Rating: 
Summary: First Time Reader
Review: "Southampton Row" was my first Anne Perry book and I am now a fan. I like the way we can learn so much from a bygone era when an author takes the time to do such great research. I didn't realize that so much was known about "mediums" back then. And this "inner circle" is very intriguing stuff. I am now very anxiously looking forward to reading the previous novel regarding the "Whitechapel affair" which is referred to often. And I, for one, appreciate the details on ladies' fashions as well as proper etiquette. (My English grandmother still adheres to the "calling hours"). Aust Vespasia seems like a character I would like to read more about, as well as Charlotte being home to help her husband. I can appreciate holding one's family dear, but if Pitt thought to be suspicious of everyone, even the postman, shouldn't he have known to begin with that Voisey would know exactly where his family was? I didn't see much sense in all that. Even when Tellman tries to decide where to take them all, he knows that Voisey would probably find them anyway, so what's the point? All in all, this novel has me looking forward to reading more by Ms. Perry. And isn't that the best review one can give?
Rating: 
Summary: "Pitt's Pit"
Review: "Southampton Row", English author Anne Perry's latest novel in the Inspector Pitt series places the intrepid Inspector in a setting that leaves the reader intrigued and troubled. It is Pitt's success in "The Whitechapel Conspiracy" that now threatens him and his family. Charles Voisey, the Inspector's Whitechapel nemesis reappears to haunt Pitt again. Thanks to the machinations of the Inner Circle, Pitt loses his position at the Bow Street Station and is sent to work at the Special Branch Office, a division within the Police Force set up to investigate terrorist activities. The terrorist in Pitt's life turns out to be Voisey, who as part of his continuing effort to republicanize English politics campaigns for Parliament. Pitt is assigned to shadow Voisey and determine his weaknesses. The campaign and Voisey's connection to the murder of a spiritual medium in Southampton Row threaten Pitt profesionally and personally. The new setting involves more than just the detection of a murderer in Southampton Row, it involves the mind games played in the web of deception woven by the Inner Circle and all those forced to deal with it.
In "Southampton Row", Inspector Pitt is compelled to think and act like those he despises most, the members of the super-secret Inner Circle. In the process, Pitt develops more than his usual sincere search for truth and justice, he demonstrates a newfound ability to think like Voisey. This leaves the reader wondering if the good Inspector is now walking the same path as Voisey. Has he, through his work, become contaminated with the characteristics of those he despises most. What price truth? Honor? The safety of loved ones? Will Thomas compromise his principals to protect Charlotte and their children? The novel forces the reader to grapple with these same questions of conscience.
"Southampton Row" is Perry's most compelling novel to date. It is a must-read for fans of Thomas and Charlotte Pitt. Best of all, this reader sees several potential story lines for future books in this series.
Rating:
Summary: First Time Reader
Review: "Southampton Row" was my first Anne Perry book and I am now a fan. I like the way we can learn so much from a bygone era when an author takes the time to do such great research. I didn't realize that so much was known about "mediums" back then. And this "inner circle" is very intriguing stuff. I am now very anxiously looking forward to reading the previous novel regarding the "Whitechapel affair" which is referred to often. And I, for one, appreciate the details on ladies' fashions as well as proper etiquette. (My English grandmother still adheres to the "calling hours"). Aust Vespasia seems like a character I would like to read more about, as well as Charlotte being home to help her husband. I can appreciate holding one's family dear, but if Pitt thought to be suspicious of everyone, even the postman, shouldn't he have known to begin with that Voisey would know exactly where his family was? I didn't see much sense in all that. Even when Tellman tries to decide where to take them all, he knows that Voisey would probably find them anyway, so what's the point? All in all, this novel has me looking forward to reading more by Ms. Perry. And isn't that the best review one can give?
Rating:
Summary: An easy-chair read...
Review: "Southhampton Row" by Anne Perry was a novel that I enjoyed. The characters were sort of laid back, but sometimes, I like that in this type genre. The dialogue flows smoothly, and the plot, though somewhat predictable, still interesting enough. Nice Job! John Savoy
Savoy International
Motion Pictures Inc.
Rating:
Summary: Incredible novel, but with some flaws.
Review: Anne Perry's latest novel is excellent. The plot is very well written and put together. The suspense builds up slowly and the story ties up very satifactorily.
I'm in agreement with Amazon's review that the section with Charlotte was unneccesary. It only distracts from the main story. Also, who cares what the characters are wearing? A general description is good, but I don't need to know every last detail.
Despite it's flaws, this is Anne Perry's best Pitt novel to date.
