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Charlotte & Thomas Pitt #26
Treason at Lisson Grove
The man who lies bleeding to death in a London brickyard is no ordinary drifter but a secret informant prepared to divulge details of a potentially devastating international plot against the British government. Special Branch officer Thomas Pitt, hastening to rendezvous with him, arrives a second too late, preceded by a knife-wielding assassin. As the mortally wounded man’s life slips away, so too does the information Pitt desperately needs. The killer in turn flees on an erratic course that leads Pitt in wild pursuit, from London’s cobblestone streets to picturesque St. Malo on the French coast.
Meanwhile, Pitt’s supervisor, the formidable Victor Narraway, finds himself accused of embezzling government funds. With Pitt incommunicado in France, Narraway turns to Pitt’s clever wife, Charlotte, for help. The man who badmouthed Narraway and ruined his career with innuendo can be found in Ireland—so Charlotte agrees to pose as Narraway’s sister and accompany him to Dublin to investigate.
But unknown to Pitt and Narraway, a shadowy plotter is setting a trap that, once sprung, could destroy not just reputations, but the British empire itself.
Meanwhile, Pitt’s supervisor, the formidable Victor Narraway, finds himself accused of embezzling government funds. With Pitt incommunicado in France, Narraway turns to Pitt’s clever wife, Charlotte, for help. The man who badmouthed Narraway and ruined his career with innuendo can be found in Ireland—so Charlotte agrees to pose as Narraway’s sister and accompany him to Dublin to investigate.
But unknown to Pitt and Narraway, a shadowy plotter is setting a trap that, once sprung, could destroy not just reputations, but the British empire itself.
306 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
437 people are currently reading
1463 people want to read
About the author
Anne Perry
361 books3,375 followersAnne Perry, born Juliet Hulme in England, lived in Scotland most of her life after serving five years in prison for murder (in New Zealand). A beloved mystery authoress, she is best known for her Thomas Pitt and William Monk series.
Her first novel, "The Cater Street Hangman", was published in 1979. Her works extend to several categories of genre fiction, including historical mysteries. Many of them feature recurring characters, most importantly Thomas Pitt and amnesiac private investigator William Monk, who first appeared in 1990, "The Face Of A Stranger".
Her story "Heroes," from the 1999 anthology Murder And Obsession, won the 2001 Edgar Award For Best Short Story. She was included as an entry in Ben Peek's Twenty-Six Lies / One Truth, a novel exploring the nature of truth in literature.
Series contributed to:
. Crime Through Time
. Perfectly Criminal
. Malice Domestic
. The World's Finest Mystery And Crime Stories
. Transgressions
. The Year's Finest Crime And Mystery Stories
Her first novel, "The Cater Street Hangman", was published in 1979. Her works extend to several categories of genre fiction, including historical mysteries. Many of them feature recurring characters, most importantly Thomas Pitt and amnesiac private investigator William Monk, who first appeared in 1990, "The Face Of A Stranger".
Her story "Heroes," from the 1999 anthology Murder And Obsession, won the 2001 Edgar Award For Best Short Story. She was included as an entry in Ben Peek's Twenty-Six Lies / One Truth, a novel exploring the nature of truth in literature.
Series contributed to:
. Crime Through Time
. Perfectly Criminal
. Malice Domestic
. The World's Finest Mystery And Crime Stories
. Transgressions
. The Year's Finest Crime And Mystery Stories
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 322 reviews
July 12, 2011
4.5/5.0
Anne Perry is the consummate mystery writer! Even after 26 Thomas and Charlotte Pitt mysteries, the spark is still strong, the twists and turns still too good to figure out and the thread that ties it all together, the love story between Thomas and Charlotte, is still just as endearing and true as it was from the first. "Treason at Lisson Grove" triumphs in the face of all those who believe a series must have a natural arc then gracefully retire. If an author is as gifted as is Ms. Perry, the characters as beloved as the Pitts and the story lines as intriguing as "Treason.." readers will be delighted to cozy up until every last murder is solved and traitor is caught!
Anne Perry is the consummate mystery writer! Even after 26 Thomas and Charlotte Pitt mysteries, the spark is still strong, the twists and turns still too good to figure out and the thread that ties it all together, the love story between Thomas and Charlotte, is still just as endearing and true as it was from the first. "Treason at Lisson Grove" triumphs in the face of all those who believe a series must have a natural arc then gracefully retire. If an author is as gifted as is Ms. Perry, the characters as beloved as the Pitts and the story lines as intriguing as "Treason.." readers will be delighted to cozy up until every last murder is solved and traitor is caught!
July 12, 2017
4.25 stars.
Thomas get promoted but not for the right reason.
Anyway he had done a good job!
So, let's see:)
Thomas get promoted but not for the right reason.
Anyway he had done a good job!
