- Paperback: 288 pages
- Publisher: HarperCollins; TV tie-in edition edition (21 Sep 1998)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0006511201
- ISBN-13: 978-0006511205
- Product Dimensions: 17.2 x 11 x 2.6 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 427,208 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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More About the Author
Product Description
Review
Of our most recently published hardback, PENTECOST ALLEY:
‘Excellent period thriller… admirably well-written’
Guardian
‘Demonstrates Perry’s trademark skill for enhancing well-designed mystery plots with convincing historical settings and cleverly drawn relationships… As Perry edges towards her surprise ending, she crafts her tale with elegance, narrative depth and gratifying scope’
Publishers Weekly
Product Description
Legions of Anne Perry fans will know that Thomas Pitt is a fine detective, having followed his progress from inpecunious Inspector to respected Superintendent of Bow Street. Of course, he’s always relied on his Society wife, Charlotte, to help to solve his cases. How did he meet her? How did the unlikeliest of happy marriages begin? The Cater Street Hangman reveals all.
The respectable Ellison family is shaken to the core by the death of its trusted parlourmaid – strangled while the young ladies of the house were out to tea. But the middle daughter, Charlotte – never one to heed sensible advice – determines to find out the truth, and forms an unconventional but effective alliance with the investigating policeman, one Thomas Pitt.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
10 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
In Victorian times, the less said about human foibles . . . the better. "Gentlemen" were allowed to sow their oats as long as they did it discreetly while women were chattels of their husband's reputation in society. Naturally, one didn't mix with those of the lower classes.
Into that straight-laced environment, Anne Perry ingeniously introduces the taboos -- non-matrimonial sexual relations, love and lust among those of different social classes . . . and the consequences of sin.
As the book opens, a woman has been brutally murdered in an unusual way on upper-class Cater Street. Supercilious reactions follow, and the police are encouraged to stay away. When the murders continue, the self-satisfied lives begin to fray at the edges. Could the murderer be one's father . . . or brother?
Into this environment, two women find themselves with unexpected suitors from stations above and below them. Their wooings provide for fascinating reading.
The mystery side of this book will leave most reader dissatisfied. There is little of the police procedural or the "little grey cells" to entertain and amuse readers. Yet the mystery problem itself from the view of a hamstrung police force is quite challenging.
You will probably find yourself intrigued enough by this book to want to read more in the series . . . and you have a treat ahead of you as the rich characters expand and evolve.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Mass Market Paperback
When I learned that there was a series of Victorian era murder/mysteries I became excited since I was bored with the usual historical romances. Ah, thought I, now for some excitement. In the Cater Street Hangman, the first of this series, the plot is good as mysteries go with any number of red herrings thrown in. The final denouement is a surprise (at least it was to me). However, the characters all seem a bit shallow and story movement is slow. At the outset I thought this would be one of those books where I read the first couple of chapters and set it aside. Not so. After a slow start, the story does indeed pick up with bits and pieces of the puzzle being revealed slowly.
For this reader, however, there are many unanswered questions about dangling story lines. Hopefully, they will be answered in the next book in the series. I've given this book 3 stars based on the originality of the plot.
For this reader, however, there are many unanswered questions about dangling story lines. Hopefully, they will be answered in the next book in the series. I've given this book 3 stars based on the originality of the plot.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Really, really loved this book! I have read a couple in the Charlotte and Thomas Pitt series and they grip me every time. I wanted to start from the very beginning though and this introduces the characters and explains how things started really well. I love reading Anne Perry - her description of Victorian life conjures up lifelike images and you really feel you are there in that time.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Could have been 5 stars.
Like other proper Victorian young ladies, Charlotte and Emily Ellison are forbidden by their papa to read the newspapers, lest they encounter something unfit for young ladies to... Read more
Published 6 months ago by StarPlayer
Anne Perry
Arrived promptly. I was unable to find this book at the library and was very pleased to find a good second hand copy for a very good price. Would recommend this seller.
Published 13 months ago by Diana M. Wilson
Good story
This book sets the scene for all the folowing Thomas Pitt novels. It is set in the late Victorian period and seems to be historically accurate. A very good read.
Published 17 months ago by crafty sailor
Anne Perry Pitt novels
Have read quite a few Thomas Pitt novels which I enjoyed reading very much.
as I believe this may have been the first Thomas Pitt story I thought this was a must to have.
as I believe this may have been the first Thomas Pitt story I thought this was a must to have.
Published on 1 Jun 2010 by Mrs. J. D. Cook
Excellent start for new series of books.
A fantastic novel. This first book in the Thomas Pitt series shows how it was possible in the Victorian era for love to cross social boundaries with Inspector Pitt and Charlotte... Read more
Published on 13 Jan 2010 by Ms. Lorraine S. Webb
The Cater Street Hangman
Engrossing murder mystery, which also lays bare the moral hypocracy prevalent at the time. Pitt and Charlotte make an appealing team and Charlotte's battle to be her own person... Read more
Published on 29 Oct 2009 by Rich
Character-Driven Detection and a Novel of Manners
In Victorian times, the less said about human foibles . . . the better. "Gentlemen" were allowed to sow their oats as long as they did it discreetly while women were chattels of... Read more
Published on 17 Aug 2005 by Donald Mitchell
Character-Driven Detection and a Novel of Manners
In Victorian times, the less said about human foibles . . . the better. "Gentlemen" were allowed to sow their oats as long as they did it discreetly while women were chattels of... Read more
Published on 17 Aug 2005 by Donald Mitchell
Birthing Pains
Seeing the relationship between Charlotte and Thomas Pitt bloom and grow is one of the main reasons to read this book. Read more
Published on 26 Sep 2004 by K.J. Creswell
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