What do you think?
Rate this book
Daniel Pitt #6
The Fourth Enemy
Daniel Pitt prosecutes a beloved philanthropist whose good deeds may hide dark--and dangerous--secrets in this gripping mystery from New York Times bestselling author Anne Perry.
Working his way up at London law firm fford Croft and Gibson, Daniel Pitt is named second prosecutor on a fraud case with the potential to make or break his--and the firm's--reputation. The trouble is, Malcolm Vayne, the man on trial, has deep pockets, and even deeper connections. Vayne's philanthropic efforts paint him a hero in the eyes of the public, but Daniel's friend Inspector Ian Frobisher has evidence to suggest otherwise. Nervously working alongside the new head of his firm, Gideon Hunter, Daniel is under pressure to prove that Vayne is guilty.
Meanwhile, Daniel's new bride, forensic scientist Miriam fford Croft, befriends Rose, the wife of Gideon Hunter, who shares Miriam's support of the women's suffrage movement. Vayne's image is improved by his support of their cause, but Miriam and Rose are not deceived.
The trial of Vayne reveals his political ambitions in both England and Europe and heats up further when a crucial witness is found dead. There is more danger ahead for Daniel and Miriam as the stakes are raised...
Working his way up at London law firm fford Croft and Gibson, Daniel Pitt is named second prosecutor on a fraud case with the potential to make or break his--and the firm's--reputation. The trouble is, Malcolm Vayne, the man on trial, has deep pockets, and even deeper connections. Vayne's philanthropic efforts paint him a hero in the eyes of the public, but Daniel's friend Inspector Ian Frobisher has evidence to suggest otherwise. Nervously working alongside the new head of his firm, Gideon Hunter, Daniel is under pressure to prove that Vayne is guilty.
Meanwhile, Daniel's new bride, forensic scientist Miriam fford Croft, befriends Rose, the wife of Gideon Hunter, who shares Miriam's support of the women's suffrage movement. Vayne's image is improved by his support of their cause, but Miriam and Rose are not deceived.
The trial of Vayne reveals his political ambitions in both England and Europe and heats up further when a crucial witness is found dead. There is more danger ahead for Daniel and Miriam as the stakes are raised...
352 pages, Hardcover
First published April 11, 2023
About the author
Anne Perry
371 books3,425 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 234 reviews
June 15, 2023
3.5 stars
In this spinoff from Anne Perry's popular 'Detective Thomas Pitt' series, Pitt's son Daniel is all grown up and taking center stage in his own novels.
In this 6th book in the 'Daniel Pitt' series, set in the early 1900s, Thomas's son Daniel - a rising attorney at the British law firm fford Croft and Gibson - assists in prosecuting a shady business mogul.
The book can be read as a standalone.
*****
As the story opens Daniel Pitt has a lot to think about. The law firm fford Croft and Gibson has undergone a sea change, and Daniel hopes the transition will be smooth.
The firm's founder, Marcus fford Croft has retired and made Daniel's humble friend Toby Kitteredge head of chambers.
Marcus has also hired a new barrister named Gideon Hunter. Hunter is an ambitious man: a silk; a King's Counsel; a brilliant, erratic, but charming man. Hunter will presumably take the major cases while Daniel continues to hone his skills as a barrister.
The very first case Hunter takes is the prosecution of financier Malcolm Vayne. On the surface, the fabulously wealthy Vayne seems like a good man. He's a vocal advocate for women's suffrage, and a generous philanthropist who supports free clinics for the poor; subsidized housing; and soup kitchens. Vayne is also the owner of two of the most popular newspapers in the country, which he uses to paint a favorable picture of himself to the public.
The authorities see Vayne differently however. Daniel Pitt's friend, Police Inspector Ian Frobisher, suspects Vayne of fraud: chicanery that is "very complicated and far reaching, with one fraud designed to cover and feed another." (What today is called a Ponzi scheme.) Vayne's machinations seem on the verge of bankrupting many of his investors, and the police want to put Vayne away.
Even though Vayne's crimes would be VERY hard to prove - especially since prominent people would be embarrassed to admit they were victims of financial fraud - Inspector Frobisher decides to press charges anyway. Barrister Gideon Hunter jumps in to prosecute the case, and he asks Daniel Pitt to assist him. Daniel immediately begins interviewing Vayne's employees, business associates. and investors, to try to get the inside scoop.
Daniel also discusses the case with his wife, Dr. Miriam fford Croft (Marcus's daughter), on whom Daniel always relies for good advice. Miriam is a forensic pathologist, one of the few females in the field. Miriam favors Vayne's advocacy of women's rights, but suspects it might be a ploy to make him popular with females.
To get a better feel for Vayne, Miriam attends a rally for women's rights, where Vayne gives a rousing (but self-serving) speech. Miriam also makes the acquaintance of Rose Hunter (Gideon's wife) and the two ladies quietly scheme to help their husbands prosecute Vayne. (Note: At the time, women were expected to run the house, raise the children, and stay out of public affairs.)
As Gideon and Daniel dig deeper and deeper into Vayne's business dealings, it appears that the financier's tentacles extend into the British government and to powerful men all over Europe. It looks like Vayne hopes to become prime minster, and to pull strings throughout the continent. Vayne's apparent ambitions are also of interest to Daniel's father Sir Thomas Pitt, who's now head of Special Branch. Special Branch deals with counterterrorism in Britain, and Vayne is on Sir Thomas's radar.
Gideon and Daniel do manage to find a couple of people who are willing to testify against Vayne, employees who've worked for the financier for years. Unfortunately both potential prosecution witnesses are attacked, which looks EXCEPTIONALLY suspicious, but there seems to be no proof Vayne is responsible. Gideon and Daniel call other witnesses, but their testimony is not necessarily conclusive.
The novel is quite suspenseful, and I was rapidly turning the pages to see if Vayne would be convicted or not.
The story is engaging, the courtroom scenes are interesting, and the book has an exciting climax. My major criticism would be that the interior monologues of some of the characters, where they ponder the case again and again, gets repetitious.
Author Anne Perry died in April, 2023 and I will miss her books.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com
April 16, 2023
This was one of the last books Anne Perry wrote and it showcases her strengths, and, alas, some weaknesses. This was a tough one to rate...
First the strengths--The courtroom scenes are stellar: full of drama, suspense, and even some humor.
The plot is a good one: it involves a popular financier and philanthropist, Malcolm Vayne (ahem, a rather obvious surname), who has been charged with fraud (he was operating what is now known as a Ponzi scheme). Daniel Pitt is the junior chair of the prosecution team, working with Gideon Hunter, the new head of the fforde Croft & Gibson firm. Hunter and Pitt have an uphill fight before them. Difficulties ensue, of course. Perry even found a logical way to involve Miriam fforde Croft and Sir Thomas Pitt in the story. The mystery has a few twists and turns, including a murder and a kidnapping, before we are treated to a dangerous chase, and a dramatic (and very satisfying) conclusion.
Now, alas, for the weaknesses--We spend too much time in our main characters' heads, watching their thoughts go around and around and around, like a hamster in its cage. Oh, the repetitions! Oh, the feeling of 'here we go again'. Oh, the frustrated cry of 'get on with the story'!
My personal math says 5 stars for the courtroom scenes, 2 stars for the repetitious thoughts, which in my math gives me 3.5 stars, which I'm rounding up to 4 stars for all the enjoyment Ms Perry's books have given me over the years. RIP, Anne Perry.
First the strengths--The courtroom scenes are stellar: full of drama, suspense, and even some humor.
The plot is a good one: it involves a popular financier and philanthropist, Malcolm Vayne (ahem, a rather obvious surname), who has been charged with fraud (he was operating what is now known as a Ponzi scheme). Daniel Pitt is the junior chair of the prosecution team, working with Gideon Hunter, the new head of the fforde Croft & Gibson firm. Hunter and Pitt have an uphill fight before them. Difficulties ensue, of course. Perry even found a logical way to involve Miriam fforde Croft and Sir Thomas Pitt in the story. The mystery has a few twists and turns, including a murder and a kidnapping, before we are treated to a dangerous chase, and a dramatic (and very satisfying) conclusion.
Now, alas, for the weaknesses--We spend too much time in our main characters' heads, watching their thoughts go around and around and around, like a hamster in its cage. Oh, the repetitions! Oh, the feeling of 'here we go again'. Oh, the frustrated cry of 'get on with the story'!
