was the ONLY place in all of Europe where she could become Dr. Miriam fford Croft and be granted the professional status to practice. Now, she is working with the eccentric Dr. Evelyn Hall as a forensic scientist and is ecstatically happy about that. Her very first case is the victims of the serial killer currently terrorizing London. Can she and Dr. Hall unearth enough clues from the wounds and the bodies to help Inspector Frobisher find the murderer?
While each of them is working on their own cases, they are also very aware of what is going on with each other. So, if one comes across information, or can help, they stand ready to do so. How will they ever discover whether any of the victims are related in some way? Could the victims be totally random?
This was a thoroughly enjoyable read and the perpetrator may surprise you. I thoroughly enjoyed the addition of Ian Frobisher to the book and hope we see more of him in future books. Another thing I thoroughly enjoyed was seeing Daniel come to realize that he had feelings for Miriam – and to see the hint that Miriam was becoming aware that she returned those feelings. I don’t really have an issue with the large age difference – she’s 40 and Daniel is 25 – but I’m afraid it may cause them some issues in their relationship as they go on. Not because of their own feelings, but because of the prejudices of others. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see how that all plays out.
I hope you will read and enjoy this book as much as I did.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Series: Daniel Pitt #5
Publication Date: 4/12/22
Period: London – George V (1912)
Number of Pages: 320
With the addition of Inspector Ian Frobisher and the return of Miriam fford Croft, this book was a really enjoyable read. After the last book, I was a bit afraid the series was headed downward (for me anyway). However, with this book, it seems it has once again hit solid footing. I am a huge fan of the Charlotte and Thomas Pitt series and loved the idea of their lawyer son, Daniel having a series. So far, while I really like Daniel, he is not his father and hasn’t seemed strong enough to have the story rest totally on his shoulders (handsome though they are). Hopefully, Ian Frobisher will become a steady character – and with Miriam as a love interest and helpmate, Daniel will find his own path and soar. I’m really looking forward to it.
Toby Kitteridge, Daniel’s friend and immediate senior at the law offices, is taking a holiday and all of the work is falling to Daniel. So, when Inspector Ian Frobisher, an old friend from Cambridge, shows up at the office, Daniel is more than happy to see him. Ian has come to request Daniel take Cambridge professor Nicholas Wolford on as a client. Wolford is a crotchety, temperamental, ill-tempered, mercurial, brilliant professor of Modern History who is being sued for plagiarism and assault. Once Daniel speaks with the professor, he knows the plagiarism case will be very easy to win, but the assault – well, that might be a bit harder since the professor readily admits that he did hit his accuser breaking his nose, jaw, and several teeth.
Ian Frobisher has a serial killer on his hands – and that killer is growing more and more violent with each attack. The killer only attacks on nights when there is a heavy rainstorm – and he mutilates the body by removing a portion of an index finger. There are already two bodies – two lovely, successful young women who were only trying to get home during a rainstorm. Pressure is mounting and Frobisher and his sergeant, Bremner, cannot find anything that ties the women together. When a third body is added to the count, everyone in the city is very afraid and wonders when/where the next victim will turn up. Then, when high government officials tell Ian he cannot investigate the life of the third victim – well – that certainly puts a spanner in the works!
Miriam fford Croft has finally returned from Holland which was the ONLY place in all of Europe where she could become Dr. Miriam fford Croft and be granted the professional status to practice. Now, she is working with the eccentric Dr. Evelyn Hall as a forensic scientist and is ecstatically happy about that. Her very first case is the victims of the serial killer currently terrorizing London. Can she and Dr. Hall unearth enough clues from the wounds and the bodies to help Inspector Frobisher find the murderer?
While each of them is working on their own cases, they are also very aware of what is going on with each other. So, if one comes across information, or can help, they stand ready to do so. How will they ever discover whether any of the victims are related in some way? Could the victims be totally random?
This was a thoroughly enjoyable read and the perpetrator may surprise you. I thoroughly enjoyed the addition of Ian Frobisher to the book and hope we see more of him in future books. Another thing I thoroughly enjoyed was seeing Daniel come to realize that he had feelings for Miriam – and to see the hint that Miriam was becoming aware that she returned those feelings. I don’t really have an issue with the large age difference – she’s 40 and Daniel is 25 – but I’m afraid it may cause them some issues in their relationship as they go on. Not because of their own feelings, but because of the prejudices of others. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see how that all plays out.
I hope you will read and enjoy this book as much as I did.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 28, 2022
This Novel is a continuation of the Daniel Pitt Mysteries. Daniel is now 27 and still practicing law. The period is the Edwardian Era. Daniel has been retained to represent his former history professor at Cambridge of a plagiarism charge. Dr. Nicholas Wolford is highly respected in his chosen field by his fellow professors and students alike. However, he is also known for his arrogance and volatile personality. In short, Daniel is frustrated with Wolford about him not fully realizing his precarious predicament. Wolford, in a public house, accosted his accuser over the alleged plagiarism charge. Wolford is being sued for damages. Meanwhile, a serial killer is on the prowl known as the "rainy day slasher." Daniel is connected to these crimes because he is infatuated with the forensics pathologist, Miriam fford Croft. They have known each other for two years now. Dr. Croft is also 15 years older than Daniel. So far three of these murders have been committed; all three are related in the same way: their fore finger had been slashed. This Mystery was filled with suspense and surprise turns at each level.
April 22, 2022
Not her best!
A lot of talking heads covering the same ground over and over and over ad nauseum. Daniel talking to his boss, his father, Miriam and Frobisher covering the exact same information, then Frobisher talking to Daniel, Thomas, Bremmer and Miriam once again covering the exact same information. A lot of talking very little doing. Quite frankly got bored with reading the same stuff over and over, skipped to the end to learn who the killer was and be done with it and even that wasn't a surprise. I'd wondered if the character wasn't the guilty party from the second meeting with him but dismissed him as too obvious and stupid a choice.
