The Cater Street Hangman by Anne Perry

[snugglekitty]

Anne Perry is a well-known writer of Victorian mystery. I am a well-known lover of Victorian mystery (at least among my close friends, ha ha). So I decided to see what the fuss was about.

Charlotte always says exactly what is on her mind, to the distress of those around her. Emily will stop at nothing to get what she wants. Sarah and Dominic seem like the perfect couple - but are they? Edward is by turns loving and autocratic, while Caroline wants peace. Sound like the latest Hollywood drama? Actually, it is the backdrop for a creepy Victorian mystery.

The period details in this piece are perfect. It is slow to start, but once it gets going, you won't be able to put it down. Whodunit is an interesting question, but what makes this book fascinating are the interpersonal dynamics, which become strained, tense, and increasingly complex as the serial killer strikes again and again. Four stars, and I am planning to read on in the series. Those who enjoy period mysteries should give it a try.

Comments

[lady-anemone.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much for the long, thoughtful reply. I agree with you about the characters - I have to care about them and like them, or it just doesn't work for me. I enjoyed the social commentary in CSH and thought it was actually pretty progressive for when the book was written.

Good to know about the writing quality deterioration. That is something that I tend to be on the lookout for, especially with long series. Apparently Charlotte and Thomas have 25 books, not counting the Christmas series (which makes me turn away in horror, given my hatred of all things Christmas. Is there a word for a Christmas phobia out there?), which strikes me as enormously long. I think I would be sick of the characters after 25 books, even if I loved them!