"once again angry"
While the plot is good, Kay Scapetta's constant anger, resentmet, and certainty that she is at the center of everything that happens, turns a "must read" into a "have to finish". I am not sure what happened, but the Patricia Cornwall I used to love to read, seems to have vanished and left someone full of rag in her place. Really sorry to see her go.
"brilliant"
this book reads like her early novels ... intriguing, balanced, holds your interest, plethora of characters ... holds your interest throughout
"finally"
well worth the read ... each chapter builds ... with new elements woven into the main plot. don't read it if you like formula plots !