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Charlotte & Thomas Pitt #5
Rutland Place
A mystery set in Victorian England by the New York Times–bestselling author whose “novels attain the societal sweep of Trollope or Thackeray” (Booklist, starred review).
When her mother asks her help in finding a lost locket with a compromising picture, neither Charlotte Pitt, nor her mother, has any idea that the locket may be at the center of a bizarre chain of events leading to murder. Arriving at her mother’s home at Rutland Place, Charlotte discovers that other residents of the exclusive neighborhood have also suffered similar small thefts. It all appears quite mild as crimes go—a light-fingered servant, perhaps. That is, until Mina Spencer-Brown, a woman known for her prying, is poisoned and dies. Inspector Thomas Pitt quickly surmises that Mina’s snooping might have led to her murder, but what secrets had she stumbled upon? And whose?
As Pitt patiently struggles to break down the protective silence of high-born neighbors, Charlotte works behind the closed doors of society’s drawing rooms to help unravel a mystery that reveals sordid secrets and the chilling, dark corners of human behavior.
217 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1983
862 people are currently reading
1482 people want to read
About the author
Anne Perry
353 books3,371 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 299 reviews
April 15, 2023
The fifth book in the Charlotte and Thomas Pitt series and it is a good one!
It is very hard to summarise this story without going in to too much detail. It begins with small thefts, there are hints of the possibility of blackmail, then there is a death, then another one. That is more or less the plot in a nutshell.
The characters make it interesting. Charlotte's mother and sister, Emily, are drawn into this one and I enjoyed Emily almost as much as I do Charlotte. Thomas in his position in the Police is of course drawn in as well, so the investigating becomes quite a family affair and it is entertaining.
As usual the author writes well, providing an interesting background for her main characters and plenty of criminal activity for them to work with. I will definitely keep reading this series.
It is very hard to summarise this story without going in to too much detail. It begins with small thefts, there are hints of the possibility of blackmail, then there is a death, then another one. That is more or less the plot in a nutshell.
The characters make it interesting. Charlotte's mother and sister, Emily, are drawn into this one and I enjoyed Emily almost as much as I do Charlotte. Thomas in his position in the Police is of course drawn in as well, so the investigating becomes quite a family affair and it is entertaining.
As usual the author writes well, providing an interesting background for her main characters and plenty of criminal activity for them to work with. I will definitely keep reading this series.
September 28, 2018
It all started with small thefts: a silver buttonhook, a gold chain, a snuffbox, a locket. Charlotte Pitt’s mother asks her to come to see her right away. She confides that a locket was stolen – one that her mother-in-law (Charlotte’s paternal grandmother) had given her. Eventually, Charlotte comes to realize why this small theft is so crucial to her mother. The locket contains a photograph. The photograph is not of her father.
Then there is a death. Is it suicide? An accident? Or is it murder? Now both Thomas and Charlotte Pitt are wrapped up in the affairs of Rutland Place – Charlotte’s previous home area. Emily, too, is drawn in as the sisters try to effect some influence on their mother and on their parents’ marriage.
”We haven’t the right to dress anyone else in our dreams and expect them to wear them for us!”
There is another suspected murder and Charlotte puts herself in possible danger trying to resolve it. Then, the stolen items are slowly placed once again with their rightful owners. And there is a subsequent accident followed by death. There appears to be no end to the troublesome events in Rutland Place.
Once again, Anne Perry has written a fascinating and fast-paced Victorian-era mystery novel. A time when Charlotte and her sister Emily stand out as exceptions in the society they were born to. They are strong and smart and capable – moreover, they are not ashamed to be themselves. They both know how to play their proper subordinate roles in society, and they do so: when it pleases them, of course. But when their wits and wiles are needed to sift through flimsy facts and filmy facades, they can apply both with equal ease and grace.
I recommend this novel for people who enjoy mysteries that take place in a time and place that is so different from today’s world, yet is also populated with a few rare people who dare to challenge the status quo while still living within its structured limitations.
Then there is a death. Is it suicide? An accident? Or is it murder? Now both Thomas and Charlotte Pitt are wrapped up in the affairs of Rutland Place – Charlotte’s previous home area. Emily, too, is drawn in as the sisters try to effect some influence on their mother and on their parents’ marriage.
”We haven’t the right to dress anyone else in our dreams and expect them to wear them for us!”
There is another suspected murder and Charlotte puts herself in possible danger trying to resolve it. Then, the stolen items are slowly placed once again with their rightful owners. And there is a subsequent accident followed by death. There appears to be no end to the troublesome events in Rutland Place.
Once again, Anne Perry has written a fascinating and fast-paced Victorian-era mystery novel. A time when Charlotte and her sister Emily stand out as exceptions in the society they were born to. They are strong and smart and capable – moreover, they are not ashamed to be themselves. They both know how to play their proper subordinate roles in society, and they do so: when it pleases them, of course. But when their wits and wiles are needed to sift through flimsy facts and filmy facades, they can apply both with equal ease and grace.
