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Charlotte & Thomas Pitt #30
The Angel Court Affair
As the nineteenth century draws to a close, most of Europe is in political turmoil, and terrorist threats loom large across the continent. Adding to this unrest is the controversial Sofia Delacruz, who has come to London from Spain to preach a revolutionary gospel of love and forgiveness that many consider blasphemous. Thomas Pitt, commander of Special Branch, is charged with protecting Sofia—and shielding Her Majesty’s government from any embarrassment that this woman, as beautiful as she is charismatic, might cause.
When Sofia suddenly vanishes and two of her female disciples are gruesomely murdered, Pitt is challenged as never before. Is Sofia’s cousin, wealthy banker Barton Hall, somehow involved? And why has handsome cricket star Dalton Teague insinuated himself into Pitt’s investigation? Fearful that this sensational crime may trigger an international incident, Pitt welcomes the help of three allies: his clever wife, Charlotte; her great-aunt, Lady Vespasia; and Victor Narraway, Pitt’s friend and former commander at Special Branch. From the narrow streets of Toledo and a lonely monastery high in the hills of Spain, to the halls and wharves of London, Pitt and his friends race against time in their desperate bid to catch a murderer.
When Sofia suddenly vanishes and two of her female disciples are gruesomely murdered, Pitt is challenged as never before. Is Sofia’s cousin, wealthy banker Barton Hall, somehow involved? And why has handsome cricket star Dalton Teague insinuated himself into Pitt’s investigation? Fearful that this sensational crime may trigger an international incident, Pitt welcomes the help of three allies: his clever wife, Charlotte; her great-aunt, Lady Vespasia; and Victor Narraway, Pitt’s friend and former commander at Special Branch. From the narrow streets of Toledo and a lonely monastery high in the hills of Spain, to the halls and wharves of London, Pitt and his friends race against time in their desperate bid to catch a murderer.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published March 31, 2015
About the author
Anne Perry
341 books3,262 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
November 27, 2017
It's the end of the 19th century and a woman comes to London and preaches what many people feel like a blasphemous message and then she disappears and Thomas Pitt must find her.
This is the 30th book in the Charlotte and Thomas Pitt series and this first book in the series that I have read. Luckily for me, it was easy to get into the story and to get to know the characters. I found the story to be interesting and well written. But still I felt sometimes that the story lacked something, I just didn't feel that connected to Thomas and Charlotte, perhaps it would have been easier to connect with them if I would have read previous books in the series. I guess I will figure that out when I do that. I also felt that Charlotte never really got to be, in this book, anything else than a mother and wife so I would very much like to read the books from the beginning to really get to know her. Luckily I own the first book.
But, the two characters I actually came to like the most were Narraway and Vespasia. I just felt that their characters were so much more interesting to read about than the Pitt's. Their marriage came later in life so they both have a past and I want to know more about their past and how they met and finally got married so when I start to read the series from the beginning will I have a look out for those two wonderful characters.
The story itself was interesting, sometimes I felt that it dragged on a bit, but not that I became bored I just felt sometimes that it moved a little too slow forward and I enjoyed the part on Spain very much and, of course, the ending was good.
All and all, I enjoyed the book and I'm looking forward to reading the previous 29 books in the series!
3.5 stars
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
This is the 30th book in the Charlotte and Thomas Pitt series and this first book in the series that I have read. Luckily for me, it was easy to get into the story and to get to know the characters. I found the story to be interesting and well written. But still I felt sometimes that the story lacked something, I just didn't feel that connected to Thomas and Charlotte, perhaps it would have been easier to connect with them if I would have read previous books in the series. I guess I will figure that out when I do that. I also felt that Charlotte never really got to be, in this book, anything else than a mother and wife so I would very much like to read the books from the beginning to really get to know her. Luckily I own the first book.
But, the two characters I actually came to like the most were Narraway and Vespasia. I just felt that their characters were so much more interesting to read about than the Pitt's. Their marriage came later in life so they both have a past and I want to know more about their past and how they met and finally got married so when I start to read the series from the beginning will I have a look out for those two wonderful characters.
The story itself was interesting, sometimes I felt that it dragged on a bit, but not that I became bored I just felt sometimes that it moved a little too slow forward and I enjoyed the part on Spain very much and, of course, the ending was good.
All and all, I enjoyed the book and I'm looking forward to reading the previous 29 books in the series!
3.5 stars
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
April 10, 2015
I have read 54 of her books before this one and have liked all. This is the first I have not enjoyed. Was she different or was I? Her style seemed similar, her pace slower, the topic not clearly developed in spite of the time spent doing so. I found it tedious and her "saint" uninteresting. Usually she follows historical situations and interprets them or redefines them in interesting ways. There may have been an incident or set of incidents that stimulated this story but it was not clear, leaving her story to float.
Maybe it was a wonderful story and it is I who was the lackluster one -- too stressed or jaded, or not well enough versed in English and Spanish history to see the nuances of her book. It is very possible.
April 16, 2015
This was a quick read as I was forced to speed through past overly emotional tale. I know I did enjoy the early books in this series years ago, but something is different here. It seems more like a religious tract, truthfully, rather than historical novel accurately portraying people/places/time. The characters this author carefully created years ago just seem like pieces of furniture in this telling.
May 8, 2015
I loved Anne Perry's books...until Pitt ended up at Special Branch. They have lost their interesting characters and complex plots. It is all spies, international intrigue and quite frankly boring. I think this is the last one of this series I will be reading.
May 16, 2015
Not my favorite Anne Perry. I didn't find the plot as interesting or the writing as good as her other novels. I miss Charlotte's involvement in Thomas' cases now that he's head of Special Branch. Angel Court had a little too much Anne Perry philosophizing about the "meaning of life" and what's going to happen to us after death.
