During the excitement of publication week for A Patient Fury, I was still able to read lots of crime novels – the new Le Carre, Nicola Upson’s Nine Lessons and a couple of classic crime books. Thanks to everyone who took part in the competitions. All the winners have been notified (names can be found at the bottom of the posts) and their books sent. I’m now catching up with posts on some of the excellent books which I’ve not yet got around to reviewing, the first of which is Kitty Peck and the Daughter of Sorrow by Kate Griffin.
I’m a big fan of the Kitty Peck books, reviewing the first on Crimepieces. I caught up with the second, Kitty Peck and the Child of Ill Fortune before reading her latest outing but I’m relieved that each book can be read as a standalone which I always greatly value in a series. Kitty Peck has inherited Paradise, her grandmother’s Docklands entertainment empire, and is determined to keep the business intact despite rivals circling. The absence of Lady Ginger, however, and the disappearance of her brother means that Kitty is vulnerable and forced to seek new allies.
Kitty Pack and the Daughter of Sorrow is darker than Griffin’s previous book as Kitty gets sucked into the Paradise underworld and, in particular, the grips of opium. This is a more vulnerable Kitty and yet the spark remains despite the trials of finding out who her enemies are. Griffin balances the darkness with glorious descriptions of Victorian London and its ill smells during a heatwave. There are some lovely new characters, particular Sam Collins, who was a delight to discover and, as usual, Griffin’s language is wonderful and suited to the rich and bawdy setting.
I suspect Kitty Pack and the Daughter of Sorrow will garner Kitty Peck new followers and encourage readers to pick up earlier books. This is a series going from strength to strength.
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