I recommend this novel for people who enjoy mysteries that take place in a time and place that is so different from today’s world, yet is also populated with a few rare people who dare to challenge the status quo while still living within its structured limitations.
August 27, 2011
(Genre:Mystery) I am always torn when I read Anne Perry. She writes a great mystery with distinct characters and wonderful attention to detail for the Victorian English culture. But I usually can only read a book or two of hers before I need a break. Her writing usually explores some hidden and dark elements that we usually don't associate with the time period (probably due to the social constraints at the time, not because they didn't exist). I've asked myself while reading her books if murder must always have some dark and unsavory element behind it and I decided that it isn't unlikely, seeing that it IS murder we are discussing after all, which is a very dark subject.
This novel is the 5th in Perry's Thomas and Charlotte Pitt series. Charlotte is summoned by her mother (Caroline) to her parent's home in Rutland Place to address a private and potentially embarrassing situation that her mother finds herself in. She had a locket stolen with a picture inside of a secret crush/love. While Charlotte strives to help not only to find the locket but to protect her mother from herself, a murder is committed and Inspector Pitt (Charlotte's husband) is called to investigate. Eventually Charlotte's sister Emily also becomes involved as they become embroiled in the investigation. I didn't care for the resolution to the murder revealed at the very end and the dark reason behind it, but the ride to get there had some entertaining moments and it kept me fully engaged.
Here is my favorite "thought provoking" quote from the book. Charlotte is confronting her mother about her mother's infatuation and making the case that she doesn't really know the man and he doesn't really care about her either. He has no idea how seriously Caroline is taking their flirtation because Caroline is feeling a little lonely and overlooked at home by her husband. Charlotte tells her mother that she is just pinning her romantic ideals on this other gentleman without truly knowing him. "We haven't the right to dress anyone else in our dreams and expect them to wear them for us! That isn't love! It's infatuation, and it's childish--and dangerous! Just think how unbearably lonely it must be! Would you like to live with someone who didn't even look at or listen to you, but only used you as a figure of fantasy? Someone to pretend about, someone to make responsible for all your emotions so that they are to blame if you are happy or unhappy? You have no right to do that to anyone else." I thought it was a great argument. Especially since we live in a culture where we often mistakenly label infatuation and passion as "love", which is much deeper and less selfish in nature.
This novel is the 5th in Perry's Thomas and Charlotte Pitt series. Charlotte is summoned by her mother (Caroline) to her parent's home in Rutland Place to address a private and potentially embarrassing situation that her mother finds herself in. She had a locket stolen with a picture inside of a secret crush/love. While Charlotte strives to help not only to find the locket but to protect her mother from herself, a murder is committed and Inspector Pitt (Charlotte's husband) is called to investigate. Eventually Charlotte's sister Emily also becomes involved as they become embroiled in the investigation. I didn't care for the resolution to the murder revealed at the very end and the dark reason behind it, but the ride to get there had some entertaining moments and it kept me fully engaged.
Here is my favorite "thought provoking" quote from the book. Charlotte is confronting her mother about her mother's infatuation and making the case that she doesn't really know the man and he doesn't really care about her either. He has no idea how seriously Caroline is taking their flirtation because Caroline is feeling a little lonely and overlooked at home by her husband. Charlotte tells her mother that she is just pinning her romantic ideals on this other gentleman without truly knowing him. "We haven't the right to dress anyone else in our dreams and expect them to wear them for us! That isn't love! It's infatuation, and it's childish--and dangerous! Just think how unbearably lonely it must be! Would you like to live with someone who didn't even look at or listen to you, but only used you as a figure of fantasy? Someone to pretend about, someone to make responsible for all your emotions so that they are to blame if you are happy or unhappy? You have no right to do that to anyone else." I thought it was a great argument. Especially since we live in a culture where we often mistakenly label infatuation and passion as "love", which is much deeper and less selfish in nature.
December 6, 2020
It is difficult to keep a series going, to prevent it from becoming repetitive. Perhaps this is especially true for a series set in Victorian England, where the main characters are women and the roles allowed them are so very narrow.
The Charlotte and Thomas Pitt series is premised on the idea that upper class society will not open up and allow the police to discover the murderers and other types of dirty laundry in their midst. That Charlotte and Emily are privileged, high-born women that gives them access that they would not otherwise have. As Charlotte argues, "But if we ask questions and investigate a little, we may perceive things that [the police] could not. People are not going to tell the police more than they can help, are they?” (p. 120).
Of course, as Charlotte's equally bright and curious husband is (scandalously) a police officer, this can put her and him on opposite sides of an investigation, sometimes leading to problems.
This is the third in the Charlotte and Thomas Pitt series that I've read this year. That was a mistake, even though I've probably read 50 or more books between the first of these and the last. Each of these three books has a woman-centered theme: this one about what women will do when their men – fathers, brothers, and husbands – underestimate them and leave them too little air. This is, of course, an important question, with different answers for different women.
Charlotte and her sister are bright and curious, although the period is one that boxes them in and leaves them less interesting than they would otherwise be.