So, let's see:)
June 2, 2013
I always look forward to a new Thomas and Charlotte Pitt book and its insights into life in Victorian England. But this book left me disappointed. Thomas Pitt is chasing a man he thinks is linked to a conspiracy against England itself that leads him to France and frustration. Back in England, his superior is charged with taking money that had been earmarked for an informant in Ireland who was later betrayed and killed. In order to clear his name, Pitt's superior travels to Ireland to try to clear his name and Charlotte Pitt agrees to accompany him traveling as his sister in order to help. I have to question this behavior. Charlotte fires her maid, finds a new maid the same day, leaves her children with this stranger--even though Gracie, a trusted friend agrees to look in on the children every day--and leaves England for Ireland? I doubt it. Once Pitt returns to England and realizes how high in the government the conspiracy has reached, he has to move quickly without knowing whom to trust. Unfortunately, I also found the ending of the book to be beyond belief even for a reader who is always eager to have the limits of reality stretched almost to the breaking point. I am a fan of Anne Perry and hope that this book is not an indication of where the next Thomas and Charlotte Pitt book is headed.
September 18, 2011
I am a fan of the Pitts and eagerly looked forward to a new adventure after a long break. Unfortunately, it was not worth the wait. The plot just crumbles everywhere. It's because it's just not believable. As Narraway is framed for a crime, Charlotte traipses over to Ireland to assist. I don't believe it for a minute. I don't believe she would leave like that without talking to her husband and entrust the care of her children to a maid she had met the day before. I thought Gracie would return for the short time and that would have been more likely. The entire plot in Ireland makes little sense to me. Also, how Narraway stumbles on that case over many in his past 20 years is beyond me. The plot creaks on with more and more implausibilities. I found the whole section with Queen Victoria as unlikely as the moon being made of cheese. I hope Perry concentrates on her plot a lot more on her next Pitt installment.
March 28, 2016
I'm a little sad that there was virtually no sign of Gracie and Tellman. I really like their substory. And I'm more than a little amused that Aunt Vespasia is now "almost 70", when at the time of her introduction to the series, she was described as almost 80, and close to 14 years has elapsed since the series started. (I understand that she wasn't intended to be a recurring character and that she has become the author's favourite, but the boldness of the de-ageing makes me chuckle. There are clearly no f@%ks to give, here. I applaud that.)
July 22, 2011
Another decent entry to the Thomas/Charlotte Pitt series - the 26th, I believe, and I've read them all. Still enjoy reading the series, especially all the details of Victorian life, but I do wish we could go back to the couple just solving regular! murders instead of all the political intrigue and conspiracies of the last few books in this series, and also in the Monk and WWI series. Starting to seem like Ms. Perry is just a tad obsessed with anarchists and evil cabals of powerful men around every corner. I think I prefer a good old stabbing, shooting or strangling for personal reasons in my mysteries!
September 28, 2011
In a really great series, this is one of the very best. While Pitt is out in France following a murderer, his boss is discreditted at work and he goes to Ireland to clear his good name. Because of his being discreditted, Charlotte fears the same will happen to her husband, so she goes to Ireland with her husband's boss. When Pitt discovers he has also been betrayed, he nearly loses his life, but he returns to England and is made the head of Special Branch in his boss' place. Is he there because of his own merit, or because he can be made into the next scapegoat? Who are the traitors within Special Branch? Who of his boss' friends in Ireland betrayed him? This is an exciting race to uncover the false faces before something enormous and world changing happens on the world scene. Highly recommended.
April 30, 2011
I have read every book in the Charlotte and Thomas Pitt series. I love the first, The Cater Street Hangman,and have enjoyed many of the others. I like the blend of mystery with the historical details of the time.
However, I really felt Anne Perry was going through the motions with Treason at Lisson Grove. I had to force myself to finish it. It was slow starting, Thomas and Charlotte were hardly together during the book, and the plot took twists that were not believable. It's sad to see the series in decline.
However, I really felt Anne Perry was going through the motions with Treason at Lisson Grove. I had to force myself to finish it. It was slow starting, Thomas and Charlotte were hardly together during the book, and the plot took twists that were not believable. It's sad to see the series in decline.
June 26, 2020
This is the first Charlotte & Thomas Pitt book that I've read. Good writing, but plot had several points that felt implausible or at least unlikely. I will not go out of my way to read another, but may give the series another chance if a book comes across my path.
June 8, 2013
It's my 26th outing with Charlotte and Thomas, and Anne Perry, reliably, satisfies me as I drop in to spend time with these old friends. Now it's 1895 and Thomas works for Special Branch, a rough equivalent for what we might call Homeland Security. He dashes off to France chasing a suspected anarchist as the novel opens, and Charlotte will get her own adventure in Dublin, trying to assist Thomas's supervisor Narraway. Jemima is already 13 (they grow up so fast!) and Daniel is 10. Gracie has her own home by now, as dedicated followers of this series already know, and here we meet her promising replacement, recommended by Gracie herself: Minnie Maude.