A lot of talking heads covering the same ground over and over and over ad nauseum. Daniel talking to his boss, his father, Miriam and Frobisher covering the exact same information, then Frobisher talking to Daniel, Thomas, Bremmer and Miriam once again covering the exact same information. A lot of talking very little doing. Quite frankly got bored with reading the same stuff over and over, skipped to the end to learn who the killer was and be done with it and even that wasn't a surprise. I'd wondered if the character wasn't the guilty party from the second meeting with him but dismissed him as too obvious and stupid a choice.
May 2, 2022
3 strong stars
A much more enjoyable outing than the previous book (Death with a Double Edge). The story benefited from the return of Miriam fford Croft, now a full-fledged doctor of pathology, and the introduction of police inspector Ian Frobisher (friend and former Cambridge classmate of Daniel's) and his sergeant, Billy Brenner.
The mystery for the police involves a serial killer, dubbed 'The Rainy-day Slasher' by the newspapers. His victims thus far are two young women, whose only obvious connection comes from the location where they were found and the pattern of the knife wounds that killed them.
Meanwhile, Daniel is handling (at Ian's request) the defense of a former professor they both admired. Nicholas Wolford is charged with assaulting an author who called out Wolford for plagiarism. Wolford is not an easy client--proud, opinionated, with a volatile temper. Daniel has his hands full, but not so full that he can't find time to drop in on Miriam while she's at work in a city morgue and take her out to dinner.
The murder investigation and the trial preparations proceeded without becoming too repetitious. (Or I didn't notice it so much this time). The author was good about doling out new bits of information as the police investigation progressed. At some point I began to suspect the identity of the 'Slasher', but the author did come up with a viable alternative to confuse matters.
The climax was exciting; the ending was abrupt and, however much I should be used to the author's style by now, I was disappointed by the sudden stop.
That disappointment won't stop me from picking up the next one.
A much more enjoyable outing than the previous book (Death with a Double Edge). The story benefited from the return of Miriam fford Croft, now a full-fledged doctor of pathology, and the introduction of police inspector Ian Frobisher (friend and former Cambridge classmate of Daniel's) and his sergeant, Billy Brenner.
The mystery for the police involves a serial killer, dubbed 'The Rainy-day Slasher' by the newspapers. His victims thus far are two young women, whose only obvious connection comes from the location where they were found and the pattern of the knife wounds that killed them.
Meanwhile, Daniel is handling (at Ian's request) the defense of a former professor they both admired. Nicholas Wolford is charged with assaulting an author who called out Wolford for plagiarism. Wolford is not an easy client--proud, opinionated, with a volatile temper. Daniel has his hands full, but not so full that he can't find time to drop in on Miriam while she's at work in a city morgue and take her out to dinner.
The murder investigation and the trial preparations proceeded without becoming too repetitious. (Or I didn't notice it so much this time). The author was good about doling out new bits of information as the police investigation progressed. At some point I began to suspect the identity of the 'Slasher', but the author did come up with a viable alternative to confuse matters.
The climax was exciting; the ending was abrupt and, however much I should be used to the author's style by now, I was disappointed by the sudden stop.
That disappointment won't stop me from picking up the next one.
April 16, 2022
The legendary Anne Perry is a stalwart of the British Historical Mystery. Readers of her fine work can be guaranteed of the following each and every time: a perfectly plotted story; believable three-dimensional characters; and a novel with heart and a morally driven theme at its’ center. But don’t be fooled --- these are in no way cozy tales and Anne Perry is not afraid to take dark turns when necessary.
THREE DEBTS PAID features Daniel Pitt, son of Thomas and Charlotte, and he is involved in two different cases in this novel. The principal story involves a serial killer who has begun terrorizing the streets of London, the other deals with a former University Professor of Daniel’s accused of a violent assault of another man over an accusation of plagiarism. Ah, life in Victorian London!
Things open with Daniel’s assistant Impney letting him know that Professor Nicholas Wolford was at their office seeking a meeting with Daniel in regard to the above-referenced incident he was involved in. Wolford had written a book about the French Revolution and was accused by another writer of plagiarism. He ended up striking this other man violently in the face at a public setting. Daniel asks if Wolford would apologize and he responded he would do so but only for hitting him, not for refuting the accusation.
Meanwhile, Daniel is working closely with the duo of Miriam fford Croft, one of the first female pathologists in London, and his close friend Eve Hall, who is assisting her. They are working on the first of what will be three corpses --- all victims of the ‘Rainy-Day Slasher.’ The one common trait each victim has is that the index finger has been torn off on the dominant hand. This is a fact that is being kept a secret so that the newspapers do not find out and let on to the killer that the investigation team is on to his or her methods.
What sets Anne Perry apart from other writers is her way with words, not just for the time period she is dealing with but in general. For instance, here is a passage describing Miriam and Eve as they work on this complex case: ‘The younger woman with the bright hair had opened a door in his mind and showed him a small, lonely world where perspectives shifted, and things assumed utterly different shapes. Reasons formed where there had previously been none. And then they dissolved into smoke, obscuring the sense of other things, leaving a dark confusion so that nothing was recognizable anymore. Was that what madness was like?’
While Daniel is preparing for trial with the Woolford case, his client interjects his own opinion into the Slasher case by stating that the victims were most likely killed for something external, a common circumstance they each shared. One character flaw. This definitely gave Pitt cause to pause --- not so much what Woolford said, but why he said it. The Slasher case itself takes an unexpected turn when the third victim, a man named Haviland, ends up having been a member of Special Branch. This fact turns the entire case on its ear and suddenly the work the pathologists were doing is getting hushed up.
Mention of Special Branch means Daniel will have to involve his father, Special Branch’s own Thomas Pitt --- and then things will get really interesting. With THREE DEBTS PAID Anne Perry has another winner on her hands and a novel that takes some unexpected turns, unafraid to show the dark side of the human condition, and doing so with such impeccable style!