I would gobble down potato chips and Twinkies, but don't eat either, as I don't really like them. I tend to gobble mysteries, as their predictability is often reassuring in stressful times. I should refrain from such gobbling, though, as their consumption is not good for me nor the books that I am reviewing.
I'm happiest with those mysteries that make me slow down and think.
The Charlotte and Thomas Pitt series is premised on the idea that upper class society will not open up and allow the police to discover the murderers and other types of dirty laundry in their midst. That Charlotte and Emily are privileged, high-born women that gives them access that they would not otherwise have. As Charlotte argues, "But if we ask questions and investigate a little, we may perceive things that [the police] could not. People are not going to tell the police more than they can help, are they?” (p. 120).
Of course, as Charlotte's equally bright and curious husband is (scandalously) a police officer, this can put her and him on opposite sides of an investigation, sometimes leading to problems.
This is the third in the Charlotte and Thomas Pitt series that I've read this year. That was a mistake, even though I've probably read 50 or more books between the first of these and the last. Each of these three books has a woman-centered theme: this one about what women will do when their men – fathers, brothers, and husbands – underestimate them and leave them too little air. This is, of course, an important question, with different answers for different women.
Charlotte and her sister are bright and curious, although the period is one that boxes them in and leaves them less interesting than they would otherwise be.
I would gobble down potato chips and Twinkies, but don't eat either, as I don't really like them. I tend to gobble mysteries, as their predictability is often reassuring in stressful times. I should refrain from such gobbling, though, as their consumption is not good for me nor the books that I am reviewing.
I'm happiest with those mysteries that make me slow down and think.
April 4, 2016
Having read a number of Pitt mysteries, I can honestly say this was not my favourite. Too much of the time was devoted to women at tea and idle chatter in drawing rooms. Life must have been incredibly dull for well to do ladies in the 19th Century. I much prefer those stories involving Thomas Pitt out in the streets trying to solve some grisly murder!!
May 10, 2020
Society In polite circles dictated they only spoke using innuendo, loaded questions and smears. ...! How sad to have lived in that era where plain outspokenness was unforgivable.
I found it refreshing that some of the female characters appeared to break that mould, if only in a small & desperate way!
I found it refreshing that some of the female characters appeared to break that mould, if only in a small & desperate way!
June 4, 2022
If Thomas Pitt and William Monk got together and opened a private investigation business, they would starve to death. If there have been less skilled detectives in the history of crime fiction I have not come across them.
Enjoying this series all the same, though slightly less than the Monk series.
Enjoying this series all the same, though slightly less than the Monk series.
October 8, 2018
Fifth in the Charlotte & Thomas Pitt historical mystery series set in late Victorian London and revolving around Detective Inspector Pitt and his busybody of a wife.
My Take
This particular story provides an in-depth look at how the mere accident of losing a trinket can have a profound effect on everyone in one's circle. Followed with that step up to true scandal whether it's murder or stepping out on one's spouse.
For all the desperation Caroline feels about recovering her locket, I don't see why she doesn't come right out and explain what she fears. Instead she just keeps dancing and dancing about. And considering how reluctant she is to explain, you'd think she'd realize what she was doing was wrong. Grandmama could do with a few smacks, oy, whine, bitch, complain, moan, and groan. "Nothing's been the same since Prince Albert died in '61. He was a man with standards! No wonder the poor Queen is in perpetual mourning—"
Ambrosine is too funny. She prefers to hire cooks with a nice hand with cakes and pastries. The current cook can't cook soup and...it's just what her husband loves. Oh well.
It is a nice peek into "current events" as all this taking tea requires chit-chat about the latest books, Society news, dancehall songs, and the interactions between men and women. Thank you for today's attitudes! The telephone is just coming into use---not at the station of course.
I am curious as to why Mr. Charrington was so anxious for Pitt to believe that Mina Spencer-Brown was unhappy, neurotic, and unstable. The only neighbor while all the rest thought just the opposite. The sisters' exchanges with Alaric are really very vague.
The segue into discovering just where and how Ottilie Charrington died was certainly fun! And very unexpected.
The Story
The potential for disaster is horrendous and Caroline Ellison finally writes Charlotte for help. After all, Charlotte has worked on cases for her husband, this is no different except they will avoid the scandal of a policeman on the doorstep.
Obviously one mustn't mention what one has lost, so Caroline and Charlotte make the rounds of the neighbors calling on them and dropping hints, looking for any sign of guilt or information. Giving us an inside look at the relationships between each of Mrs. Ellison's neighbors. Quite a useful start when one of them is murdered. Quite dismaying as Charlotte realizes how far much her mother has fallen emotionally. At which point, she engages Emily's aid. Good heavens, if her father should find out! A divorce! It would reverberate onto everyone in the family...!
And Mrs. Spencer-Brown's murder is not the only tragedy to strike in Rutland Place. A tragic carriage accident has laid out Tormod Lagarde and his sister is just beside herself. Naturally the hideous Amaryllis doesn't hold back.
The Characters
Charlotte has married down---to a policeman of all things! Thomas Pitt has the manners and speech of Charlotte's class, but certainly not the appearance. Dudley Athelstan is Pitt's superior and most anxious that this death be a suicide.