A backstory in Narraway's personal life helps provide greater understanding of the history of Irish calls for home rule, while Thomas's excursion affords us a chance to better visualize the coastal town of St. Malo. It's not giving away too much to reveal that the concluding section of this installment includes the Queen herself as a character, and you can count on Victoria, even in 1895, to steal every scene she is in.
A backstory in Narraway's personal life helps provide greater understanding of the history of Irish calls for home rule, while Thomas's excursion affords us a chance to better visualize the coastal town of St. Malo. It's not giving away too much to reveal that the concluding section of this installment includes the Queen herself as a character, and you can count on Victoria, even in 1895, to steal every scene she is in.
December 1, 2024
Pitt is in France, in hot pursuit of what seems to be a radical plot. Meanwhile at home Narroway is accused of embezzling money, and he and Charlotte embark for Ireland, where he has a painful past and hopes to find if they brought on his present situation. Adventure, action, and a slam bang ending
At home Gracie has married, but onto the stage comes Minnie May Mudway, who will be a good fit as her successor. And here after 20 books worth of being told that Aunt Vespasia is frail and by now in her 80s, as I have noted in my "Aunt Vespasia Age" notes, apparently the Fountain of Youth, or the Sorcerer's Stone has been found because:
Vespasia was close to seventy, although she might not look it, and certainly had not retired from any part of life. Her passion, courage, and energy would put to shame many a thirty-year-old, and she had always been a leader in the highest Society.
At home Gracie has married, but onto the stage comes Minnie May Mudway, who will be a good fit as her successor. And here after 20 books worth of being told that Aunt Vespasia is frail and by now in her 80s, as I have noted in my "Aunt Vespasia Age" notes, apparently the Fountain of Youth, or the Sorcerer's Stone has been found because:
Vespasia was close to seventy, although she might not look it, and certainly had not retired from any part of life. Her passion, courage, and energy would put to shame many a thirty-year-old, and she had always been a leader in the highest Society.
April 27, 2016
I have to say I'm warming to the turn that this series has taken. The political intrigues are getting interesting. Although I must say that
July 4, 2020
This book is key to the later books in the series, and the finale, but I wasn't able to get my hands on it until I had read the last few books! I feel like I already knew the key players and the key elements, since it is discussed so much in the later books, but ah well! They do spend a lot more time talking than actually fighting anarchists, but it was interesting to see Charlotte take to the field (in Ireland, no less!) and to see Queen Victoria!
November 30, 2019
4.5 Stars
rounded up to 5 Stars. Great political intrigue.
October 29, 2020
Adoro Anne Perry. Peccato non averli tutti ma con i Gialli è sempre così. L'altro che ho Pitt è ancora nella polizia normale anzi quando .
May 22, 2020
Thomas in France, Charlotte in Ireland with Narraway who has been relieved of his position as head of Special Branch. Lots of excitement and treachery. And historical references that confused me. I read Anne Perry's books as they come available at the library. so not in order. It is interesting to read older books in the series and find out the back story.
This was good but not my favorite.
This was good but not my favorite.
January 2, 2019
I like Anne Perry’s William Monk series and her Christmas mysteries, so when I saw two books of her other mystery series set in Victorian England at a used book sale, I thought I’d give it a try. It was entertaining enough, a nice mystery with underlying social and political issues, but as far as the main characters go, I did not find Charlotte and Thomas as interesting as Hester and William (although I admit Queen Victoria herself making an appearance was a nice touch). Maybe that’s because I started with the 26th book in the series and missed a lot of the characters’ development, so maybe they would grow on me if I read other, earlier books. So I will surely give other books in the series a try. But I still think the Monk books will remain my favourite by this author.
July 28, 2018
You know you love a story and its characters when you find yourself stressed and then choked up because Queen Victoria ended up safe. I love it when the story can only end one way but it still FEELS like there are stakes.
July 10, 2013
This was an unusual, but very enjoyable Thomas and Charlotte Pitt mystery!
When Thomas is unexpectedly obliged to follow a suspect to France, he doesn't even have time to notify Charlotte, but sends a message to Narraway advising him where Pitt and another officer are going.
Shortly after Pitt leaves, Narraway is shocked to be advised that some money he thought he had provided to a witness to allow him to leave the country after helping special branch with a case has been discovered back in Narraway's account. In addition to the apparent impropriety of the money, the witness, because he never received the money, was killed. Narraway is removed from his job and told he needs to resolve the matter with incontrovertable proof that someone else put the money into his account.
Narraway quickly realizes he's being set up, and that the only way to clear his name is to go to Dublin, where all the people involved in this now 20 years old case are located and figure out who framed him and why.
But before heading to Dublin, Narraway decides to advise Charlotte about Pitt's whereabouts so she doesn't worry. But when Charlotte sees him, she realizes something is terribly wrong and forces him to tell her what it is. Once she knows the details, Charlotte insists that she must accompany Narraway to Dublin as he won't be able to investigate on his own, since everyone there knows and hates him. Against his better judgement, but desperate for some help, Narraway agrees to let her go with him.
