Member Reviews

When Anne Perry's name shows up on a book's cover I immediately purchase it. Anne Perry is on the top of my list of favorite authors. When I started to read the first book in this series, I was not so sure about Daniel Pitt as the main character but the author slowly developed Daniel and made him the star of the book. Daniel is totally grown up and experienced barrister in this the fifth book of the series. In fact, he is almost a secondary character while Inspector Ian Frobisher plays a prominent role. Ian went to University with Daniel so asked him to take the case of one of their college professors accused with plagiarism and assault. Ian is trying to find a serial killer with very little evidence.

I love how detailed the world around the characters is. I can almost feel the damp that stays in the wool of Ian's pants and socks as he walks almost everywhere gathering information to help solve his case. I can feel the cold leaving his bones as Ian sits in front of a fire asking witnesses questions. Anne Perry is a great world builder!

I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.

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Three Debts Paid is the fifth book in the incredible Daniel Pitt series by writing legend Anne Perry. I have loved every book I've ever read by her. Seriously. If you've missed any books in the series, or if this is your first one, this story stands alone. However, I highly recommend reading them all. You don't want to miss Daniel's growth as a young barrister, as well as his friendship with Miriam fford Croft.

Daniel Pitt's friend Ian Frobisher, from Daniel's Cambridge University days, is now an Inspector with the police department. Ian is leading the search for a serial killer who is brutally slaying victims at night in the pouring rain. Of course, the media has given him a nickname: the Rainy-day Slasher. Even though he's thoroughly busy, he seeks out Daniel's help in defending their former professor, Nicholas Wolford, who punched a fellow writer who accused him of plagiarism. Though a popular professor and writer, he is not an easy man to like, never mind defend. Meanwhile, Ian is depending on Daniel's good friend, Miriam fford Croft, to help with finding the killer. Miriam is back in London after a year of school in Holland, and she is now one of the first female pathologists in London. Miriam has picked up a clue that the others have overlooked. Will it help catch the Rainy-day Slasher?

I missed the first book in this series, but I bought the audio book after I read book two. I didn't want to miss anything! Out of books two through five, I believe this is my favorite. The murder mystery and the trial of Professor Wolford was exciting, but it was the character development that kept my eyes glued to the page! Daniel has grown from being a sometimes insecure young barrister wanting to please his boss and parents to a confident man who knows what he's doing and knows his way around a courtroom. He doesn't allow his brusque and violent-tempered professor bully him. In addition to his court case, he does all he can to help Ian and Miriam work on the murders. I love Daniel's relationship with his parents, Charlotte and Thomas Pitt (stars of their own series of books). I'm always pleased when they make an appearance here. Miriam, after being away for a year in school, has returned to London as a fully fledged pathologist. She's working with her mentor, Dr. Eve Hall (who is quite a character). She's a pathologist in a man's world in 1912 London, so she knows she has to work even harder to prove her skills. She sometimes worries she may make mistakes, but when Dr. Eve becomes sick and Miriam is in charge, she shows her mettle. I've always loved the friendship between Daniel and Miriam. Here we see the progression of their relationship, and I'm beyond happy! Even though Daniel is 27 and Miriam is in her early 40's, there has always been a feeling of something more between them. The supporting characters are most interesting, especially Ian and Wolford. I knew from the beginning who the killer probably was, but I had no idea how it would all work out. There was one particular red herring that did have me doubting my belief. This is a great series; the only thing I hate is that I will be waiting at least a year for the next one!

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

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Anne Perry's books are always good reads and this is no exception. The book, though engaging, suffers from too much repetition of descriptions and thoughts and an obvious conclusion. Well, two conclusions, actually: the "mystery" of the serial killer's identity and the book's "romantic interest." This novel will appeal to fans of Perry's Daniel Pitt series, as well as to fans of her other series, and will whet readers' apnetitites for the next entry. Although this is not the strongest book in the Daniel Pitt series, it is good enough for me to want to read the next one, too.

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I loved reading this suspenseful story. This is an author that I never hesitate to pick up. Her writing skills and attention to details make her stories realistic and just entertaining to read. This book is no different. This is a well written story that takes place on the streets of London. A serial killer is on the loose and just may have a hidden past with Daniel. I enjoy his character and what he brings to the story. He is a strong character that kept me coming back for more. He is my favorite yet of the characters by this author. I was pulled into the story from the beginning by the characters. They are connectable and supportive of each other. They bring the story to life on each page. I enjoyed the twists and turns that had me coming back for more. This is a fast paced story that brings mystery to a new level. You don't want to miss what happens in this story for sure. I highly recommend this book and this author.

