This was another one of those books which I couldn't put down- to use the cliche. But I admit that this latest Charlotte and Thomas Pitt mystery had me hooked.
Like the other books in this series, the plot centers on the historical and political climate of 1893. The city of London, from the highest people in society, are brought to life here, and often, unexpectedly, rub shoulders (for instance, grand dame Lady Vespasia Cumming-Gould eating in the kitchen at the Pitt house). What I found truly amazing was the way in which Perry, yet again, was able to make these interactions seem ordinary.
The action of this story begins in Myrdle Street, where a row of houses is blown up. The police, including Special Branch and Thmas Pitt, follow a group of men to a house in Long Spoon Lane, where a shoot out commences- ending with one dead body and an injured constable. The dead man, the son of a figure in society, appears to have been deeply involved in an anarchy plot.
However, as Perry constantly proves to her readers, nothing is ever as it seems, and soon it becomes apparent that the bomb was intended for a police officer who had been involved in some localized police corruption. Pitt investigates and finds that this corruption stretches to all levels of the police force- all the way up to Commander Wetron of the Bow Street Police Force, where Pitt worked for a time. Wetron is angling to make himself the most powerful man in England by passing several reform bills in parliament which will give police the right to search people's houses and questions their servants- with their permission. If this bill is passed, it will mean the end of personal freedom.
Added into the mix is Charles Voisey, member of Parliament and former head of the Inner Circle, of which Wetron is rumored to currently be head. Unexpectedly, Voisey approaches Pitt to help him get rid of Wetron. "The enemy of my enemy is my friend," Voisey repeats, and this statement is true of everything that happens in this excellent novel. Could Voisey be using Pitt, and then get rid of Pitt after they have vanquished Wetron?
Charlotte Pitt, her sister Emily, Gracie, and Lady Vespasia Cumming-Gould become involved once again in the policework- though they are constantly reminded that this is a case that is way too dangerous for them to be involved in. But the three women add wonderful perspective to the novel, and give us an excellent picture of the lives of women at varying positions in society. I thoroughly enhoyed this novel, as well as the Thomas and Charlotte Pitt series, and can't wait for more from Anne Perry!