This was an interesting, and, as always with Anne Perry extremely well-written, dual story. Although the two parallel story-lines do connect eventually, it starts out feeling like the reader is getting two stories for the price of one, and both stories are full of the usual intrigue, clever mystery and action that Perry's books are known for.
I also really enjoyed seeing Charlotte get to investigate on her own, not only without Pitt, but in a foreign country where she is out of her element. I love the Charlotte character, and her spunk and intelligence and bravery was fully displayed in this book.
And of course, the formidable Lady Vespasia - who is without question one of THE most fabulous and delightful literary characters EVER! - makes an appearance and gets some excellent scenes.
All in all, yet another wonderful read in the Pitt series! Recommended for those who enjoy period mystery, and/or Britain-base victorian mysteries.
When Thomas is unexpectedly obliged to follow a suspect to France, he doesn't even have time to notify Charlotte, but sends a message to Narraway advising him where Pitt and another officer are going.
Shortly after Pitt leaves, Narraway is shocked to be advised that some money he thought he had provided to a witness to allow him to leave the country after helping special branch with a case has been discovered back in Narraway's account. In addition to the apparent impropriety of the money, the witness, because he never received the money, was killed. Narraway is removed from his job and told he needs to resolve the matter with incontrovertable proof that someone else put the money into his account.
Narraway quickly realizes he's being set up, and that the only way to clear his name is to go to Dublin, where all the people involved in this now 20 years old case are located and figure out who framed him and why.
But before heading to Dublin, Narraway decides to advise Charlotte about Pitt's whereabouts so she doesn't worry. But when Charlotte sees him, she realizes something is terribly wrong and forces him to tell her what it is. Once she knows the details, Charlotte insists that she must accompany Narraway to Dublin as he won't be able to investigate on his own, since everyone there knows and hates him. Against his better judgement, but desperate for some help, Narraway agrees to let her go with him.
This was an interesting, and, as always with Anne Perry extremely well-written, dual story. Although the two parallel story-lines do connect eventually, it starts out feeling like the reader is getting two stories for the price of one, and both stories are full of the usual intrigue, clever mystery and action that Perry's books are known for.
I also really enjoyed seeing Charlotte get to investigate on her own, not only without Pitt, but in a foreign country where she is out of her element. I love the Charlotte character, and her spunk and intelligence and bravery was fully displayed in this book.
And of course, the formidable Lady Vespasia - who is without question one of THE most fabulous and delightful literary characters EVER! - makes an appearance and gets some excellent scenes.
All in all, yet another wonderful read in the Pitt series! Recommended for those who enjoy period mystery, and/or Britain-base victorian mysteries.
December 5, 2010
‘What are you going to do?’
This novel is set in 1895, at a time when political unrest was rising all over Europe. The threat of anarchy and the potential for violence had European governments nervous. England’s Special Branch knew of a current plot, but not yet who the leaders were, or who the target might be. Inspector Thomas Pitt, in pursuit of a suspected terrorist, finds himself in France. Shortly afterwards, Pitt’s superior officer Victor Narraway is accused of causing the death of an Irish informant, and is removed from office.
Because Pitt is Narraway’s protégé, his career is also potentially in jeopardy. Pitt’s wife Charlotte is determined to help Narraway clear his name and travels to Ireland with him. It soon becomes clear that Special Branch itself may have been compromised: can Thomas Pitt and Victor Narraway join forces to stop the plotters before it is too late?
This is the 26th novel in Anne Perry’s Thomas Pitt series, and while it’s okay it didn’t hold my attention the way that some earlier novels have. I suspect that those who’ve read the series in order will find this latest instalment interesting because of further developments in the lives of the main characters.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
This novel is set in 1895, at a time when political unrest was rising all over Europe. The threat of anarchy and the potential for violence had European governments nervous. England’s Special Branch knew of a current plot, but not yet who the leaders were, or who the target might be. Inspector Thomas Pitt, in pursuit of a suspected terrorist, finds himself in France. Shortly afterwards, Pitt’s superior officer Victor Narraway is accused of causing the death of an Irish informant, and is removed from office.
Because Pitt is Narraway’s protégé, his career is also potentially in jeopardy. Pitt’s wife Charlotte is determined to help Narraway clear his name and travels to Ireland with him. It soon becomes clear that Special Branch itself may have been compromised: can Thomas Pitt and Victor Narraway join forces to stop the plotters before it is too late?