My personal math says 5 stars for the courtroom scenes, 2 stars for the repetitious thoughts, which in my math gives me 3.5 stars, which I'm rounding up to 4 stars for all the enjoyment Ms Perry's books have given me over the years. RIP, Anne Perry.
March 8, 2023
Prolific writer Anne Perry has published three series, two set in Victorian England, one of which features police inspector/supervisor Thomas Pitt and his wife, Charlotte. The third centers on their barrister son, Daniel, and his forensic pathologist wife, Miriam. This is the sixth in the Daniel Pitt series; it works well as a standalone.
There is a new silk leading Daniel’s law office who chooses to prosecute a well known newspaper publisher and philanthropist for fraud. It is a difficult case to prove and who knows what depths to which the accused will sink in order to remain free? How many people are in danger from his far reaching grab for money and power?
Do not expect a fast paced, edge of your seat legal thriller in this piece of historical fiction. At least, not for the first part of the book. There is cerebral discourse that paints a good picture of the lives and times in pre World War I England and sets up the crime. Once the trial begins, the pace picks up and it got quite exciting. The characters, except, of course, for the villains, are charming. I especially liked the female characters, strong individuals on their own and proponents of women’s suffrage. I loved that the theme of political power grabbing and even some of the antics resonated so much with today’s world.
Anne Perry fans (of which I am one) will enjoy this latest addition to her body of work. Those new to her should try The Fourth Enemy to see if her writing style is for them.
Thanks to #netgalley and #randomhouse #ballantinebooks for the ARC.
There is a new silk leading Daniel’s law office who chooses to prosecute a well known newspaper publisher and philanthropist for fraud. It is a difficult case to prove and who knows what depths to which the accused will sink in order to remain free? How many people are in danger from his far reaching grab for money and power?
Do not expect a fast paced, edge of your seat legal thriller in this piece of historical fiction. At least, not for the first part of the book. There is cerebral discourse that paints a good picture of the lives and times in pre World War I England and sets up the crime. Once the trial begins, the pace picks up and it got quite exciting. The characters, except, of course, for the villains, are charming. I especially liked the female characters, strong individuals on their own and proponents of women’s suffrage. I loved that the theme of political power grabbing and even some of the antics resonated so much with today’s world.
Anne Perry fans (of which I am one) will enjoy this latest addition to her body of work. Those new to her should try The Fourth Enemy to see if her writing style is for them.
Thanks to #netgalley and #randomhouse #ballantinebooks for the ARC.
March 2, 2023
I've been on a historical mystery binge lately and have read a great many engaging titles, but Anne Perry's The Fourth Enemy is definitely the best among them. This novel features several recurring characters: Daniel Pitt, a barrister; his wife, Miriam fford Croft, who earned a doctorate in forensic science in the Netherlands, the one college in Europe accepting female candidates for this degree; Thomas Pitt, Daniel's father, who is now head of Special Branch, which investigates possible terrorist threats from within England; Marcus fford Croft, the now retired founder of fford Croft and Gibson, where Daniel works; and Inspector Ian Frobisher, an old school chum of Daniel's who now heads the police force. One of the delights of this cast of characters is that they all have particular areas of expertise. No one is just window dressing or an amusing side character.
The Fourth Enemy also introduces two very promising new characters: barrister Gideon Hunter, who has come in as lead barrister at fford Croft and Gibson with Marcus' retirement; and Rose Hunter, Gideon's wife, who is an activist for women's suffrage. Since Gideon come into the practice as Daniel's superior, the two are carefully working around each other, trying to see what kind of relationship the can build together and trying to read the significance of the other's every move. (New readers needn't worry about sorting out this cast of characters. They are so distinct that they quickly become familiar individuals.)
The legal case at hand in The Fourth Enemy is the fraud trial of a well-known philanthropist. Malcolm Vayne is a wealthy man who supports a number of progressive causes and whose ownership of several newspapers allows him to provide quite good coverage for himself. Gideon has decided that the first case he will take on at fford Croft and Gibson is the prosecution of Vayne, a case that will be next to impossible to win and will probably win the firm no public support, whether or not they win.
In a way, this novel echoes (pre-echoes?) much of what we face in current politics: the ability of the wealthy to control their own public image; the connections between finance and politics; the use of quid pro quo agreements; and the complicated, often sub rosa relations between the powerful around the globe, whose actions don't always reflect the stances of the nations they come from.
This novel is interesting from the start, but it grows increasingly compelling as the plot becomes more complex and as each central character must use their special skills to see that justice is served.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.
The Fourth Enemy also introduces two very promising new characters: barrister Gideon Hunter, who has come in as lead barrister at fford Croft and Gibson with Marcus' retirement; and Rose Hunter, Gideon's wife, who is an activist for women's suffrage. Since Gideon come into the practice as Daniel's superior, the two are carefully working around each other, trying to see what kind of relationship the can build together and trying to read the significance of the other's every move. (New readers needn't worry about sorting out this cast of characters. They are so distinct that they quickly become familiar individuals.)
The legal case at hand in The Fourth Enemy is the fraud trial of a well-known philanthropist. Malcolm Vayne is a wealthy man who supports a number of progressive causes and whose ownership of several newspapers allows him to provide quite good coverage for himself. Gideon has decided that the first case he will take on at fford Croft and Gibson is the prosecution of Vayne, a case that will be next to impossible to win and will probably win the firm no public support, whether or not they win.
In a way, this novel echoes (pre-echoes?) much of what we face in current politics: the ability of the wealthy to control their own public image; the connections between finance and politics; the use of quid pro quo agreements; and the complicated, often sub rosa relations between the powerful around the globe, whose actions don't always reflect the stances of the nations they come from.
This novel is interesting from the start, but it grows increasingly compelling as the plot becomes more complex and as each central character must use their special skills to see that justice is served.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.
April 17, 2023
This is the sixth book in the Daniel Pitt series. Sadly, Anne Perry passed away very recently, so unless there are some pre-written installments, this is the last book.
Daniel Pitt is named second prosecutor on a fraud case against Malcolm Vayne, a wealthy and popular philanthropist who is the mastermind of a ponzi scheme. At the same time, Daniel's wife Miriam becomes active in the women's suffrage movement, and when Vayne supports this cause, it only increases his favor in the public eye.
This story moved slowly for me for the first part of the book, but it does pick up later and provides excitement, danger, and intrigue. I love Miriam's independence and her relationship with Daniel, and I find it interesting that she is 15 years older than him at that time in history. I had not read the other books in the series, but it does stand up well alone. Anne Perry fans will not be disappointed. Rest in Peace, Anne.
Daniel Pitt is named second prosecutor on a fraud case against Malcolm Vayne, a wealthy and popular philanthropist who is the mastermind of a ponzi scheme. At the same time, Daniel's wife Miriam becomes active in the women's suffrage movement, and when Vayne supports this cause, it only increases his favor in the public eye.
This story moved slowly for me for the first part of the book, but it does pick up later and provides excitement, danger, and intrigue. I love Miriam's independence and her relationship with Daniel, and I find it interesting that she is 15 years older than him at that time in history. I had not read the other books in the series, but it does stand up well alone. Anne Perry fans will not be disappointed. Rest in Peace, Anne.
March 13, 2023
Stunning intrigue!
Daniel has at last married Miriam fford Croft!. I’m ecstatic about that!
Her father Marcus has decided to retire and has invited Gideon Hunter to be the new Barrister for their rooms. For the firm to maintain its position a King’s Council, a Silk, is needed.
Gideon’s first case with Croft’s is one of fraud against a powerful financier.
No-one will testify against Malcolm Vayne. Two people agree, an elderly woman who has done the organizations bookkeeping, and a man whose family is no longer in the country.
Both have accidents or something more sinister before they are to testify.
Sir Thomas Pitt is also interested in Vayne. He sees connections between Vayne, the home government, other nations, and powerful interests abroad.
Things begin to deteriorate with Hunter and Daniel’s case, and as they attempt to shore it up Daniel receives shocking news that has all other thoughts flee!
Dr. Evelyn Hall and Miriam have been attacked at the pathology center and Miriam has been kidnapped.
