Traitors Gate

I have to admit this is by far, the best, most exciting book Perry has written so far. I normally like Monk and Hester better than I do Charlotte and Thomas. Charlotte doesnt seem as clearly defined as Hester. Hester seems so real to me that I would love to sit down, have a spot of tea with her and listen avidly of her experiences with the suffering. One thing that seems rather unusual in Perry,s books is the way women of the 1800's are speaking out about politics. They go to balls and spend alot of time discussing what,s happening in Africa, Germany, etc. Of course most of the time they arent talking about it to the men but maybe I am naive but I had assumed that back in the 1800's women remained silent no matter what they thought and men would laugh to think they would listen to any female,s opinion as they literally knew nothing. But in these books women are much more in the round of what,s happening...yet we are told they do not read newspapers. I would imagine that while husband and political friends are discussing important worldly things, unknown to them, the little wife is listening to every word. This is a book that is very hard to put down at any time until you reach the conclusion and just when you figure you have figured it all out, another shocker comes along. P.s. I would love to know where and how Perry gained so much insight to 1800's history. AS my grandaughter might say: it's awesome!

I find the Inner Circle not very credible. They were good for a few books but they have worn out their plot value. However, I did like the fact that Pitt is featured more prominently. I for one am losing interest in Charlotte and find her more unappealing with each book. Actually I find Emily and Great Aunt Vespasia more entertaining than Charlotte. Less Charlotte is a step in the right dirction. Despite the Innter Circle this is quite a good book with a satisfying ending.

TRAITORS GATE is another entry in the long-running Thomas Pitt series by Anne Perry. I like these stories, as evidenced by the fact that I've read them all up through this one. Given that this is a series, though, you should consider whether or not it's a good idea to start here if you haven't read any of the others. Part of the enjoyment of a series is the development of the personal lives of the main characters and this one is no exception. You can, however, pick TRAITORS GATE up and read it on its own. As far as the central plot is concerned, what you don't know won't hurt you. This novel has been faulted for the overwhelming presence of the "inner circle", for the idea of a precinct superintendent being chosen to investigate an espionage case, and because this case doesn't involve Charlotte as much as usual. I agree that the "inner circle" seems a bit overdone and I also agree that Thomas' role in such a case is rather unlikely. Neither of these issues really detracted from my enjoyment of the story, though. After all, it's fiction and some degree of suspension of disbelief is called for. As for Charlotte's role, I find it refreshing to get a story that focuses more on Thomas every now and then. My problem with this book, and it's a common one in this series, is the long-winded pontificating on some social or political ill of the day that Perry likes to indulge in. In TRAITORS GATE it's the evils of European colonialism in Africa. Perry takes to her soapbox and, while I may sympathize with her point of view, I just don't think a mystery story is the place for it. I read mysteries for entertainment, and TRAITORS GATE entertained me most of the time. Only when I found myself wading through digressions on colonialism and rhapsodies on the beauties of unspoiled Africa did it get tedious. Perry's moralizing aside, her mysteries are pretty good. I enjoyed the mystery that is central to this book and I enjoyed the renewal of my acquaintance with Thomas Pitt and the other main characters in the series. I expect most fans of the Pitt series will feel the same way.

This entry in the Thomas and Charlotte Pitt series suffers from its dependence on "the Inner Circle," an all powerful secret organization that requires absolute loyalty of its members, at the center of its plot. Previous novels in the series have dealt with the Inner Circle, but that organization is central to the plot of Traitor's Gate, and the breadth of its reach stretches credulity beyond the breaking point. The idea that the superintendent of the Bow Street police station would be asked to investigate a major case of espionage is also far-fetched. Those criticisms aside, the plot moves briskly and the characters are complex and interesting. The last 50 or so pages are gripping as the novel moves toward its climax.

Another enjoyable tale from the episodes including Thomas & Charlotte Pitt. The ending was well worth the wait. The added historical information concerning the settlement and colonization of Africa holds the readers attention and creates a more difficult puzzel to solve.