Amy M. Handley

While mildly humorous at times, British stand-up comedian Watson's (A Light-Hearted Look at Murder) style does not always translate well to the page. Fans of Nick Hornby's works may be attracted but disappointed with the story's lack of originality, somewhat disjointed plot, and dizzying array of characters.

With well-written, mesmerizing prose reminiscent of an earlier era, this novel will be enjoyed by any fan of romance or historical fiction. The level of detail and description is sometimes shocking but always poignant and relevant. [See Prepub Alert, 11/20/10.]—Amy M. Handley, Kent State Univ., Columbus