ask

[Romuel Reyson]

good morning everyone
any suggestion which i should read first?
thanks for your help...

[Jan C]

You'll always get to know the characters in a series better if you start at the beginning.

[[deleted user]]

Cater Street Hangman is where Thomas and Charlotte meet, so it is a good place to start. I've been thinking of reading it again, it has been so long. Of the Pitt novels I've read, I think Perry does a good job of making each one a stand alone. However, knowing the history of various characters over time adds a lot of enjoyment.

[Bellis]

I think in this case I'd actually recommend starting with one of the other earlier books of the series and reading "The Cater Street Hangman" afterwards. Because in my opinion "The Cater Street Hangman" just isn't as good as the rest of the series.

[[deleted user]]

Bellis, I think your point is a good one. I thing Cater Street was my 4th or 5th Perry. I felt like I was missing some of the backstory until i read it but I have not read enough of the series to know how it stacks up against the rest for quality. I think I disliked Charlotte in Cater Street a bit, but that may just be poor memory. It has been over a dozen years since I read it. I've been disappointed with a couple of the Christmas stories, but not with any of the main novels. Cater Street certainly does not need to be where one starts. I hadn't read any Pitts for a long time and started catching up with some of the series about 3 years ago. I didn't have any trouble stepping in.

[Brenda]

I saw the PBS production of Cater Street Hangman and had to read the novel. I loved the novel.

[Trina]

I like the William Monk series almost more than the Thomas Pitt series. Face of a Stranger is the 1st one in that other series.

[MaryJo]

I am also a fan of Anne Perry. no one is perfect, and she has been so prolific that some of her books in both of these two series have to be better than others. but, I agree it is best to read them in order. the latest in the William Monk series was in my opinions absolutely terrific, and you Know she has to follow up with another one! since Ms. Perry isn't young anymore, sure hope she's in good health and will write a few more - of both. oh, I have read a couple of things she has done on the side, and did not find them as interesting.

[MaryJo]

gertt wrote: "I'm also a fan of Anne Perry. I think I've read all her books, at least all that I could find, and not necessarily in order. I really had to search for some of the older books, so I'm glad they'r..." oh yes! I absolutely spaced those books she did on WWI and you are right, very worthwhile reads. have you tried the library for the early Perry books with the Pitts and the Monks? they usually have them.

[Brenda]

deleted user wrote: "Bellis, I think your point is a good one. I thing Cater Street was my 4th or 5th Perry. I felt like I was missing some of the backstory until i read it but I have not read enough of the series to k..."

I started with book one and I agree...the characters are really unlikable in this one. I decided to continue with book 2 and what a difference! I am now on book 5, Rutland Place, and I am really enjoying the series. I'm glad I gave it a second chance after book 1. I do like reading them in order though because even though each mystery stands on its own, I like to see the back story develop as each book progresses. I feel that I am missing something when I read a series out of order. It always feels like there is something going on in the main characters' relationships that you are just not aware of when you read out of order.