Gracie is the maid the Pitts have hired to help with 18-month-old Jemima with plans for her to help when the coming babe is born.
Caroline and Edward Ellison are Charlotte's parents. Emily, Lady Ashworth, is her younger sister. Grandmama Ellison is a major pain and lives with Caroline and Edward. Maddock is the Ellison family butler who has been through quite a bit with the family.
Of the neighbors in Rutland Place, there is Ambrosine (very eccentric) and Lovell Charrington (very uptight) with their remaining son Inigo who takes after Mama (their beloved daughter Ottilie died); the very critical and poking Mina and Alston Spencer-Brown; Eloise and Tormod Lagarde, an orphaned brother and sister; the spiteful Mrs. Amaryllis Denbigh is quite up in her own worth and dismisses anyone she feels is beneath her; and, Theodora von Schenck (Amaryllis' sister) is a widow with a great deal more money than previously.
Monsieur Paul Alaric who lives in Paragon Walk near Lady Ashworth. Dr. Mulgrew seems to tend to most of the people in Rutland Place with a special affection for the late Ottilie. Ada Church is a famous music hall performer.
The Title
The title is abrupt and to the point for all the action takes place in Rutland Place.
My Take
This particular story provides an in-depth look at how the mere accident of losing a trinket can have a profound effect on everyone in one's circle. Followed with that step up to true scandal whether it's murder or stepping out on one's spouse.
For all the desperation Caroline feels about recovering her locket, I don't see why she doesn't come right out and explain what she fears. Instead she just keeps dancing and dancing about. And considering how reluctant she is to explain, you'd think she'd realize what she was doing was wrong. Grandmama could do with a few smacks, oy, whine, bitch, complain, moan, and groan. "Nothing's been the same since Prince Albert died in '61. He was a man with standards! No wonder the poor Queen is in perpetual mourning—"
Ambrosine is too funny. She prefers to hire cooks with a nice hand with cakes and pastries. The current cook can't cook soup and...it's just what her husband loves. Oh well.
It is a nice peek into "current events" as all this taking tea requires chit-chat about the latest books, Society news, dancehall songs, and the interactions between men and women. Thank you for today's attitudes! The telephone is just coming into use---not at the station of course.
I am curious as to why Mr. Charrington was so anxious for Pitt to believe that Mina Spencer-Brown was unhappy, neurotic, and unstable. The only neighbor while all the rest thought just the opposite. The sisters' exchanges with Alaric are really very vague.
The segue into discovering just where and how Ottilie Charrington died was certainly fun! And very unexpected.
The Story
The potential for disaster is horrendous and Caroline Ellison finally writes Charlotte for help. After all, Charlotte has worked on cases for her husband, this is no different except they will avoid the scandal of a policeman on the doorstep.
Obviously one mustn't mention what one has lost, so Caroline and Charlotte make the rounds of the neighbors calling on them and dropping hints, looking for any sign of guilt or information. Giving us an inside look at the relationships between each of Mrs. Ellison's neighbors. Quite a useful start when one of them is murdered. Quite dismaying as Charlotte realizes how far much her mother has fallen emotionally. At which point, she engages Emily's aid. Good heavens, if her father should find out! A divorce! It would reverberate onto everyone in the family...!
And Mrs. Spencer-Brown's murder is not the only tragedy to strike in Rutland Place. A tragic carriage accident has laid out Tormod Lagarde and his sister is just beside herself. Naturally the hideous Amaryllis doesn't hold back.
The Characters
Charlotte has married down---to a policeman of all things! Thomas Pitt has the manners and speech of Charlotte's class, but certainly not the appearance. Dudley Athelstan is Pitt's superior and most anxious that this death be a suicide.
Gracie is the maid the Pitts have hired to help with 18-month-old Jemima with plans for her to help when the coming babe is born.
Caroline and Edward Ellison are Charlotte's parents. Emily, Lady Ashworth, is her younger sister. Grandmama Ellison is a major pain and lives with Caroline and Edward. Maddock is the Ellison family butler who has been through quite a bit with the family.
Of the neighbors in Rutland Place, there is Ambrosine (very eccentric) and Lovell Charrington (very uptight) with their remaining son Inigo who takes after Mama (their beloved daughter Ottilie died); the very critical and poking Mina and Alston Spencer-Brown; Eloise and Tormod Lagarde, an orphaned brother and sister; the spiteful Mrs. Amaryllis Denbigh is quite up in her own worth and dismisses anyone she feels is beneath her; and, Theodora von Schenck (Amaryllis' sister) is a widow with a great deal more money than previously.
Monsieur Paul Alaric who lives in Paragon Walk near Lady Ashworth. Dr. Mulgrew seems to tend to most of the people in Rutland Place with a special affection for the late Ottilie. Ada Church is a famous music hall performer.
The Title
The title is abrupt and to the point for all the action takes place in Rutland Place.
May 6, 2022
While I've had some busy days, they shouldn't have been so busy that I forgot I read this 5 days later writing this review.
This was fine! I read this on a sick day when my brain was foggy and it was perfect for that.
