Long Spoon Lane: A Novel [Hardcover]

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!

By the summer of 1893, the English have become concerned with the bombing activities of the Anarchists who set explosions recently in London and Paris. A tip has come into the Special Branch, whose mission is to stop terrorists, claiming a bomb is set to go off in East London. Special Branch Chief Victor Narraway and Agent Thomas Pitt rush to the area; they capture two of the bombers. A third, a parliament member's son, is killed.

Pitt investigates the crime in an effort to learn who murdered the third prisoner. As he conducts an internal investigationt of the affairs of his office and the police as a whole, Pitt uncovers vast corruption with Bow Street Inspector Wetron of Bow Street seemingly as the untouchable chieftain protected by the highest levels of government. Meanwhile the media goes on a feeding frenzy demanding the arming of Bobbies and invoking patriotism insisting more power granted to law enforcement to intimidate suspected terrorists. Only a devil's deal with his enemy Sir Charles Voisey might stop Wetron from taking advantage of the public fervor, which seems to make this mastermind even more potent and deadly.

Highly regarded for her terrific historical mysteries, Anne Perry may have written her most relevant late nineteenth century police procedural in LONG SPOON LANE. The story line is action-packed from the moment the two Special Branch cops race to Myrdle Street to prevent a bombing and never slows down as the hero learns how deep corruption and greed extend in the force. Charlotte, Pitt's wife, plays a lesser role than she did in SEVEN DIALS, but no one will mind as the parallels of 1893 England to modern America is uncanny.

Harriet Klausner

Inspector Pitt returns for an exciting adventure in Victorian England. I won't rehash the plot others have covered. This story benefits from the strengthened relationship of Pitt with his two principal colleagues, Sergeant Tellman and Superintendent Narraway. Pitt and Tellman finally become a real team founded on mutual respect. And the rough edged Narraway softens a bit, avoiding the hackneyed nasty boss syndrome of so many police procedurals.

The underlying theme of the conflict between domestic terrorism and homeland security excesses is credible, timely, and well handled here. It is also based on fact, as Anarchy was a major threat in late 19th Century Europe.

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