Brunswick Gardens: A Pitt Mystery [ABRIDGED] [AUDIOBOOK] (Audio Cassette)

by Anne Perry (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
This reading of Anne Perry's sixth Victorian mystery featuring Thomas and Charlotte Pitt (Defend and Betray, Audio Reviews, LJ 6/15/96) is skillfully rendered by David McCallum, who gives an impeccable performance. Here Perry explores the social and moral issues of the day. Unity Bellwood, assistant to Reverend Ramsey Parmenter, falls down a flight of stairs to her death; her last words are: "No, no, Reverend!" He is suspected of pushing the young woman to her death. There are, however, other people in the house. Thomas, commander of the Bow Street police station, will not be satisfied until the whole truth can be unearthed. Engrossing and enjoyable for lovers of traditional mystery novels, although it holds few surprises for the discerning. Recommended for public library collections.?Jacqueline Seewald, Red Bank Reg. H.S., Little Silver, NJ.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description
2 cassettes / 3 hours
Read by David McCallum

Like the great Victorian novelists whose mantle she wears with such distinction, Anne Perry creates a rich and intimate world and fills it with remarkably vivid characters who experience the majesty--and shame--of the British Empire at its brilliant zenith. Now, in Brunswick Gardens, she explores the controversial birth of a philosophy that enflamed fiery debate--and possibly murder.

A century ago, Charles Darwin's revolutionary theory of evolution rocked the civilized world, and the outraged Anglican church went on the warpath against it. In a mansion in London's affluent Brunswick Gardens, the battle is intense, as that most respected clergyman, the Reverend Ramsay Parmenter, is boldly challenged by his beautiful assistant, Unity Bellwood--a "new woman" whose feminism and aggressive Darwinism he finds appalling.

When Unity, three months pregnant, tumbles down the Parmenter staircase to her death, Thomas Pitt, commander of the Bow Street police station, is virtually certain that one of the three deeply devout men in the house committed murder. Could it have been the Reverend Parmenter, his handsome curate, or his Roman Catholic son? Powerful forces demand that the scandalous matter be cleared up immediately. But Pitt and his clever wife, Charlotte, refuse to settle for less than the truth . . . and justice.

Like all Anne Perry's novels, Brunswick Gardens translates great moral issues into deeply moving human dramas. Perhaps the most psychologically penetrating book she has written, it is a distinguished addition to her acclaimed body of work.


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Product Details

• Audio Cassette
• Publisher: Random House Audio; Abridged edition (March 17, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0375401776
• ISBN-13: 978-0375401770
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.1 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #481,398 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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• This is item 17 in The Thomas Pitt Series.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Finally discover: "Whatever happened to Dominic?", January 30, 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.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars The answer's obvious half-way through the book., February 22, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Brunswick Gardens (Charlotte & Thomas Pitt Novels) (Mass Market Paperback)

Perry's been one of my favorites in the past, but lately I'm finding her preachy and the puzzle not especially puzzling. I figured out who and why midway through the book, and was bored enough to look at the end and confirm that I was correct. I quit reading it then.

The last book of hers I read, I also figured out, though I read the whole thing anyway. This one just wasn't worth the effort. Pity.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An insight into Thomas Pitt., January 21, 2002

By	Paul Sayles (Japan) - See all my reviews

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.