by Anne Perry
Series: Daniel Pitt #2
Genres: Historical Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Young lawyer Daniel Pitt must defend a British diplomat who's accused of a theft that may hide a deadly crime in this compelling novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Twenty-one Days .
Daniel Pitt, along with his parents, Charlotte and Thomas, is delighted that his sister Jemima has returned to London from the States for a visit. But it's not on the happiest of terms, since a violent theft just before her departure has left Jemima's good friend frightened and missing a treasured family heirloom. The thief appears to be a man named Sydney--a British diplomat stationed in America who, in a cowardly move, has fled to London, claiming diplomatic immunity.
But when Daniel is forced to defend Sydney in court, he grows suspicious that he's not getting the whole story; so the lawyer puts on his detective hat to search out what information may be missing. With the help of plucky scientist Miriam Blackwood, Daniel parses through the evidence, and what begins as a stolen necklace turns out to have implications in crimes far greater--including a possible murder.
Please welcome Sophia Rose back to the blog. Today she is sharing Triple Jeopardy by Anne Perry, the second historical mystery novel in the Daniel Pitt series. Grab a cuppa and check out her review.
Sophia Rose’s Review
A simple, uncomplicated case of murder and courtroom drama this is not. But, then it never is with a writer who not only brings the past of, first Victorian, and now Edwardian London to life, but also brings the reader right inside the minds of the characters who people her stories.
For those new to Anne Perry’s books, Triple Jeopardy is the second of the Daniel Pitt stories. The Daniel Pitt stories are a follow up series to the Thomas and Charlotte Pitt series. Daniel is their son. He is a lawyer unlike his dad who was a police detective and left the London force to rise through the rank in Special Branch to become its head. Because of the close tie of family and an assumed familiarity with all that came before, new readers should start with Thomas and Charlotte’s stories before jumping into Daniel’s. And, because they enter into this story, the novella, A New York Christmas, should be read first so the reader has the earlier part of Jemima and Patrick’s story.
Triple Jeopardy left me in knots so many times. I was so vested in the characters that I felt what they felt and, particularly, feared what they did. By the time I was done with this investigation and courtroom drama, I was still left with a great deal to unpack. The author tells a cunning murder mystery in a well-drawn setting with complex characters and motives, but she’s not afraid to ponder social mores and ideologies, too. Justice vs. Revenge, Truth vs. Expediency, A Woman’s Reputation exposed to puerile gossip vs. allowing an injustice, and the biggie, presumed innocent until proven guilty vs. assumption of guilt because of loyalty and ties to the ones who believe it, are just some of the major elements brought into play.
So, the skinny on Triple Jeopardy is that young, junior lawyer, Daniel Pitt, gets sideswiped when during her first visit home from America, his sister, Jemima and her husband, Patrick, approach him with a nearly impossible request. A dear friend was assaulted in her own home back in DC and the man who did it is now back in London after claiming diplomatic immunity. They want to get him on a different charge because surely a man that would attack a woman has done other crimes and, if possible, get the other brought into it.
Daniel isn’t emotionally involved like his sister and brother in law who he doesn’t want to disappoint, but he is uneasy. They are trusting the word of others and he is trusting their word. The actual facts are few, but hearsay is rife. And, things that stack up against Phillip Sydney very neatly. And, yet, a young woman is not faking the assault which really happened and her father swears he saw the man’s face clearly before he got away.
Daniel wants to help his sister and her husband get justice for their friend, but he believes that there is something else behind it all.
Daniel is up against powerful people and maybe his own family, but it sure was great seeing him work through all that with the help of Kitteridge, his wry senior partner, the colorful and not always lawful Rowan Blackwood, and the redoubtable criminal pathologist Miriam fford Croft.
Though I felt Jemima and Patrick put Daniel on the spot, I did love that I got to follow up with them after all this time. I always wondered how Jemima and her Irish-American copper were faring.
Miriam and Daniel’s interactions are my favorite as there is the low level buzz of attraction with the slight taboo that he is over ten years (maybe even fifteen) her junior.
This was one where I knew exactly who the bad guys were as soon as most of the players were introduced and I even got the general idea of why things were set up the way they were. But, that said, there were a lot of coloring in that I needed to get a better picture so it made more sense for the why behind this villain. In the end, I still had some questions that I didn’t think got fully answered like the German angle and how the villain was connected there. Maybe I missed it and will need to go back and look closely. But, beyond that I wanted to know the ramifications for what came now that the truth was out. It ended abruptly with not much of a denouement.
