by Anne Perry
First published 2013
Thomas Pitt, head of Special Branch, faces a case that officially lies outside his authority. Catherine Quixwood, wife of a wealthy merchant banker, has been raped and apparently killed herself. The crime sparks vicious rumors that blame the victim rather than seek justice. Pitt takes on the investigation quietly, aided by his clever wife Charlotte and former superior Victor Narraway. The questions multiply: Why did Catherine skip a grand party that night? Why did she send away all her servants and leave the front door open? Who was the young man often seen with her at cultural events? Meanwhile, another assault occurs against Angeles Castelbranco, the Portuguese ambassador's teenage daughter. Pitt must navigate the treacherous world of Victorian high society, where powerful men escape consequences while others suffer. His own daughter Jemima is coming of age in this dangerous culture. The investigation leads from international politics and finance to Pitt's own home. The former policeman who once entered grand houses through kitchen doors now sits as a guest in those same parlors. He must find the courage to confront the wealthy and powerful with their crimes.
Genres: fiction, historical-fiction, mystery, crime, detective, 19th-century
Vibes: atmospheric, emotional, suspenseful
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, power-dynamics
Setting: Marble Arch, Portugal
Period: Victorian Era
352 pages · Hardcover · Ballantine Books
Content warnings: sexual-assault