March 25, 2015
I have been with this series from the beginning and at this point I stick with it as much from feeling the characters are like family than for the mystery itself. I say this because generally even installments in the series that are less engaging than others are still really good reading experiences for me. This was one of those less engaging ones. Still good, but good for reasons other than the reason I picked up the book.
These historical mysteries are fabulous when it comes to the meticulous handling of the historical period and setting, the deep mystery plot and the truly engaging characters particularly those that are fixtures. Added to all that, the author adds another element that sometimes is front and center and at others, runs along in the background- ideology, social moors of the day, etc. She really gets inside the heads of her characters and understands their thought processes of that time period. Some of it is archaic, but there are still some stuff that has universality and is true even today. With each book, the author provides a thought or chain of thoughts that the characters and thus the reader is challenged to consider while immersed in the book. In this case, the subject was going against popular thought and being willing to stand up for your beliefs even if your beliefs are unpopular.
My niggle about this particular book is I saw the mystery portion as not much of a challenge. This one was dreadfully easy for me and I'm not the most intuitive of people so I generally struggle to figure out all the pieces of this author's mysteries. I felt I got an easy to solve mystery with little tension and danger until near the end.
One of the best parts was seeing Victor and Vespasia as a married couple. I love their Autumn-Winter romance, tentatively adjusting to being married, and seeing them partnering and detecting right alongside Pitt and Charlotte. They had a ton of page time and significantly helped Pitt solve the murders.
It was also neat seeing Pitt and his home life in their atypical Victorian household. Jemima is nearly grown up and Daniel is right behind her. He relies on Charlotte and respects her take on matters. Charlotte didn't have a large role in this one, but she is still a key player nonetheless. I laughed at the hint that Charlotte is involved in the Women's Rights movements and Pitt doesn't have a clue. Yet. Just like Charlotte to be right in the middle of controversy. It takes a special man to appreciate and love her anyway.
As usual, the strongest part of the story was being right there with Pitt as he works to some the case and adjusting to his newer role as Commander of Special Branch, gaining the trust and respect of his men, and tiptoeing his way as he rubs shoulders with the powerful men of the British Empire.
In summary, I liked this one, but didn't love it. I prefer a more challenging mystery. Still, these are good books with engaging plots and characters along with meticulous historical accuracy that I can recommend to any historical mystery or historical romantic suspense readers.
My thanks to Net Galley and GoodReads First Reads giveaway for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
These historical mysteries are fabulous when it comes to the meticulous handling of the historical period and setting, the deep mystery plot and the truly engaging characters particularly those that are fixtures. Added to all that, the author adds another element that sometimes is front and center and at others, runs along in the background- ideology, social moors of the day, etc. She really gets inside the heads of her characters and understands their thought processes of that time period. Some of it is archaic, but there are still some stuff that has universality and is true even today. With each book, the author provides a thought or chain of thoughts that the characters and thus the reader is challenged to consider while immersed in the book. In this case, the subject was going against popular thought and being willing to stand up for your beliefs even if your beliefs are unpopular.
My niggle about this particular book is I saw the mystery portion as not much of a challenge. This one was dreadfully easy for me and I'm not the most intuitive of people so I generally struggle to figure out all the pieces of this author's mysteries. I felt I got an easy to solve mystery with little tension and danger until near the end.
One of the best parts was seeing Victor and Vespasia as a married couple. I love their Autumn-Winter romance, tentatively adjusting to being married, and seeing them partnering and detecting right alongside Pitt and Charlotte. They had a ton of page time and significantly helped Pitt solve the murders.
It was also neat seeing Pitt and his home life in their atypical Victorian household. Jemima is nearly grown up and Daniel is right behind her. He relies on Charlotte and respects her take on matters. Charlotte didn't have a large role in this one, but she is still a key player nonetheless. I laughed at the hint that Charlotte is involved in the Women's Rights movements and Pitt doesn't have a clue. Yet. Just like Charlotte to be right in the middle of controversy. It takes a special man to appreciate and love her anyway.
As usual, the strongest part of the story was being right there with Pitt as he works to some the case and adjusting to his newer role as Commander of Special Branch, gaining the trust and respect of his men, and tiptoeing his way as he rubs shoulders with the powerful men of the British Empire.
In summary, I liked this one, but didn't love it. I prefer a more challenging mystery. Still, these are good books with engaging plots and characters along with meticulous historical accuracy that I can recommend to any historical mystery or historical romantic suspense readers.
My thanks to Net Galley and GoodReads First Reads giveaway for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 20, 2020
Pitt, who has never himself been religious, finds himself in charge of keeping a Spanish "saint" out of trouble on her lecture tour of London. The problem: the highly controversial Sofia de la Cruz not only receives death threats, but she's also originally an Englishwoman with a troubled family past. There are kidnappings, murders, and a professional cricketer of suspicious motives, but at it's core this is a book about faith, about morality. Not necessarily sexual morality, but the morality of life in general, and what we believe.
August 22, 2015
I got this set of discs free. Great as this is on my TBR List. I am a big fan of Anne Perry's work. She is outstanding at researching her topic and time period and getting details into the story.
As usual in her stories, there are several things going on at the same time. The meshing of what is Pitt's primary task now that he is commander of the Special Branch, the reality of time passing portrayed by their oldest daughter (who fans will remember from all the Charlotte and Thomas Pitt books) now 16!!! And her dilemma to be like her parents, or conform to the order of the times. Amazing how teen issues do not recognize a time or place. One piece of the storyline that I always love is any mention of Lady Vespacia, and this book includes pieces of her relationship with her new husband as well as some adventures they undertake.