This is the 26th novel in Anne Perry’s Thomas Pitt series, and while it’s okay it didn’t hold my attention the way that some earlier novels have. I suspect that those who’ve read the series in order will find this latest instalment interesting because of further developments in the lives of the main characters.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
January 27, 2018
I haven't read an Anne Perry novel that I did not like. Setting this Charlotte and Thomas Pitt series in the Victorian period provides the opportunity to show life in England in this time. There are such interesting background happenings. The culture and customs of the time are fascinating and offer different approaches to solving a crime. This novel begins with a murder, but it gets all the way to the queen as it develops. There is apparently someone hatching a plot with serious consequences for England, and it appears that someone in the special investigating branch might be involved. It is a challenge to decide who can be trusted. Charlotte plays a large part in helping to deal with the problem, and she steps a bit out of the mold that a Victorian woman should be portraying. Pitt is very concerned for her safety, but she manages to handle things well.
September 1, 2012
This is my first Thomas Pitt book.
Special Branch officer Thomas Pitt and his partner are meeting an informer, but the man has his throat cut seconds before Pitt catches up with him. Pitt them follows the murdered ending up on a ferry and then in St. Malo on the French coast. Meanwhile, Pitt’s supervisor, Victor Narraway, finds himself accused of embezzling government funds. With Pitt incommunicado in France, Narraway, in desperation, turns to Pitt’s wife Charlotte for help. The plot was hatched Dublin, so she agrees accompany him there, posing as his sister (the one plot element that truly strains credulity). In the meantime, headquarters at Lisson Grove is without its two most resourceful officers.
I enjoyed this book. Maybe moved a tad slow, but a good plot.
Special Branch officer Thomas Pitt and his partner are meeting an informer, but the man has his throat cut seconds before Pitt catches up with him. Pitt them follows the murdered ending up on a ferry and then in St. Malo on the French coast. Meanwhile, Pitt’s supervisor, Victor Narraway, finds himself accused of embezzling government funds. With Pitt incommunicado in France, Narraway, in desperation, turns to Pitt’s wife Charlotte for help. The plot was hatched Dublin, so she agrees accompany him there, posing as his sister (the one plot element that truly strains credulity). In the meantime, headquarters at Lisson Grove is without its two most resourceful officers.
I enjoyed this book. Maybe moved a tad slow, but a good plot.
November 12, 2011
Surprisingly, this was the most interesting Anne Perry I have read! Even if, seriously, the loltastic writing at some points - everyone is always finding deep emotion in one another's eyes, etc etc etc
BUT i have no idea why, i imprinted slightly on Narraway and even though i still secretly want him to like dudes he's a pretty cool guy anyway. sadly he just kind of got increasingly tired and careworn and exhausted (etc etc etc) as the book went on, and nothing was ever capitalized on re: him crushing on pitt's wife which was a shame, and the ending was like THE BIG REVEAL and one sentence later THE END BYE
talk about abrupt haha.
BUT i have no idea why, i imprinted slightly on Narraway and even though i still secretly want him to like dudes he's a pretty cool guy anyway. sadly he just kind of got increasingly tired and careworn and exhausted (etc etc etc) as the book went on, and nothing was ever capitalized on re: him crushing on pitt's wife which was a shame, and the ending was like THE BIG REVEAL and one sentence later THE END BYE
talk about abrupt haha.
April 28, 2012
I think I missed a book or two in the Thomas and Charlotte Pitt series, but I enjoyed this one nevertheless. Thomas is now in Special Branches, investigating possible socialist terrorists, when he's drawn to France. At the same time,and unbeknownst to him, his superior Victor Narroway is accused of embezzling government funds and is dismissed from the service. Charlotte and Narraway head to Ireland to clear Narraway's name, while Thomas struggles to discover who in the Special Branch is a traitor. This was a fast-paced thriller.
January 14, 2014
I love historical fiction, especially when there is real history behind it. This story is not based on a particular event, as far as I know, but the knowledge I gained reading 1848 helped me to understand the wild revolutionary ideas that were loose all over Europe in the period after those revolutions fizzled and the Great War began. As usual, Charlotte Pitt is a strong woman who approaches problems with intelligence and presence of mind. The story also shows a lot more of Victor Narraway and one of my favorites: Lady Vespasia Cumming-Gould.
May 20, 2011
Anne Perry's series featuring Thomas and Charlotte Pitt has been a favorite of mine for years. This one, her first in three years, contained more excitement than usual, and I enjoyed it very much. The relationship between the Pitts, the descriptions of Dublin, London, and Paris in the time of Britain's Queen Victoria, and the intrigue of the mystery with its many twists all kept me reading furiously. So good to spend time with old friends again!
December 16, 2011
It was so good to be reading more about Thomas and Charlotte Pitt. I've really missed them. Anne Perry is an entertaining mystery writer who researches the political climate of the victorian era she is writing about. I hope she writes more about Thomas and Charlotte and the wonderful Aunt Vespasia.
August 31, 2024
**MINOR SPOILERS**
This book is part of the Charlotte and Thomas Pitt series. There were a few small references to things that happened in earlier books, but they were explained.
