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knboereads's review against another edition
5.0
No sooner did I finish the first than I started on the second. This was one, if possible, was even more scandalous and heartbreaking (and amusing and surprising) than the first. The mystery had me suspecting everyone and introduced characters I hope to be repeated in the series.
I devoured this in a day if it is any indication of how good it was. If you are a fan of Victorian mysteries with a slight twist, then this series is one I would recommend.
I devoured this in a day if it is any indication of how good it was. If you are a fan of Victorian mysteries with a slight twist, then this series is one I would recommend.
maribel_books's review
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? No
3.5
diannel_04's review against another edition
4.0
I realized that I had fallen behind with this series so I decided to start reading the books again, in order. I'm glad I did. Anne Perry's Thomas Pitt series is a wonderful look into the world of Victorian England with its working class people and toffs being forced to come together by crime.
I really enjoy this series.
I really enjoy this series.
misshonky's review
2.0
Segunda novela de la serie protagonizada por el inspector Pitt y su mujer Charlotte, me ha resultado demasiado lenta y a ratos incluso cansina y pesada, quizás por lo reducido del lugar de los hechos y sus protagonistas, los habitantes de la plaza en la que suceden los asesinatos y toda la historia. Sin embargo, el escenario victoriano y la siempre estimulante Charlotte me han llevado a terminarla.
inger70's review against another edition
4.0
Really enjoying these mysteries. Again, a great pool of possible suspects, which makes figuring it out a lot more fun.
ubalstecha's review against another edition
3.0
The bodies of two babies have been found in a garden bed in toney Callander Square. Inspector Pitt is sent into investigate, but finds the inhabitants close-lipped and snobbish. To that end, his wife, Charlotte, with the help of her sister Emily, goes undercover in one of the big houses to help her husband catch a murderer. What she finds is layers of scandal, gossip and old wounds that indicate that almost anyone could be guilty.
Second of the Pitt mysteries, this one's ending is a bit quick and doesn't connect well to the rest of the story. Still, Charlotte is an engaging heroine and Pitt's love of her shines through much of this story. The gossipy wealthy's stories are thoroughly engaging and help make-up for the mystery plot weaknesses. It was interesting to see how certain characters managed to gain power even within the very strict confines of Victorian society.
Second of the Pitt mysteries, this one's ending is a bit quick and doesn't connect well to the rest of the story. Still, Charlotte is an engaging heroine and Pitt's love of her shines through much of this story. The gossipy wealthy's stories are thoroughly engaging and help make-up for the mystery plot weaknesses. It was interesting to see how certain characters managed to gain power even within the very strict confines of Victorian society.
whatandreawrote's review against another edition
2.0
Another wonderful audiobook narration by Davina Porter.
I loved that Emily and Charlotte got to play a larger role in this one, and while I found it hard to keep all the characters straight at first, I got used to it.
I was disappointed at the loose end of Jemima's dismissal, but otherwise thought that the novel wrapped up nicely.
I loved that Emily and Charlotte got to play a larger role in this one, and while I found it hard to keep all the characters straight at first, I got used to it.
I was disappointed at the loose end of Jemima's dismissal, but otherwise thought that the novel wrapped up nicely.
book4merk's review against another edition
challenging
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
bev_reads_mysteries's review against another edition
3.0
When a couple of gardeners beginning digging to add another plan to the garden in the exclusive Callander Square, they discover the tiny remains of two infants. Inspector Thomas Pitt is called upon to discreetly investigate and finds himself running into roadblocks among the socially superior residents of the square. Even their servants are reluctant to given any help to the police and no one will admit knowledge of any unwanted pregnancies. His sister-in-law, Lady Emily Ashworth, finding herself a trifle bored with the standard rounds of social calls, decides that she can put her rank to work and help Charlotte's policeman out. She very cleverly elicits gossip and rumors--illicit relations between the well-born and their servants and extracurricular activities among the gentry as well. Soon she and Charlotte devise a way for Charlotte to go undercover in one of the houses on the square--providing organizational assistance to General Balantyne who is writing a family history. Between the bits and pieces discovered by Charlotte and Emily and his own investigations, Pitt soon puts together a trail that leads to blackmail and ultimately to the killer, but not before there are more deaths.
This is my second re-visitation to the world of Thomas & Charlotte Pitt. I may not have been baffled by the first one (having remembered all the details--even twenty years later), but I have to give Perry credit for keeping the criminal hidden this time. Apparently this one didn't imprint itself upon my memory quite as solidly--and, truthfully, I didn't find the story quite as compelling as that in The Cater Street Hangman. Not that it isn't a good one--it is still very entertaining, but it didn't quite meet the promise of the first.
We do see a bit more of Pitt in action and I think his appearances are balanced nicely with the efforts of Charlotte and Emily. I don't feel like we get quite the insight into the other characters what we did in book one--perhaps because there are more of them. We learn quite a bit about the Balantynes--probably because both Charlotte and Emily spend a great deal of their time in that household. But we learn much less about the others. Only Reggie Southerton receives as much attention.
Overall, an entertaining mystery and I was glad to revisit it after all these years. ★★★ and 1/2.
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block. Please request permission before reposting portions of review. Thanks.
This is my second re-visitation to the world of Thomas & Charlotte Pitt. I may not have been baffled by the first one (having remembered all the details--even twenty years later), but I have to give Perry credit for keeping the criminal hidden this time. Apparently this one didn't imprint itself upon my memory quite as solidly--and, truthfully, I didn't find the story quite as compelling as that in The Cater Street Hangman. Not that it isn't a good one--it is still very entertaining, but it didn't quite meet the promise of the first.
We do see a bit more of Pitt in action and I think his appearances are balanced nicely with the efforts of Charlotte and Emily. I don't feel like we get quite the insight into the other characters what we did in book one--perhaps because there are more of them. We learn quite a bit about the Balantynes--probably because both Charlotte and Emily spend a great deal of their time in that household. But we learn much less about the others. Only Reggie Southerton receives as much attention.
Overall, an entertaining mystery and I was glad to revisit it after all these years. ★★★ and 1/2.
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block. Please request permission before reposting portions of review. Thanks.
nuitpieta's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 Stars
Not quite as good as the first in the series, but still an engaging mystery. Looking forward to reading the next book. Happy reading!
Not quite as good as the first in the series, but still an engaging mystery. Looking forward to reading the next book. Happy reading!