There is potential anarchy, discussions of religious beliefs, and as in her other stories the reader (or at least myself) can become enmeshed in their own beliefs and what they might do in similar circumstances.
I was not especially fond of the main story line in this book; forms of religious beliefs and the turmoil that results in controversy. However, it was, as it is now, right in the forefront of life so many would probably enjoy.
What always amazes me about her books is that go on telling the story, and then they just END. The story lines have been tied off, but there is no extra follow-up. Just the desire to know what the next adventure will be! And while I was pretty sure who the villain was, I convinced myself I could be wrong,just wanting it to be the answer. I always want the villain to be someone I dislike.
As usual in her stories, there are several things going on at the same time. The meshing of what is Pitt's primary task now that he is commander of the Special Branch, the reality of time passing portrayed by their oldest daughter (who fans will remember from all the Charlotte and Thomas Pitt books) now 16!!! And her dilemma to be like her parents, or conform to the order of the times. Amazing how teen issues do not recognize a time or place. One piece of the storyline that I always love is any mention of Lady Vespacia, and this book includes pieces of her relationship with her new husband as well as some adventures they undertake.
There is potential anarchy, discussions of religious beliefs, and as in her other stories the reader (or at least myself) can become enmeshed in their own beliefs and what they might do in similar circumstances.
I was not especially fond of the main story line in this book; forms of religious beliefs and the turmoil that results in controversy. However, it was, as it is now, right in the forefront of life so many would probably enjoy.
What always amazes me about her books is that go on telling the story, and then they just END. The story lines have been tied off, but there is no extra follow-up. Just the desire to know what the next adventure will be! And while I was pretty sure who the villain was, I convinced myself I could be wrong,just wanting it to be the answer. I always want the villain to be someone I dislike.
October 25, 2014
Not one of her best Pitt books. Interesting.
January 13, 2016
The Angel Court Affair by Anne Perry is a 2015 Ballantine publication.
It’s hard to believe this series is celebrating its thirtieth installment! I fell in love with Charlotte and Thomas a long while back, but it is another series I lose sight of from time to time, but, I still manage to keep up with.
With Pitt finally getting his big promotion to commander of Special Branch, he is now waking up to all the politics involved, especially when he is commissioned to protect Sophia, a young woman who married a man in Spain, and is something of a religious zealot who challenges the beliefs of many, which could make her a target. With relations with Spain tenuous at best, it simply would not do for something to happen to her while visiting her cousin in England. But, lo and behold, that is exactly what transpires, when Sophia suddenly disappears and two of her followers are murdered.
Now Thomas is in a serious race against time to save Sophia, and save face. Thankfully, he has some help from Victor Narraway, but is plagued by a popular cricket star who inserts himself into the investigation.
This story was a little different, with the religious backdrop, which causes Thomas and Charlotte to examine their personal faith and answer their daughter’s questions which are fraught with emotion, but probing, and thought provoking all the same.
This is all very interesting because in Victorian England, anyone who spoke of things the way Sophia did would be the target of heated and intense debate and fury, but when it is spoken with such charisma by a woman….
As always, the author has done her homework and the issues discussed are well researched and authentic to the time period. Religion is always a tricky subject, but it was especially dangerous in Victorian days to boldly offer counter beliefs or theories. So, this was a very delicate subject to tackle, but it was well written and leaves the reader to draw their own conclusions and is not in any way preachy. The murders and kidnapping are of course the real conundrum and it remains a puzzle all the up to the very end.
This story is evenly paced, well plotted, and authentic. However, there was a little bit of that old magic missing in this one for some reason. It wasn’t any one thing, it was just a little bland, at times, perhaps. I did enjoy the banter and insight involving Narraway and his wife, and the discussions between the Pitt family. It is hard to believe those kids are nearly grown and forming such adult thoughts and ideals!
Although this wasn’t one the very best additions to the series, in my opinion, it’s still interesting as the characters are always evolving, which is as it should be. It’s always a pleasure to touch base with this series, though and maybe someday, I will find the time to binge read this series from start to finish! I think it will be fun to see how things have progressed over this thirty book time span. But, for now, this installment gets 4 stars
It’s hard to believe this series is celebrating its thirtieth installment! I fell in love with Charlotte and Thomas a long while back, but it is another series I lose sight of from time to time, but, I still manage to keep up with.
With Pitt finally getting his big promotion to commander of Special Branch, he is now waking up to all the politics involved, especially when he is commissioned to protect Sophia, a young woman who married a man in Spain, and is something of a religious zealot who challenges the beliefs of many, which could make her a target. With relations with Spain tenuous at best, it simply would not do for something to happen to her while visiting her cousin in England. But, lo and behold, that is exactly what transpires, when Sophia suddenly disappears and two of her followers are murdered.
Now Thomas is in a serious race against time to save Sophia, and save face. Thankfully, he has some help from Victor Narraway, but is plagued by a popular cricket star who inserts himself into the investigation.
This story was a little different, with the religious backdrop, which causes Thomas and Charlotte to examine their personal faith and answer their daughter’s questions which are fraught with emotion, but probing, and thought provoking all the same.
This is all very interesting because in Victorian England, anyone who spoke of things the way Sophia did would be the target of heated and intense debate and fury, but when it is spoken with such charisma by a woman….
As always, the author has done her homework and the issues discussed are well researched and authentic to the time period. Religion is always a tricky subject, but it was especially dangerous in Victorian days to boldly offer counter beliefs or theories. So, this was a very delicate subject to tackle, but it was well written and leaves the reader to draw their own conclusions and is not in any way preachy. The murders and kidnapping are of course the real conundrum and it remains a puzzle all the up to the very end.
