Midnight at Marble Arch

Charlotte and Thomas Pitt, Book 28

By: Anne Perry

Narrated by: Davina Porter

Length: 12 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

In this superbly accomplished new Charlotte and Thomas Pitt adventure, Anne Perry takes us beneath the glittering surface of wealthy Victorian society into a nightmare world of fear and intimidation, where women are too often blamed for the violent attacks against them, and powerful men take what they want, leaving others to pay the price.

The horrifying rape and apparent suicide of Catherine Quixwood, wife of a wealthy merchant banker, falls outside the new jurisdiction of Special Branch head Thomas Pitt, but so pervasively offensive are the rumors about the victim that Pitt quietly takes a hand in the investigation.

Yet even with the help of his ingenious wife, Charlotte, and his former superior, Victor Narraway, Pitt is stumped. Why did high-minded, cultured Catherine choose not to accompany her husband to a grand party on the night of her demise? Why did she dismiss all her servants for the evening and leave the front door unlocked? What had been her relationship with the young man seen frequently by her side at concerts and art exhibits? And what can be done to avenge another terrible crime: the assault on Angeles Castelbranco, beloved teenage daughter of the Portuguese ambassador?

©2013 Anne Perry (P)2013 Recorded Books

My least favorite

I have been rereading the entire series and this one is my least favorite. Davina Porter does a spectacular job with the narration but the subject matter was not to my taste.

Interesting Mystery

Would you consider the audio edition of Midnight at Marble Arch to be better than the print version?

I don't know. I think I would have enjoyed the print version but I have no regrets at choosing the audiobook.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Midnight at Marble Arch?

I liked the interactions of the Pitt family--Thomas, Charlotte, Jemima and Daniel.

Which scene was your favorite?

I liked many scenes. I enjoyed Pitt's and Narroway's separate investigations, getting to see the inner workings of Victorian households. I also enjoyed the courtroom scenes.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I listened to it in two days. I was intrigued and wanted to know how it would end.

Any additional comments?

Davina Porter was a good narrator for this material. I have one fault to find with Anne Perry's style. The inner monologues of the characters go on for way too long. It was also a bit difficult listening to a book about rape. However, I enjoy the series and read all the books.

Welcome back, Davina Porter!!!

I have enjoyed all of the books in this series, but especially the ones narrated by Davina Porter. I was so happy to see that she's back for this book and the next two in the series. One question: "Why was the book named Midnight at Marble Arch"? I cannot recall a single mention of Marble Arch in the story and, since I purchased the audio version and not the ebook, I have no way of searching the book to find out about the title of the book.

Anne Perry at the Top of her Game

This is one of Anne Perry's best Pitt novels although the real start is Inspector Narroway. I have always like him and was sorry he was removed from Special Branch.

The story is about solving the slaying and rapes of prominent and not-so proiminent women in London. Special Branch gets involved as one of the women is the daughter of the Portunguese Ambassador. But it is Narraway with the aid of Lady Vespasia Cumming-Gould who do a lot of the dectective work All in all this is a great book in the series.

It is one of the best she has written in the Pitt series in quite awhile and I hope we see more of Narraway and Lady Vespasia in coming books.

Davina Porter is certainly one of the best narrators there and she is superb in her reading of this book.

A Twisted Tale

Would you consider the audio edition of Midnight at Marble Arch to be better than the print version?

Both the print and audio edition of Midnight at Marble Arch were excellent. The only difference was in hearing the book read gave a better idea of the character's emotions.

What other book might you compare Midnight at Marble Arch to and why?

There really isn't another book that I could or would compare it to. The characters and the plot are completely original.

Which scene was your favorite?

The description of the main characters tailing the suspect.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When two of the main characters were discussing the situation at the heart of the story.

Good book in wonderful series!

Where does Midnight at Marble Arch rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Lower middle. This wasn't the best Pitt story but it was still well done.

What did you like best about this story?

Lady Vespasia Cumming-Gould and Victor Narraway's budding romance. We shall see what happens with them in the future.

What about Davina Porter’s performance did you like?

She did a wonderful job on both male and female voices. I thought she was very good.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Rape is rape.

Any additional comments?

This was not the best in the series and I think perhaps the author might think about retiring this one. When the children are becoming teenagers, it's time to go. I missed some of my favorite characters from this one. Sister Emily was barely in it, and no Gracie at all. The new girl is not so much fun.

not enough Pitt and charlotte

I love this series read by Davina. sorta bummed that the story didn't have a lot of Pitt Charlotte and Emily like the first books. the story line was a little slow for me.

One of her best ever

I've listened to all of the Anne Perry books: Pitt and Monk. This is one of her best.

The tale is gripping. I couldn't stop listening. I did suspect some sort of the end, but kept changing as the facts presented themselves. In the end, I knew who, but not how or why, or even all the culprits! Marvelous twists that blew me away. I don't know how Ms Perry keeps coming up with such interesting and diabolical plots.. but I sure hope she doesn't stop!
Caution: This book deals with rape, as well as murder.. it isn't overly graphic though and treats the subject matter tactfully and carefully.

As always, Ms Porter is the best narrator for these books. She is so easy to follow and keeps the characters straight. I never have to guess who is speaking.

I would HIGHLY recommend this book.

Wonderful just one concern

I am a huge fan of this book series and of the author. I recommend her books highly. My only negative comment about this particular book, which I did enjoy, is that the authors passionate desire to express not just the horrors of rape, but the horrors of societies judgment of the person raped, and the process for justice for the victim of tape and the family, she repeats this important theme so much, it becomes almost annoying, and could in some way weaken the power of her very important message.

Loved the series!

I love all of the Charlotte and Thomas Pitt books, but most particularly those narrated by Davina Porter.