Lisson Grove is where the Special Branch that investigates treason and terrorism is located. The story involves a traitor in the Special Branch that comes as a complete surprise to Commander Narroway and to the Pitts. Narroway is relieved from his duties unless he finds irrefutable proof that some made up evidence against him is false.
Narroway is shocked and not sure what to do. A loyal follower at the Special Branch, Stoker, gives him some information that leads him to believe that the betrayal stems from an old case that he worked on. He decides to go to Ireland to investigate the matter and some of the book is about the troubles between Ireland and England.
Thomas is in France following a trail to a group of people who do not normally work together. He believes that whatever they are working on must be something big to get them all to work together. He is unaware of what is happening with Narroway.
When Narroway tells Charlotte what is happening with Thomas she immediately realizes that Pitt is in danger as well. He is not aware of the traitor within the Special Branch and, because he is a Narroway loyalist, is in danger of being framed or left to the hands to the traitors. Charlotte offers her help to Narroway in the hopes that she can help exonerate him and that Pitt will survive whatever will happen at the Special Branch. It was nice to see Charlotte get an active role in the books again. In the last few books, her role was minimized.
The pieces begin to come together but slowly. Eventually, the reason that Narroway was framed is revealed and the plan was breathtakingly ambitious. The connection between what Thomas and Charlotte worked on was gradually made known.
Spoiler…Pitt is attacked, and it seemed highly unlikely that the person who attacked him would wait as long as he did. The attack could have happened much sooner and there did not seem to be a reason for the wait. In addition, the circumstances that Pitt put himself in where the attack occurred seemed to be a foolish and avoidable mistake on his part.
It was also nice to see Gracie, the Pitts former housemaid, appear in the book. She is now happily married, and she helps Charlotte find a new housemaid named Minnie Maud. They will watch the Pitt children while Thomas and Charlotte are gone. It is a little surprising that Charlotte would be at peace with leaving her children with someone new, but she was desperate to help with the situation they were facing. For those who are not familiar with the series, this part of the story might not be of much interest.
It was also nice to have the involvement in the case by Vespasia Cumming-Gould, one of Charlotte’s relatives, who is a character that appears in many books in the series. She is an amazing character and plays a pivotal role.
Narroway has been attracted to Charlotte which adds an additional layer to the story. This is something that the author has slipped into her novels in the past with different characters and I hope this will be the last we see of it. Charlotte is remarkable and worth admiring but the idea is becoming a bit repetitive.
There are twists and turns at the end. Pitt faces trying to figure out who he can trust at the Special Branch. The pace is good, but the ending is nearly abrupt which is true of almost all of the author’s novels.
Two small nitpicks – first, at the beginning of the book, Thomas and an associate run after a criminal for 1 ½ hours. It seemed like an exceptionally long time. Second, why did Thomas have his passport on him when he had a routine day of work planned?
The author did a good job at describing facial movements and gestures that a person would naturally make. The point of view varies between Charlotte, Thomas, and Narraway. It is easy to tell when the POV changes. The dialogue seems appropriate to the time.
I plan to continue reading this series.
This book is part of the Charlotte and Thomas Pitt series. There were a few small references to things that happened in earlier books, but they were explained.
Lisson Grove is where the Special Branch that investigates treason and terrorism is located. The story involves a traitor in the Special Branch that comes as a complete surprise to Commander Narroway and to the Pitts. Narroway is relieved from his duties unless he finds irrefutable proof that some made up evidence against him is false.
Narroway is shocked and not sure what to do. A loyal follower at the Special Branch, Stoker, gives him some information that leads him to believe that the betrayal stems from an old case that he worked on. He decides to go to Ireland to investigate the matter and some of the book is about the troubles between Ireland and England.
Thomas is in France following a trail to a group of people who do not normally work together. He believes that whatever they are working on must be something big to get them all to work together. He is unaware of what is happening with Narroway.
When Narroway tells Charlotte what is happening with Thomas she immediately realizes that Pitt is in danger as well. He is not aware of the traitor within the Special Branch and, because he is a Narroway loyalist, is in danger of being framed or left to the hands to the traitors. Charlotte offers her help to Narroway in the hopes that she can help exonerate him and that Pitt will survive whatever will happen at the Special Branch. It was nice to see Charlotte get an active role in the books again. In the last few books, her role was minimized.
The pieces begin to come together but slowly. Eventually, the reason that Narroway was framed is revealed and the plan was breathtakingly ambitious. The connection between what Thomas and Charlotte worked on was gradually made known.
Spoiler…Pitt is attacked, and it seemed highly unlikely that the person who attacked him would wait as long as he did. The attack could have happened much sooner and there did not seem to be a reason for the wait. In addition, the circumstances that Pitt put himself in where the attack occurred seemed to be a foolish and avoidable mistake on his part.
It was also nice to see Gracie, the Pitts former housemaid, appear in the book. She is now happily married, and she helps Charlotte find a new housemaid named Minnie Maud. They will watch the Pitt children while Thomas and Charlotte are gone. It is a little surprising that Charlotte would be at peace with leaving her children with someone new, but she was desperate to help with the situation they were facing. For those who are not familiar with the series, this part of the story might not be of much interest.