This story is evenly paced, well plotted, and authentic. However, there was a little bit of that old magic missing in this one for some reason. It wasn’t any one thing, it was just a little bland, at times, perhaps. I did enjoy the banter and insight involving Narraway and his wife, and the discussions between the Pitt family. It is hard to believe those kids are nearly grown and forming such adult thoughts and ideals!
Although this wasn’t one the very best additions to the series, in my opinion, it’s still interesting as the characters are always evolving, which is as it should be. It’s always a pleasure to touch base with this series, though and maybe someday, I will find the time to binge read this series from start to finish! I think it will be fun to see how things have progressed over this thirty book time span. But, for now, this installment gets 4 stars
May 1, 2015
I can't believe I'm saying this, but this was awful! It took forever to get going, the whole religious sub-plot was ridiculous and completely unbelievable, and the main plot was revealed in such a tortuous and convoluted manner and so late in the story, I didn't really care who was behind the plot, I just wanted it over. Pitt was uncommonly dense in this one...the wrap up was a hurried and unlikely confrontation between the bad guys, and Pitt seemed to be dragged along without being in charge of anything. Even the addition of Narraway and Vespasia--usually delightful characters--couldn't save this dreary tale.
March 28, 2015
My reading history with Anne Perry is limited to the first five William Monk books and the first book in the Charlotte & Thomas Pitt series, so I have no experience with her recent output prior to reading this novel. I love the books I've read previously. Unfortunately, this novel does not meet my expectations from her.
The premise is an interesting one, or at least has that potential. A prominent young British woman starts life anew in Spain after rejecting an advantageous marriage proposal. AFter marrying a Spaniard, she experiences a religious transformation and picks up a group of followers. A decade later, 'Saint Sofia' has come to London under serious threat, ostensibly to bring her new religion to the British masses.
Now a Commander in Special Branch, Thomas Pitt is charged with protecting Sofia while she's in London. When she and two of her followers disappear, Pitt is left to unravel a mystery with potential personal, religious, political, and financial implications.
What Perry does well in this novel:
Setting - The threatening nature of Sofia's new religion cannot be understood without a fair knowledge of the world politics at the end of the 19th Century. Perry weaves enough facts into the story that even without a good grasp of world politics, one can understand the danger Sofia was in from those who presume any threat to the establishment is a step towards anarchy.
Murder- I was standing in my kitchen waiting for the kettle to boil when I read the murder scene. It was so startling, so violent, that like the fictional Pitt I stumbled back a step. I thought myself incapable of such a strong reaction to fictional violence, but the image stayed with me throughout the remainder of the story.
Backstory - Although this is the 30th novel in the series, I didn't feel that I was missing important backstory about important characters in the book. Enough information is given to make everything pertinent to the story clear, without bringing up so much history that it detracted from the plot.
What Perry usually does well, but didn't do well in this novel:
Characterization - I found the characters all incredibly one dimensional. Charlotte could have been entirely absent from this story and the only impact would have been on its length. Sofia was such a cipher that I truly didn't care if she was found dead or alive. I expect so much more from Perry.
Dialogue - A considerable part of this story is about religion and faith, meaning that there are a lot of discussions about it. Unfortunately, this more accurately means that the same discussion is held over and over. Specific phrases are used repeatedly, much to the annoyance of the reader.
Pacing - The long-winded and repetitive discussions about faith between one-dimensional characters falls flat. It drags. Much longer, in-depth discussions are tolerable or even enjoyable when the reader has a connection to the characters. I believe this book attempted that and missed.
Plot - Pitt takes his first step towards unraveling this mystery approximately halfway through the book. He still doesn't have it at 99%. It was frustrating to read, and entirely unbelievable. Although I did skip 28 books, I am certain that Pitt is a tolerable investigator or a man of his social standing would not have attained his position at Special Branch. So why can he not solve this simple crime? Why is he so slow to act?
As a lover of historical mysteries, specifically the Victorian Era, I have certain expectations of the genre. This novel does not meet that standard, and I cannot recommend it. Very disappointing.
The premise is an interesting one, or at least has that potential. A prominent young British woman starts life anew in Spain after rejecting an advantageous marriage proposal. AFter marrying a Spaniard, she experiences a religious transformation and picks up a group of followers. A decade later, 'Saint Sofia' has come to London under serious threat, ostensibly to bring her new religion to the British masses.
Now a Commander in Special Branch, Thomas Pitt is charged with protecting Sofia while she's in London. When she and two of her followers disappear, Pitt is left to unravel a mystery with potential personal, religious, political, and financial implications.
What Perry does well in this novel:
Setting - The threatening nature of Sofia's new religion cannot be understood without a fair knowledge of the world politics at the end of the 19th Century. Perry weaves enough facts into the story that even without a good grasp of world politics, one can understand the danger Sofia was in from those who presume any threat to the establishment is a step towards anarchy.
Murder- I was standing in my kitchen waiting for the kettle to boil when I read the murder scene. It was so startling, so violent, that like the fictional Pitt I stumbled back a step. I thought myself incapable of such a strong reaction to fictional violence, but the image stayed with me throughout the remainder of the story.
Backstory - Although this is the 30th novel in the series, I didn't feel that I was missing important backstory about important characters in the book. Enough information is given to make everything pertinent to the story clear, without bringing up so much history that it detracted from the plot.
What Perry usually does well, but didn't do well in this novel:
Characterization - I found the characters all incredibly one dimensional. Charlotte could have been entirely absent from this story and the only impact would have been on its length. Sofia was such a cipher that I truly didn't care if she was found dead or alive. I expect so much more from Perry.
