The Cater Street Hangman

by Anne Perry

This is the first book of the Charlotte and Thomas Pitt Mystery Series. The mystery takes place in an upper middle class neighborhood. The families aren’t noble but are upper class. The men work in government and upper class professional establishments, and the families have big houses and a host of servants. The houses are comfortable and well maintained. The Ellison family living in a large mansion on a respectable street in a good location is shocked when a young woman is found on their street strangled with a garotte. Thomas Pitt is a London detective who arrives in the neighborhood to question the residents.

Mr. and Mrs. Ellison whose large home is located on the street where the poor woman was murdered. They are appalled that this common man who is one step above the working class should have the gall to question them. Inspector Pitt is unconcerned about their feeling towards him because he has a job to do, and it amuses him that they feel they should be above reproach simply because they are cultured. He has informed them that two women have been brutally murdered and everyone is suspect. Charlotte Ellison, who is 20 years old, finds Inspector Pitt compelling and yet is also annoyed at his attention. But, before the ending of the book there are several more girls murdered; two that directly effect the Ellison’s home.

I thought this was a very good mystery. I especially liked the period details and the strictly defined behavior and expectations. The stratification of 19th century London society is fascinating. Knowing who you can talk to and how you must talk to them is very rigid. The young women are alays watched to make sure they conform to the standards of their class. I found this aspect of the book interesting and the murder mystery compelling.

Inspector Pitt is a very strong caracter. He is smart and determined to do his job. He clearly is attracted to Charlotte much to the amusement of her sisters. He shows no deference to the complaints of the upper classes. I like him a lot and since the series is the Charlotte and Thomas Pitt mystery series, you can see where the author is going.