Lorelie L. (artgal36) reviewed Southampton Row (Charlotte & Thomas Pitt, Bk 22) on + 471 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Thomas Pitt prefers the grim routine of murder investigations to the riskier probing of Victorian governmental intrigues. Yet Anne Perry's Southampton Row again finds him displaced from his police command, this time to foil the political ambitions of a ruthless republican.
Charles Voisey, leader of a powerful secret society known as the Inner Circle, was defeated by Pitt when he tried (in The Whitechapel Conspiracy) to abolish the British monarchy. Only months later, though, he's back on top, running for a seat in Parliament. Under the auspices of the newly created Special Branch, Pitt is charged with learning whether Voisey has any "unguarded vulnerabilities." The odds against Pitt succeeding are high; Voisey may be "shallow, self-important [and] condescending," but he impresses voters as more charismatic and less controversial than his opponent, Aubrey Serracold, who's also hobbled by his connection to the recent slaying of a popular spiritualist. While Pitt's wife, Charlotte, and their family are safely out of London on vacation, Pitt, aided by the gruff but dogged Inspector Samuel Tellman, his politically astute sister-in law, and Charlotte's resourceful great-aunt Vespasia, seeks to solve the medium's murder before it can derail Aubrey Serracold's campaign.
Perry expertly portrays the volatile British political climate of the 1890s, and by making Pitt and Tellman rivals in their investigation, she further illuminates both men's characters.
Charles Voisey, leader of a powerful secret society known as the Inner Circle, was defeated by Pitt when he tried (in The Whitechapel Conspiracy) to abolish the British monarchy. Only months later, though, he's back on top, running for a seat in Parliament. Under the auspices of the newly created Special Branch, Pitt is charged with learning whether Voisey has any "unguarded vulnerabilities." The odds against Pitt succeeding are high; Voisey may be "shallow, self-important [and] condescending," but he impresses voters as more charismatic and less controversial than his opponent, Aubrey Serracold, who's also hobbled by his connection to the recent slaying of a popular spiritualist. While Pitt's wife, Charlotte, and their family are safely out of London on vacation, Pitt, aided by the gruff but dogged Inspector Samuel Tellman, his politically astute sister-in law, and Charlotte's resourceful great-aunt Vespasia, seeks to solve the medium's murder before it can derail Aubrey Serracold's campaign.
Perry expertly portrays the volatile British political climate of the 1890s, and by making Pitt and Tellman rivals in their investigation, she further illuminates both men's characters.
Great read
My favorite author - this one revolves around Pitt with help from Lady Vespasia. Spirit mediums round it out
Ann F. (Annabanana) reviewed Southampton Row (Charlotte & Thomas Pitt, Bk 22) on + 22 more book reviews
Good thriller. Helps if you've read some earlier ones.
Calmia Y. (underwriter) reviewed Southampton Row (Charlotte & Thomas Pitt, Bk 22) on + 219 more book reviews
the best Thomas Pitt that I have read
Teri A H. (Nani) reviewed Southampton Row (Charlotte & Thomas Pitt, Bk 22) on + 67 more book reviews
When Anne is sticking to the exciting story, then it is just that intriguing and scary, but when she carries on with what everyone is supposed to be thinking, it gets to be too much speculation and leaves us no place to imagine, which is part of a good read.
Alexandra B. (abutorac) reviewed Southampton Row (Charlotte & Thomas Pitt, Bk 22) on + 10 more book reviews
In Victorian England, a divisive election is fast approaching. Passions are so inflamed that Thomas Pitt, shrewd mainstay of the London police, has been ordered, not to solve a crime, but to prevent a national disaster.
A good detective novel... kept me thinking.
Lynne T. (mignon) reviewed Southampton Row (Charlotte & Thomas Pitt, Bk 22) on + 256 more book reviews
Hard for me to put this one down. A really good mystery, but be prepared to learn or be exposed to more English politics than you really want to know. However, if you want to know, it is a good tutorial. Poor Pitt. He is stuck again in Special Services. I'll be glad when he settles down so we can get more of Charlotte's participation. Lots of twists and turns and a surprise ending. Recommend!