Dialogue - A considerable part of this story is about religion and faith, meaning that there are a lot of discussions about it. Unfortunately, this more accurately means that the same discussion is held over and over. Specific phrases are used repeatedly, much to the annoyance of the reader.
Pacing - The long-winded and repetitive discussions about faith between one-dimensional characters falls flat. It drags. Much longer, in-depth discussions are tolerable or even enjoyable when the reader has a connection to the characters. I believe this book attempted that and missed.
Plot - Pitt takes his first step towards unraveling this mystery approximately halfway through the book. He still doesn't have it at 99%. It was frustrating to read, and entirely unbelievable. Although I did skip 28 books, I am certain that Pitt is a tolerable investigator or a man of his social standing would not have attained his position at Special Branch. So why can he not solve this simple crime? Why is he so slow to act?
As a lover of historical mysteries, specifically the Victorian Era, I have certain expectations of the genre. This novel does not meet that standard, and I cannot recommend it. Very disappointing.
July 24, 2015
These days, reviews of Anne Perry books are difficult for me to write. She has been one of my favorite authors for decades and I've read EVERYTHING she's written, but it seems that the last four or five books of both her Pitt series and her Monk series have lost that zip that used to keep this reader interested. My main problem with this book is that it is listed as a Thomas and Charlotte Pitt mystery, but Charlotte, almost nowhere to be seen but at home, has been relegated to a background figure. Gone are the days when she was heavily involved in Tom's cases - which, for the VIctorian era, made it all the more interesting.
To quote Perry herself: "He had enjoyed asking Charlotte's opinion of people, especially either of women, or of her own social class with which he was not familiar. Of course she had interfered in his cases, sometimes at considerable risk to herself, but she had actually proved very astute, and more than one case he could not have solved without her. Since he had joined Special Branch everything was different. There was too much that was based in secrecy. It made the job far lonelier. He missed the balance of another judgement and very often a subtler view than his own." Well, guess what? We miss it too!!!
We miss Charlotte and all she had to bring to the excitement of the story. But what also is missing is Tom's strength. Since he's joined Special Branch he's turned into a milquetoast. Undecisive, questioning, doubtful and generally un-self-confident. This makes for a very, very boring character. What is also missed are those colorful, peripheral characters - Charlotte's cousin Emily and her husband Jack Radley, Minnie Mae and her predecessor Gracie, the sergeants who work with Tom - all colorful and interesting. Where are they? Replaced by endless questioning and wishy-washy personalities.
I implore the author, if she even reads these reviews, to either get back to the characterizations we all love or to just kill them all off. Even that would be more exciting that what she's writing now.
BTW: Miss Perry - do you realize you used the phrase "doing all I/we can" over twenty times? Editor, take note!
To quote Perry herself: "He had enjoyed asking Charlotte's opinion of people, especially either of women, or of her own social class with which he was not familiar. Of course she had interfered in his cases, sometimes at considerable risk to herself, but she had actually proved very astute, and more than one case he could not have solved without her. Since he had joined Special Branch everything was different. There was too much that was based in secrecy. It made the job far lonelier. He missed the balance of another judgement and very often a subtler view than his own." Well, guess what? We miss it too!!!
We miss Charlotte and all she had to bring to the excitement of the story. But what also is missing is Tom's strength. Since he's joined Special Branch he's turned into a milquetoast. Undecisive, questioning, doubtful and generally un-self-confident. This makes for a very, very boring character. What is also missed are those colorful, peripheral characters - Charlotte's cousin Emily and her husband Jack Radley, Minnie Mae and her predecessor Gracie, the sergeants who work with Tom - all colorful and interesting. Where are they? Replaced by endless questioning and wishy-washy personalities.
I implore the author, if she even reads these reviews, to either get back to the characterizations we all love or to just kill them all off. Even that would be more exciting that what she's writing now.
BTW: Miss Perry - do you realize you used the phrase "doing all I/we can" over twenty times? Editor, take note!
February 23, 2015
Thomas Pitt, the commander of Special Branch, is still feeling the newness of his position. When they're ordered to protect a young woman who is either a saint or a blasphemer, he struggles to comprehend the reasoning and then to focus on more than the initial crime: to think like a politician rather than a policeman. Soon he suspects that Spanish politics might hold a clue, that Sophie's history may draw out the suspect.
This is the first of Anne Perry's books (at least, the first I've read) that deals explicitly with issues of faith and belief, the old and familiar as well as new and or potentially revolutionary; it also touches on the idea of women's liberation, on love, and looks at the concept of "truth" from different angles. It showed a certain amount of introspection politically and religiously, including the terrible choices that people have been faced with in the past.
I liked the contrast in life and experience between the two main couples, with the rich historical detail I've come to expect, and well-portrayed characters, including interesting details about "appropriate" behavior for people of a certain age. I'll admit right now that I've only read one previous book in the Charlotte & Thomas Pitt series; I connected with Hester & William Monk much more quickly, but the discussions held between the central characters posed some very interesting questions.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first of Anne Perry's books (at least, the first I've read) that deals explicitly with issues of faith and belief, the old and familiar as well as new and or potentially revolutionary; it also touches on the idea of women's liberation, on love, and looks at the concept of "truth" from different angles. It showed a certain amount of introspection politically and religiously, including the terrible choices that people have been faced with in the past.