All in all, it was a gently-paced character driven plot with spikes of intrigue and excitement. It was a nice blend of historical setting and courtroom drama. I can’t wait for more of Daniel and the others solving mysteries and bringing the answers to the courtroom. This is definitely a series for the historical mystery fan.
Sophia Rose says, "Triple Jeopardy by Anne Perry was a nice blend of historical setting and courtroom drama. #historical #mystery #DanielPitt Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Mary @StackingMyBookShelves!
I love a good drama this sounds intriguing. I will have to add this to my list, Sophia. Great Review! I love a little courtroom historical book. Yep, added!
Mary
Sophia Rose
Super! Glad it took your fancy, Mary. 🙂
Melanie Simmons
I do love when stories are character driven. Glad you enjoyed this one.
Sophia Rose
Yes! If its done right, it can be just as riveting as an action plot. 🙂
Anne - Books of My Heart
oh I’ve read a few about the parents. I really need to go back and binge that series and then work on Daniel! I didn’t even know about him. Great review!
Sophia Rose
Oh neat! A fellow fan. 🙂 If you’ve read any of the later Thomas and Charlotte’s, you would probably be fine to jump into Daniel’s two. 🙂
Katherine @ I Wish I Lived in a Library
Back when the first books in this series were coming out I loved the covers and was so sure that I’d love the books I bought them all! Those didn’t really work for me but I like the sound of this one so I might have to give the series another try.
Sophia Rose
I know what you mean about a series just not working for me for some reason. Yes, maybe this new spin-off with Daniel’s stories would be more your thing, Katherine. 🙂
sherry fundin
thanks for sharing sohpia
Sophia Rose
Sure thing, Sherry. 🙂
Debbie Haupt
Ok you may not believe this but I’ve never read her, I know I’ve been living under a rock LOL I think I’ll look this series up. Thanks Sophia Rose wonderful thoughtful review as always
Sophia Rose
Haha! I’ve missed out on plenty that have been around a while so no judgement here, Debbie. 🙂 Hope you like her books when you get the chance.
Lindsi
I don’t get super jazzed about historical fiction, but I do love well-developed characters! I love it when they feel real, and like we’re just reading about their day-to-day lives. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear? ?
Sophia Rose
Yeah, history isn’t everyone’s bag, but she does like to address things that are relevant even now. And, her character development is superb.
Thanks, Lindsi!
Nadene
I love when characters are so well developed that.you become invested in every aspect of their lives
Sophia Rose
Same here, Nadene! It’s the best!
Angela @ Simply Angela
This one sounds amazing! It’s been years since I’ve read a Perry novel.. I’ve been wanting to get back into her books and this looks like the perfect series to start back with. Great review, Sophia!
Sophia Rose
Yeah, she’s been at it for years and I’ve stuck with her. 🙂
I think you’d enjoy Daniel’s series, Angela.
Heidi
Sounds like there was much to keep you invested, but boo to the unanswered questions!
Sophia Rose
It was a wonderful story, but yes!!! The questions had me irritated. Maybe a further book will explain some of it.
Melissa (Books and Things)
Oh this sounds so good. I haven’t read read a good mystery in a while and this sounds like it really captures your attention. Brilly review.
Sophia Rose
These are some of my go to reads each year they release. 🙂
Lindy@ A Bookish Escape
I love that you were so vested in the characters, that you felt what they felt and feared what they feared! This sounds like it was a great murder mystery Sophia.
Sophia Rose
I feel like I know them after 25 years of reading about this family. 🙂
Melliane
I always love a book like that from time to time and it’s been a while since I haven’t read one so I should try this series!
Sophia Rose
Hope you enjoy it when you get the chance, Melliane.
Genesis @ Whispering Chapters
I don’t think I’ve read a mystery with a historical setting so that got my interest. I’m a fan of things fast paced in a mystery so I don’t know if this would be for me. Great review though!
Genesis @ Whispering Chapters
Sophia Rose
It can be a fun combo to get the history and mystery together. This one isn’t fast-paced like a thriller, but there are a few thrilling moments particularly in the second half. Thanks, Genesis!
Ailyn Koay
gently paced story have me thinking Daniel solving mysteries while having afternoon tea. That really did raise my eyebrows.
Sophia Rose
Haha! Not quite that laid back as there are some exciting, dangerous moments, but he does do a lot of visiting and questioning witnesses and suspects. 🙂
Cynthia
I do love a mystery with a historical setting and a taboo romance thrown in on the side! Great review Sophia Rose.
Sophia Rose
These are great. I’ve been a fan of hers for so long. This latest with Daniel are fun especially when he is with Miriam on the case. 🙂