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Who is the Rainy Day Slasher murdering people in Victorian London? That's the question Inspector Ian Frobisher is trying to answer- quickly-so he reaches out to his Cambridge classmate Daniel Pitt, a barrister and to Miriam fford Croft, newly qualified as a pathologist, for help. Pitt, a barrister, is an ace at solving crimes no doubt in part due to his education by his father, the famous Thomas Pitt and his mother, the awesome Charlotte Pitt. He's carving his own path, though, and that means that he's got some odd cases on his plate. What about Cambridge don Nicholas Wolford? Is he guilty of plagiarism or something more? Or both? Much of this is told from Ian's perspective- fans might, like me, hope this means we see more of him in the future. AND, along those lines, Miriam's return is welcome. Don't worry if you haven't read others in this series (or the Thomas Pitt series)- this will be fine as a standalone. The mystery is complex, the characters carefully and fully drawn, and it's just a treat. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A very good read.

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Three Debts Paid by Anne Perry (Daniel Pitt #5) 4 stars

Daniel Pitt, the son of Sir Thomas and Charlotte Pitt is on his own in this series. Now a lawyer in an established firm, an old college friend, Inspector Ian Frobisher refers a case of assault to him. Daniel's Modern History professor from Cambridge is charged with assault. Professor Nicholas Wolford has a set to with another academic who accuses Wolford of plagiarism. Although Tolliver made the first move, Wolford caused the most damage. At the same time, an individual that has been named "The Rainy Day Slasher" has been killing women in London and Inspector Frobisher has his hands full. Can Daniel get his client off the hook and can Ian find the killer before he takes more victims. The clues for both cases lead to Cambridge and hidden connections are revealed.

I liked this book, however, it did drag a little in the middle. Although there is an emphasize on the investigative work done by Daniel and Ian, there is another character that gets some attention. Doctor Miriam fford Croft has finished her studies and is now working as a pathologist. We get to see some aspects of her work and her "residency" so to speak. There is also a low key progress of the relationship between Daniel and Miriam. The mystery itself was fairly straightforward, with hints scattered throughout. I look forward to the next book in this series.

Thank you Netgalley and Random House/Ballantine Books for this ARC.

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Daniel gets a new court case from his school friend, now Inspector Ian Frobisher, who recommends he defend their Cambridge history professor, Wolford. Another professor, Tolliver, has accused Wolford of plagiarism, and then Wolford punched Toliver in the face breaking his nose and knocking out some teeth. Daniel finds out that Tolliver actually swung at Wolford, missed and lost his balance which made him fall into Daniel's fist, and works to have that save Wolford's reputation.

Two days later, Daniel goes to the morgue laboratory to see Marian fford Croft, who was finally home from Holland and working with Dr. Eve. They have been examining a young woman who was savagely killed during a heavy rain. Her killing was very similar to that of another young woman six days before. Both of them had an index finger cut off, one of the left hand and the other of the right hand. They are sure there must be a connection between the two killings. When an older man is also killed in the same way, Frobisher is in charge of investigating all three cases, but told for awhile that he couldn't investigate the man because he was too important. The one thing they know is all three victims went to Cambridge.

Daniel continues to work on the Wolford case, while trying to help Frobisher and keep Marian safe. Wolford seems to have a very bad temper, and Daniel tries to get him to apologize and try to settle the case, but Wolford insists on getting his vindication in court. They involve Daniel's father to the extent of being able to ask some questions about the third victim. Finally, in the courtroom, Daniel is able to force Tolliver and Wolford to both agree on apologizing and Daniel paying doctor bills. However, right after Daniel has solved his court case, the murder cases come to a head with great excitement. At the end, Daniel and Marian come to an understanding.

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I very much enjoyed Perry’s Thomas and Charlotte Pitt series and have read all the titles. Thomas and Charlotte also feature, though to a lesser extent, in this newer series about their son, Daniel. Daniel works in a British law firm where he is a barrister. His latest case has been brought to him by Ian Frobisher who is in the police force and whom Daniel knows from Cambridge University. The case involves an assault made by a Modern History professor who lost his temper when accused of plagiarism.