I liked the contrast in life and experience between the two main couples, with the rich historical detail I've come to expect, and well-portrayed characters, including interesting details about "appropriate" behavior for people of a certain age. I'll admit right now that I've only read one previous book in the Charlotte & Thomas Pitt series; I connected with Hester & William Monk much more quickly, but the discussions held between the central characters posed some very interesting questions.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 18, 2015
Some reviewers did not like the slower pace and theological focus of this edition of the Charlotte and Thomas Pitt series, but I liked it a lot. It shows a sensitivity to people of faith as well as those with questions while discussing the problems of organized religion not only during the Victorian Era, but also reflecting those same problems today. I also like how the Pitt's daughter, Jemima, is developing as a character, asking hard theological and philosophical questions of her father as she grows into womanhood. Vespasia and Narraway are also developing more into complex characters and are interesting--they are an older, yet passionately in love, newlywed couple. It is interesting to read about their relationship because they break so many stereotypes of older people.
One of my favorite quotes in the novel is by a nun, Sister Maria, in a Spanish convent: "I am not (afraid). I am certain of the things that matter. Kindness and honor are always good. Do not build God in your own image, with your doubts and fears, your need to judge and condemn, your need for safety, and to be right whatever the cost to others, and ultimately to yourself. Let your soul be still, and know that God is never capricious. Even the cleverest of us are yet children, and the wisest of us know that."
One of my favorite quotes in the novel is by a nun, Sister Maria, in a Spanish convent: "I am not (afraid). I am certain of the things that matter. Kindness and honor are always good. Do not build God in your own image, with your doubts and fears, your need to judge and condemn, your need for safety, and to be right whatever the cost to others, and ultimately to yourself. Let your soul be still, and know that God is never capricious. Even the cleverest of us are yet children, and the wisest of us know that."
June 30, 2015
I do enjoy the Thomas Pitt novels especially when Charlotte has bigger role, but since going into Special Services, she rarely gets to do more than express her strong opinions at home. In this case, the topic is theology and the long, long thoughts on the subject make this a slow read. A woman preaching a new approach to religion is kidnapped and her two assistants murdered. While PItt tries to find the woman, the juicier part of the investigation goes to Lady Vespasia newly married to Victor Narraway, former head of the Service. They travel to Spain to seek the woman's husband and bring him back to meet certain a ransom demand--exposing his wife's past life and repudiating her religion. All the real action in the book piles up at the very end. Not much excitement in this one, just deep thoughts.
December 3, 2018
He leído muchos Anne Perry, y siempre me han encantado. Sin embargo, me costó un poco con esta nueva aventura de Thomas y Charlotte Pitt. Tal vez por el tema político-religioso, o tal vez porque Charlotte poco interviene.
Definitivamente, no es mi preferido, aunque mejora a partir de la segunda mitad.
Definitivamente, no es mi preferido, aunque mejora a partir de la segunda mitad.
August 18, 2021
Pues sí, pues sí. Una autentico fiasco esta obra.
Vamos por partes:
PLANTEAMIENTO: de cierto interés pero tampoco para volverse loco. NUDO: Leeeeeennnntoooooo y con disquisiciones ético-morales-teológicas que, a mi entender, para una persona (Thomas Pitt de la Special Branch) que se debe ocupar de la seguridad de otra (Sofía Delacruz. Una gurú que viene con su mensaje desde España a UK) nada deben importar o modificar en su conducta. Las divagaciones, por si fuese poco, se pasan al ámbito familiar del protagonista (Pitt) . Las conversaciones entre los personajes son redundantes y hacen que las páginas se atasquen. DESENLACE: Un cipote en el que mezcla política internacional con estafas bancarias y con un par de individuos de España. Suena raro, ¿verdad? Lo digo porque la historia se desarrolla en Inglaterra, claro. Pues eso. Además resuelto de aquella manera y con ciertas sombras que, creo, ya eran difíciles de justificar según estaba liando todo la autora.
Pero aparte de esto, la obra tiene también estas joyas:
-No entiendo el título. En Toledo no ocurre prácticamente nada. Quien piense que la obra describe grandes pasajes en sus calles que se olvide. El titulo es absurdo.
-La autora no debe de conocer que en España las mujeres mantienen su apellido al casarse, así la protagonista se llama Sofia Delacruz porque se casó con Nazario Delacruz (en UK sí, en España no, ¡¡error!!).Alguien debería habérselo dicho.
-El subconsciente de la autora la traiciona varias veces en su opinión de los españoles. Bajitos ( uno que no llega a la altura de una tranca para desbloquear la puerta), pobres diablos ultracatólicos y el trasfondo de la Inquisición como si solo en España hubiese actuado.
Pues eso. Tal vez en el ámbito anglosajón esta obra de el pego, pero en España ni de coña.
¡¡Venga!!
Vamos por partes:
PLANTEAMIENTO: de cierto interés pero tampoco para volverse loco. NUDO: Leeeeeennnntoooooo y con disquisiciones ético-morales-teológicas que, a mi entender, para una persona (Thomas Pitt de la Special Branch) que se debe ocupar de la seguridad de otra (Sofía Delacruz. Una gurú que viene con su mensaje desde España a UK) nada deben importar o modificar en su conducta. Las divagaciones, por si fuese poco, se pasan al ámbito familiar del protagonista (Pitt) . Las conversaciones entre los personajes son redundantes y hacen que las páginas se atasquen. DESENLACE: Un cipote en el que mezcla política internacional con estafas bancarias y con un par de individuos de España. Suena raro, ¿verdad? Lo digo porque la historia se desarrolla en Inglaterra, claro. Pues eso. Además resuelto de aquella manera y con ciertas sombras que, creo, ya eran difíciles de justificar según estaba liando todo la autora.
Pero aparte de esto, la obra tiene también estas joyas:
-No entiendo el título. En Toledo no ocurre prácticamente nada. Quien piense que la obra describe grandes pasajes en sus calles que se olvide. El titulo es absurdo.