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
THREE DEBTS PAID features Daniel Pitt, son of Thomas and Charlotte, and he is involved in two different cases in this novel. The principal story involves a serial killer who has begun terrorizing the streets of London, the other deals with a former University Professor of Daniel’s accused of a violent assault of another man over an accusation of plagiarism. Ah, life in Victorian London!
Things open with Daniel’s assistant Impney letting him know that Professor Nicholas Wolford was at their office seeking a meeting with Daniel in regard to the above-referenced incident he was involved in. Wolford had written a book about the French Revolution and was accused by another writer of plagiarism. He ended up striking this other man violently in the face at a public setting. Daniel asks if Wolford would apologize and he responded he would do so but only for hitting him, not for refuting the accusation.
Meanwhile, Daniel is working closely with the duo of Miriam fford Croft, one of the first female pathologists in London, and his close friend Eve Hall, who is assisting her. They are working on the first of what will be three corpses --- all victims of the ‘Rainy-Day Slasher.’ The one common trait each victim has is that the index finger has been torn off on the dominant hand. This is a fact that is being kept a secret so that the newspapers do not find out and let on to the killer that the investigation team is on to his or her methods.
What sets Anne Perry apart from other writers is her way with words, not just for the time period she is dealing with but in general. For instance, here is a passage describing Miriam and Eve as they work on this complex case: ‘The younger woman with the bright hair had opened a door in his mind and showed him a small, lonely world where perspectives shifted, and things assumed utterly different shapes. Reasons formed where there had previously been none. And then they dissolved into smoke, obscuring the sense of other things, leaving a dark confusion so that nothing was recognizable anymore. Was that what madness was like?’
While Daniel is preparing for trial with the Woolford case, his client interjects his own opinion into the Slasher case by stating that the victims were most likely killed for something external, a common circumstance they each shared. One character flaw. This definitely gave Pitt cause to pause --- not so much what Woolford said, but why he said it. The Slasher case itself takes an unexpected turn when the third victim, a man named Haviland, ends up having been a member of Special Branch. This fact turns the entire case on its ear and suddenly the work the pathologists were doing is getting hushed up.
Mention of Special Branch means Daniel will have to involve his father, Special Branch’s own Thomas Pitt --- and then things will get really interesting. With THREE DEBTS PAID Anne Perry has another winner on her hands and a novel that takes some unexpected turns, unafraid to show the dark side of the human condition, and doing so with such impeccable style!
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
May 17, 2022
Another in the Daniel Pitt series. Each mystery is a standalone but the relationships between the characters develop in each book, so personally I think it's best to read them in order. There's a lot going on in this one--Daniel is handling a legal case solo for a former professor, Miriam has finished her training in Holland and is now working in the coroner's office and Inspector Ian Frobisher, a friend of Daniel's from university, is working the case of a serial killer.
Besides the main plot of the murders, there are a couple of subplots which I found interesting, especially Daniel's court case. I wondered how his hot-headed former professor would do in court--would he be able to control his anger towards the man who threatened his reputation by accusing him of plagiarism? Then there's Miriam, who's under stress because of the multiple murders and trying to prove that she deserves to be in the coroner's office.
The main case of the serial killings had Inspector Frobisher and those helping him going over every clue with precision several times trying to find a connection between the three victims. Were the two women and one gentleman connected? If so, how? Everytime the Inspector thought he'd figured it out something would prove him wrong. So many twists and I certainly did not see the end coming.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, via NetGalley. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own.
Besides the main plot of the murders, there are a couple of subplots which I found interesting, especially Daniel's court case. I wondered how his hot-headed former professor would do in court--would he be able to control his anger towards the man who threatened his reputation by accusing him of plagiarism? Then there's Miriam, who's under stress because of the multiple murders and trying to prove that she deserves to be in the coroner's office.
The main case of the serial killings had Inspector Frobisher and those helping him going over every clue with precision several times trying to find a connection between the three victims. Were the two women and one gentleman connected? If so, how? Everytime the Inspector thought he'd figured it out something would prove him wrong. So many twists and I certainly did not see the end coming.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, via NetGalley. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own.
April 6, 2022
Three Debts Paid is the fifth book in the incredible Daniel Pitt series by writing legend Anne Perry. I have loved every book I've ever read by her. Seriously. If you've missed any books in the series, or if this is your first one, this story stands alone. However, I highly recommend reading them all. You don't want to miss Daniel's growth as a young barrister, as well as his friendship with Miriam fford Croft.
Daniel Pitt's friend Ian Frobisher, from Daniel's Cambridge University days, is now an Inspector with the police department. Ian is leading the search for a serial killer who is brutally slaying victims at night in the pouring rain. Of course, the media has given him a nickname: the Rainy-day Slasher. Even though he's thoroughly busy, he seeks out Daniel's help in defending their former professor, Nicholas Wolford, who punched a fellow writer who accused him of plagiarism. Though a popular professor and writer, he is not an easy man to like, never mind defend. Meanwhile, Ian is depending on Daniel's good friend, Miriam fford Croft, to help with finding the killer. Miriam is back in London after a year of school in Holland, and she is now one of the first female pathologists in London. Miriam has picked up a clue that the others have overlooked. Will it help catch the Rainy-day Slasher?