This time, the crime takes place on Charlotte's mother's street, and as she's doing her detecting, she's dragging her mother around. As always, the crime is revealed to be the sort of thing that Doesn't Happen in better neighborhoods.
If you're looking for a short, historical cozy mystery, these get the the job done.
This was fine! I read this on a sick day when my brain was foggy and it was perfect for that.
This time, the crime takes place on Charlotte's mother's street, and as she's doing her detecting, she's dragging her mother around. As always, the crime is revealed to be the sort of thing that Doesn't Happen in better neighborhoods.
If you're looking for a short, historical cozy mystery, these get the the job done.
February 1, 2016
As much as I love Anne Perry I really didn't care much for this story. Can't really say why though.
Charlotte's mother, Carolyn, has a missing necklace with a photo she does not wish anyone to see. The photo is of someone other than her husband and she is afraid the person who has it will try to blackmail her with it. Whil shee has done nothing wrong (this is just an infatuation) she knows everyone will think the worst of her.
While Charlotte, her husband, sister and mother look for the necklace a young woman is murdered though the extablishment wants to call it suicide. As they dig deeper they find that this woman holds many secrets most of which she uses to embarass or blackmail others. The trick is to find out who wanted her dead before their secret could be revealed.
Charlotte's mother, Carolyn, has a missing necklace with a photo she does not wish anyone to see. The photo is of someone other than her husband and she is afraid the person who has it will try to blackmail her with it. Whil shee has done nothing wrong (this is just an infatuation) she knows everyone will think the worst of her.
While Charlotte, her husband, sister and mother look for the necklace a young woman is murdered though the extablishment wants to call it suicide. As they dig deeper they find that this woman holds many secrets most of which she uses to embarass or blackmail others. The trick is to find out who wanted her dead before their secret could be revealed.
March 2, 2023
Una serie de pequeños robos está afectando a los habitantes de Rutland Place, Caroline, la madre de Charlotte, pide su ayuda, ya que ella también ha sido afectada. La inocente investigación se cruza con una extraña muerte, fue accidente, suicidio o asesinato???
Quinto libro de la serie de Charlotte y Thomas Pitt, me lo leí en un par de días, me sigue gustando mucho esta historia. Muy recomendada.
Quinto libro de la serie de Charlotte y Thomas Pitt, me lo leí en un par de días, me sigue gustando mucho esta historia. Muy recomendada.
March 16, 2009
I think I’m beginning to understand the attraction to Anne Perry. I think she writes for slow readers, so that is the pace I set for this novel. I took care to absorb every word, and I very nearly escaped re-reading of any lines or passages. I was able to follow the story line and even the implied meanings of conversation, although I’m unsure how anyone of this time period ever knew what they were talking about. They most definitely were never certain of another person’s intention, even when plain words were used. I felt validated by some of the characters’ apparent confusion by the teatime topic.
Tangential observations aside, Miss Perry has captured a vision of the entire culture of this time, as if she had access to ladies’ diaries from the 1800’s. She doesn’t seem inclined to impose her own view upon history, and there is little I find to object to her portrayal of this time period. In fact, it’s like peering through a window into a whole other world. We’re presented with the best, worst, and everything in between pertaining to Victorian-era England. I find I long for its nobility and disdain its lack of freedom. (Are those two concepts intertwined?) Most amazing is how her hero and heroine find the answer without forensic science and with very little evidence. Sheer persistence and novelty in thought seems to bring about the solution.
I thought this book was interesting, but my opinion of Anne Perry as an author is still undecided. Rarely does it take me so long to form an opinion on an author, but here I am after completing my third book, still not sure. Honestly, her writing is so stylized that it has taken me several novels to become accustomed to it. I might have taken me this long to understand her prose. Now that I know the best way to understand her, I think I’ll need to read even more to decide if I like her work or not.
I am beginning to get the feeling that these novels might be formulaic. Anne Perry likes the manic murderer, especially those who are secretly or recently insane. It seems to be the answer to the unanswerable question. I remember a particular few weeks where I was obsessed with crime dramas on television. I began to ask myself if anyone sane person commits murder, or if no sane person ever would. Does any person who willingly slays another of their kind have to be touched with madness? After carefully considering it, I decided it must be nearly irrefutably true. Those who kill others in the most noble of causes, such as war or the defense of the innocent, are often times driven to the edge of sanity. It stands to reason that those who commit murder for the most wicked of causes may also be the most prone to madness.
The admiration or affection of our main character(s) also seems to be essential to the formula. Miss Perry knows that we least suspect those we love and attempts to deflect suspicion with trust. In the past two novels I’ve read, we end of with the deepest of sympathy for the murderer, realizing that desperate times really did drive them to desperate measures. Justice is diverted from the oppressed, and we see that the murderer’s individual circumstances and particular disposition led them to their inevitable acts. No question is raised about whether the murder was justified. Surely not everyone based in reality that has experienced all or part of the same circumstance committed murder. Yet we do not question this character who did.
