[Thomas Pitt 01] • The Cater Street Hangman

"An ingenious mystery and an excellent example of manners and caste systems of the Victorian era."THE CHATTANOOGA TIMESWhile the Ellison girls were out paying calls and drinking tea like proper Victorian ladies, a maid in their household was strangled to death. The quiet and young Inspector Pitt investigates the scene and finds no one above suspicion. As his intense questioning causes many a composed facade to crumble, Pitt finds himself couriously drawn to pretty Charlotte Ellison. Yet, a romance between a society girl and so unsuitable a suitor was impossible in the midst of a murder....

From the Paperback edition.

ReviewOf our most recently published hardback, PENTECOST ALLEY:

‘Excellent period thriller… admirably well-written’Guardian

‘Demonstrates Perry’s trademark skill for enhancing well-designed mystery plots with convincing historical settings and cleverly drawn relationships… As Perry edges towards her surprise ending, she crafts her tale with elegance, narrative depth and gratifying scope’Publishers Weekly

From the Back CoverThe Ellison household is the epitome of Victorian respectability. Their comfortable London home is cared for by efficient servants, while the Ellison daughters take tea with their friends or do good works for charity. Sheltered from the grim realities of the outside world, even the gruesome murder of a young girl of their acquaintance is not permitted to alter their privileged, stifling routine. Clearly the unfortunate girl must have kept bad company, and deserved their hideous date.

But when the murderer strikes again and the Ellisons' trusted maid is the mutilated victim, the facade begins to crack. Worse, they must submit to investigation by the police, headed by an untidy young man by the name of Inspector Pitt. He has no respect for their superior social standing; he asks the most indelicate questions. Yet the middle daughter, Charlotte- never one to heed sensible advice- has reasons of her own for discovering the truth, and forms an unlikely alliance with Inspector Pitt…

"The Pitt Books are characterised by well-observed period detail, a fascination with miscarriages of justice and the high drama of the law, and intense scrutiny of family secrets".ROBERT MCCRUM, 'The Scotsman'