-La autora no debe de conocer que en España las mujeres mantienen su apellido al casarse, así la protagonista se llama Sofia Delacruz porque se casó con Nazario Delacruz (en UK sí, en España no, ¡¡error!!).Alguien debería habérselo dicho.
-El subconsciente de la autora la traiciona varias veces en su opinión de los españoles. Bajitos ( uno que no llega a la altura de una tranca para desbloquear la puerta), pobres diablos ultracatólicos y el trasfondo de la Inquisición como si solo en España hubiese actuado.
Pues eso. Tal vez en el ámbito anglosajón esta obra de el pego, pero en España ni de coña.
¡¡Venga!!
February 6, 2017
Genul de carte care te face sa regreți că ai cumpărat-o chiar și de la un anticariat. Nu știu dacă romanul se bazează pe ceva real, pentru că atunci când cauți: Sofia Delacruz îți apar doar niște profile de insta și facebook... Poate dacă era din perspectiva ei ar fi putut devenii mai interesant, dar așa... are toate elementele ce să-l clasifice la plictisitor. Mult dialog obositor la pachet cu descrieri lungi și enervante.
Pe lângă faptul că se dorește a fi un mystery ''interesant'' se mai dezbate mult și fără rost problema religiei, căreia chiar nu i-am găsit rostul.
Si pt cel/cea care a făcut coperta; n-ar strica să facă puțin research în legătura cu moda acelor vremuri. Sunt ferm convins că în Londra secolului al- XIX-lea nu se mai purtau rochii în stil baroc.
Pe lângă faptul că se dorește a fi un mystery ''interesant'' se mai dezbate mult și fără rost problema religiei, căreia chiar nu i-am găsit rostul.
Si pt cel/cea care a făcut coperta; n-ar strica să facă puțin research în legătura cu moda acelor vremuri. Sunt ferm convins că în Londra secolului al- XIX-lea nu se mai purtau rochii în stil baroc.
April 1, 2015
Charlotte & Thomas Pitt have become the least interesting characters in their own series.
May 18, 2015
Very disappointing. I have enjoyed Anne Perry's Charlotte and Thomas Pitt novels for many years, but with this one she lost me in the first chapter, and I don't intend to finish it. I'm not interested in her religious views. Too bad she had to ruin a great series.
July 2, 2021
Far and away the most boring book in the series! I didn't like or care about any of the characters and it was a chore to finish this book. I gave it one star only because Goodreads doesn't allow zero stars!
April 27, 2015
Definitely not a good book. The plot did not seem to work at all and it was a true struggle just to finish this book. I look forward to September and the next Monk story!
May 7, 2015
Not as interesting/fun as her earlier Charlotte & Thomas Pitt novels
March 24, 2016
Contrived rather unconvincingly. Motivations of the characters aren't always reasonable.
April 10, 2024
A diferencia de otros de la serie, este está muy aburrido, poco interesante y sobre todo el final no valió la pena las 4/5 partes. No hubo sorpresa, el giro en la trama, nada.
April 14, 2016
My first Thomas and Charlotte Pitt mystery in many years. This series had made an favorable impression on me when I read it so I was eager to read this one and to see if the series was still as good as I remember. Verdict: reliable, worth reading, but not one of the author's better efforts and no page-turner. Pitt, the former policeman, as head of Special Branch, which deals in diplomatic cases and those of state importance, is tasked to protect an English ex-pat, Sofia, married to a Spaniard. She is now visiting England especially to see a certain banker but no one knows why. Her importance--she is the head of a "cult", having and spreading what could be called blasphemous ideas. Frankly, I saw nothing radical as espoused by her, but back in the Victorian days when the novel takes place, they would probably have been revolutionary.
First off, Sofia is kidnapped, then two of her woman followers are gruesomely murdered. The clock starts ticking. Pitt gets Aunt Vespasia and her husband, Victor Narraway, his former boss, involved. The couple goes to Spain to speak with Sofia's husband. I didn't see how a banker, a famous cricket player and an obnoxious newspaper reporter would fit into the story, but in the end all made sense.
I liked how the author delved into the feelings of the characters, especially the talks between Charlotte and 16-year old daughter Jemima and the mutual concern between Aunt Vespasia and her husband for each other. This was an intelligent mystery, but to my mind, not as good as earlier ones where Pitt was a mere policeman and Charlotte had more of a role helping him solve crimes.
My thanks to LibraryThing for this ARC in return for an honest review.
First off, Sofia is kidnapped, then two of her woman followers are gruesomely murdered. The clock starts ticking. Pitt gets Aunt Vespasia and her husband, Victor Narraway, his former boss, involved. The couple goes to Spain to speak with Sofia's husband. I didn't see how a banker, a famous cricket player and an obnoxious newspaper reporter would fit into the story, but in the end all made sense.
I liked how the author delved into the feelings of the characters, especially the talks between Charlotte and 16-year old daughter Jemima and the mutual concern between Aunt Vespasia and her husband for each other. This was an intelligent mystery, but to my mind, not as good as earlier ones where Pitt was a mere policeman and Charlotte had more of a role helping him solve crimes.
My thanks to LibraryThing for this ARC in return for an honest review.
May 22, 2015
Thomas Pitt, as commander of the Special Branch, is usually tied up with terrorist cases, but in the case of Sofia Delacruz, he is back to old-fashioned murder. An Englishwoman, married to a Spanish gentleman, Sofia is the founder of a new religion--hardly the material Thomas had been dealing with lately. However, she has come to England, not only to preach her new doctrine, but to see her cousin (who does not want to see her), Barron Hall, an important banker with influence on the finances of both the church and state. Two of her disciples are brutally murdered and she herself has been kidnapped--but so far no ransom note has been given. Thomas works the case in England, helped or hindered, by a well-known cricket star, Dalton Teague, who just happened to attend school with Barton Hall. Not only is Charlotte intrigued by Sofia, but their impressionable teen-aged daughter is extremely taken with her.