Our final part of the formula is dramatic or even comedic side stories. Our other suspects must eventually come out with their alibis or reasonable explanations. At times these characters are wildly outrageous, and that gives us our entertainment and break from the drama of the murder. One by one we eliminate our potential murderers until only the guilty party remains to confess their awful secrets and justification for murder.
I’ll read Anne Perry again, and probably soon. I’ve referred to her before as a weaver, and she has proven once again her particular talent for merging many characters and their individual worlds into one complete story.
Tangential observations aside, Miss Perry has captured a vision of the entire culture of this time, as if she had access to ladies’ diaries from the 1800’s. She doesn’t seem inclined to impose her own view upon history, and there is little I find to object to her portrayal of this time period. In fact, it’s like peering through a window into a whole other world. We’re presented with the best, worst, and everything in between pertaining to Victorian-era England. I find I long for its nobility and disdain its lack of freedom. (Are those two concepts intertwined?) Most amazing is how her hero and heroine find the answer without forensic science and with very little evidence. Sheer persistence and novelty in thought seems to bring about the solution.
I thought this book was interesting, but my opinion of Anne Perry as an author is still undecided. Rarely does it take me so long to form an opinion on an author, but here I am after completing my third book, still not sure. Honestly, her writing is so stylized that it has taken me several novels to become accustomed to it. I might have taken me this long to understand her prose. Now that I know the best way to understand her, I think I’ll need to read even more to decide if I like her work or not.
I am beginning to get the feeling that these novels might be formulaic. Anne Perry likes the manic murderer, especially those who are secretly or recently insane. It seems to be the answer to the unanswerable question. I remember a particular few weeks where I was obsessed with crime dramas on television. I began to ask myself if anyone sane person commits murder, or if no sane person ever would. Does any person who willingly slays another of their kind have to be touched with madness? After carefully considering it, I decided it must be nearly irrefutably true. Those who kill others in the most noble of causes, such as war or the defense of the innocent, are often times driven to the edge of sanity. It stands to reason that those who commit murder for the most wicked of causes may also be the most prone to madness.
The admiration or affection of our main character(s) also seems to be essential to the formula. Miss Perry knows that we least suspect those we love and attempts to deflect suspicion with trust. In the past two novels I’ve read, we end of with the deepest of sympathy for the murderer, realizing that desperate times really did drive them to desperate measures. Justice is diverted from the oppressed, and we see that the murderer’s individual circumstances and particular disposition led them to their inevitable acts. No question is raised about whether the murder was justified. Surely not everyone based in reality that has experienced all or part of the same circumstance committed murder. Yet we do not question this character who did.
Our final part of the formula is dramatic or even comedic side stories. Our other suspects must eventually come out with their alibis or reasonable explanations. At times these characters are wildly outrageous, and that gives us our entertainment and break from the drama of the murder. One by one we eliminate our potential murderers until only the guilty party remains to confess their awful secrets and justification for murder.
I’ll read Anne Perry again, and probably soon. I’ve referred to her before as a weaver, and she has proven once again her particular talent for merging many characters and their individual worlds into one complete story.
May 7, 2020
Thievery!
After the theft of personal items are stolen from her family and some of the neighbors, Charlotte once again, goes undercover to help her husband solve the case.
After the theft of personal items are stolen from her family and some of the neighbors, Charlotte once again, goes undercover to help her husband solve the case.
November 20, 2017
For me it's been the weakest in the series so far. But the atmosphere and the characters (both, main and recurring) are so well portrayed that I'll obviously read the following.
August 5, 2021
Caroline Ellison, mother of Charlotte Pitt [our amateur sleuth who is the wife of a policeman], sends a frantic note to her daughter asking for help with a disturbing "event." When Charlotte arrives at her parents' house, she finds her mother nervous and upset over the loss of a small locket. After much difficulty in getting straight answers from Caroline, Charlotte finally learns that the locket contains a somewhat compromising photograph...of a man who is not Edward Ellison. Caroline has also felt like she's being watched, perhaps by someone biding their time before trying a spot of blackmail. She asks her daughter to help her get to the bottom of the matter.
In the course of paying social calls, Charlotte soon learns that others have had items come up missing as well. Is it just petty thievery or is there more going on? When Mina Spencer-Brown dies of a belladonna overdose, it looks like there is something much nastier going on in Rutland Place--especially when it is proved that she couldn't have taken such a large dose by accident, nor that she had access to the poison. Mina was a woman who like to hint that she knew more than others about certain "mysteries" and "scandals" among her neighbors. Did she hint once too often and to the wrong person? Would the Charringtons kill to keep the secret of their daughter Ottillie's death from being known? Would Theodora von Schenck kill to prevent anyone from finding out where her extra funds come from? Are there other, even more desperate secrets worth killing for? And what do the thefts and Caroline's locket in particular have to do with it all?
There is a bit of a dark streak to this one--the reasons behind the deaths are somewhat disturbing, especially the second one. But there are some very fun moments to this one as well--Charlotte's excursion to the music hall is particularly good. I did enjoy watching Emily maneuver her father into paying more attention to his wife--which is just what Caroline needed to get her mind off a silly infatuation. It was a shame that we didn't see more of Pitt and there is not the urgency in the investigation that we found in the previous book. But overall, a solid mystery and good afternoon's read.
