Krishna
This book also set in Victorian times, a trademark Anne Perry characteristic. Chief Inspector William Pitt is sent to Ashworth Hall, the mansion owned by Jack, who is Emily’s husband, to protect the participants of a large political group that discusses the vexed Irish Question. (Of course, it was very much an issue then too). Since no crime had actually taken place, Pitt goes as an invited family member, since Emily is the sister of his wife Charlotte. Tellman goes (disguised) as his valet, and Gracie of course, accompanies Charlotte as her maid.
A murder takes place under the very nose of Pitt and the person murdered is Ainsley Graville, the member of the group most likely to have driven the conference towards a solution. Jack takes his place temporarily and Emily is terrified for his safety, which only intensifies when he narrowly escapes an assassination attempt. Investigations reveal that everyone had an alibi and Pitt and Tellman are stumped, until Gracie’s keen eyes reveal some vital pieces of evidence that point Pitt in the right direction.
The cast of characters includes important members of the delegation from the Irish and British sides, attempting to find a solution to the Irish question. Therein lies the weakness of this novel. Typically, you find empathy with the characters of Anne Perry’s novel. Here the cast of characters (at least to me) was so complex and non humane, that I needed to draw some kind of a chart to keep track of who is who and whose valet is who and whose maid is who!! Add to the fact that Ainsley’s son Pierre brings his fiancee Justin unexpectedly to the castle and announces her to his startled parents, the cast becomes a bit more complex.
There are some interesting things about the book in terms of the hatred that comes across between two groups that are purportedly meeting in a friendly atmosphere with the intent of solving a longstanding problem. Also the description of how facts and fiction intermingle to keep partisan views on each side alive is fascinating. Gracie’s romance with one of the valets is interesting.
However, the mystery in itself is weak, and the denouement weaker still. Missing is the usual Agatha Christie style cleverness in the story and the stunning denouement that normally is present in many of Anne’s books. (But not all, as noted in the review of Bluegate Fields)
This is the least interesting book she has written (among the ones I read so far) and readers, except die-hard fans of Anne, would be well advised to give this one a miss.
I would give it no more than a 3/10
- - Krishna