An extraordinary happening that has Daniel haring off with his friend Detective Ian Frobisher, chasing Miriam into unknown dangers.
Once more Perry had me up all night reading, hanging on every word, unsure of the trial outcome and frightened for Miriam and Daniel.
Another stand in the aisles and cheer, “bravo” performance from Perry.
A Random House - Ballantine ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Daniel has at last married Miriam fford Croft!. I’m ecstatic about that!
Her father Marcus has decided to retire and has invited Gideon Hunter to be the new Barrister for their rooms. For the firm to maintain its position a King’s Council, a Silk, is needed.
Gideon’s first case with Croft’s is one of fraud against a powerful financier.
No-one will testify against Malcolm Vayne. Two people agree, an elderly woman who has done the organizations bookkeeping, and a man whose family is no longer in the country.
Both have accidents or something more sinister before they are to testify.
Sir Thomas Pitt is also interested in Vayne. He sees connections between Vayne, the home government, other nations, and powerful interests abroad.
Things begin to deteriorate with Hunter and Daniel’s case, and as they attempt to shore it up Daniel receives shocking news that has all other thoughts flee!
Dr. Evelyn Hall and Miriam have been attacked at the pathology center and Miriam has been kidnapped.
An extraordinary happening that has Daniel haring off with his friend Detective Ian Frobisher, chasing Miriam into unknown dangers.
Once more Perry had me up all night reading, hanging on every word, unsure of the trial outcome and frightened for Miriam and Daniel.
Another stand in the aisles and cheer, “bravo” performance from Perry.
A Random House - Ballantine ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
October 7, 2023
Daniel and Miriam make an excellent investigative team in this 6th book in the Danial Pitt series. This series carries on the excellent Thomas Pitt series. With the firm being run by Toby Kitteridge, a new barrister has been brought on. These changes will be central to the story as a prominent businessman is charged and brought to trial. Another excellent story, but Anne Perry doesn't write anything else.
April 19, 2023
I have not enjoyed the Daniel Pitt series, but have tried to. This is another courtroom drama that this author knows how to deliver. Daniel's wife must testify after harrowing experiences at the hands of unscrupulous people bent on robbing the vulnerable.
Library Loan
Library Loan
July 26, 2023
I've read a few other books by Anne Perry and always find them enjoyable. This one might have been my favorite.
This book captured my interest from the beginning and held it all the way through. The characters are engaging, and the plot is well thought out . The mystery is intriguing, and the writing is superb.
Historical mysteries are probably my top genre at the moment, and as always, Anne Perry's are fantastic.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This book captured my interest from the beginning and held it all the way through. The characters are engaging, and the plot is well thought out . The mystery is intriguing, and the writing is superb.
Historical mysteries are probably my top genre at the moment, and as always, Anne Perry's are fantastic.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
March 19, 2023
A wealthy and influential businessman is suspected of a fraudulent investment scheme…but he might be guilty of far worse.
When lifelong friend and policeman Ian Frobisher stops by the home of lawyer Daniel Pitt and his new wife, Miriam, it is not a social call. Ian has recently discovered that Malcolm Vayne, a highly popular and influential businessman (who owns a string of newspapers amongst other things), has in fact been operating what would today be called a Ponzi scheme. Vayne’s sphere of influence is extensive, and Ian wants Daniel’s legal advice as to what would be needed to convict Vayne in a court of law. Not many people are brave enough to provide testimony against someone of Vayne’s stature and financial resources…he would make a formidable enemy. Daniel has concerns of his own upon which to focus. The head of the law firm where he is employed is his father-in-law, Marcus fford Croft, who has decided due to some recent health problems that it is time for him to step down, and turn over the reins to someone new. He has chosen Gideon Hunter, a well-known and successful lawyer who has proven himself to relish challenging and controversial cases. When Malcolm Vayne is suddenly arrested, it is not terribly surprising that Hunter asks to prosecute the case. Daniel is extremely concerned; he knows that the arrest was made prematurely, Ian’s hand being forced by an attack on his most important informant. When Daniel’s father Thomas Pitt, now head of the Home Office’s Special Branch, expresses an interest in the case, Daniel’s fear only intensifies. Miriam, his wife and forensic scientist, is brought into the case when a witness is found dead. She, along with Hunter’s wife Rose, have encountered Vayne as they pursue a mutual interest in the women’s suffrage movement, of which Vayne is a vocal supporter. While they like the focus Vayne as brought to the movement, they don’t trust him at any level. The trial begins badly, with a prosecution witness changing his story on the stand. As it becomes more and more unlikely that Hunter and Daniel will be successful in winning Payne’s conviction, it becomes increasingly clear that they must succeed for the good of the country and, possibly, the world.
It has been a while since I had read an Anne Perry book, though I’m not sure why as i always enjoyed her stories. Her William Monk series was my favorite, but I enjoyed the Charlotte and Thomas Pitt books as well. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that this is the sixth in the series of books featuring the son of Charlotte and Thomas! Despite not having read the first five in this series, I was able to quickly figure out the relationships between characters, so readers can read this easily as a standalone. Just as in earlier books Charlotte, from a well-to-do and societally well-placed family, was a strong enough woman to pursue marriage with a policeman of much lower standing, more strong female characters are to be found here as well with Miriam and many others. The book did take a while to build in excitement, as the author laid the groundwork of what was going on in England in the years prior to the First World War when this novel takes place. Once the intrigue began, however, I found the book hard to put down. Financial skulduggery, a charismatic but dangerous businessman with ties to influential people in the government, and courtroom battles combine for an exciting read which I heartily recommend Fans of Ms Perry will certainly enjoy this, and so might readers of Charles Todd and Jacqueline Winspear. Many thanks to NetGalley and to Emma Thomasch of Ballantine Books/Random House Publishing for allowing me access to an advanced reader’s copy.
When lifelong friend and policeman Ian Frobisher stops by the home of lawyer Daniel Pitt and his new wife, Miriam, it is not a social call. Ian has recently discovered that Malcolm Vayne, a highly popular and influential businessman (who owns a string of newspapers amongst other things), has in fact been operating what would today be called a Ponzi scheme. Vayne’s sphere of influence is extensive, and Ian wants Daniel’s legal advice as to what would be needed to convict Vayne in a court of law. Not many people are brave enough to provide testimony against someone of Vayne’s stature and financial resources…he would make a formidable enemy. Daniel has concerns of his own upon which to focus. The head of the law firm where he is employed is his father-in-law, Marcus fford Croft, who has decided due to some recent health problems that it is time for him to step down, and turn over the reins to someone new. He has chosen Gideon Hunter, a well-known and successful lawyer who has proven himself to relish challenging and controversial cases. When Malcolm Vayne is suddenly arrested, it is not terribly surprising that Hunter asks to prosecute the case. Daniel is extremely concerned; he knows that the arrest was made prematurely, Ian’s hand being forced by an attack on his most important informant. When Daniel’s father Thomas Pitt, now head of the Home Office’s Special Branch, expresses an interest in the case, Daniel’s fear only intensifies. Miriam, his wife and forensic scientist, is brought into the case when a witness is found dead. She, along with Hunter’s wife Rose, have encountered Vayne as they pursue a mutual interest in the women’s suffrage movement, of which Vayne is a vocal supporter. While they like the focus Vayne as brought to the movement, they don’t trust him at any level. The trial begins badly, with a prosecution witness changing his story on the stand. As it becomes more and more unlikely that Hunter and Daniel will be successful in winning Payne’s conviction, it becomes increasingly clear that they must succeed for the good of the country and, possibly, the world.
It has been a while since I had read an Anne Perry book, though I’m not sure why as i always enjoyed her stories. Her William Monk series was my favorite, but I enjoyed the Charlotte and Thomas Pitt books as well. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that this is the sixth in the series of books featuring the son of Charlotte and Thomas! Despite not having read the first five in this series, I was able to quickly figure out the relationships between characters, so readers can read this easily as a standalone. Just as in earlier books Charlotte, from a well-to-do and societally well-placed family, was a strong enough woman to pursue marriage with a policeman of much lower standing, more strong female characters are to be found here as well with Miriam and many others. The book did take a while to build in excitement, as the author laid the groundwork of what was going on in England in the years prior to the First World War when this novel takes place. Once the intrigue began, however, I found the book hard to put down. Financial skulduggery, a charismatic but dangerous businessman with ties to influential people in the government, and courtroom battles combine for an exciting read which I heartily recommend Fans of Ms Perry will certainly enjoy this, and so might readers of Charles Todd and Jacqueline Winspear. Many thanks to NetGalley and to Emma Thomasch of Ballantine Books/Random House Publishing for allowing me access to an advanced reader’s copy.
