Book Review: The Whitechapel Conspiracy

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

The Whitechapel Conspiracy     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Anne Perry
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Cozy   Historical   Police Procedural
Series: Thomas & Charlotte Pitt # 21
Ballantine, Jan 2001, $25.00, 352 pp.

Superintendent Thomas Pitt of the Bow Street police station testifies against John Adinet, under trial for allegedly murdering antiquarian Martin Fetters. Martin and John were best friends who believed in social reform.

Though no motive surfaces, circumstantial evidence and Pitt's compelling testimony swings the jury to deliver a guilty verdict. John's appeal fails leaving his execution in three weeks.

Meanwhile, the verdict leaves Thomas with some powerful foes since John was a member of the "Inner Circle", a group of influential men protecting each other's interests. They know that cannot save John, but they need to release their anger while also gaining revenge for one of their members.

They go after Pitt starting with obtaining a transfer for him to the East End slum looking for anarchists. This forces John to separate from his wife and children, but his spouse, peers, and friends refuse to sit back while an injustice occurs.

Anne Perry, known for her enthralling Victorian historical mysteries, provides her audience with an unusual take on the Ripper murders. The various subplots, each one starring a different main character, adds up to a fascinating and plausible story line. THE WHITECHAPPEL CONSPIRACY highlights the squalor of the lower classes while only a few miles away the heir apparent is hosting a party that could feed the masses for a week. Ms. Perry's fans will receive plenty of pleasure from her latest novel.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner