Summary: Death with a double Edge (A Daniel Pitt Novel ) by Anne Perry
Daniel
Pitt’s investigation into his colleague’s murder leads him through London’s
teeming underbelly to the suspicious dealings of one of England’s most
influential shipbuilding magnates in a thrilling novel from New York
Times bestselling author Anne Perry.
When junior barrister Daniel Pitt is summoned to
the scene of a murder in the London district known as Mile End, he knows only
that the victim is a senior barrister from the same firm. To Daniel’s relief,
it is not his close friend Toby Kitteridge, but the question remains: What was
this respected colleague doing in such a rough part of the city? The firm’s
head, Marcus fford Croft, may know more than he admits, but fford Croft’s
memory is not what it used to be, and his daughter, Miriam—Daniel’s friend and
sometime sidekick—isn’t in the country to offer her usual help. And so Daniel
and Kitteridge must investigate on their own, lest the police uncover something
that may cast a suspicious light on the firm.
Their inquiries in Mile End lead them to a local
brothel and to an opium den, but also—unexpectedly—to a wealthy shipbuilder
crucial to Britain’s effort to build up its fleet, which may soon face the
fearsome naval might of Germany. Daniel finds his path blocked by officials at
every turn, his investigation so unwelcome that even his father, Special Branch
head Thomas Pitt, receives a chilling warning from a powerful source. Suddenly,
not just Daniel but his whole family—including his beloved mother, Charlotte—is
in danger. Will Daniel’s devotion to justice be the undoing of his entire life,
and endanger Britain’s defense at sea? As ever, the fates of family and history
are inextricably intertwined in this spellbinder from Anne Perry (from
Goodreads).
My review of this historical murder mystery
Death with a double Edge is book 4 in the historical murder mystery series by Anne Perry, published by Ballantine Books. If features junior barrister Daniel Pitt who is assigned to secretly investigate the mysterious murder of top financial barrister Jonah Drake to keep the law firm above suspicion in case his last activity was not exactly above board. Danile’s father, Head of Special Branch Thomas Pitt, offers valuable advice while his trusted friend and colleague Toby Kitteridge works on the legal issues. Together they reveal ties to the murder of a woman with connections to a number of wealthy men and find links to politics and dangerous illegal activity. As the case moves forward, more people are found dead in the same area of London. –Even to Daniel’s own family get too close to danger.
Main character, junior barrister Daniel Pitt is
well connected with a middleclass upbringing. He seems quite empathic and broad
minded for a man of his time, particularly his view of women is quite
impressive. It’s easy to name him my favorite of this story.
Supporting
character is colleague and friend Toby Kitteridge who has worked in the law firm
for 8 years. He seems a methodical, trustworthy and kind man who seems to
devote all his time to the job.
The setting of this
story is late spring/early summer of 1911in London. Other books I have read of
Anne Perry has been set in autumn/winter with plenty of darkness, rain and foggy cold weather where
the characters are in need of huddling in front of fireplaces with cups of tea
to warm themselves and dry up. This one
stands out with its spring vibe and descriptions of light, sun and flowers. I also loved the historical context of London 1911. Technical
inventions like motor driven vehicles have replaced hansom cabs and horse drawn
carriages. The writing is beautiful and I particularly loved the description of
feelings and closeness between Daniel and his parents which are my favorite
part s of the story. When Daniel uses his parents as sounding boards, it clarifies
the drama and adds an enjoyable sense of danger and gloom to the story. The
dialogue is super clear and helps readers follow every step of the way as the
plot is meticulously ironed out.
Conclusion:
Death with a double Edge is the fascinating
story where junior barrister Daniel Pitt investigates the murder of his senior
colleague who has gotten too close to a case with ties to politics and a luxury
prostitute with connections to a number of wealthy men. Daniel’s own family ends
up in danger.
Rating: 5 stars / 5
You can get your Copy here:
Book Details
Publisher : Ballantine Books (April 13, 2021)
Language : English
Hardcover : 304 pages
ISBN-10 : 0593159330
ISBN-13 : 978-0593159330