It was also nice to have the involvement in the case by Vespasia Cumming-Gould, one of Charlotte’s relatives, who is a character that appears in many books in the series. She is an amazing character and plays a pivotal role.
Narroway has been attracted to Charlotte which adds an additional layer to the story. This is something that the author has slipped into her novels in the past with different characters and I hope this will be the last we see of it. Charlotte is remarkable and worth admiring but the idea is becoming a bit repetitive.
There are twists and turns at the end. Pitt faces trying to figure out who he can trust at the Special Branch. The pace is good, but the ending is nearly abrupt which is true of almost all of the author’s novels.
Two small nitpicks – first, at the beginning of the book, Thomas and an associate run after a criminal for 1 ½ hours. It seemed like an exceptionally long time. Second, why did Thomas have his passport on him when he had a routine day of work planned?
The author did a good job at describing facial movements and gestures that a person would naturally make. The point of view varies between Charlotte, Thomas, and Narraway. It is easy to tell when the POV changes. The dialogue seems appropriate to the time.
I plan to continue reading this series.
August 31, 2024
**MINOR SPOILERS**
This book is part of the Charlotte and Thomas Pitt series. There were a few small references to things that happened in earlier books, but they were explained.
Lisson Grove is where the Special Branch that investigates treason and terrorism is located. The story involves a traitor in the Special Branch that comes as a complete surprise to Commander Narroway and to the Pitts. Narroway is relieved from his duties unless he finds irrefutable proof that some made up evidence against him is false.
Narroway is shocked and not sure what to do. A loyal follower at the Special Branch, Stoker, gives him some information that leads him to believe that the betrayal stems from an old case that he worked on. He decides to go to Ireland to investigate the matter and some of the book is about the troubles between Ireland and England.
Thomas is in France following a trail to a group of people who do not normally work together. He believes that whatever they are working on must be something big to get them all to work together. He is unaware of what is happening with Narroway.
When Narroway tells Charlotte what is happening with Thomas she immediately realizes that Pitt is in danger as well. He is not aware of the traitor within the Special Branch and, because he is a Narroway loyalist, is in danger of being framed or left to the hands to the traitors. Charlotte offers her help to Narroway in the hopes that she can help exonerate him and that Pitt will survive whatever will happen at the Special Branch. It was nice to see Charlotte get an active role in the books again. In the last few books, her role was minimized.
The pieces begin to come together but slowly. Eventually, the reason that Narroway was framed is revealed and the plan was breathtakingly ambitious. The connection between what Thomas and Charlotte worked on was gradually made known.
Spoiler…Pitt is attacked, and it seemed highly unlikely that the person who attacked him would wait as long as he did. The attack could have happened much sooner and there did not seem to be a reason for the wait. In addition, the circumstances that Pitt put himself in where the attack occurred seemed to be a foolish and avoidable mistake on his part.
It was also nice to see Gracie, the Pitts former housemaid, appear in the book. She is now happily married, and she helps Charlotte find a new housemaid named Minnie Maud. They will watch the Pitt children while Thomas and Charlotte are gone. It is a little surprising that Charlotte would be at peace with leaving her children with someone new, but she was desperate to help with the situation they were facing. For those who are not familiar with the series, this part of the story might not be of much interest.
It was also nice to have the involvement in the case by Vespasia Cumming-Gould, one of Charlotte’s relatives, who is a character that appears in many books in the series. She is an amazing character and plays a pivotal role.
Narroway has been attracted to Charlotte which adds an additional layer to the story. This is something that the author has slipped into her novels in the past with different characters and I hope this will be the last we see of it. Charlotte is remarkable and worth admiring but the idea is becoming a bit repetitive.
There are twists and turns at the end. Pitt faces trying to figure out who he can trust at the Special Branch. The pace is good, but the ending is nearly abrupt which is true of almost all of the author’s novels.
Two small nitpicks – first, at the beginning of the book, Thomas and an associate run after a criminal for 1 ½ hours. It seemed like an exceptionally long time. Second, why did Thomas have his passport on him when he had a routine day of work planned?
The author did a good job at describing facial movements and gestures that a person would naturally make. The point of view varies between Charlotte, Thomas, and Narraway. It is easy to tell when the POV changes. The dialogue seems appropriate to the time.
I plan to continue reading this series.
This book is part of the Charlotte and Thomas Pitt series. There were a few small references to things that happened in earlier books, but they were explained.
Lisson Grove is where the Special Branch that investigates treason and terrorism is located. The story involves a traitor in the Special Branch that comes as a complete surprise to Commander Narroway and to the Pitts. Narroway is relieved from his duties unless he finds irrefutable proof that some made up evidence against him is false.