I missed the first book in this series, but I bought the audio book after I read book two. I didn't want to miss anything! Out of books two through five, I believe this is my favorite. The murder mystery and the trial of Professor Wolford was exciting, but it was the character development that kept my eyes glued to the page! Daniel has grown from being a sometimes insecure young barrister wanting to please his boss and parents to a confident man who knows what he's doing and knows his way around a courtroom. He doesn't allow his brusque and violent-tempered professor bully him. In addition to his court case, he does all he can to help Ian and Miriam work on the murders. I love Daniel's relationship with his parents, Charlotte and Thomas Pitt (stars of their own series of books). I'm always pleased when they make an appearance here. Miriam, after being away for a year in school, has returned to London as a fully fledged pathologist. She's working with her mentor, Dr. Eve Hall (who is quite a character). She's a pathologist in a man's world in 1912 London, so she knows she has to work even harder to prove her skills. She sometimes worries she may make mistakes, but when Dr. Eve becomes sick and Miriam is in charge, she shows her mettle. I've always loved the friendship between Daniel and Miriam. Here we see the progression of their relationship, and I'm beyond happy! Even though Daniel is 27 and Miriam is in her early 40's, there has always been a feeling of something more between them. The supporting characters are most interesting, especially Ian and Wolford. I knew from the beginning who the killer probably was, but I had no idea how it would all work out. There was one particular red herring that did have me doubting my belief. This is a great series; the only thing I hate is that I will be waiting at least a year for the next one!
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Daniel Pitt's friend Ian Frobisher, from Daniel's Cambridge University days, is now an Inspector with the police department. Ian is leading the search for a serial killer who is brutally slaying victims at night in the pouring rain. Of course, the media has given him a nickname: the Rainy-day Slasher. Even though he's thoroughly busy, he seeks out Daniel's help in defending their former professor, Nicholas Wolford, who punched a fellow writer who accused him of plagiarism. Though a popular professor and writer, he is not an easy man to like, never mind defend. Meanwhile, Ian is depending on Daniel's good friend, Miriam fford Croft, to help with finding the killer. Miriam is back in London after a year of school in Holland, and she is now one of the first female pathologists in London. Miriam has picked up a clue that the others have overlooked. Will it help catch the Rainy-day Slasher?
I missed the first book in this series, but I bought the audio book after I read book two. I didn't want to miss anything! Out of books two through five, I believe this is my favorite. The murder mystery and the trial of Professor Wolford was exciting, but it was the character development that kept my eyes glued to the page! Daniel has grown from being a sometimes insecure young barrister wanting to please his boss and parents to a confident man who knows what he's doing and knows his way around a courtroom. He doesn't allow his brusque and violent-tempered professor bully him. In addition to his court case, he does all he can to help Ian and Miriam work on the murders. I love Daniel's relationship with his parents, Charlotte and Thomas Pitt (stars of their own series of books). I'm always pleased when they make an appearance here. Miriam, after being away for a year in school, has returned to London as a fully fledged pathologist. She's working with her mentor, Dr. Eve Hall (who is quite a character). She's a pathologist in a man's world in 1912 London, so she knows she has to work even harder to prove her skills. She sometimes worries she may make mistakes, but when Dr. Eve becomes sick and Miriam is in charge, she shows her mettle. I've always loved the friendship between Daniel and Miriam. Here we see the progression of their relationship, and I'm beyond happy! Even though Daniel is 27 and Miriam is in her early 40's, there has always been a feeling of something more between them. The supporting characters are most interesting, especially Ian and Wolford. I knew from the beginning who the killer probably was, but I had no idea how it would all work out. There was one particular red herring that did have me doubting my belief. This is a great series; the only thing I hate is that I will be waiting at least a year for the next one!
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
December 13, 2022
The more you read Perry, the more you appreciate her use of logic vs emotion, that she understands human nature so well as to make her varied characters seem real to the reader. You might feel she must surely have actually lived in these eras of which she writes, turning words into pictures as cleverly as a movie can with the use of amazing actors, staging the backgrounds, costumes, speech inflections. She describes all stations of life so knowingly and smoothly. I'm tempted to call this psychological/sociological/historical fiction crime mystery -- all in one novel. I've read her novels for years -- the moment I can get my hands on the latest publication. Beginning with Daniel's father and mother.
Son of Scotland Yard’s Thomas Pitt (and Charlotte Pitt). Daniel Pitt, late 20s, is a lawyer with a long-time friend of his father’s, Marcus Ford Croft. Miriam fford Croft is the daughter of the law firm’s owner and is Daniel’s good friend. She is now officially one the first female pathologists in London in her early 40s, and working with the experienced, considered brilliant and eccentric, Evelyn Hall (Eve). Ian Frobisher, a police inspector who sent their former college history prof to Daniel hoping he would defend the arrogant Wolford on a charge of assault upon a young author that accused him of plagiarism and broke his nose and teeth. Miriam and Ian will try to discover a serial killer, “The Rainy Day Slasher,” while Daniel prepares a defense of Wolford.
I had two favorite suspects for the killer, and one was correct. It's a terrific and "logical" climax!
Son of Scotland Yard’s Thomas Pitt (and Charlotte Pitt). Daniel Pitt, late 20s, is a lawyer with a long-time friend of his father’s, Marcus Ford Croft. Miriam fford Croft is the daughter of the law firm’s owner and is Daniel’s good friend. She is now officially one the first female pathologists in London in her early 40s, and working with the experienced, considered brilliant and eccentric, Evelyn Hall (Eve). Ian Frobisher, a police inspector who sent their former college history prof to Daniel hoping he would defend the arrogant Wolford on a charge of assault upon a young author that accused him of plagiarism and broke his nose and teeth. Miriam and Ian will try to discover a serial killer, “The Rainy Day Slasher,” while Daniel prepares a defense of Wolford.
I had two favorite suspects for the killer, and one was correct. It's a terrific and "logical" climax!
April 22, 2023
I picked this up this week because I didn’t know how many I had left. The author, Anne Perry, died on April 10, 2023, which made this reader plow through the towering TBR pile to see what books of hers I still had squirreled away within.
Which brought me to Daniel Pitt, and Three Debts Paid. Which seemed fitting, as my first introduction to this author was The Cater Street Hangman, the very first book in her long-running historical mystery series featuring Daniel’s parents, then-Inspector Thomas Pitt and his future bride, Charlotte Ellison.
