Southampton Row [Large Print] (Hardcover)

A spiritualist is murdered. Her death may be connected to the politics of the coming election. Pitt must send his wife and children off to the country on their own when his vacation is cancelled. Investigations lead to some surprising connections between individuals, and Pitt finds his reputation threatened before the case is finally resolved. Politics breed strange bedfellows, and Pitt's brother-in-law finds himself in an awkward position where he must decide between a friend and his own career in politics.

It is better to deal with an enemy you know rather than one you don't know. Crimes sometimes go unpunished, even murder.

The Author facilitates this by creating for her or his hero an archenemy who is equally intelligent and resourceful, but who is also ruthless, unethical and menacing. For Sherlock Holmes, there is Professor Moriarty, for Clarice Starling there is Hannibal Lecter, and for Thomas Pitt Anne Perry has created Charles Voisey.

Pitt first encounters Voisey a leader in a powerful secrete society called The Inner Circle in "The Whitechapel Conspiracy". In that novel, Pitt thwarts the plans of Voisey and The Inner Circle to overthrow the monarchy and establish a republic with Voisey as president. By this act, Pitt earns Voisey's everlasting hatred.

"Southampton Row" continues the story. As the election draws near a social and economic gulf separates the two parties the Tories and the Liberals. The Tories hope that their candidate Sir Charles Voisey will be able to seize a critical seat in Parliament.

The Liberal candidate is Aubrey Serracold whose chances may be hurt both by his wife's commitment to the Socialist agenda and her belief in spiritualism. This is further complicated when she is a participant in a late night séance at the home of a prominent clairvoyant who is found viciously murdered the next morning in her house on Southampton Row.

Passions mount high over the elections and this latest scandal threatens to inflame them further. Pitt's long awaited holiday in the countryside with his family is cancelled and once again he joins Mr. Narraway of Special Branch to save the country.
In the mean time Charlotte, Gracie and the children embark on the long awaited holiday without Pit. However, they are by no means safe. The same fanatical forces that seek to destroy Pitt and Narraway also endangers them.

I enjoyed "The Whitecahpel Conspiracy" and was delighted that the story continued in this novel. "Southampton Row" is well written and suspenseful. I also like the change in the Pitt storyline. I think, as the second in command of Special Branch, Pitt will have many more intriguing adventures than he would as the commander of the Bow Street Station. I look forward to reading other adventures of Pitt and the special Branch as they encounter Voisey once more in a battle of wits.

Judith Woolcock Colombo