Helping Thomas in Spain is his former boss, Victor Narraway, and his lovely bride, Charlotte's great aunt Lady Vespasia. They make a welcome addition to the crime-investigating family. Narraway and Vespasia learn what vital information Sofia was trying to bring to her cousin to save him and the country. Gold stocks that he was investing for the state and church in gold in Canada were in an area of the country where there was no gold. If people found out about the investments, it could ruin the finances of both. However Pitt is able to find where Sofia is being kept and after an exciting battle, is able to save both Sofia and the reputation of England's credit.
It is an interesting, exciting read. There are just enough twists and turns in the plot to keep the reader guessing who is responsible, and of course the cast of characters is, as usual, delightful.
Helping Thomas in Spain is his former boss, Victor Narraway, and his lovely bride, Charlotte's great aunt Lady Vespasia. They make a welcome addition to the crime-investigating family. Narraway and Vespasia learn what vital information Sofia was trying to bring to her cousin to save him and the country. Gold stocks that he was investing for the state and church in gold in Canada were in an area of the country where there was no gold. If people found out about the investments, it could ruin the finances of both. However Pitt is able to find where Sofia is being kept and after an exciting battle, is able to save both Sofia and the reputation of England's credit.
It is an interesting, exciting read. There are just enough twists and turns in the plot to keep the reader guessing who is responsible, and of course the cast of characters is, as usual, delightful.
March 31, 2015
More intelligent Victorian mystery!
This time Pitt is caught in the maelstrom of religious opinions and dissent. Pitt has been asked to guard Sofia Delacruz, a charismatic woman who is creating ripples amongst the religious by challenging their fast held beliefs. Sofia is an English woman who ran away to Spain and has now returned as a religious speaker. She brings with her a message of radical beliefs that is upsetting the status quo. Pitt has been charged with her safety at a time when there is political unrest across Europe.
Questions arise for Pitt about God and belief. Questions about the acceptance and worth of intelligent women, questions Jemima is asking of Pitt and Charlotte. Perry deals insightfully with questions of love and faith, forgiveness and hope.
Sofia disappears and it is up to Pitt with the help of Vespasian and Victor Narraway to help.
The reasons for Sofia's return to England are tied up with her cousin Barton Hall. Newspaperman Frank Laurence and cricket star Dalton Teague involve themselves in this case to the annoyance of Pitt. The path travels from London to Spain and Toledo and back.
I was as consumed with interest about Sofia, her beliefs and her background, and the significance of her disappearance, as Pitt and his allies. The puzzle holds almost to the end. And in the end greed and envy stands alongside hope and faith. Another complex and convincing Victorian mystery set against the national and international politics of the time from Perry. I do so enjoy the intelligent work that Perry produces
A NetGalley ARC
This time Pitt is caught in the maelstrom of religious opinions and dissent. Pitt has been asked to guard Sofia Delacruz, a charismatic woman who is creating ripples amongst the religious by challenging their fast held beliefs. Sofia is an English woman who ran away to Spain and has now returned as a religious speaker. She brings with her a message of radical beliefs that is upsetting the status quo. Pitt has been charged with her safety at a time when there is political unrest across Europe.
Questions arise for Pitt about God and belief. Questions about the acceptance and worth of intelligent women, questions Jemima is asking of Pitt and Charlotte. Perry deals insightfully with questions of love and faith, forgiveness and hope.
Sofia disappears and it is up to Pitt with the help of Vespasian and Victor Narraway to help.
The reasons for Sofia's return to England are tied up with her cousin Barton Hall. Newspaperman Frank Laurence and cricket star Dalton Teague involve themselves in this case to the annoyance of Pitt. The path travels from London to Spain and Toledo and back.
I was as consumed with interest about Sofia, her beliefs and her background, and the significance of her disappearance, as Pitt and his allies. The puzzle holds almost to the end. And in the end greed and envy stands alongside hope and faith. Another complex and convincing Victorian mystery set against the national and international politics of the time from Perry. I do so enjoy the intelligent work that Perry produces
A NetGalley ARC
April 9, 2020
Not a Review just Notes ~ a HOAX... After reading through the tedious religious preachings of Sofia only to find out that her abduction and torture had nothing to do with her oblique faith but rather on bad investment. I find it hard to believe that a banker who came into his position of trust through hard work and his own abilities could just rely on 2 obscure Spaniards across the Atlantic to have any real and reliable knowledge of mineral deposits in Canada across yet again that same great body of water (plus would it not be better to trust those experts, miners and geologists based in Canada rather than from other places, for it was not stated if the hoaxers were geologists who went prospecting in Canada?)... Or if not the banker, extensive research could be done by the aristocrat with minions to hire for their geological expertise and learned advise and put pressure on the banker to invest the Bank of England's and maybe even the Crown's resources on reports of false gold deposits on faraway Canada?... for the banker and the aristocrat had a curious cautious symbiotic relationship going back into their Cambridge days where ties of kinship and loyalties were forged... apparently other ties like those between the banker and the aristocrat were also established ~ ties of Silence... dark secrets that both parties would prefer not to be exposed. Maybe this is an oblique reference to the sale of the Brooklyn Bridge to gullible immigrants by George C. Parker, a successful American swindler or what we now call a "con artist" who existed around the same timeline?...
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