The older Pitts are still active and are secondary characters in this later series featuring their son Daniel, a series which began with the excellent Twenty-One Days, followed by Triple Jeopardy, One Fatal Flaw, and Death with a Double Edge.
Back in his father’s day, the stories began with a dead body, as seems right and proper – if a bit gruesome – for a series focused on a police detective.
But Daniel Pitt is a barrister (lawyer) not a cop. His stories generally begin with Daniel taking on a legal case in his still fairly junior position at the firm of fford Croft and Gibson. Not that the dead bodies don’t start piling up sooner or later – whether they tie into Daniel’s legal case or not.
And not that Daniel doesn’t find himself observing one or more of those corpses on an autopsy table, as his best friend and occasional partner-in-investigation is a forensic pathologist. One who has just managed to qualify for her license, in spite of being barred from receiving certification in England on account of her sex.
Their friendship and intellectual partnership has been evident from their first meeting in the first book. The question before them both at this juncture is where that friendship can or should take them. Miriam fford Croft is both 15 years older than Daniel AND the daughter of the senior partner of the law firm in which he works. Miriam is the love of Daniel’s life – whether he can manage to admit that to himself or not. And whether it is worth risking that deep friendship to learn whether or not she might feel the same.
The mystery in Three Debts Paid is threefold, as it should be considering the title. First, whether or not Daniel can win the legal case he is initially presented with – in spite of his client’s terrible temper and worse behavior. Second, whether Miriam’s expertise can provide the police with the key to solving an escaping series of murders. And third, whether Daniel can not merely accept but actively support Miriam’s career and life goals, in spite of not merely societal expectations but his own sincere desire to take care of her and keep her safe.
But neither of those things is remotely what Miriam fford Croft is built for.
Escape Rating A: This is a story with, come to think of it, a lot of things coming in threes. The three debts, that are not revealed until the very end. The three plot threads listed above. There are also three investigators, Daniel, Miriam and police Inspector Ian Frobisher, a friend of Daniel’s from his days at Cambridge.
And all those threes sometimes march and sometimes meander towards each other in a way that keeps the reader guessing until the very last page, right along with those three investigators.
Daniel’s case is a bit of a cakewalk – or so it seems. But then again, it isn’t a matter of life and death – merely a case of pride goeth before a fall. Or it will be if Daniel’s client won’t keep his anger off his face in court.
The “Rainy-Day Slasher” murders, as the press have dubbed them, ARE a matter of life and death. It’s obvious early on that there is a serial killer on the prowl, but the search for a common thread between the victims proves elusive to pathologist Miriam and to Inspector Frobisher. That the third victim was someone whose secrets must be protected, even after death, only muddles the case further and adds more roadblocks to a case that Frobisher’s superiors pressure him to solve even as they take away the tools he needs to accomplish that task.
Alongside that frustration and increasing desperation, the developing relationship between Daniel and Miriam reaches a stretch of uncertainty. There are no established patterns for the future they both want but believe is out of reach. And yet, they can’t stop reaching for it, even as Daniel, at least, is aware that every word and every action is a test of whether or not it is possible. It’s a delicate balance, and it is beautifully done.
I found that teetering balance to be the most compelling part of the story, but that is not to shortchange either the frustrations of Daniel’s legal case or the pulse-pounding desperation and intellectual puzzle of the hunt for the serial killer. In combination, they kept me glued to the story until I finished with relief at the outcome as well as a bit of a sad because this wonderful series is nearly at an end.
There is at least one book left in this series. Considering the amount of time between finishing a manuscript and publishing the resulting book – at least through traditional publishing – it is possible there is one more after that but I’m not counting on it. That certain remaining book is The Fourth Enemy, just published this month. I’ll probably put off reading it for a bit, as I’m not ready for this series to be over. It’s been terrific!
Originally published at Reading Reality
Which brought me to Daniel Pitt, and Three Debts Paid. Which seemed fitting, as my first introduction to this author was The Cater Street Hangman, the very first book in her long-running historical mystery series featuring Daniel’s parents, then-Inspector Thomas Pitt and his future bride, Charlotte Ellison.
The older Pitts are still active and are secondary characters in this later series featuring their son Daniel, a series which began with the excellent Twenty-One Days, followed by Triple Jeopardy, One Fatal Flaw, and Death with a Double Edge.
Back in his father’s day, the stories began with a dead body, as seems right and proper – if a bit gruesome – for a series focused on a police detective.
But Daniel Pitt is a barrister (lawyer) not a cop. His stories generally begin with Daniel taking on a legal case in his still fairly junior position at the firm of fford Croft and Gibson. Not that the dead bodies don’t start piling up sooner or later – whether they tie into Daniel’s legal case or not.
And not that Daniel doesn’t find himself observing one or more of those corpses on an autopsy table, as his best friend and occasional partner-in-investigation is a forensic pathologist. One who has just managed to qualify for her license, in spite of being barred from receiving certification in England on account of her sex.
Their friendship and intellectual partnership has been evident from their first meeting in the first book. The question before them both at this juncture is where that friendship can or should take them. Miriam fford Croft is both 15 years older than Daniel AND the daughter of the senior partner of the law firm in which he works. Miriam is the love of Daniel’s life – whether he can manage to admit that to himself or not. And whether it is worth risking that deep friendship to learn whether or not she might feel the same.
The mystery in Three Debts Paid is threefold, as it should be considering the title. First, whether or not Daniel can win the legal case he is initially presented with – in spite of his client’s terrible temper and worse behavior. Second, whether Miriam’s expertise can provide the police with the key to solving an escaping series of murders. And third, whether Daniel can not merely accept but actively support Miriam’s career and life goals, in spite of not merely societal expectations but his own sincere desire to take care of her and keep her safe.
But neither of those things is remotely what Miriam fford Croft is built for.
