“PERRY’S BEST BOOK SINCE DEFEND AND BETRAY.” —Kirkus Reviews “Unfolds in a masterly fashion, sure to satisfy devotees of the classic puzzle; at the same time its insight into nineteenth-century British character and wealth of period detail ensure that it will please Anne Perry’s many readers.” —Houston Chronicle “A big pleasure in the arrival of a new Thomas and Charlotte Pitt mystery lies in greeting old friends, learning what changes have come into their lives, seeing how the children have grown, and discovering that Thomas is gaining more confidence with his new responsibilities and status. Pentecost Alley delivers all that, and the fact that there’s a fine mystery included is simply icing on the cake.” —Detroit Free Press “Demonstrates Perry’s trademark skill for enhancing well-designed mystery plots with convincing historical settings and cleverly drawn relationships among characters … As Perry edges toward her surprise ending, she crafts her tale with elegance, narrative depth, and gratifying scope.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review) “THIS IS PERRY AT THE TOP OF HER FORM.” —Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine “The Ripper’s legacy is frighteningly alive in Anne Perry’s satisfying new novel…. Perry is one of the few mystery writers today with the power to evoke so completely the London of 1890: from the wretched, vicious slums to the elaborate—and just as vicious— drawing rooms.” —Milwaukee Journal Sentinel “Recommended … Perry’s evocation of late-nineteenth-century London is a major reason for reading her mysteries—the sights, smells, and voices of the period all ring true.” —Library Journal “Tantalizing suspense … A web of intrigue that will stump even the most experienced mystery fan.” —Mostly Murder “Beautifully crafted, filled with the gaslit atmosphere of a bygone world.” —Cosmopolitan “INTRIGUING … ATMOSPHERIC … Perry creates her characters with skill.” —BookPage “[Perry] has outdone herself…. Pentecost Alley is a spellbinding drama that explores the depths man will go to keep things ‘right’ in his world. This story is a shocker, gaining a steady momentum that leads to a dynamite conclusion. Once more, Anne Perry gives the reader an experience that will linger long after the final page is turned.” —Romantic Times “As always, Anne Perry comes up with a surprise and credible ending to the mystery.” —Abilene Reporter News “Perry seems to have lost none of her enthusiasm for the Pitts nor for mystery writing. Her intricate plot never slows down…. [A] satisfying resolution.” —Arizona Daily Star By Anne Perry Published by Fawcett Books: Featuring Thomas and Charlotte Pitt: THE CATER STREET HANGMAN CALLANDER SQUARE PARAGON WALK RESURRECTION ROW BLUEGATE FIELDS RUTLAND PLACE DEATH IN THE DEVIL’S ACRE CARDINGTON CRESCENT SILENCE IN HANOVER CLOSE BETHLEHEM ROAD HIGHGATE RISE BELGRAVE SQUARE FARRIERS’ LANE THE HYDE PARK HEADSMAN TRAITORS GATE PENTECOST ALLEY ASHWORTH HALL BRUNSWICK GARDENS BEDFORD SQUARE HALF MOON STREET THE WHITECHAPEL CONSPIRACY SOUTHHAMPTON ROW SEVEN DIALS LONG SPOON LANE BUCKINGHAM PALACE GARDENS Featuring William Monk: THE FACE OF A STRANGER A DANGEROUS MOURNING DEFEND AND BETRAY A SUDDEN, FEARFUL DEATH THE SINS OF THE WOLF CAIN HIS BROTHER WEIGHED IN THE BALANCE THE SILENT CRY A BREACH OF PROMISE THE TWISTED ROOT SLAVES OF OBSESSION FUNERAL IN BLUE DEATH OF A STRANGER THE SHIFTING TIDE DARK ASSASSIN EXECUTION DOCK The World War I Novels: NO GRAVES AS YET SHOULDER THE SKY ANGELS IN THE GLOOM AT SOME DISPUTED BARRICADE WE SHALL NOT SLEEP The Christmas Novels: A CHRISTMAS JOURNEY A CHRISTMAS VISITOR A CHRISTMAS GUEST A CHRISTMAS SECRET A CHRISTMAS BEGINNING A CHRISTMAS GRACE A CHRISTMAS PROMISE Books published by The Random House Publishing Group are available at quantity discounts on bulk purchases for premium, educational, fund-raising, and special sales use. For details, please call 1-800-733-3000. A Fawcett Book Published by The Random House Publishing Group Copyright © 1996 by Anne Perry All rights reserved. Published in the United States by Fawcett Books, an imprint of The Random House Publishing Group, a division of Random House, Inc., New York, and simultaneously in Canada by Random House of Canada Limited, Toronto. Fawcett Books and colophon are trademarks of Random House, Inc. www.ballantinebooks.com Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 96-90697 eISBN: 978-0-30776776-9 v3.1 To Jonathan, Sylvia, Frances and Henry, with love. Contents Cover Other Books by This Author Title Page Copyright Dedication Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12