April 13, 2023
When Anne Perry wrote her first mystery novel featuring Daniel Pitt, entitled TWENTY-ONE DAYS, I thought it was just going to be a standalone story, a break from her popular recurring series. I thought it was just brilliant to use the son of Thomas and Charlotte Pitt, the stars of one of her most popular series, as the protagonist in his own story.
Now, with the release of THE FOURTH ENEMY, we get to enjoy the sixth Daniel Pitt story in a new series that has become as indispensable as her others. Daniel and his new bride, forensic scientist Miriam fford Croft, make a team worthy of succeeding the great tales the duo of Thomas and Charles Pitt. By setting this series with the next generation of those fighting for justice allows the reader to see things through a different set of eyes and in a more modern setting.
The case at the heart of THE FOURTH ENEMY is one that will seem eerily familiar to most as it could well be a story that could be told today in our current political climate. Initially, before the big case explodes on them, Daniel Pitt and his London law firm fford Croft and Gibson, receive an exciting new set of leadership. Daniel’s mate Toby Kitteridge is now leading the chambers and their new boss is a like-minded gentlemen named Gideon Hunter.
They will require all of their mental acuity and legal expertise to bring to justice a man named Malcolm Vayne. Vayne has already made quite a name for himself as a wealthy businessman who is known in legal circles for having deep pockets and equally deep connections to keep all the skeletons in his closet as he seeks to not only get wealthier but also seek public office. When accusations come out against him alleging various misdeeds that would sully Vayne’s reputation and end any political run, he strikes back in an unforeseen way. Vayne suddenly becomes a big proponent of the current women’s suffragette campaign that is sweeping through England --- a subject that Miriam is also very aware of.
Going after someone who is involved in such an altruistic albeit controversial subject is sketchy at best, and this becomes rather trying for Daniel Pitt and his firm. However, they proceed with charges against Vayne even though much of the firm felt they were being premature. As the case heats up, the impact of Vayne’s connections and wealth become a huge roadblock for the prosecution. A key witness suddenly disappears, the supposed victim of kidnapping. This follows an incident where another witness turned up dead.
How do you defeat someone who appears to be so untouchable? What Daniel Pitt has to ask himself is if justice in this case is worth him risking his own career and the safety of his family. Perry’s creation of a plot where the primary antagonist is someone whose political and public personas mix in such a way that everything he does becomes controversial is certainly not something any reader will be surprised to read about. What makes Perry’s novel so good is how she is still able to blend in her own formula of justice and morality, set over a century in the past, and unleash upon is during a time where such controversies seem to occur on a daily basis.
Following my writing of this review, I learned the incredibly sad news that Anne Perry passed away earlier this week at the age of 84. Needless to say, I found this to be devastating news as I have been reviewing her work for the better part of two decades. Right now, I cannot imagine my Christmas season without her annual Holiday mystery release. I hope her longtime fans are consoled by the great legacy of work Anne has left for us and that new readers waste no time digging into her massive back catalogue to read some of the finest historical mystery novels ever written.
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
Now, with the release of THE FOURTH ENEMY, we get to enjoy the sixth Daniel Pitt story in a new series that has become as indispensable as her others. Daniel and his new bride, forensic scientist Miriam fford Croft, make a team worthy of succeeding the great tales the duo of Thomas and Charles Pitt. By setting this series with the next generation of those fighting for justice allows the reader to see things through a different set of eyes and in a more modern setting.
The case at the heart of THE FOURTH ENEMY is one that will seem eerily familiar to most as it could well be a story that could be told today in our current political climate. Initially, before the big case explodes on them, Daniel Pitt and his London law firm fford Croft and Gibson, receive an exciting new set of leadership. Daniel’s mate Toby Kitteridge is now leading the chambers and their new boss is a like-minded gentlemen named Gideon Hunter.
They will require all of their mental acuity and legal expertise to bring to justice a man named Malcolm Vayne. Vayne has already made quite a name for himself as a wealthy businessman who is known in legal circles for having deep pockets and equally deep connections to keep all the skeletons in his closet as he seeks to not only get wealthier but also seek public office. When accusations come out against him alleging various misdeeds that would sully Vayne’s reputation and end any political run, he strikes back in an unforeseen way. Vayne suddenly becomes a big proponent of the current women’s suffragette campaign that is sweeping through England --- a subject that Miriam is also very aware of.
Going after someone who is involved in such an altruistic albeit controversial subject is sketchy at best, and this becomes rather trying for Daniel Pitt and his firm. However, they proceed with charges against Vayne even though much of the firm felt they were being premature. As the case heats up, the impact of Vayne’s connections and wealth become a huge roadblock for the prosecution. A key witness suddenly disappears, the supposed victim of kidnapping. This follows an incident where another witness turned up dead.
How do you defeat someone who appears to be so untouchable? What Daniel Pitt has to ask himself is if justice in this case is worth him risking his own career and the safety of his family. Perry’s creation of a plot where the primary antagonist is someone whose political and public personas mix in such a way that everything he does becomes controversial is certainly not something any reader will be surprised to read about. What makes Perry’s novel so good is how she is still able to blend in her own formula of justice and morality, set over a century in the past, and unleash upon is during a time where such controversies seem to occur on a daily basis.
Following my writing of this review, I learned the incredibly sad news that Anne Perry passed away earlier this week at the age of 84. Needless to say, I found this to be devastating news as I have been reviewing her work for the better part of two decades. Right now, I cannot imagine my Christmas season without her annual Holiday mystery release. I hope her longtime fans are consoled by the great legacy of work Anne has left for us and that new readers waste no time digging into her massive back catalogue to read some of the finest historical mystery novels ever written.
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
April 7, 2023
Barbara’s rating: 5 of 5 Stars
Series: Daniel Pitt #6
Publication Date: 4/11/23
Period: 1912 – George V
Number of Pages: 352
Gosh – what can I say? The book is every bit as exciting and nail-biting as the blurb implies and it may be my favorite of all of the books I’ve read so far this year. I have loved his author’s writing style since I read the first William Monk book and have read each book and series since. I love that this series features Daniel Pitt who is the son of Thomas and Charlotte Pitt, whose series was named after them.
The opening of this book has your mouth dropping open because of all of the changes that have happened between the last book and this one. I mean – we knew it would happen, but I thought we’d read it on-page rather than learning it happened three months prior to the beginning of this book. What happened? Well, Daniel and Miriam are married! YES! However, that isn’t the only change. Marcus fford Croft announces his retirement right at the beginning of the book, so there is a huge shake-up at the fford Croft and Gibson Law firm. You’ll be a bit surprised – I think – I was. Of course, someone is named as the new head of chambers to replace Marcus, but the replacement who is brought in to fill the vacancy left when the new head of chambers is named certainly stirs up some angst. Yes, Gideon Hunter, is a King's Counsel who is brilliant, erratic, and can now choose which cases to accept. So, big changes for Daniel at work and at home.
Gideon calls in some favors on his very first day with the firm and manages to get the firm assigned as the prosecutor in a very controversial case involving a charismatic man. Malcolm Vayne is one of the most popular men in England. He supports the women’s suffrage movement as well as most of the worthy charities. Not to mention, he owns most of the newspapers in England as well. Yes, everybody absolutely loves Vayne, so how could he be charged with running a ponsy scheme that defrauds thousands of hardworking, simple citizens? With his riches, and close ties to many of the most powerful men in the country – and on the continent – how will they ever manage to prove their case against him?
Danger lurks around every corner because Vayne’s supporters are vocal and rabid. Is Vayne maybe a bit dangerous as well? Everybody from the witnesses to the prosecutors and their families are in danger. Will they manage to survive? Will the law firm survive? In the end, is Vayne really innocent? Will the jury really understand all of the dull financial details?
