BOOK: Long Spoon Lane

AUTHOR: Anne Perry

SUMMARY: Having read and enjoyed all of the Thomas and Charlotte Pitt series by Anne Perry, I thought it was about time I wrote a book review of at least one of these. I have chosen the latest because I have just completed it and couldn’t put it down. Perry is a mystery writer who uses nineteenth century London as a backdrop. Her style is very reminiscent of Dorothy L. Sayers. Starting with The Cater Street Hangman, we meet a cast of characters that I have grown to know and love through this 24th book of the series. The same cast makes appearances in each of the books. Being warm, quirky and humorous, these characters come alive for me. Themes of terrorism and government corruption bridge the gap between then and now. These themes span many eras.

PLOT: Urban terrorism and police corruption greet Dectective Thomas Pitt in this latest Anne Perry murder mystery. A bomb has been set off in a working-class part of London by anarchists to protest police collection of money for protection. Magnus Lansborough, son of a prominent member of the House of Lords, has been shot to death. Pitt and Victor Narraway have been called in as Special Branch to find the murderer. Speed is important as the public is being manipulated by the press and high-ranking police officials to pass a bill in Parliament increasing the power of the police and limiting personal freedoms. Old enemies become new allies.

Sergeant Tellman, Pitt’s police friend from Bow Street and Lady Vespasia, a well-connected socialite, help solve this crime. Pitt’s wife Charlotte always seems to get involved in his cases. Her confidence, resourcefulness and social connections usually lead to a dramatic climax. Her maid Gracie seems to find out information on the seamier side of London from other people of service. I will not give you a clue as to the ending. But I will tell you that this story takes many twists and turns, from the highest players in British government to its shadier working class neighborhoods. Perry’s descriptive powers make you feel that you are an onlooker at the scene.