I received this book for free from my own shelves in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Source: my own shelves
Bethlehem Road
by
Anne Perry
historical mystery in a paperback edition that was published by Fawcett Books on June 30, 1991 and has 313 pages.
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Other books by this author which I have reviewed include Death in the Devil’s Acre, Cardington Crescent, Silence in Hanover Close, The Cater Street Hangman, Callander Square, Paragon Walk, Resurrection Row, Rutland Place, Farriers' Lane, Bluegate Fields, Midnight at Marble Arch, A Christmas Hope, Dark Tide Rising
Tenth in the Charlotte and Thomas Pitt mystery series set in the late 19th century in London revolving around Thomas’ career as a policeman and the help provided him by Charlotte.
My Take
A horrifying look at the lack of women’s rights in the late 19th century in England. I really don’t care what excuses the Establishment came up with as to why women couldn’t think for themselves. When Florence Ivory unleashes her tirade at Charlotte…I just wanted to cry. It’s all well and good to make laws forcing women to be beholden to their husbands or fathers for every single object, thought, or happiness. It’s quite another to expect that every one of those husbands or fathers would be concerned with actually considering their true welfare. Too many people, men or women, are tempted by absolute power.
I couldn’t help but wonder at the women who so vociferously protested that women were not competent at holding opinions how they dared, or even could, come up with an opinion. Since they were not competent enough to do so…
It took a while to figure out the identity of the culprit but I never would have guessed at such a second-hand distance! I just love Perry’s C&Thomas Pitt series, she has such an excellent eye for the time period. And makes me so grateful to be living in today’s world!
The Story
Some madman, or woman, is murdering Members of Parliament only moments after they leave a late sitting in Parliament and no one has seen a thing. Thomas and his superior, Micah Drummond [at last! A good boss for Thomas!!], are completely baffled. It takes a great deal of tedious footwork and questioning. Always taking a different angle, a different approach before the key clue is discovered.
The Cover and Title
The cover is certainly symbolic with its top hat on its side, the ends of a white silk scarf spilling from it topped with a primrose on a railing at Westminster Bridge. The title itself is a clue.