Narroway is shocked and not sure what to do. A loyal follower at the Special Branch, Stoker, gives him some information that leads him to believe that the betrayal stems from an old case that he worked on. He decides to go to Ireland to investigate the matter and some of the book is about the troubles between Ireland and England.
Thomas is in France following a trail to a group of people who do not normally work together. He believes that whatever they are working on must be something big to get them all to work together. He is unaware of what is happening with Narroway.
When Narroway tells Charlotte what is happening with Thomas she immediately realizes that Pitt is in danger as well. He is not aware of the traitor within the Special Branch and, because he is a Narroway loyalist, is in danger of being framed or left to the hands to the traitors. Charlotte offers her help to Narroway in the hopes that she can help exonerate him and that Pitt will survive whatever will happen at the Special Branch. It was nice to see Charlotte get an active role in the books again. In the last few books, her role was minimized.
The pieces begin to come together but slowly. Eventually, the reason that Narroway was framed is revealed and the plan was breathtakingly ambitious. The connection between what Thomas and Charlotte worked on was gradually made known.
Spoiler…Pitt is attacked, and it seemed highly unlikely that the person who attacked him would wait as long as he did. The attack could have happened much sooner and there did not seem to be a reason for the wait. In addition, the circumstances that Pitt put himself in where the attack occurred seemed to be a foolish and avoidable mistake on his part.
It was also nice to see Gracie, the Pitts former housemaid, appear in the book. She is now happily married, and she helps Charlotte find a new housemaid named Minnie Maud. They will watch the Pitt children while Thomas and Charlotte are gone. It is a little surprising that Charlotte would be at peace with leaving her children with someone new, but she was desperate to help with the situation they were facing. For those who are not familiar with the series, this part of the story might not be of much interest.
It was also nice to have the involvement in the case by Vespasia Cumming-Gould, one of Charlotte’s relatives, who is a character that appears in many books in the series. She is an amazing character and plays a pivotal role.
Narroway has been attracted to Charlotte which adds an additional layer to the story. This is something that the author has slipped into her novels in the past with different characters and I hope this will be the last we see of it. Charlotte is remarkable and worth admiring but the idea is becoming a bit repetitive.
There are twists and turns at the end. Pitt faces trying to figure out who he can trust at the Special Branch. The pace is good, but the ending is nearly abrupt which is true of almost all of the author’s novels.
Two small nitpicks – first, at the beginning of the book, Thomas and an associate run after a criminal for 1 ½ hours. It seemed like an exceptionally long time. Second, why did Thomas have his passport on him when he had a routine day of work planned?
The author did a good job at describing facial movements and gestures that a person would naturally make. The point of view varies between Charlotte, Thomas, and Narraway. It is easy to tell when the POV changes. The dialogue seems appropriate to the time.
I plan to continue reading this series.
August 3, 2017
I asked for more Charlotte and I got it.... Plot uses both of the Pitts. Good story.
The man who lies bleeding to death in a London brickyard is no ordinary drifter but a secret informant prepared to divulge details of a potentially devastating international plot against the British government. Special Branch officer Thomas Pitt, hastening to rendezvous with him, arrives a second too late, preceded by a knife-wielding assassin. As the mortally wounded man’s life slips away, so too does the information Pitt desperately needs. The killer in turn flees on an erratic course that leads Pitt in wild pursuit, from London’s cobblestone streets to picturesque St. Malo on the French coast.
Meanwhile, Pitt’s supervisor, the formidable Victor Narraway, finds himself accused of embezzling government funds. With Pitt incommunicado in France, Narraway turns to Pitt’s clever wife, Charlotte, for help. The man who badmouthed Narraway and ruined his career with innuendo can be found in Ireland—so Charlotte agrees to pose as Narraway’s sister and accompany him to Dublin to investigate.
But unknown to Pitt and Narraway, a shadowy plotter is setting a trap that, once sprung, could destroy not just reputations, but the British empire itsel
The man who lies bleeding to death in a London brickyard is no ordinary drifter but a secret informant prepared to divulge details of a potentially devastating international plot against the British government. Special Branch officer Thomas Pitt, hastening to rendezvous with him, arrives a second too late, preceded by a knife-wielding assassin. As the mortally wounded man’s life slips away, so too does the information Pitt desperately needs. The killer in turn flees on an erratic course that leads Pitt in wild pursuit, from London’s cobblestone streets to picturesque St. Malo on the French coast.
Meanwhile, Pitt’s supervisor, the formidable Victor Narraway, finds himself accused of embezzling government funds. With Pitt incommunicado in France, Narraway turns to Pitt’s clever wife, Charlotte, for help. The man who badmouthed Narraway and ruined his career with innuendo can be found in Ireland—so Charlotte agrees to pose as Narraway’s sister and accompany him to Dublin to investigate.
But unknown to Pitt and Narraway, a shadowy plotter is setting a trap that, once sprung, could destroy not just reputations, but the British empire itsel
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