The Hyde Park Headsman: A Charlotte and Thomas Pitt Novel (Charlotte and Thomas Pitt Series Book 14)

The Wall Street Journal recently praised Anne Perry for her "memorable characters and an ability to evoke the Victorian era with the finely wrought detail of a miniaturist." These gifts are much in evidence in this newest novel featuring Ms. Perry's acclaimed detectives, Charlotte and Thomas Pitt. Not since the terrible Whitechapel slayings - the bloody deeds of a madman known as Jack the Ripper - have Londoners felt such terror as that aroused by the gruesome beheadings in Hyde Park. If newly promoted Police Supervisor Thomas Pitt does not quickly apprehend the perpetrator, he is likely to lose his own head, professionally speaking. Clues are few. A headless body slumped in a gently rocking boat on the Serpentine. Another on a bench in a deserted Hyde Park bandstand. That these first victims apparently died without a struggle suggests that they knew, even trusted, the person who killed them. Yet Pitt can find no common thread that might bind a respected naval officer, the first victim, to the distinguished musician who is the second to die. Common folk, gentlemen, the press, politicians, prostitutes, pimps, the powerful secret Inner Circle, all London is howling for blood - Pitt's own if necessary. Never has Pitt been so hard pressed or so curiously reluctant to make an arrest. And just when he needs her most, Pitt's clever wife, Charlotte, seems unable to help him. Nevertheless, Charlotte will do her part as best she can.... In this major novel, Anne Perry attains a new level of psychological acuity and suspense. And in its resolution, Anne Perry's compassionate wisdom and storytelling genius shine forth more brightly than ever before. Not since the bloody deeds of Jack the Ripper have Londoners felt such terror as that aroused by the gruesome beheadings in Hyde Park. And if newly promoted Police Superintendent Thomas Pitt does not quickly apprehend the perpetrator, he is likely to lose his own head, professionally speaking. Yet even with the help of Charlotte Pitt's subtle investigation, the sinister violence continues unchecked. And in a shocking turn of events that nearly convinces the pair of sleuths that they have met their match, the case proves to be Pitt's toughest ever.