In this novel, the protagonist is Thomas Pitt, a character created by the author together with his wife Charlotte. The story is set at the end of the nineteenth century, and the First World War can already be glimpsed on the horizon. Thomas belongs to a special branch responsible for national security, yet the case he must solve appears to lack political importance: in the courtyard of a high-ranking government official, traces of blood, women’s hair, and broken glass are found, and the police believe they belong to a maid from the house who disappeared the previous night.

The case becomes more complicated with the discovery, nearby, of a disfigured body that could also be the missing girl. Everything points to a crime of passion, and Thomas would prefer that to be true, since he wants to leave the matter in the hands of the local police. However, when a second mutilated body appears in the same place, he is not allowed to withdraw from the investigation, as it could involve political problems. Thomas will have to rely on friends with useful connections in order to gather information and uncover the links between the events.

It is a novel with dialogues that reflect the psychology and behavior of the couple’s friends, and although dark aspects of society are revealed, they are softened by the warmth and sincerity shared between Pitt, his wife, and others, while the suspense continues to grow as the plot advances. The novel is entertaining, well constructed, has positive qualities, and is easy to read.

Anne Perry (1938–2023), born Juliet Marion Hulme, was a prolific British writer of mystery novels set in the Victorian era.