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block.
In the course of paying social calls, Charlotte soon learns that others have had items come up missing as well. Is it just petty thievery or is there more going on? When Mina Spencer-Brown dies of a belladonna overdose, it looks like there is something much nastier going on in Rutland Place--especially when it is proved that she couldn't have taken such a large dose by accident, nor that she had access to the poison. Mina was a woman who like to hint that she knew more than others about certain "mysteries" and "scandals" among her neighbors. Did she hint once too often and to the wrong person? Would the Charringtons kill to keep the secret of their daughter Ottillie's death from being known? Would Theodora von Schenck kill to prevent anyone from finding out where her extra funds come from? Are there other, even more desperate secrets worth killing for? And what do the thefts and Caroline's locket in particular have to do with it all?
There is a bit of a dark streak to this one--the reasons behind the deaths are somewhat disturbing, especially the second one. But there are some very fun moments to this one as well--Charlotte's excursion to the music hall is particularly good. I did enjoy watching Emily maneuver her father into paying more attention to his wife--which is just what Caroline needed to get her mind off a silly infatuation. It was a shame that we didn't see more of Pitt and there is not the urgency in the investigation that we found in the previous book. But overall, a solid mystery and good afternoon's read.
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block.
August 28, 2017
There are numerous reasons to enjoy books. I applaud the reception of “Rutland Place”, 1983 and scowl at three-star feedback or less; protesting “This isn't a typical mystery”. How nice to see most appreciating that a swerve from the usual is a talent and a treat. Think of the opposite. Wouldn't we groan if Anne Perry only churned out cases, without acquaintance of chief characters, personal scenes, and heart? I constantly say this: the most creative mysterious of all are not crimes! This one eventually involves them but the better part follows puzzles: missing items and the cause of a neighbour's death. Caroline & Edward Ellison now reside in Rutland Place.
Caroline consults Charlotte about retrieving her private locket with discretion. She acknowledges the skill with which Charlotte assisted Thomas's police work. When she feels concerned about a direction their Mother is taking, Charlotte summons Emily. A haughty girl I disliked in the first novel, who became fun after marrying and no longer glorifying the status she reached: we are thrilled whenever Emily appears and never disappointed. I love the long period in which letters were commonplace. England's mail is clearly faster than Canada's. It is hilarious when, upon Charlotte's note, Emily races to her house by carriage and exclaims: “What?!” Her first thought is concern for family and secondarily, revelling in her own sleuthing skills. Thomas belatedly becomes connected officially.
It appears Anne burst with plotlines. No one could formulate the outcome, which takes numerous tacks while several scandals are unrelated. Lack of clarity in characters' ages is a hindrance. Anne gave no cues to discern among uniform language and behaviour. Knowing that some characters were young would behove the denouements. I had yearned to see Charlotte with her parents since she married and enjoyed the familial interaction greatly.
Caroline consults Charlotte about retrieving her private locket with discretion. She acknowledges the skill with which Charlotte assisted Thomas's police work. When she feels concerned about a direction their Mother is taking, Charlotte summons Emily. A haughty girl I disliked in the first novel, who became fun after marrying and no longer glorifying the status she reached: we are thrilled whenever Emily appears and never disappointed. I love the long period in which letters were commonplace. England's mail is clearly faster than Canada's. It is hilarious when, upon Charlotte's note, Emily races to her house by carriage and exclaims: “What?!” Her first thought is concern for family and secondarily, revelling in her own sleuthing skills. Thomas belatedly becomes connected officially.
It appears Anne burst with plotlines. No one could formulate the outcome, which takes numerous tacks while several scandals are unrelated. Lack of clarity in characters' ages is a hindrance. Anne gave no cues to discern among uniform language and behaviour. Knowing that some characters were young would behove the denouements. I had yearned to see Charlotte with her parents since she married and enjoyed the familial interaction greatly.
May 25, 2018
I love Anne Perry mysteries. I have most likely read more books by her than any other author. Most of her books were excellent and I have never given any of them I believe less than 3 stars.....Until now. I guess I would rather have Pitt in the lead. This could not keep my attention. know her mysteries are steady with action dispersed throughout but not in a thrilling way, but this one was dull and my mind wandered everywhere which gave me none of the escapism from the toils of life like so many do. I just wanted it to end; And it was a rather short book even. The ending was good if you can make it there. Your tastes may run different but here are my favorite books by this author: The Cater Street Hangman, (I believe this is her first.), Buckingham Palace Gardens, or Death on Blackheath (These are from the Pitt series. And I think her other Victorian series is even better. I loved these 2 so much I read them twice: Cain His Brother (Out of all the books I have read by her this one is totally twisted and psychologically somewhat horror bent- to me anyway. I also read:Defend and Betray which also has a very twisted ending twice (The last 2 are of the William Monk Series.)
