Anne Perry has been a popular mystery writer for more than 20 years.
Perry's two Victorian series feature either Thomas and Charlotte Pitt or William and Hester Monk. Her WWI mystery novels are one multi-faceted detective story moving to solution within five books. Perry's Christmas mystery series moves minor characters from other Perry books to center stage. London is the scene of most Perry stories.
As a reader of this author's stories, I've tried to gain insight into how she grabs and keeps reader attention to the end. I have observed three characteristics that reappear in all the Perry books I have read.
First, Perry always briskly launches into the action on the first page, whether through the crime, a detective in disarray summoned to duty, or blustery London weather. Perry handles back story elements deftly and briefly; the reader does not leave the main theme of the story for long.
Next, Perry's stories make sense as they move along with puzzling events and often bizarre endings. Interesting insights into habits and manners of the Victorian age add to Perry's appeal. She convinces the reader that the Victorian era was not marked by dullness any more than any other time.
Finally, Perry's characters' capacity for change continues to develop. Any reader can enjoy and welcome the human traits and foibles of Perry's engrossing heroes and heroines. One enjoys getting to know these adventurous characters by spending a book of time with them. True to Victorian ways, Perry's characters never stay in one scene or chapter long enough to wear out their welcome or fail to entertain.
What more can beginning fiction writers aim for than outstanding story development for mystifying problems or crimes solved by highly individual characters caught up in undesirable yet compelling events during misunderstood times?
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