Escape Rating A: This is a story with, come to think of it, a lot of things coming in threes. The three debts, that are not revealed until the very end. The three plot threads listed above. There are also three investigators, Daniel, Miriam and police Inspector Ian Frobisher, a friend of Daniel’s from his days at Cambridge.
And all those threes sometimes march and sometimes meander towards each other in a way that keeps the reader guessing until the very last page, right along with those three investigators.
Daniel’s case is a bit of a cakewalk – or so it seems. But then again, it isn’t a matter of life and death – merely a case of pride goeth before a fall. Or it will be if Daniel’s client won’t keep his anger off his face in court.
The “Rainy-Day Slasher” murders, as the press have dubbed them, ARE a matter of life and death. It’s obvious early on that there is a serial killer on the prowl, but the search for a common thread between the victims proves elusive to pathologist Miriam and to Inspector Frobisher. That the third victim was someone whose secrets must be protected, even after death, only muddles the case further and adds more roadblocks to a case that Frobisher’s superiors pressure him to solve even as they take away the tools he needs to accomplish that task.
Alongside that frustration and increasing desperation, the developing relationship between Daniel and Miriam reaches a stretch of uncertainty. There are no established patterns for the future they both want but believe is out of reach. And yet, they can’t stop reaching for it, even as Daniel, at least, is aware that every word and every action is a test of whether or not it is possible. It’s a delicate balance, and it is beautifully done.
I found that teetering balance to be the most compelling part of the story, but that is not to shortchange either the frustrations of Daniel’s legal case or the pulse-pounding desperation and intellectual puzzle of the hunt for the serial killer. In combination, they kept me glued to the story until I finished with relief at the outcome as well as a bit of a sad because this wonderful series is nearly at an end.
There is at least one book left in this series. Considering the amount of time between finishing a manuscript and publishing the resulting book – at least through traditional publishing – it is possible there is one more after that but I’m not counting on it. That certain remaining book is The Fourth Enemy, just published this month. I’ll probably put off reading it for a bit, as I’m not ready for this series to be over. It’s been terrific!
Originally published at Reading Reality
May 12, 2022
Anne Perry's mysteries are always a pleasure to read. As well as solving the murders and winning a court case, there also was some progress on the romance front. A satisfying read.
March 30, 2022
Anne Perry has always been one of my favorite authors in the historical mystery genre. The late Victorian era comes alive in the Thomas and Charlotte Pitt and William Monk series and I eagerly read each installment for years. I took a hiatus for a year or two and found myself in a situation I’m sure others would also find themselves in when they step away from a prolific author - trying to catch up with a new series. Fortunately, I was able to jump right back in and wondered why I’d strayed away in the first place.
Three Debts Paid is the fifth installment in the Daniel Pitt series. Daniel, the son of Thomas and Charlotte, did not follow his father into the police force or Special Branch, but rather into law. In this novel, Daniel takes on the defense of his former Cambridge history professor who was publicly accused of plagiarism and subsequently charged with assault.
I enjoyed seeing the grown-up Daniel and the attention and care he gave to the case, which was made much more difficult by his defendant’s ego. I also loved the subtle and sweet romance between Daniel and Miriam fford Croft, a pathologist forging her way in a man’s occupation. I may go back to read the previous books in this series just to see how this unlikely romance blossomed.
The real standout character in this novel was Inspector Ian Frobisher, who led the investigation into a serial murderer dubbed the “Rainy-Day Slasher.” Three people with no apparent connection to each other were viciously stabbed to death. The only thing in common with the killings, aside from the killer’s signature, was that they all happened on rainy, winter evenings. Ian has very little to go on to link the victims and, making his investigation almost impossible, Special Branch orders that he must not investigate the third victim. But without that connection, he has no way of identifying the killer before he strikes again.
As I’ve come to expect from an Anne Perry novel, period details are so deftly woven in that the world of Edwardian London comes alive. She is very much a character-driven novelist so readers who enjoy fast-paced thrillers might find her books a bit slow, but I appreciate the attention she gives to developing every relationship, whether they be for a main or supporting character. As expected, there were several red herrings inserted in the story to keep the reader guessing the killer’s identity.
I did find a few things repetitive in the novel, particularly with backstory, but it didn’t diminish my enjoyment of diving back into Anne Perry’s London.
An engrossing read, I rated this novel 4 stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I want to thank Random House and NetGalley for providing access to this Advance Reader Copy. I have left an honest review voluntarily.
Three Debts Paid is the fifth installment in the Daniel Pitt series. Daniel, the son of Thomas and Charlotte, did not follow his father into the police force or Special Branch, but rather into law. In this novel, Daniel takes on the defense of his former Cambridge history professor who was publicly accused of plagiarism and subsequently charged with assault.
I enjoyed seeing the grown-up Daniel and the attention and care he gave to the case, which was made much more difficult by his defendant’s ego. I also loved the subtle and sweet romance between Daniel and Miriam fford Croft, a pathologist forging her way in a man’s occupation. I may go back to read the previous books in this series just to see how this unlikely romance blossomed.
The real standout character in this novel was Inspector Ian Frobisher, who led the investigation into a serial murderer dubbed the “Rainy-Day Slasher.” Three people with no apparent connection to each other were viciously stabbed to death. The only thing in common with the killings, aside from the killer’s signature, was that they all happened on rainy, winter evenings. Ian has very little to go on to link the victims and, making his investigation almost impossible, Special Branch orders that he must not investigate the third victim. But without that connection, he has no way of identifying the killer before he strikes again.
As I’ve come to expect from an Anne Perry novel, period details are so deftly woven in that the world of Edwardian London comes alive. She is very much a character-driven novelist so readers who enjoy fast-paced thrillers might find her books a bit slow, but I appreciate the attention she gives to developing every relationship, whether they be for a main or supporting character. As expected, there were several red herrings inserted in the story to keep the reader guessing the killer’s identity.