At the same time, there is a killer on the streets of London. The killer has a distinct way of marking his victims and people are in fear of this “Rainy Day Killer.” Frobisher is working to solve this case.

His work brings Frobisher into contact with Miriam Fforde Croft. She is one of very few women pathologists in London and a friend of Daniel, as well as the daughter of the head of Daniel’s chambers. There is a budding love story between Miriam and Daniel. She has done autopsies on the victims.

Readers know that Perry will see that the case is solved. Along the way, she will offer some very insightful passages about the human condition.

Readers who already know Daniel, Miriam and the Pitts will be delighted to welcome them back. Those who enjoy historical mysteries can begin the series here and then work their way backward. Both groups will enjoy this latest novel by a favorite author of mine.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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Anne Perry is an excellent writer of historical mysteries, and I've enjoyed her William Pitt series for years. Somehow I hadn't realized that this series has led to another: the Daniel Pitt series. That's Daniel, son of William. He's graduated from university and is now working for a law firm. Ian Frobisher, a schoolmate who is now a police detective, turns to Daniel for help in investigating a series of seemingly random murders with a method unique enough that they must be connected. The bodies wind up with Miriam fford Croft, the daughter of the head of the law firm Pitt works for, who has just returned from studying pathology abroad and is working with England's only other female pathologist. Daniel is fond—still deciding exactly how fond—of Miriam, who helped him with cases in the past before leaving Britain to study pathology.

This is a mystery with very satisfying plot twists and false leads. The central trio make a great tems: very intelligent and deeply appreciative of one another's strengths. I read Three Debts Paid in a single sitting because both the characters and the pot were so engaging. If you enjoy historical mysteries this title—and this series—are not to be missed.

I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.

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Anne Perry has done it again. Another masterful story, this about a serial killer in London. Daniel an attorney find himself defending a professor accused of plagiarism while his school buddy Ian tries to track the killer. Perry always weaves a readable book that keeps you in suspense.

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I am usually a fan of Anne Perry books, but this one felt like the multiple storylines were disjointed and made it obvious what the resolution to the story would be. While it was still an enjoyable read, I felt I could predict the end (or at least the person responsible). It was nice to have Miriam, one of the characters introduced earlier in the series, back and hear more about her storyline.

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Oh how i.love Anne Perry books. I so enjoy the Victorian era in which she writes. The settings and characters are so full.of life and reflection. Never matters with me the description of the book as long as it is written by Anne Perry. Ian Fro budgets character was a new one to me and the story mostly told by him but I hope to see him in future writings as I did enjoy him. The conclusion always ties it all together in true Anne Perry form. Can't wait for the next book!!!! Highly recommend reading this as all her books.

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★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Go back in history with realistic details and interesting people. Throw in a murder mystery and you have the outline of Perry's latest novel.

I'm a fan of the Daniel Pitt series anyway, but this one had me on the edge of my seat at times. Seeing a character unfold, book by book, makes it more interesting. Perry has a way with words and scenes: she'll pull you in and have you sucking in your breath in anticipation. Don't miss the twist at the end, as usual.

Recommended for British novel buffs and mystery murder apprentices.

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Three Debts Paid is the fifth book in the Daniel Pitt mystery series. just love reading books by this author, Anne Perry!

Perry's characterization is always good; the people in her books are an interesting bunch and their actions as well as the way they talk bring the characters to life. Another thing I really, really like about them is that they do not use the very-overused F word or use the Lord’s name in vain. Her writing is too creative to stoop that low. I really wish other writers wouldn't feel the need to muck up a good book with bad language.

Anne also gives the reader a really good sense of mood through her writing and the settings are perfect. I can picture them in my mind. By the end of the book everything is neatly wrapped up even though you may not have thought when picking up the book that would ever be possible.

I am a HUGE fan of this author.

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"Three Debts Paid" is the latest Daniel Pitt mystery. Daniel works with his Cambridge friend, who works as an inspector at Scotland Yard. While the Thomas Pitt novels gave us an insight into class issues, Daniel comes at it from the side of privilege. The links to Cambridge tie Pitt to the inspector to the victims of horrible slashings and murders in London.

While we follow Pitt's legal cases and the murder/slashing attacks, I'm fascinated by the personal dynamics between Pitt and his friend and Thomas Pitt when the two young men seek the help of the head of MI-5. The personal connection and access that Thomas Pitt provides his son and his son's friend is in sharp contrast to his own career path and the difficulties he experienced.

