6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An insight into Thomas Pitt., January 21, 2002
This review is from: Brunswick Gardens (Charlotte & Thomas Pitt Novels) (Mass Market Paperback)
Brunswick Garden is a story that is set in the home of a highly placed religious scholar. A death there brings Pitt to investiage. However, before Pitt even gets more than a brief glimpse of what has happened, pressure is brought to bear from the government and Church of England to reach a quick conclusion with as little public fanfare a possible. This sets Pitt onto a path that is even more determined to be thorough and as painstaking as possible; he shows he will not be dictated to as he carries out his investigation.
As he enters deeper into the household, he discovers that he has crossed paths with his brother-in-law Dominic Cord - a man Charlotte, Pitt's wife, was infatuated with as a teenager and young woman. His return to their life rekindles Charlotte's thoughts of him and also restokes Pitt's resentment towards him. The fact that he is a suspect makes it harder for Pitt to remain purely objective because of the inner resentment he feels against Dominic. This situation makes Pitt more human and believeable. If I met a man in the course of my work, who was once the object of my wife's adoration, I'd have a hard time staying neutral and not resenting the hell out of him too. Perry catches this emotional load that Pitt has to bear exactly right.
Throughout the book, emotions are barely under the surface. From Charlotte's renewed attention to Dominic, Pitt's resentment of Dominic and Charlotte, religious beliefs etc., there is an current that is almost palpable and real. Where these emotions lead is surprising as well as sad. In one case, these is the start of an affection that can only be returned obliquely and indirectly, not as it should be. While Tellman and Gracie continue thier somewhat eccentric courtship - neither has recognized thier true feelings for the other or if they have, they are reluctant to admit them, to themselves and to each other.
This is a book that I found on par with Perry's other writings. This gives us a new developement of Pitt's charecter - we see his emotions and his own insecurities quite vividly. I think it goes a long way to giving background and depth to the relationship of Charlotte and Thomas, making them more believeable as people. I highly recommend this book to all Perry fans.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Confused, October 14, 2008
This review is from: Brunswick Gardens (Charlotte & Thomas Pitt Novels) (Mass Market Paperback)
I've read the other reviews and I'm surprised that no one else mentioned the contradictions in this book to previous books regarding the character, Dominic Corde! When Charlotte mentions to Dominic that Emily is in Italy with Jack, Dominic is confused as to who Jack is and Charlotte explains to him that Emily is remarried. However in Bethlehem Road, Dominic is the one who walks Emily down the aisle at her wedding to Jack. Also, all through this book, it appears that Charlotte and her family had lost track of Dominic since he left the home on Cater Street. Again, this doesn't make sense because in Resurrection Row, Dominic is involved in another of Pitt's cases and it is noted that Dominic has been a widower of five years. I enjoyed reading this one as I do all of the Pitt mysteries, but I got hung up on these details.
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5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Finally discover: "Whatever happened to Dominic?", January 29, 1999
By A Customer
This review is from: Brunswick Gardens (Charlotte & Thomas Pitt Novels) (Mass Market Paperback)
Frankly, I've been finding some of Perry's recent books a tad too predicatable. I found this a refreshing change from the "Emily and Charlotte meddle in Thomas' case routine". They were becoming a little too much like a Victorian Lucy and Ethel for my taste. I had always wondered what had ever become of Dominic. He is the only main character from the first book who we've not heard from in quite some while(of course not counting those that are deceased). Perry's initial characterization of him was so interesting, I've always wondered what became of him. This book clearly centers more on Dominic and Thomas than Charlotte. With the question "Can a leopard reaaly change his spots?", truly being explored. Also, there is a nice inner struggle with Thomas trying to maintain his objectivity, while fighting the "green-eyed monster". All-in-all it's not the best of Perry's books, but it is worth the read.
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