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The Whitechapel Conspiracy by Anne Perry
Book Description THE WHITECHAPEL CONSPIRACY is “a beauty, brilliantly presented, ingeniously developed and packed with political implications that reverberate on every level of British society.” –The New York Times Book Review In 1892, the grisly murders of Whitechapel prostitutes by a killer dubbed Jack the Ripper remain a terrifying enigma. And in a packed Old Bailey courtroom, Superintendent Thomas Pitt’s testimony causes distinguished soldier John Adinett to be sentenced to hang for the inexplicable murder of a friend. Instead of being praised for his key testimony, Pitt is removed from his station command and transferred to Whitechapel, one of the East End’s most dangerous slums. There he must work undercover investigating alleged anarchist plots. Among his few allies are his clever wife, Charlotte, and intrepid Gracie, the maid who can travel unremarked in Whitechapel. But none of them anticipate the horrors to be revealed. . . . “ONE OF HER BEST MYSTERIES EVER . . . You can’t put this book down. . . . Each scene, each encounter takes on a many-layered resonance.” –The Providence Sunday Journal “A POWERHOUSE OF A HISTORY-MYSTERY . . . Reading Perry is a bit like reading Thackeray edited by Elmore Leonard.” –Booklist (starred review) Reader Reviews 1 of 1 people found the following review helpful: RIPPING GOOD TALE!, November 15, 2002 Reviewer: jillalicehannah from Hollis Centre, ME United States This was my second Pitt adventure, Southampton Row being my introduction to Anne Perry's characters Thomas and Charlotte Pitt. Since this book was referred to so often in Southampton Row I felt I should read it to get the full scenario. It was certainly a good read. Having been on a "Jack the Ripper" tour on a dark and rainy night last April, I was intrigued as to whom would be the most prominent suspect. Even though this book was about far more than "Jack", it was spot on with the theory of a "royal" being involved and certainly better than the yarn that Patricia Cornwell is trying to thrust upon us! The Inner Circle and corruption in both politics and police is really the storyline here. After the trial of Adinett I felt I could actually see Thomas and Charlotte sitting in their cozy kitchen facing this nightmare together. It seemed all too real and plausible to me and I could easily fit the scenes into 2002 and the corruption that is floating all around us. I admire the active roles that both Charlotte and Gracie took, and not being caught up in the shy reserved woman's roles of their time. It was interesting that Pitt tampered with the crime scene at the sugar factory; I hope it does help him in future episodes to be more understanding of his own suspects and how frail humanity in the most honest of people can be. It served a more just cause, but he could have been fired and even possibly prosecuted for "doing the right thing". I was also surprised by the ending and admire Vespasia's strength and courage. Can we see more of her? So glad to have stumbled upon this author and look forward to devouring her previous novels. I am now working on Brunswick Gardens.....let you know soon! --This text refers to the Hardcover edition
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