Oh! What an exciting read. I couldn’t put it down once I started reading, so I definitely recommend it! Happy reading!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Series: Daniel Pitt #6
Publication Date: 4/11/23
Period: 1912 – George V
Number of Pages: 352
Gosh – what can I say? The book is every bit as exciting and nail-biting as the blurb implies and it may be my favorite of all of the books I’ve read so far this year. I have loved his author’s writing style since I read the first William Monk book and have read each book and series since. I love that this series features Daniel Pitt who is the son of Thomas and Charlotte Pitt, whose series was named after them.
The opening of this book has your mouth dropping open because of all of the changes that have happened between the last book and this one. I mean – we knew it would happen, but I thought we’d read it on-page rather than learning it happened three months prior to the beginning of this book. What happened? Well, Daniel and Miriam are married! YES! However, that isn’t the only change. Marcus fford Croft announces his retirement right at the beginning of the book, so there is a huge shake-up at the fford Croft and Gibson Law firm. You’ll be a bit surprised – I think – I was. Of course, someone is named as the new head of chambers to replace Marcus, but the replacement who is brought in to fill the vacancy left when the new head of chambers is named certainly stirs up some angst. Yes, Gideon Hunter, is a King's Counsel who is brilliant, erratic, and can now choose which cases to accept. So, big changes for Daniel at work and at home.
Gideon calls in some favors on his very first day with the firm and manages to get the firm assigned as the prosecutor in a very controversial case involving a charismatic man. Malcolm Vayne is one of the most popular men in England. He supports the women’s suffrage movement as well as most of the worthy charities. Not to mention, he owns most of the newspapers in England as well. Yes, everybody absolutely loves Vayne, so how could he be charged with running a ponsy scheme that defrauds thousands of hardworking, simple citizens? With his riches, and close ties to many of the most powerful men in the country – and on the continent – how will they ever manage to prove their case against him?
Danger lurks around every corner because Vayne’s supporters are vocal and rabid. Is Vayne maybe a bit dangerous as well? Everybody from the witnesses to the prosecutors and their families are in danger. Will they manage to survive? Will the law firm survive? In the end, is Vayne really innocent? Will the jury really understand all of the dull financial details?
Oh! What an exciting read. I couldn’t put it down once I started reading, so I definitely recommend it! Happy reading!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 17, 2023
This is the sixth book in the Daniel Pitt series. Sadly, Anne Perry passed away very recently, so unless there are some pre-written installments, this is the last book.
Daniel Pitt is named second prosecutor on a fraud case against Malcolm Vayne, a wealthy and popular philanthropist who is the mastermind of a ponzi scheme. At the same time, Daniel's wife Miriam becomes active in the women's suffrage movement, and when Vayne supports this cause, it only increases his favor in the public eye.
This story moved slowly for me for the first part of the book, but it does pick up later and provides excitement, danger, and intrigue. I love Miriam's independence and her relationship with Daniel, and I find it interesting that she is 15 years older than him at that time in history. I had not read the other books in the series, but it does stand up well alone. Anne Perry fans will not be disappointed. Rest in Peace, Anne.
I received a free copy of this book from the publishers. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
Daniel Pitt is named second prosecutor on a fraud case against Malcolm Vayne, a wealthy and popular philanthropist who is the mastermind of a ponzi scheme. At the same time, Daniel's wife Miriam becomes active in the women's suffrage movement, and when Vayne supports this cause, it only increases his favor in the public eye.
This story moved slowly for me for the first part of the book, but it does pick up later and provides excitement, danger, and intrigue. I love Miriam's independence and her relationship with Daniel, and I find it interesting that she is 15 years older than him at that time in history. I had not read the other books in the series, but it does stand up well alone. Anne Perry fans will not be disappointed. Rest in Peace, Anne.
I received a free copy of this book from the publishers. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
November 22, 2022
"Loving people was so very complicated."
Very well done, an excellent read. I'd been wanting to dip my toe into the @AnnePerryWriter catalog and although there are 5 books in this series before #TheFourthEnemy, it didn't make any difference from my perspective. A bit slow in the beginning, layers of internal exposition and mental hand-wringing, but I REALLY liked the characters. I loved their integrity, their ability to have open minds and their compulsions to do the right thing. I must say, though, the villain reminded me a bit of Jeffrey Epstein's reach without his tawdry saga - someone who is pretty much untouchable, or so it appears. Looking forward to reading the Thomas Pitt series and other books by Ms. Perry.
P.S. Many thanks to #netgalley for the ARC.
Very well done, an excellent read. I'd been wanting to dip my toe into the @AnnePerryWriter catalog and although there are 5 books in this series before #TheFourthEnemy, it didn't make any difference from my perspective. A bit slow in the beginning, layers of internal exposition and mental hand-wringing, but I REALLY liked the characters. I loved their integrity, their ability to have open minds and their compulsions to do the right thing. I must say, though, the villain reminded me a bit of Jeffrey Epstein's reach without his tawdry saga - someone who is pretty much untouchable, or so it appears. Looking forward to reading the Thomas Pitt series and other books by Ms. Perry.
P.S. Many thanks to #netgalley for the ARC.
April 19, 2023
The day I started reading this I found out that AnnePerry died. I really wanted to like this book. Unfortunately it moved slowly for me. The white collar crime and courtroom testimony wasn’t very interesting. I’m sad this is likely the last Daniel Pitt novel. I’d still read the next one.
April 11, 2023
So many changes have been introduced in this sixth installment of the Daniel Pitt novel series. Marcus fford Croft has retired from the law firm where Daniel is employed. Daniel has married Marcus' daughter Miriam. Miriam is confidently executing her pathologist duties at the city morgue and Marcus' final act at the firm was the hiring of a hot shot barrister, a "silk" by the name of Gideon Hunter. When a risky and severely challenging fraud case arises, Gideon jumps at the chance to prosecute and relegates Daniel as his second. Bodies start piling up as the case seems to be unraveling. Will it all come out right in the end? Only time will tell.
Ms. Perry has done a spectacular job of building the tension of this complex case and carrying the reader along for the ride. The first half of the book focuses on setting the evidentiary details and then the pace accelerates and the tension builds to a frenzy as lives hang in the balance.
Although this is the sixth installment in the Daniel Pitt mystery series, the book stands well enough on its own. The characters are well developed and the reader quickly gets a strong sense of each character's nature, knowledge and passion. The story is a police procedural and courtroom drama with sweet family relations thrown in for that personal touch. We find Daniel and Miriam navigating their new marriage and all the tenderness which that entails. Each ardently loves the other. Yet, more importantly, they admire and respect one another. A rather fresh approach to marriage in 1912.
If this is your first foray into the Daniel Pitt mystery series, fear not, Ms. Perry's character development and setting of place is so well done that the reader is not asea without having read the prior installments in this series. However, I caution you, once you've read this one, you'll most likely want to go back and read the rest of the series. It is too good to be missed.
I am grateful to #Ballantine Books for having provided a complimentary copy of this book through #NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Publication Date: April 11, 2023
ISBN: 978-0593359129
No. of pages: 352
Ms. Perry has done a spectacular job of building the tension of this complex case and carrying the reader along for the ride. The first half of the book focuses on setting the evidentiary details and then the pace accelerates and the tension builds to a frenzy as lives hang in the balance.
Although this is the sixth installment in the Daniel Pitt mystery series, the book stands well enough on its own. The characters are well developed and the reader quickly gets a strong sense of each character's nature, knowledge and passion. The story is a police procedural and courtroom drama with sweet family relations thrown in for that personal touch. We find Daniel and Miriam navigating their new marriage and all the tenderness which that entails. Each ardently loves the other. Yet, more importantly, they admire and respect one another. A rather fresh approach to marriage in 1912.
If this is your first foray into the Daniel Pitt mystery series, fear not, Ms. Perry's character development and setting of place is so well done that the reader is not asea without having read the prior installments in this series. However, I caution you, once you've read this one, you'll most likely want to go back and read the rest of the series. It is too good to be missed.
I am grateful to #Ballantine Books for having provided a complimentary copy of this book through #NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Publication Date: April 11, 2023
ISBN: 978-0593359129
No. of pages: 352
June 11, 2023
Novel received courtesy of Goodreads.com First Reads Giveaways
I hadn't read any of the previous Daniel Pitt novels by Anne Perry, but I didn't feel like I was lost in this novel because of it. I would definitely go back and read the others or read more that are released but it's not necessary to understand the story. I found this novel to be well-written and well-researched.
