Ever since I have read "Because you despise me" and "Paragon of Animals" by this author, I was hoping for a new book by her and when I heard that new book was out I could not wait to read it. It is extremely well written and I think (I think because I recognise general picture of the 19 century London but cannot be sure about details of police work) well researched historical romantic mystery. It is amazing how author fooled me every time I was sure I knew who the murderer is. Everybody was guilty of something, but not of the main crimes. Liked it a lot.
Unfortunately, the *romantic* part of the mystery ultimately also dissapointed me. I need to like main character at least, I need to be able to emotionally connect with him and especially from the beginning he felt as cold as cucumber to me. Yes, I know he is an Englishman, no I do not need him to talk about his feelings all the time, actually for all I care I do not need him to talk about his feelings AT ALL. But we are in his head and we are in his head a lot, could he feel a little bit more inside his head please?
Especially since I have read Paragon of Animals where English inspector was a main character as well, I know that being an Englishman does not mean that he should feel nothing or almost nothing.
To be fair, he gets a little better in that department closer to the end of the story in my opinion. Maybe in the next book he will loose up some more, we shall see.
There is also a part of the portrayal of Inspector Raft that for me stuck out as sore thumb. I am trying to phrase it without giving up any spoilers and the best I can do is that he has a sort of paranormal ability. I could not believe when I read it, because I thought I was dreaming it. It is 19 century London and he keeps doing it, over and over. I kept waiting for more explanation of this wierdness, but no it did not come, ever. So is he dreaming it up? Is it happening for real? How come he is not thinking about checking himself into Bedlam if it is for real?! Did it run in his family? I was so confused.
Anyway, basically while I recognize well written book and think that allmost all of my complaints are matters of personal taste (except that wierd ability Raft has, I really think that it should have been explained better, I think this was awkward plotline and thus less subjective complaint_), this book just did not click with me.
I am sure it will click with many readers though, good writing is hard to come by.