Anne Perry’s Murder on the Serpentine wraps up the story of Thomas and Charlotte Pitt as we know it. However, since she’s going to pick up the story of the next generation, I’m sure we’ll see the couple again. Even so, this mystery is an excellent finale to this storyline.
Thomas is now commander of Special Branch, the part of Her Majesty’s government that deals with threats to the safety of the nation. But, he’s not prepared to be summoned to meet with Queen Victoria herself. The aging Queen is troubled and concerned for her son’s reputation. She’s been on the throne for sixty-two years, and knows it’s almost time for Edward to take over. She wants Thomas to personally look into the background of Alan Kendrick, a new friend of the prince’s who seems to have a great deal of influence over him. And, she wonders if Alan Kendrick knows more than he should about the death of an advisor to the Queen.
Sir John Halberd’s body was discovered in the Serpentine, a shallow river that runs through Hyde Park. Rumors swirl as Society wonders what he was doing there at night. Now, Thomas must work himself into the right places to hear the gossip, without informing Charlotte of his interest. After nineteen years of marriage, the couple has been used to working together. But, Thomas’ new position, and this assignment from the Queen, means he can’t tell his wife what he’s doing. For the first time, Charlotte feels lost and unneeded.
As Thomas struggles with the most important case of his life, one that could influence all of England, readers witness a good man troubled by his conscience, and his need to take actions that sometimes bother him. It’s a story of power, and how it can be used and misused. At the same time, Charlotte’s emotions and actions are important to the story. Perry has brought the couple together, summarizing their years and their cases, in this fascinating story. And, the finale is an ending appropriate for Thomas and Charlotte Pitt’s storyline.
Anne Perry’s website is www.anneperry.co.uk
Murder on the Serpentine by Anne Perry. Ballantine Books. 9780425284988 (hardcover), 288p.
*****
FTC Full Disclosure – The publisher sent me a copy of the book, hoping I would review it.