I did find a few things repetitive in the novel, particularly with backstory, but it didn’t diminish my enjoyment of diving back into Anne Perry’s London.
An engrossing read, I rated this novel 4 stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I want to thank Random House and NetGalley for providing access to this Advance Reader Copy. I have left an honest review voluntarily.
April 12, 2022
“Three Debts Paid,” by Anne Perry, Ballantine Books, 304 pages, April 12, 2022.
It is 1912 and Professor Nicholas Wolford goes to see barrister Daniel Pitt who was recommended by Scotland Yard Inspector Ian Frobisher. Frobisher and Pitt were friends at the university.
Linus Tolliver accused Wolford of having copied his work. But the charge Wolford is facing is assault for hitting Tolliver after the accusation. Pitts’ friend, Miriam fford Croft, has just returned from studying in Holland and is now the second female pathologist in London. Dr. Evelyn Hall is the first. The women work together.
Pitt visits Miriam at work. She and Hall have just started the autopsy of a murdered young woman, Lena Madden. A similar body was brought in six days earlier. That victim was Sandrine Bernard. The deceased women don’t seem to have any connection.
Frobisher is leading the search for the killer. He is assisted by Sgt. Billy Bremner. The murders happen on rainy nights, but Frobisher knows the victims must have something in common beyond the weather.
The third murder breaks the pattern because the victim is a man: Roger Haviland, a senior banker. Miriam, Daniel, and Ian find themselves questioning everything. Is the “Rainy-day Slasher,” as the newspapers have dubbed the killer, really just one person? And what do the victims have in common?
Pitt’s father, Sir Thomas Pitt, is head of the Special Branch. His mother, Charlotte, assisted in investigations. When Frobisher’s superiors tell him to stop looking into Haviland’s background, Inspector Pitt says he will look into it.
This is the fifth installment in the Daniel Pitt series. Perry makes the time period come alive. The why behind the murders is even more interesting than the identity of the killer. The characters seem real. Mystery and historical fiction fans will enjoy this.
In accordance with FTC guidelines, the advance reader's edition of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a review.
It is 1912 and Professor Nicholas Wolford goes to see barrister Daniel Pitt who was recommended by Scotland Yard Inspector Ian Frobisher. Frobisher and Pitt were friends at the university.
Linus Tolliver accused Wolford of having copied his work. But the charge Wolford is facing is assault for hitting Tolliver after the accusation. Pitts’ friend, Miriam fford Croft, has just returned from studying in Holland and is now the second female pathologist in London. Dr. Evelyn Hall is the first. The women work together.
Pitt visits Miriam at work. She and Hall have just started the autopsy of a murdered young woman, Lena Madden. A similar body was brought in six days earlier. That victim was Sandrine Bernard. The deceased women don’t seem to have any connection.
Frobisher is leading the search for the killer. He is assisted by Sgt. Billy Bremner. The murders happen on rainy nights, but Frobisher knows the victims must have something in common beyond the weather.
The third murder breaks the pattern because the victim is a man: Roger Haviland, a senior banker. Miriam, Daniel, and Ian find themselves questioning everything. Is the “Rainy-day Slasher,” as the newspapers have dubbed the killer, really just one person? And what do the victims have in common?
Pitt’s father, Sir Thomas Pitt, is head of the Special Branch. His mother, Charlotte, assisted in investigations. When Frobisher’s superiors tell him to stop looking into Haviland’s background, Inspector Pitt says he will look into it.
This is the fifth installment in the Daniel Pitt series. Perry makes the time period come alive. The why behind the murders is even more interesting than the identity of the killer. The characters seem real. Mystery and historical fiction fans will enjoy this.
In accordance with FTC guidelines, the advance reader's edition of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a review.
May 18, 2023
I read the next book before this one, in which Miriam the pathologist returns from Holland to work as a medical examiner and Daniel realizes he's fallen in love with her, before reading this one. It took a most of a chapter to move backward in time and get my mind set properly. This one seemed to be about two totally unrelated cases: one relatively minor though it involves ruining Daniel's client's reputation and livelihood, and the other involving multiple murders. It seemed to me as if Perry created a new policeman character in order to do more actual investigation than a lawyer normally would. And I knew that somehow the two storylines would link up by the end. It's kind of a storytelling rule, from the Russian playwright Chekhov, I believe. If you show a pistol on the table in Act 1 (or Chapter 1), it must go off before the end. Pieces should fit together. That is, if your story isn't something avant-garde and literary. But even then, separate "scenes in the life" books usually have a uniting theme. Anyway, it's an entertaining read, and a good mystery. I liked it a lot.
April 16, 2022
Three Debts Paid is the story of barrister Daniel Pitt, who was recommended by Scotland Yard Inspector Ian Frobisher, to take the case of a young Linus Tolliver accusing Wolford of having copied his work then the assault of Tolliver.
Pitts’ friend, Miriam fford Croft, has just returned from studying in Holland and is now working as the second female pathologist in London for Dr. Evelyn Hall . Pitt visits Miriam at work. She and Hall are about to start the autopsy of a murdered young woman, Lena Madden. Strangely this women's death is similar to another six days earlier.
This is the fifth book in the Daniel Pitt series. This can be a stand alone read. I found the conversations that are had to be confusing as they go round and round without ever making progress. They remind me of Sherlock Holmes stories, beloved by many, but not me. They left me with more questions than answers.
The author has a huge following and has written many books with high reviews. Sadly this book was not a favorite for me.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
Pitts’ friend, Miriam fford Croft, has just returned from studying in Holland and is now working as the second female pathologist in London for Dr. Evelyn Hall . Pitt visits Miriam at work. She and Hall are about to start the autopsy of a murdered young woman, Lena Madden. Strangely this women's death is similar to another six days earlier.
This is the fifth book in the Daniel Pitt series. This can be a stand alone read. I found the conversations that are had to be confusing as they go round and round without ever making progress. They remind me of Sherlock Holmes stories, beloved by many, but not me. They left me with more questions than answers.
