Ashworth Hall : A Novel

Rating:
Summary: The Biltmore House is Ashworth Hall !
Review: A recent visit to the Biltmore House in Ashville, NC was fresh in my mind as I read this fine Anne Perry novel. Talk about coming alive! If they ever want to make a movie of this novel they need no set- just do the whole thing at the Biltmore House, a marvelous turn-of-the-century mansion built by the Vanderbilt family. If you liked Ashworth Hall you'll love the Biltmore House!

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Summary: Irish eyes are definitely NOT smiling!
Review: After reading this book, I am hungry to go back and read all about the Irish Problem in the scholarly literature. In addition to her usual satisfying mysteries wrapped around the sights, sounds, and--yes--the smells of Victorian England, Anne Perry gets us to care about people on both sides of the political dispute at the heart of the conference at Charlotte's sister Emily's lordly estate. The characters who are here from earlier volumes in the Pitt series continue to grow, surprise, and delight--none more so than Gracie, the Pitts' "maid of all work." Her worse-than-impoverished childhood has left her unafraid in the face of danger, but here we see her first journey into affairs of the heart. Whoever wins her heart in future adventures will be a lucky man indeed. I'll have some more tea, and yes, please pass the crumpets. .

Rating:
Summary: Not Anne Perry's Best
Review: As a diehard Anne Perry fan, I was disappointed in Ashworth Hall. I couldn't stay with it. I don't know what went wrong! I have loved every other book she's written, and I've read all but the newest Thomas and Charlotte, and one Monk. Ashworth Hall didn't seem like an Anne Perry book at all.

Rating:
Summary: A Good Read
Review: Confession..I love a good read, even if it isn't the greatest novel ever written..and Anne Perry gives me a book to enjoy. This is one of the "Pitt" series, set in Victorian England..and it concerns the Irish problem..but that isn't the point. All her books address a social problem, and they are all beautifully authentic. But,most important, they are fun to read. Her plots are sometimes too familiar,but who cares as long as she writes well, and gives us characters to care about. Keep writing your two books a year Miss Perry, they are well done and a good read

Rating:
Summary: A Good Read
Review: Confession..I love a good read, even if it isn't the greatest novel ever written..and Anne Perry gives me a book to enjoy. This is one of the "Pitt" series, set in Victorian England..and it concerns the Irish problem..but that isn't the point. All her books address a social problem, and they are all beautifully authentic. But,most important, they are fun to read. Her plots are sometimes too familiar,but who cares as long as she writes well, and gives us characters to care about. Keep writing your two books a year Miss Perry, they are well done and a good read

Rating:
Summary: The Characters are Great and the Story is Good.
Review: Except for the First Charlotte and Thomas Pitt book I read, I have read the books in sequence. Sometimes they were wonderful and sometimes not. This one was wonderful even though I am still not sure who did what to whom in the end. I know more and care more about Thomas, Charlotte, Emily, Jack, Gracie and even Tellman. I look forward to meeting them all again and again.

Rating:
Summary: The Characters are Great and the Story is Good.
Review: Except for the First Charlotte and Thomas Pitt book I read, I have read the books in sequence. Sometimes they were wonderful and sometimes not. This one was wonderful even though I am still not sure who did what to whom in the end. I know more and care more about Thomas, Charlotte, Emily, Jack, Gracie and even Tellman. I look forward to meeting them all again and again.

Rating:
Summary: Not bad, not great, either
Review: Having read all of the Pitt and Monk novels, I find myself continuing to look forward to the next one despite seeing the same flaws repeated from novel to novel. The real strength of her writing, and which fascinates me, is the characterization of interesting people-their lives and emotions- during an exciting period in time. The mysteries themselves often require such amazing leaps in logic and fantastic coincidences that I find my belief occasionally strained. This does not detract from my enjoyment of the novels, however!

Rating:
Summary: Charlotte and Thomas.....Another murder to solve!
Review: I am always glad when I see another Charlotte and Thomas Pitt mystery waiting for me in the bookstore. I have read all the books in this series, as well as the Monk series, and have thoroughly enjoyed them all. Anne Perry's Victorian mysteries are fascinating. A quick peek under the carpet of this historical period reveals some very nasty habits. I especially liked the part that Gracie played in this adventure. She is growing up to be quite a detective, in addition to expanding her skills as a maid. Keep up the good work Ms. Perry

Rating:
Summary: I'm still not sure who did what and why.
Review: I had a hard time maintaining interest in this book. I've read all of Ms. Perry's books and have never had this problem. It was difficult to keep the characters and their beliefs straight. However this book has sparked an interest for me in the Irish Problem.