One Fatal Flaw
A Daniel Pitt Novel
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4.4 • 88 Ratings
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- $11.99
Publisher Description
Two fiery deaths have young lawyer Daniel Pitt and his scientist friend Miriam fford Croft racing to solve a forensic crisis in this explosive new novel from New York Times bestselling author Anne Perry.
NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
When a desperate woman comes to Daniel Pitt seeking a lawyer for her boyfriend, Rob Adwell, Daniel is convinced of the young man’s innocence. Adwell has been accused of murder and of setting a fire to conceal the body, but Daniel is sure that science can absolve him—and Miriam fford Croft is the best scientist he knows. Miriam connects Daniel with her former teacher Sir Barnabas Saltram, an expert in arson, and together, they reveal Adwell’s innocence by proving that an accidental fire caused the victim’s death. But it’s not long before Adwell is killed in the same fiery fashion. If these deaths are, in fact, murders, what essential clue could Daniel and Miriam have missed?
As their investigation deepens, one of Saltram’s former cases comes into question, and Miriam finds herself on the defensive. If the reasoning Saltram used in that case is proved false, several other cases will have to be re-tried, and Saltram’s expert status—not to mention Miriam’s reputation—will be ruined. Haunted by Saltram’s shady tactics in and outside of the classroom, Miriam is desperate to figure out truths both past and present and protect herself in the face of Saltram’s lies. What started as an accidental fire in Adwell’s case seems to be linked to a larger plot for revenge, with victims accumulating in its wake, and Miriam and Daniel must uncover who or what is stoking these recurring flames—before they, too, find themselves burned.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
An underdeveloped lead and a familiar setup mar bestseller Perry's uneven third early 20th-century legal thriller starring Daniel Pitt (after 2019's Triple Jeopardy). Daniel, a young lawyer who's the son of the author's longtime series leads, Thomas and Charlotte Pitt, is approached by Jessie Beale, who hopes he'll represent her gangster boyfriend, Rob Adwell, who's facing murder charges. Rob and Paddy Jackson, a member of a rival criminal gang, were in a warehouse on the London docks when it somehow caught fire. Rob managed to escape, but Paddy's corpse was found in the ruins. Though Jessie claims Paddy burned to death, the police surgeon later discloses to Daniel that Paddy suffered a fatal blow that cracked his skull open. Daniel manages to persuade his superiors to take up the defense, despite Jessie's penury. Some clever surprises emerge as Daniel battles to achieve justice and maintain his own ethical standards. This series lacks the emphasis on political and social issues that lends weight to Perry's William Monk mysteries. Hopefully, Perry will provide more substance in the next installment.
Customer Reviews
Anne Perry’s One Fatal Flaw
Daniel Pitt is a young lawyer at the
prestigious law firm of fford Croft.
It is the year 1910. The story takes
place in London where there is a
warehouse fire with a death
occurring. But was the death a
result of the fire or a sharp blow
to the man’s head?
Miriam Croft is the daughter of
Marcus. She is a very smart, well
educated woman. She is very
knowledgeable in the science and
criminality. This means that she is
out of place in a time when women
are considered as inferior and to be
seen but not heard.
Miriam is essential in Daniel’s defense
of the man accused of murder. She
presents Daniel with the opportunity
to meet Sir Barnabus Saltram. This
man is an expert on fires. Miriam had
studied with him. He is crucial to the
case.
Then a second fire case arises with
the same circumstances plus an old
cold case is brought to light. What
will be the outcome?
Three dimensional, vivid, colorful
characters involved in a fast paced
murder mystery with plenty of twists
and turns.
I volunteered to read One Fatal Flaw.
Thanks to the publisher via Net Gallery
for the opportunity. My opinion is
voluntary and my own.