This book is one I'd never have thought to get, but you know how it is when you're in a foreign country and you realize that the books you packed to read aren't going to hold you over and you need another--this was that book. I don't read Dutch, German, and French is so ridiculously slow as to be not entertaining so I'm perusing the English section of a converted Gothic cathedral. Awesome. Anyway, this book was a surprise. I had no preconceived notions or thoughts about the book or the author so it was jumping in the deep end. Though the mystery part wasn't a surprise to me, the characterizations were delicious. I seriously fell in love with one of the supporting characters. It was a wonderful read. I really need to uptick it from a 3 to 4 star book. Therein ends the rambling review.