October 18, 2016
Rutland Place begins with a series of petty thefts, and escalates to bloody murder and a troubling denouement. Once again, Charlotte uses her upper-class family connections to dig out secrets that her policeman husband Thomas Pitt simply could not access.
This is not a series to read for pace and suspense. Anne Perry is much more interested in the interior lives of her characters, and in probing the hypocrisy of the Victorians’ attitude to gender, class, and sexuality. The mysteries are always intriguing, nonetheless, and most importantly – it’s quite hard to guess the murderer!
This is not a series to read for pace and suspense. Anne Perry is much more interested in the interior lives of her characters, and in probing the hypocrisy of the Victorians’ attitude to gender, class, and sexuality. The mysteries are always intriguing, nonetheless, and most importantly – it’s quite hard to guess the murderer!
February 28, 2014
I truly wanted to like this book. I love mysteries. I can't put my finger on why I didn't like it. Was it the he said she said dialogues that got to me or the lack of clear clues,or the slow moving very inactive plot? I began to enjoy the characters about 2/3 of the way through the book. Normally would have given up before then, but for some reason was compelled to know the ending. Weird, I know.
February 26, 2016
I liked some aspects of this, mainly the recurring characters of Thomas & Charlotte Pitt, but on the whole I found it insipid and silly, expecting us to care about a murder victim whom no one liked and to give a fig about the indiscretions of genteel neighbors? Spare us the madness of polite Society in Rutland Place and give us the teeming world of Victorian London any day!
November 20, 2015
This is worth reading, if only for the image of Charlotte Pitt on the verge of being falling-down drunk on champagne. But, of course, there is a solid mystery here, as well and Perry's dependable characters.
May 23, 2016
Continuing on with Perry's series set in Victorian England. At first I was only going to give this three stars, but then I realized that it took me to the end to solve the mystery. That's a good mystery. Besides, I like to read of the life and ways of this period.
July 22, 2012
I may just have read too many of these in a row.
February 4, 2019
3.5 Stars rounded up to 4.
February 20, 2017
Another wonderful book by Anne Perry evoking the sinister side of human nature of which she does so well. This is the 5th book in the Charlotte and Thomas Pitt series of Victorian murder/mystery and my first review of her books. Each book is a stand-a-lone mystery. However, I have enjoyed how Charlotte and Thomas' relationship from strangers to husband and wife has evolved through each of the books. I have also enjoyed how Thomas Pitt's career as a policeman, to now Inspector, has come about and how Charlotte has taken an active interest in his cases. The other aspect of these stories is the great divide between the upper and lower classes and those in-between...the rigidness of society in general.
As the book description states, Charlotte is asked by her mother for assistance in trying to find her missing locket. This locket has no real value other than sentimental, but it does hold a secret. However, as they receive and make calls on their neighbours of Rutland Place, she finds out that others are missing items as well. But quickly the theft of these items soon loses some significance as one of the neighbours is poisoned and dies. Is it suicide or murder? What secrets are these neighbours hiding? For soon there is another tragic accident that leads to death...but is it? I love trying to find clues among Ms. Perry's descriptions and dialogue. They are so subtle at times that it is easy to miss. But once you know what exactly has happened, you realize what those seemingly innocent things are.
As the book description states, Charlotte is asked by her mother for assistance in trying to find her missing locket. This locket has no real value other than sentimental, but it does hold a secret. However, as they receive and make calls on their neighbours of Rutland Place, she finds out that others are missing items as well. But quickly the theft of these items soon loses some significance as one of the neighbours is poisoned and dies. Is it suicide or murder? What secrets are these neighbours hiding? For soon there is another tragic accident that leads to death...but is it? I love trying to find clues among Ms. Perry's descriptions and dialogue. They are so subtle at times that it is easy to miss. But once you know what exactly has happened, you realize what those seemingly innocent things are.
August 22, 2020
In this Charlotte & Thomas Pitt novel, Charlotte's mother, Caroline, asks for her help with a personal matter. Caroline calls Charlotte to visit her in her new home, located in Rutland Place. Caroline confesses she has a secret that could devastate her socially if it were to come out, and proof of that secret has been stolen. Charlotte calls her sister Emily, and the three go calling on the various neighbors to see what information they can find to track down the stolen article. I like that Caroline has been included in this story. We really had not heard much about Charlotte's parents in recent stories. I always enjoy when Emily joins her sister for sleuthing. Meanwhile, one of the neighbors ends up dead. Is it related to the theft of the article? Thomas begins his official investigation, while Charlotte and family continue theirs. As with other stories, this shows the various secrets that society keeps. Toward the end, I didn't think I would like how everything was wrapped up. But, as always, there are twists at the very end. As I read the final pages, I can say I was pleased with the ending.
April 25, 2023
Very enjoyable cozy mystery.
May 29, 2022
I thought I had figured out the murderer but did not wait for all the evidence. The best part of this book was Charlotte and her sister schooling their father on the need to romance their Mother. It was a delightful conversation.
March 4, 2021
Quel suspense et quel dénouement inattendu. Dommage que ce livre révèle certains éléments d’un tome précédent que je n’avais pas lu!
April 6, 2022
Nota: 3'5
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