Daniel Pitt is a lawyer working in his father-in-law's former law firm. His wife, Dr. Miriam fford Croft Pitt, is a forensic pathologist working in London. When Malcolm Vayne is arrested for defrauding many people out of their life savings in a pyramid scheme, the new lead counsel in the office, Gideon Hunter, decides to prosecute him. Convicting a man like Vayne is nearly impossible as he knows people in high places and he supports many charities for the downtrodden of the city. The investigation into Vayne and his business dealings and his prosecution are filled with lots of twists and turns. Daniel is the junior counsel on the prosecution and Miriam becomes involved in the case in her role as pathologist. Malcolm Vayne doesn't want to be convicted and will try anything to thwart Gideon and Daniel.
I found this novel, set in the early 20th century, to be very timely! We too have dishonest people trying to gain and hold onto power; powerful people being arrested for financial and ethical crimes. The courtroom drama in a different country and different time period was interesting and well written. I could "see" what was happening in the courtroom. Learning that Miriam had to get her education in Holland because England wouldn't allow women to pursue the sciences was eye opening. It's easy to forget that that was just about 100 years ago.
I very much enjoyed the novel and recommend Anne Perry's work to historical fiction fans!
I hadn't read any of the previous Daniel Pitt novels by Anne Perry, but I didn't feel like I was lost in this novel because of it. I would definitely go back and read the others or read more that are released but it's not necessary to understand the story. I found this novel to be well-written and well-researched.
Daniel Pitt is a lawyer working in his father-in-law's former law firm. His wife, Dr. Miriam fford Croft Pitt, is a forensic pathologist working in London. When Malcolm Vayne is arrested for defrauding many people out of their life savings in a pyramid scheme, the new lead counsel in the office, Gideon Hunter, decides to prosecute him. Convicting a man like Vayne is nearly impossible as he knows people in high places and he supports many charities for the downtrodden of the city. The investigation into Vayne and his business dealings and his prosecution are filled with lots of twists and turns. Daniel is the junior counsel on the prosecution and Miriam becomes involved in the case in her role as pathologist. Malcolm Vayne doesn't want to be convicted and will try anything to thwart Gideon and Daniel.
I found this novel, set in the early 20th century, to be very timely! We too have dishonest people trying to gain and hold onto power; powerful people being arrested for financial and ethical crimes. The courtroom drama in a different country and different time period was interesting and well written. I could "see" what was happening in the courtroom. Learning that Miriam had to get her education in Holland because England wouldn't allow women to pursue the sciences was eye opening. It's easy to forget that that was just about 100 years ago.
I very much enjoyed the novel and recommend Anne Perry's work to historical fiction fans!
January 31, 2023
Why, oh why, cannot Anne Perry write MORE books, and FASTER? Her latest in the newer Daniel Pitt series was a fast paced, intriguing entry, and I HAD to read it in one sitting, staying up till 0430 in the morning to do so. Yes, it was that good!
This series brings to light the suffragette movement trying to bring women's rights to the country, and Pitt's new wife is one of those women working in a man's job, as a forensic pathologist. In England in 1913, women couldn't even get a degree for it in that country, only Holland. Political tensions were rising all over Europe and Asia, and foreign affairs were confusing, to say the least. It was the last gasp in Europe's Edwardian era of opulence, and the contrast between the have's and have not's was more pronounced than ever.
One can see young Pitt's growth as a lawyer and as a man, now newly married. His legal office is going through a shake-up, with his father-in-law retiring from the firm, and a new, somewhat brash QC taking the top spot. He accepts a case that proves to be very hard to win, and the hoops everyone goes through on the way to winning are life-threatening. Justice prevails in the end, and on to the next case!
I particularly liked that Pitt Sr. was more in this book, than some of the earlier ones. I do miss not having Sir Thomas and Lady Pitt in another of their own challenging books--hint, hint! I also like the way the author ties in another newer series's character, so I imagine we will be seeing more of him in future books!
All in all, a wonderful addition to the Daniel Pitt series, perhaps the best one yet!
This series brings to light the suffragette movement trying to bring women's rights to the country, and Pitt's new wife is one of those women working in a man's job, as a forensic pathologist. In England in 1913, women couldn't even get a degree for it in that country, only Holland. Political tensions were rising all over Europe and Asia, and foreign affairs were confusing, to say the least. It was the last gasp in Europe's Edwardian era of opulence, and the contrast between the have's and have not's was more pronounced than ever.
One can see young Pitt's growth as a lawyer and as a man, now newly married. His legal office is going through a shake-up, with his father-in-law retiring from the firm, and a new, somewhat brash QC taking the top spot. He accepts a case that proves to be very hard to win, and the hoops everyone goes through on the way to winning are life-threatening. Justice prevails in the end, and on to the next case!
I particularly liked that Pitt Sr. was more in this book, than some of the earlier ones. I do miss not having Sir Thomas and Lady Pitt in another of their own challenging books--hint, hint! I also like the way the author ties in another newer series's character, so I imagine we will be seeing more of him in future books!
All in all, a wonderful addition to the Daniel Pitt series, perhaps the best one yet!
January 27, 2023
This is the 6th book in the Daniel Pitt series. He is now married to Miriam. Mirian's father Marcus is now retired, and has brought in a new barister, Gideon Hunter. Daniels old school friend, Policeman Ian comes to visit Daniel and Marian. Ian suspects fraud by a very wealthy man, Malcolm Vayne (who supports many charities as well as Women's Suffrage). He thinks the man has set up an investment instrument where the early investors have been paid interest from the funds put in by later investors.
Very shortly later, they hear that Vayne has been arrested. A well known lawyer, Delmeny, calls Hunter to tell him that he, Delmeny, will be defending Vayne. Hunter decides that he will prosecute, and asks Daniel to be the junior counsel. Vayne is a very powerful man, and they will have their work cut out to do the prosecution. Most of Vayne's employees are very supportive of him and unlikely to tell tales of misdeeds. Miriam and Hunter's wife, Rose, quickly become friends. Before they even begin interviewing folks, Vayne's assistant, Nadine Parnell, has been run down by a car. It didn't look like an accident, and other employees may now be even less interested in testifying against Vayne.
The trial begins, and Vayne is very smooth. When the prosecution begins, those testifying don't dare to say bad things about Vayne. When a prime witness doesn't appear and is found dead, Gideon and Daniel are in trouble. Marian and Eva do the autopsy, and suddenly they are at risk, and the story becomes VERY exciting.
This is a great addition to a very good series.
Very shortly later, they hear that Vayne has been arrested. A well known lawyer, Delmeny, calls Hunter to tell him that he, Delmeny, will be defending Vayne. Hunter decides that he will prosecute, and asks Daniel to be the junior counsel. Vayne is a very powerful man, and they will have their work cut out to do the prosecution. Most of Vayne's employees are very supportive of him and unlikely to tell tales of misdeeds. Miriam and Hunter's wife, Rose, quickly become friends. Before they even begin interviewing folks, Vayne's assistant, Nadine Parnell, has been run down by a car. It didn't look like an accident, and other employees may now be even less interested in testifying against Vayne.
The trial begins, and Vayne is very smooth. When the prosecution begins, those testifying don't dare to say bad things about Vayne. When a prime witness doesn't appear and is found dead, Gideon and Daniel are in trouble. Marian and Eva do the autopsy, and suddenly they are at risk, and the story becomes VERY exciting.
This is a great addition to a very good series.
February 22, 2023
Daniel Pitt is back and is investigating one heck of a case: a Ponzi scheme! Is the popular newspaper owner guilty of robbing people blind? In this latest story, Anne Perry shakes things up a bit at the law office where Daniel works. Suddenly he has a new boss and a case that could result in big changes for the agency. Daniel can't predict whether they would be positive or disastrous changes.
Miriam, the pathologist and daughter of the newly retired law firm head, figures prominently in The Fourth Enemy, as does Sir Thomas Pitt, Daniel's father. We even have a visit from a character in the Elena Standish series. A pleasant surprise and it fills in some of the mysterious details I'd been wondering about.
The book moves quickly and the characters are appealing and/or intriguing. Anne Perry can always be depended upon to supply a mystery that keeps me turning the pages. I recommend The Fourth Enemy as well as the first three in the series. If you enjoy those, try the Elena Standish, Thomas Pitt, and William Monk series as well.