Three Debts Paid is a well-crafted and deeply engrossing read especially for fans of Thomas and Daniel Pitt.

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A serial killer is roaming the streets of London, and Daniel Pitt’s university chum Ian, now a member of the police, is leading the search. The murders happen on rainy nights, but Ian knows the victims must have something in common beyond the weather. He turns to Miriam Croft, Daniel’s good friend and now officially one of the first female pathologists in London, to tap her scientific know-how to find details he and Daniel have missed.
I love this series and its fictional depiction of historic events. I have enjoyed seeing Daniel evolve over this series and now I think his friend, Miriam, needs a series of her own! This outing kept me guessing until the end and I can't wait for the next one in the series. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced readers copy for review.

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Anne Perry fans who are only familiar with her Victorian-era set Monk or Pitt series will not want to miss this Edwardian series featuring Thomas and Charlotte’s attorney son Daniel Pitt! Few authors breathe as much life, faults at all, into their characters as well as Anne Perry does. Their insights, frailties, and emotions, and the things that connect them to their world and who they love are as much as a part of the story as the crime time be solved.

I read Anne Perry for the setting and characters as much as the mystery. I didn’t even read the description of this book because it didn’t matter. Daniel was back and it was time to read. I recommend readers start with the first in Daniel’s series to get the most out of it, but they don’t have to have know the Thomas Pitt series about his father.

A lot of page time was spent with Inspector Frobisher’s point of view rather than with Daniel or Miriam. It was more about this inspector’s investigation of the rainy-day slasher than a law case of Daniel’s. It reminded me of Rathbone in the Monk books. If Frobisher is going to feature prominently going forward, then this isn’t so bad to see him in action, but it was jarring five books into the series to suddenly get into the head of a new MC. I shouldn’t miss Daniel in a Daniel Pitt book, but that’s not to say I didn’t like Frobisher.

Anne Perry’s mysteries are always rich and interwoven with a lot of reflection and this one was no different. Daniel’s plagiarism case eventually crossed into Frobisher’s murder investigation and the conclusion is as heartbreaking as I expect from her. I wish a little more time has been spent with Frobisher at the end wrapping up those loose ends. I felt that the pace slowed in the middle with some repetition, but a good beginning and ending made up for that.

I was afraid Miriam and Daniel would continue to dance around what they mean to each other. Their age difference bas been an obstacle only in their own heads so it was a relief to see some progress in that front.

I eagerly received an ARC from NetGalley
This review will be posted on my blog on April 17
https://www.heathermollauthor.com/post/book-review-three-debts-paid

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Any day I get to read a mystery by Anne Perry is a good day. And since I've read every book in the William Monk, Thomas Pitt, Daniel Pitt, and Elena Standish series, Ms. Perry has given me a lot of good days.

In this fifth Daniel Pitt installment, one of his former Cambridge professors requests Daniel's help. Professor Wolford has been accused of plagiarism. Even more, he punched his accuser in the nose.

At the same time, someone has started a killing spree in London. Inspector Frobisher, a friend of Daniel's from Cambridge, has been assigned to the case. He and Daniel work together when the going gets tough.

Miriam fford Croft has returned from her pathology studies in the Netherlands in this book. What will happen between her and Daniel?

Thomas Pitt makes an appearance in this book as well. Inspector Frobisher has been warned not to investigate one of the murder victims. Since he's making no progress, Frobisher suggests to Daniel that the elder Pitt be quietly consulted.

Three Debts Paid is one of those mysteries where the "why" is just as interesting as the "who." It's a fast read because it's so hard to put down.

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THOUGHTS: I really liked this. This series takes place in the early 1900s in London, so I love the setting. Daniel is really growing as a character, and Miriam was more prominent in this book than she was the last, so I was pleased with that. The story was such a cute cozy mystery. I look forward to the next one!

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Thank you to #NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of #ThreeDebtsPaid . Really I would rate 3 1/2 stars. I'm a bit torn. Overall, this was a solid mystery and kept my interest throughout. However, it really wasn't a Daniel Pitt book. This story stayed almost exclusively on Inspector Ian Frobisher and the 2 pathologists working the "rainy day slasher' murders. I wish Perry would have woven Daniel's part into the plot more often.

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