- Paperback: 400 pages
- Publisher: HarperCollins; New Ed edition (2 Dec 1996)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0006479146
- ISBN-13: 978-0006479147
- Product Dimensions: 17.2 x 11.2 x 2.8 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 409,279 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Description
Product Description
Not since the bloody deeds of Jack the Ripper have Londoners felt such terror as that aroused by the gruesome beheadings in Hyde Park. And if newly promoted Police Superintendent Thomas Pitt does not quickly apprehend the perpetrator, he is likely to lose his own head, professionally speaking.
Yet even with the help of Charlotte Pitt's subtle investigation, the sinister violence continues unchecked. And in a shocking turn of events that nearly convinces the pair of sleuths that they have met their match, the case proves to be Pitt's toughest ever . . . .
"Very satisfying, a lovely way to spend a rainy spring weekend." -- USA Today
"Thrilling . . . [Perry's] understanding of the historically rich period enables her to devise a plot true to its time yet timeless in its approach to human nature." -- The Orlando Sentinel --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Yet even with the help of Charlotte Pitt's subtle investigation, the sinister violence continues unchecked. And in a shocking turn of events that nearly convinces the pair of sleuths that they have met their match, the case proves to be Pitt's toughest ever . . . .
"Very satisfying, a lovely way to spend a rainy spring weekend." -- USA Today
"Thrilling . . . [Perry's] understanding of the historically rich period enables her to devise a plot true to its time yet timeless in its approach to human nature." -- The Orlando Sentinel --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From the Back Cover
SLAUGHTER ON THE SERPENTINE
London, 1890, and Thomas Pitt's promotion to Superintendent of Bow Street is as bad as he's feared. He must delegate to resentful colleagues as the most horrific killings since the Whitechapel Murders terrorise the city, beginning with the discovery of a headless body on the Serpentine. Is there a madman on the rampage?
Meanwhile, the Assistant Commissioner is rampaging around Pitt's office, demanding results, or else more heads will roll. Pitt's instincts tell him that there is more to it than a lunatic at large. Yet, despite his unmatchable detective skills, there is no evidence.
For once, Charlotte Pitt is too busy to help her husband. Her brother-in-law is standing for parliament; her mother is unsuitably fond of a young actor; and, most important, the Pitts are to move house. But in the panic of packing, it is Charlotte who happens upon a startling solution…
"The author distributes delicacies like sweetmeats at a funeral – best savoured for their morbid aftertaste"
NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
The Hyde Park headsman is one in the long series of Inspector Pitt mysteries; Inspector Pitt solves grisly murders in Late Victorian London with the (mostly) unwanted help of his clever wife Charlotte, beautiful sister-in-Law Emily and young housemaid Gracie. As with all of Anne Perry's Victorian mysteries the spirit of the Victorian age comes alive with her vivid descriptions of a Victorian London that spans all the social classes of the time. Unlike some 'real' Victorian novels the leading women in Perry's Victorian England are strong and clever more akin in spirit to the feisty ladies of Regency novels of Jane Austen. When the body of a respectable Naval Captain is found decapitated on the Hyde park lake, newly promoted Superintendent Pitt must try to find out whether the killer is a escaped lunatic or someone the naval captain new... as is usual in Perrian London the answer is always a lot more complicated then is first thought. 'The Hyde Park Headsman' also shows a little emotional drama as Charlotte notices how taken Pitt is with a courageous widow. Charlotte's jealousy is compounded by her guilt at spending so much time away from Pitt whilst decorating the new large house. Anne Perry's strength lies in her lively descriptions of Victorian London, with her common use of Victorian products and traditions that have been long forgotten by all but researchers and historians, her weakness lies in the dialogue of the characters which often feels false, it is neither the well thought out formal speech of the Victorians nor is it the more colloquial language of today, her witticisms are not greatly witty and her working class characters are so unbearable 'mockney' and over the top it is laughable. If you can ignore these minor problems and they are really minor in the scheme of things, then you will really enjoy Anne Perry generally and 'The Hyde Park Headsman' in particular.
Format:Paperback
Haven't read this book yet but if its as good as the other Anne Perry books I have read then I'm sure I will enjoy it
Format:Mass Market Paperback
Anne Perry writes with amazing clarity of London - a joy to pick up each book
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