Miriam, the pathologist and daughter of the newly retired law firm head, figures prominently in The Fourth Enemy, as does Sir Thomas Pitt, Daniel's father. We even have a visit from a character in the Elena Standish series. A pleasant surprise and it fills in some of the mysterious details I'd been wondering about.
The book moves quickly and the characters are appealing and/or intriguing. Anne Perry can always be depended upon to supply a mystery that keeps me turning the pages. I recommend The Fourth Enemy as well as the first three in the series. If you enjoy those, try the Elena Standish, Thomas Pitt, and William Monk series as well.
May 26, 2023
"The Fourth Enemy" is the sixth Novel featuring Attorney, Daniel Pitt. He is now married to forensic scientist Miriam fford Croft. Dr. Croft is 15 years older than Daniel; he is now 28.
Miriam's father, Marcus fford Croft, has announced his retirement from the law firm. A replacement has been hired to the law firm of Croft and Gibson.
A prominent member of society has been charged with a money laundering scheme that ultimately reaches in the highest level of the British government.
Daniel has been assigned as co-prosecutor of the case against Malcolm Vayne. But Daniel knows that the prosecution of Mr. Vayne will not be easy. Mr. Vayne has a reputation of all the right causes of the day, which is now 1912. One of these causes is Mr. Vayne's support of women's suffrage.
Witnesses against Mr. Vayne are either disappearing or are found murdered. Daniel's prosecution against Malcom Vayne appears in jeopardy. An acquittal appears likely.
Ms. Perry once again turns out a suspenseful thriller that will find her readers in complete suspense for the outcome.
Miriam's father, Marcus fford Croft, has announced his retirement from the law firm. A replacement has been hired to the law firm of Croft and Gibson.
A prominent member of society has been charged with a money laundering scheme that ultimately reaches in the highest level of the British government.
Daniel has been assigned as co-prosecutor of the case against Malcolm Vayne. But Daniel knows that the prosecution of Mr. Vayne will not be easy. Mr. Vayne has a reputation of all the right causes of the day, which is now 1912. One of these causes is Mr. Vayne's support of women's suffrage.
Witnesses against Mr. Vayne are either disappearing or are found murdered. Daniel's prosecution against Malcom Vayne appears in jeopardy. An acquittal appears likely.
Ms. Perry once again turns out a suspenseful thriller that will find her readers in complete suspense for the outcome.
January 21, 2023
Stands alone, but the previous books give you background on the characters and how they got to where they are. This book deals with mostly the courtroom drama of a beloved man accused of fraud and intrigue placing himself conveniently in the public interest to becoming prime minister. Daniel and his new senior attorney are in charge of prosecuting the man. We have many characters from previous books in this as well as a few new ones. Miriam becomes a vital witness when a murder happens, then she becomes a victim herself of kidnapping. Many different angles of this prosecution present themselves as the story flows. Entertaining, history thought provoking, and ultimately can the good guys win? Appreciated having an early read of the latest Daniel Pittnovel from NetGalley and Ballantine Books.
May 22, 2024
I'm still at a loss with the passing of Ms. Perry. The Daniel Pitt series was my new obsession and knowing this is the last one, is depressing. With that said, The Fourth Enemy is wonderfully plotted, and in her usual style the ending is harrowing and exhilarating in its pacing and action.
Want to Read
April 1, 2023Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Daniel who is a lawyer, has been given a new case. A man with deep pockets and friends is charged with fraud. When a couple individuals tied to the case are dead, it is up to Daniel to try and figure out whats happening and have a man be found guilty of his misdeeds. A good read.
April 12, 2023
Each new entry in the Daniel Pitt series is highly anticipated and The Fourth Enemy was no exception. Spinning off Anne Perry’s fabulous Thomas and Charlotte Pitt series, this literal second generation follow up series is as engaging as the first.
Daniel is settling in well as a lawyer in Marcus fford Croft’s firm and now a newlywed and vibrantly in love with his wife, Miriam. Right now, she’s reveling in having the forensics pathologist career she worked hard for and having Daniel with a little concern that the fifteen year age gap will be a problem.
Their wedded bliss is interrupted when Miriam’s father, Marcus retires from the firm and brings on a driven and gifted new young Kings’ Counsel to be the firm’s trial lawyer. In his turn, he immediate signs them up to try the biggest case of the year against wealthy businessman and philanthropist, Malcolm Vayne, for fraud.
The stakes are high and the man on trial is well-loved by the masses and deeply feared by those in power that he holds in his grip. Daniel and the whole team must win because Vayne will be relentless if he’s left free.
The Fourth Enemy starts out slow and builds to a fervor. The first half focuses on Daniel and Miriam’s new circumstances as a married couple and also on the drastic changes that go on in the law firm when Marcus retires. The investigation part of the case is minimal because the star witness is who brought the case to them with proofs of the fraud, but the tricky part is getting the right people to testify and making the jury see through all the convoluted accounting work to the truth. The last half of the book is when it picks up the pace and the suspenseful tension. I liked getting the brief side scenes with Sir Thomas Pitt between Daniel and Miriam’s alternating narration work.
Another solid series installment. Historical Mystery fans who like courtroom action with their murder mysteries should give these a go.
I rec’d an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Books of the Heart on May 17th.
Daniel is settling in well as a lawyer in Marcus fford Croft’s firm and now a newlywed and vibrantly in love with his wife, Miriam. Right now, she’s reveling in having the forensics pathologist career she worked hard for and having Daniel with a little concern that the fifteen year age gap will be a problem.
Their wedded bliss is interrupted when Miriam’s father, Marcus retires from the firm and brings on a driven and gifted new young Kings’ Counsel to be the firm’s trial lawyer. In his turn, he immediate signs them up to try the biggest case of the year against wealthy businessman and philanthropist, Malcolm Vayne, for fraud.
The stakes are high and the man on trial is well-loved by the masses and deeply feared by those in power that he holds in his grip. Daniel and the whole team must win because Vayne will be relentless if he’s left free.
The Fourth Enemy starts out slow and builds to a fervor. The first half focuses on Daniel and Miriam’s new circumstances as a married couple and also on the drastic changes that go on in the law firm when Marcus retires. The investigation part of the case is minimal because the star witness is who brought the case to them with proofs of the fraud, but the tricky part is getting the right people to testify and making the jury see through all the convoluted accounting work to the truth. The last half of the book is when it picks up the pace and the suspenseful tension. I liked getting the brief side scenes with Sir Thomas Pitt between Daniel and Miriam’s alternating narration work.
Another solid series installment. Historical Mystery fans who like courtroom action with their murder mysteries should give these a go.
I rec’d an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Books of the Heart on May 17th.
November 15, 2022
The sixth installment in the Daniel Pitt series finds Daniel and Miriam newly wed, adjusting to finally being married as well as to the retirement from law by Miriam’s father, Marcus fford Croft. Before leaving the practice, Marcus recruits barrister Gideon Hunter, King’s Counsel, to take the lead. Energetic and ambitious, Gideon immediately flirts with disaster by deciding to prosecute Malcolm Vayne, a philanthropist arrested for fraud, a decision that could make or break their law firm. Vayne’s arrest — by Ian Frobisher — is highly controversial and unpopular amongst the working classes who have benefited from his good deeds.
Working alongside Gideon, Daniel tries desperately to build a case against a man known for his power, both in England and Europe, and for his ability to seem untouchable by the law. Much of his power comes from higher-up investors and supporters, a fact that doesn’t escape the notice of Sir Thomas Pitt in his role with Home Office. When a key witness in the trial is found dead, Miriam’s expertise as pathologist comes into play as she assists her superior, Dr. Evelyn Hall, in determining the circumstances surrounding the death. Things take a shocking turn, and Daniel and Ian find themselves racing to rescue Miriam from a desperate abduction, while Gideon and Sir Thomas continue trying to procure solid evidence and other witnesses to bring Vayne to justice. The denouement of the book then happens quickly and in some ways abruptly.