Rating:
Summary: Cool
Review: Heroes come and go. Those who make a lasting impression are the ones who are forced by circumstances to become truly extraordinary. To become extraordinary, to exceed our abilities, we often need someone of equal or greater strength to pit ourselves against. The Author facilitates this by creating for her or his hero an archenemy who is equally intelligent and resourceful, but who is also ruthless, unethical and menacing. For Sherlock Holmes, there is Professor Moriarty, for Clarice Starling there is Hannibal Lecter, and for Thomas Pitt Anne Perry has created Charles Voisey. Pitt first encounters Voisey a leader in a powerful secrete society called The Inner Circle in "The Whitechapel Conspiracy". In that novel, Pitt thwarts the plans of Voisey and The Inner Circle to overthrow the monarchy and establish a republic with Voisey as president. By this act, Pitt earns Voisey's everlasting hatred. "Southampton Row" continues the story. As the election draws near a social and economic gulf separates the two parties the Tories and the Liberals. The Tories hope that their candidate Sir Charles Voisey will be able to seize a critical seat in Parliament. The Liberal candidate is Aubrey Serracold whose chances may be hurt both by his wife's commitment to the Socialist agenda and her belief in spiritualism. This is further complicated when she is a participant in a late night séance at the home of a prominent clairvoyant who is found viciously murdered the next morning in her house on Southampton Row. Passions mount high over the elections and this latest scandal threatens to inflame them further. Pitt's long awaited holiday in the countryside with his family is cancelled and once again he joins Mr. Narraway of Special Branch to save the country.
In the mean time Charlotte, Gracie and the children embark on the long awaited holiday without Pit. However, they are by no means safe. The same fanatical forces that seek to destroy Pitt and Narraway also endangers them.
I enjoyed "The Whitecahpel Conspiracy" and was delighted that the story continued in this novel. "Southampton Row" is well written and suspenseful. I also like the change in the Pitt storyline. I think, as the second in command of Special Branch, Pitt will have many more intriguing adventures than he would as the commander of the Bow Street Station. I look forward to reading other adventures of Pitt and the special Branch as they encounter Voisey once more in a battle of wits. Judith Woolcock Colombo
Rating:
Summary: Of mediums and politics
Review: I am a real Anne Perry fan and have never read a book of hers that I didn't like. She has a wonderful grasp of the customs and political environment during Victorian times and she imparts that information to the reader while spinning a wonderful mystery at the same time. In this latest Thomas and Charlotte Pitt tale, Thomas is about to leave on a 3 week holiday with his family. He is summoned by Victor Narraway who tells him that he will not be able to make the trip because he must stay and try to foil the efforts of Charles Voisey, a Tory who is seeking a seat in Parliament. Pitt has tangled with Voisey before and knows what a dangerous man he is and what evil he could do in a position of power. He has no choice but to give up his trip and purue Voisey. In the middle of his investigation, a death occurs which seems to be tied to some politicians and their wives who will be effected by the outcome of the election. Pitt continues to investigate both the death and Voisey, while fearing for the safety of his family in the country. Perry presents several people who have a motive for killing the dead victim and, in the end, ties the tale together neatly. For those who have followed Perry's two series and for those who are new readers, this is a recommended book.
Rating:
Summary: Superb Victorian mystery
Review: In late nineteenth England, it is not the monarchy or parliament who rules the country but a clandestine organization known to only a few as the Inner Circle. Thomas Pitt, a Metropolitan Street policeman, once tangled with a member of that group and for his effort was fired from his position as the superintendent of the Bow Street Station. When he was able to neutralize his enemy Queen Victoria reinstated him.
Unfortunately, his enemy was able to hold on to his power and thus pulled strings to force the transfer of Pitt from Bow Street to Special Branch, an organization involved in guarding England's from her enemies. Pitt is assigned the task of neutralizing his old enemy who is running for a seat in the House of Commons. The former superintendent knows that if he wants to keep his wife and children safe, he must succeed in his assignment and do it before his enemy has a more powerful base than he already has.
Anne Perry, the leading writer of Victorian mysteries, has published her best work to date in SOUTHAMPTON ROW. It is as much a political thriller as it is a Victorian historical mystery. The details of the era are so detailed and colorful, that it feels as if the author actually lived in that period. The mystery is complex and creative but the most fascinating part of the book is the political picture Perry paints for her audience that turn a potent tale into a masterpiece. Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: Definitely Not the Last
Review: Southampton Row is an enjoyable read. Ms. Perry's knowledge of the Victorian era is undeniable extensive and the rich tapestry she is able to weave intrigued me. Reading this novel, I experienced the sounds, smells, and sights of Victorian London, not to mention the political climate of the time. In Southampton Row, Pitt is troubled by his duty to discredit the sly Sir Charles Voisey. He's much better at solving murders. Fortunately for him, and the readers of this novel, Pit gets to do what he's best at. Pitt is a likeable hero and a pleasure to read. Although the male characters are well written, what fascinated me most about Southampton Row are the female characters. Pitt's wife, Charlotte, is portrayed as a reluctantly obedient wife, but the other female characters are strong and individual, not stereotypical. Pitt's sister-in-law, Emily, is an intelligent political figure. Vespasia, Charlotte's great-aunt, is a pillar of strength and influence. Mrs. Underhill shines as the discontented, but dutiful, wife of the Bishop. In fact, all the female characters in Southampton Row are portrayed in fantastic detail. Ms. Perry gets inside the mind of every woman in her story. After reading the novel, I felt as though I knew all these women personally, like old friends. Southampton Row is only the second Anne Perry novel I've read so far. It will definitely not be the last.
Rating: 
Summary: Strong Female Presence Missed
Review: There is a lack of a strong female presence in this novel and it is the weaker for it. Charlotte and Gracie (a delightful character I wish we saw more of) are sent on holiday only to be "rescued". The use of the Inner Circle as a plot device (again) is not particularly original. The novel leaves you lacking a sense of closure. Good enough read, but not the best of the series.
| 