The author has a huge following and has written many books with high reviews. Sadly this book was not a favorite for me.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
December 17, 2022
A murder story that took place in the 19th century, in Cambridge, England. The murders are taking place at the same time as a prominent professor is being accused of plagiarism. Both cases are tied together by the lawyer who is representing the professor. Interestingly, the forensic pathologists that are in charge of the murdered victims are both women.
February 17, 2023
Not a lot of Daniel in this one, which oddly worked. Miriam takes a huge leap forward in what I've always felt was a joint narrative, and and old school chum takes center stage as the inspector investigating 3 horrific deaths. As per usual, Perry's grasp of the human condition is always in the forefront of all of her stories, and this one is no different. With an ingenious mystery and an ending that will leave you breathless, Perry has done it again!
June 1, 2022
I really like the characters in this series. The mystery was a little weak but I am invested these people and I have enjoyed continuing to get to know each of them as the series progresses and the characters grow and develop.
December 13, 2022
The author may live in Los Angles, but she writes a very good British detective series!! This is my first adventure with Daniel Pitt and it won’t be my last. Aha, I’m getting good - knew who did it fairly soon, but enjoyed it nonetheless right to the very end.
May 10, 2022
This was good except that it was a bit of Chekhov’s court case. If the other Plot is so far removed from the main plotline, eventually that’s where you’ll find the murderer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2022
Library book. Serial killer. Kept me guessing to the end. I liked Daniel and Miriam’s relationship.
July 13, 2024
This was a an excellent mystery! I did not catch on until I was almost at the end who the bad guy was. There were some very interesting twists and turns. Anne Perry is a great author.
July 20, 2024
3.5 stars
July 23, 2024
This is #5 in the Daniel Pitt series. I have not read any of the preceding books, nor the series featuring his parents, Charlotte and Daniel Pitt. I really don't think having done so would change my opinion of the book. Maybe.
The characters were well described without having had the background and I liked the sense of time & place, even tho it was rainy and gloomy 90% of the time. The detective repeatedly neglected to ask relevant questions which could have revealed connections much ealier in the investigation. The story just moved very slowly and didn't really get interesting until the last 50 pages, then all was resolved too neatly and a bit incredulously.
I kept seeing this author's books at used book sales and finally decided to try one. Not sure if I'll read another.
The characters were well described without having had the background and I liked the sense of time & place, even tho it was rainy and gloomy 90% of the time. The detective repeatedly neglected to ask relevant questions which could have revealed connections much ealier in the investigation. The story just moved very slowly and didn't really get interesting until the last 50 pages, then all was resolved too neatly and a bit incredulously.
I kept seeing this author's books at used book sales and finally decided to try one. Not sure if I'll read another.
January 28, 2022
Anne Perry fans who are only familiar with her Victorian-era set Monk or Pitt series will not want to miss this Edwardian series featuring Thomas and Charlotte’s attorney son Daniel Pitt! Few authors breathe as much life, faults at all, into their characters as well as Anne Perry does. Their insights, frailties, and emotions, and the things that connect them to their world and who they love are as much as a part of the story as the crime time be solved.
I read Anne Perry for the setting and characters as much as the mystery. I didn’t even read the description of this book because it didn’t matter. Daniel was back and it was time to read. I recommend readers start with the first in Daniel’s series to get the most out of it, but they don’t have to have know the Thomas Pitt series about his father.
A lot of page time was spent with Inspector Frobisher’s point of view rather than with Daniel or Miriam. It was more about this inspector’s investigation of the rainy-day slasher than a law case of Daniel’s. It reminded me of Rathbone in the Monk books. If Frobisher is going to feature prominently going forward, then this isn’t so bad to see him in action, but it was jarring five books into the series to suddenly get into the head of a new MC. I shouldn’t miss Daniel in a Daniel Pitt book, but that’s not to say I didn’t like Frobisher.
Anne Perry’s mysteries are always rich and interwoven with a lot of reflection and this one was no different. Daniel’s plagiarism case eventually crossed into Frobisher’s murder investigation and the conclusion is as heartbreaking as I expect from her. I wish a little more time has been spent with Frobisher at the end wrapping up those loose ends. I felt that the pace slowed in the middle with some repetition, but a good beginning and ending made up for that.
I was afraid Miriam and Daniel would continue to dance around what they mean to each other. Their age difference bas been an obstacle only in their own heads so it was a relief to see some progress in that front.
I eagerly received an ARC from NetGalley
I read Anne Perry for the setting and characters as much as the mystery. I didn’t even read the description of this book because it didn’t matter. Daniel was back and it was time to read. I recommend readers start with the first in Daniel’s series to get the most out of it, but they don’t have to have know the Thomas Pitt series about his father.
A lot of page time was spent with Inspector Frobisher’s point of view rather than with Daniel or Miriam. It was more about this inspector’s investigation of the rainy-day slasher than a law case of Daniel’s. It reminded me of Rathbone in the Monk books. If Frobisher is going to feature prominently going forward, then this isn’t so bad to see him in action, but it was jarring five books into the series to suddenly get into the head of a new MC. I shouldn’t miss Daniel in a Daniel Pitt book, but that’s not to say I didn’t like Frobisher.
Anne Perry’s mysteries are always rich and interwoven with a lot of reflection and this one was no different. Daniel’s plagiarism case eventually crossed into Frobisher’s murder investigation and the conclusion is as heartbreaking as I expect from her. I wish a little more time has been spent with Frobisher at the end wrapping up those loose ends. I felt that the pace slowed in the middle with some repetition, but a good beginning and ending made up for that.
I was afraid Miriam and Daniel would continue to dance around what they mean to each other. Their age difference bas been an obstacle only in their own heads so it was a relief to see some progress in that front.
I eagerly received an ARC from NetGalley
Displaying 1 - 30 of 267 reviews