Anne Perry — Ashworth Hall

HarperCollins 1999 Paperback 416 The 17th in the popular series of Victorian murder mysteries featuring Thomas and Charlotte Pitt. To all outward appearances, it is yet another exclusive party at the magnificent Ashworth Hall. Select members of Victorian High Society gather for a weekend at the lavish country seat of up-and-coming MP Jack Radley, hosted by his charming wife, Emily. A phalanx of maids, valets, cooks and grooms is at the ready. Also in attendance are Emily's sister Charlotte and her husband, Thomas -- that is to say, Superintendent Pitt of Bow Street. For this is a secret conference on the heated subject of Irish Home Rule, with a team of negotiators finely balanced between Catholic and Protestant, extremist and moderate. Spine cocked; mild foxing. Good