Title: The Cater Street Hangman
Author: Anne Perry
First published January 1, 1979
288 pages, Paperback
Rating: 3.9
Overview
Unafraid of breaking societal norms, Charlotte Ellison and her sister take matters into their own hands when their maid is found murdered. In a time where women are expected to stay quiet and let the men handle things, the Ellison sisters team up with the young and ambitious Inspector Thomas Pitt to crack the case.
Anne Perry’s The Cater Street Hangman is a thrilling historical mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. This reissue is a must-read for fans of the genre.
About the Author
Anne Perry, an English author, is widely recognized for her historical detective fiction, particularly for her Thomas Pitt and William Monk series. However, her life took a drastic turn when she was convicted, at the age of fifteen, for her participation in the murder of her friend’s mother.
After serving time for five years, she changed her name to “Anne Perry.”
Her first novel, published in 1979, was released under the new name. Her works mainly fall under the category of genre fiction, including historical murder mysteries and detective fiction.
Her novels feature several recurring characters, particularly Thomas Pitt, who was introduced in her first novel, and William Monk, an amnesiac private investigator who first appeared in her 1990 novel.
In total, Perry has published 47 novels and multiple collections of short stories. Her story “Heroes,” which was published in the 1999 anthology edited by Otto Penzler, won the 2001 Edgar Award for Best Short Story.
Perry was also included in Ben Peek’s novel, which explores the nature of truth in literature.
Editoral Review
Anne Perry’s The Cater Street Hangman, first published in 1979, is a thrilling murder mystery that takes readers on a journey to Victorian London, where the affluent residents of the Cater Street neighborhood are haunted by a series of gruesome murders. Perry, a renowned historical fiction writer, weaves a tale of mystery and suspense that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
The novel is set in the late 1800s and explores social and gender roles, as well as the impact of Victorian morality on individuals. It centers on the Ellison family, who reside on Cater Street, and their involvement in the mysterious murders.
Inspector Thomas Pitt, who is assigned to the case, is a well-crafted and complex character trying to solve the murders while navigating societal expectations and political pressures. Perry’s writing is flawless, with a meticulous attention to detail and a vivid sense of place that transports readers to Victorian London.
The pacing of the novel is superb, and each chapter is more compelling than the last. The characters are well-developed, with their internal conflicts and external challenges adding to the complexity of the plot.
The Cater Street Hangman tackles themes of feminism, morality, justice, corruption, and societal pressures in a profound and engaging way. Perry employs various literary devices, such as foreshadowing and red herrings, keeping readers guessing until the very end.
However, the novel’s only shortcoming is its slow start. The first few chapters are riddled with character introductions and setting descriptions, which may leave some readers feeling bored or overwhelmed.
But with a little patience, the story soon picks up, and the tension starts to build. Overall, Anne Perry’s The Cater Street Hangman is a highly recommended read for fans of murder mysteries and historical fiction.
It is a well-crafted, well-written, and thought-provoking novel that offers insight into Victorian London and its society. It will captivate readers from start to finish, and leave them wanting more.
Rating: 4.5/5.0