Cardington Crescent

By: Anne Perry

Narrated by: Davina Porter

Length: 11 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's Summary

Charlotte Pitt's sister, Emily, has been accused of murdering her wayward but wealthy husband. Now Charlotte and police inspector Thomas Pitt must breach a formidable uppercrust barrier to prove Emily's innocence. Anne Perry's Victorian mysteries are rich and suspenseful journeys into a world filled with impeccable manners and intrigue.

©1987 Anne Perry

Liked this book very much

I mistakenly listened to this book out of order in the series, and as I realized that, I hoped I would not regret it. And actually, it was okay. Although I will remember that Emily's husband gets murdered (in the future, as I go back and read the ones I missed) I don't think that will keep me from enjoying them as much as much as I have the others I've heard.

This book focuses more on the detective Thomas Pitt's wife Charlotte, who has always been a big help to him anyway, as she comes to stay in the house where her sister Emily's husband has been murdered. Suspicion falls upon Emily, and Charlotte is determined to see that the real murderer is apprehended. Thomas seems to play a lesser role in this book, but he is there.

This book has an interesting cast of Victorian upper-crust characters, who are very intolerant of anyone outside their strict social circles. Therefore Charlotte is only barely tolerated, despite she has the same aristocratic upbringing that Emily has (but left to marry policeman Thomas, something the people in this story find incomprehensible). This tension between the classes tends to be a central point in these books, as they occur at a time when being part of the newly developed police force is looked down on, so Charlotte and Emily help Thomas in their way, by providing some entry into the snobbish homes.

I love the writing, the historical settings, the way the characters are drawn, and the narration of these books so far. I believe the continuing tenderness and closeness between Thomas and Charlotte, living in such challenging conditions, might be a bit romanticized, but I accept that as being just the way the author wants to present them, to provide contrast with the other characters, whom she tends to portray as less likable. In the hands of a less skillful author, that would be a little much, but it seems to work here okay. I found this one to be very interesting and would recommend. However, I do suggest that a reader not make the mistake I did and read it out of sequence. I don't think it will hurt when I read what I missed, but in a series, it is always better to read them in order.

6 of 6 people found this review helpful

Perry redeems herself

to my ears anyway. I liked the first novel in this series, but found the next couple had very reptitive dialogue and drawn-out exposition that did little to further character, plot or period atmosphere.

This installment offers better dialogue, pace and plot. Don't download it if you are looking for a page turner, though -- atmosphere is the strongest feature. Also don't download it if you're looking for modern romance and sex in Victorian costumes (like Amanada Quick novels). Though Perry can have improbable plot elements and Charlotte can sometimes think like a 20th century college eduated women, overall the novel, especially with excellent narration, doesn't seem too anachronisitc.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Cardington Cresent

I have recently started listening to Anne Perry books and I am pleasantly pleased with each one. I love the style and the time of the story. I have yet to figure out the ending before hand. I've been surprised with each one. I love that.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Disappointing

I enjoyed the book and it kept my interest to the end where it lost steam completely. The author appeared to be in a hurry to finish, leaving the reader hanging and not in a good or exciting way. A disappointment after such a build up.

4 of 5 people found this review helpful

Not the best introduction to a brilliant series

Davina Porter reads beautifully as always, and brings each character to life; however the story itself quickly becomes overwrought. Perry's solid little cast take their usual places, for the most part thinking and acting convincingly --and winningly--throughout. But as it builds towards the conclusion, the events and even the characters become strained. It is one of the least absorbing in this long line of terrific, and addictive mysteries. Fine by itself, I think, for a new audience, but flawed by comparison with others in the series.

2 of 3 people found this review helpful

Story lacking <br /><br /><br />

I have enjoyed almost all of the inspector Pitt series but I was very disappointed with this story. Almost seven chapters of intro to the family characters and little input from Pitt or Charlotte. No real development of the story line and wham in the last three chapters all solved. This one missed the mark for me.

Good listen

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Not totally on the edge but the author did surprise me in the end of who the killer was and why.

What about Davina Porter’s performance did you like?

Ms. Porter is great at narrating stories made up from the time period. She's my favorite narrator, regardless of the book being made.

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

"Murder in the Family"

Another hit from Anne & Davina!

Another terrific book in the series by Anne Perry, and as always, Davina Porter does an amazing job with the narration!