I love this series. While not my favorite, this was a solid entry. I will say, though, that it took me a good 200 pages before I had much interest in the case and I actually almost gave up because it verged on the boring. When it picked up, it really picked up, though. I was glad to see more of Ian Frobisher, and look forward to the development of both Gideon and his wife Rose’s characters in future novels.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Working alongside Gideon, Daniel tries desperately to build a case against a man known for his power, both in England and Europe, and for his ability to seem untouchable by the law. Much of his power comes from higher-up investors and supporters, a fact that doesn’t escape the notice of Sir Thomas Pitt in his role with Home Office. When a key witness in the trial is found dead, Miriam’s expertise as pathologist comes into play as she assists her superior, Dr. Evelyn Hall, in determining the circumstances surrounding the death. Things take a shocking turn, and Daniel and Ian find themselves racing to rescue Miriam from a desperate abduction, while Gideon and Sir Thomas continue trying to procure solid evidence and other witnesses to bring Vayne to justice. The denouement of the book then happens quickly and in some ways abruptly.
I love this series. While not my favorite, this was a solid entry. I will say, though, that it took me a good 200 pages before I had much interest in the case and I actually almost gave up because it verged on the boring. When it picked up, it really picked up, though. I was glad to see more of Ian Frobisher, and look forward to the development of both Gideon and his wife Rose’s characters in future novels.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.
November 8, 2022
I read Anne Perry's latest in a 24-hour period. This is her sixth novel featuring Daniel Pitt, the son of the famous Thomas and Charlotte Pitt. Daniel is newly married to Doctor Miriam fford Croft, 15 years his senior. His father-in-law has decided to step down as senior partner as his law firm after a series of ailments. Soon after the changing of the guard, Daniel's firm takes on the prosecution of a wealthy businessman who has committed fraud in a financial scheme that resulted in the theft of a large number of investments. We are introduced to a number of characters, some of them familiar (like Daniel's father, Thomas, head the Special Branch, and his childhood friend Ian Frobisher (now an inspector with the London police), and some of them new (like Rose, the wife of the prosecutor). Even though the reader knows who the bad guy is all along, it's fun to watch this morality tale play out.
I've been reading about the Pitts for over 20 years now, and picking up one of these novels is like visiting with old friends. My only quibble is that I wish we could see more of the players from the previous Pitt series, such as Charlotte's vivacious sister Emily and her family, and Daniel's sister Jemimah, now married to a New York City police officer. Instead, we are introduced to an ensemble of new characters. With Emily's husband being a member of Parliament, and her son the heir of the great Ashworth estate, it seems like these family relationships would be ripe with opportunities for future plots. Along the same lines, I enjoyed the cameo of Lucas Standish from Perry's other series starring MI6 agent Elena Standish. I love seeing the connections between the two series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my views.
I've been reading about the Pitts for over 20 years now, and picking up one of these novels is like visiting with old friends. My only quibble is that I wish we could see more of the players from the previous Pitt series, such as Charlotte's vivacious sister Emily and her family, and Daniel's sister Jemimah, now married to a New York City police officer. Instead, we are introduced to an ensemble of new characters. With Emily's husband being a member of Parliament, and her son the heir of the great Ashworth estate, it seems like these family relationships would be ripe with opportunities for future plots. Along the same lines, I enjoyed the cameo of Lucas Standish from Perry's other series starring MI6 agent Elena Standish. I love seeing the connections between the two series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my views.
March 30, 2023
I enjoy Anne Perry’s mysteries, but this one demonstrates one of her bad habits and could have benefited from some editing. She keeps repeating some of the same dialogues or internal monologues. And it’s not just once or twice, but over and over. For example, there are multiple discussions where the main characters discuss how they might lose their case against the bad guy, but that it’s crucial that they win it. Or one of the characters will look at their spouse and think about how much they love that person and how protective they’re feeling. Mostly, it’s the wives thinking tender thoughts about protecting their husbands’ feelings and sense of confidence as they prepare for a tough trial.
I still enjoy the trial scenes though I wish I knew more about British law to know whether a court would really allow some of the questioning that seemed quite problematic for a modern American trial. And then there’s a scene where one of the wives, covered in blood, breaks into the courtroom to tell one of the lawyers something and they have quite an extended conversation and it seems that this is allowed to go on while the jury is in the room. I can’t believe that would be allowed for more than a minute no matter what a crisis it was at the moment.
If those sorts of quibbles don’t bother you, it was still a fun mystery and I do enjoy traveling back to that time period of pre-WWI Britain.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.
I still enjoy the trial scenes though I wish I knew more about British law to know whether a court would really allow some of the questioning that seemed quite problematic for a modern American trial. And then there’s a scene where one of the wives, covered in blood, breaks into the courtroom to tell one of the lawyers something and they have quite an extended conversation and it seems that this is allowed to go on while the jury is in the room. I can’t believe that would be allowed for more than a minute no matter what a crisis it was at the moment.
If those sorts of quibbles don’t bother you, it was still a fun mystery and I do enjoy traveling back to that time period of pre-WWI Britain.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.
January 1, 2023
I am a longtime fan of Anne Perry's mysteries, and The Fourth Enemy does not disappoint. In this sixth Daniel Pitt novel, much of the action occurs during a fraud trial. There is much to enjoy in this novel. There are some memorable characters, include the bookkeeper Parnell, who provides details about the fraud committed. She is a character to enjoy and is at home making the defense look silly. As always Daniel and Miriam are characters who lend their own personalities toward solving this crime. Tin addition to fraud, there is murder and intrigue.
There are a few places where some editorial work would help with the flow of The Fourth Enemy. In the first couple of chapters where is some unnecessary repetition. In addition there is some clack of clarity. Initially readers are told that Ian rushes the charges because Vayne has discovered the investigation and there is a fear that evidence will be destroyed. But then readers are told that it was the attack on Parnell, Vayne's assistant, that was the cause of the rushed efforts to charge Vayne. This switch was confusing.
I do not wish to give away details about the plot, especially since Perry's tightly developed plot works nicely. I enjoyed this novel and certainly recommend it. I want to thank the author and the publisher for providing me with this ARC to read and review. These comments are my honest review. Thank you also to NetGalley for providing me with access to this Perry novel.
There are a few places where some editorial work would help with the flow of The Fourth Enemy. In the first couple of chapters where is some unnecessary repetition. In addition there is some clack of clarity. Initially readers are told that Ian rushes the charges because Vayne has discovered the investigation and there is a fear that evidence will be destroyed. But then readers are told that it was the attack on Parnell, Vayne's assistant, that was the cause of the rushed efforts to charge Vayne. This switch was confusing.
I do not wish to give away details about the plot, especially since Perry's tightly developed plot works nicely. I enjoyed this novel and certainly recommend it. I want to thank the author and the publisher for providing me with this ARC to read and review. These comments are my honest review. Thank you also to NetGalley for providing me with access to this Perry novel.
November 26, 2022
So far I have not been disappointed in any of Anne Perry’s books
We see a bit of change in the dynamics of the characters in the Daniel Pitt series.
One change is that Daniel and Miriam are now husband and wife having overcome the age difference obstacle of Miriam been older (rather unusual for the time period). Their deep friendship and respect of each other has now blossomed into a loving marriage partnership. Marcus has finally accepted for health reasons to retire from the Law Office. This brings in a new silk for Daniel to get used to with a different attitude towards what type of cases to accept instead of taken only cases that everybody is comfortable with. This results in some dangerous situations and lots of unexpected twist and turns within the story.
Toby Kitteridge is taken Marcus place as head of chambers. He is extremely able but has a long way to go to develop the assurance to lead chambers. With Daniel’s support he slowly overcomes some of his low self-esteem.
Again we see some courtroom drama and a bit of background political situations of that time period. Well worth the time to read.
We see a bit of change in the dynamics of the characters in the Daniel Pitt series.
One change is that Daniel and Miriam are now husband and wife having overcome the age difference obstacle of Miriam been older (rather unusual for the time period). Their deep friendship and respect of each other has now blossomed into a loving marriage partnership. Marcus has finally accepted for health reasons to retire from the Law Office. This brings in a new silk for Daniel to get used to with a different attitude towards what type of cases to accept instead of taken only cases that everybody is comfortable with. This results in some dangerous situations and lots of unexpected twist and turns within the story.
Toby Kitteridge is taken Marcus place as head of chambers. He is extremely able but has a long way to go to develop the assurance to lead chambers. With Daniel’s support he slowly overcomes some of his low self-esteem.
Again we see some courtroom drama and a bit of background political situations of that time period. Well worth the time to read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 234 reviews