I originally picked up this book because its cover was rather eye catching. When I read that it was a historical romance mystery, I couldn’t NOT read it. I had read some reviews that were less than enthusiastic but I decided to give it a try anyway (plus I got it for a buck at the Harvard book store). I was pleasantly surprised. I found the writing style very humorous and enjoyable, while not elegant it was certainly comical and sarcastic. The two story lines also managed to keep my attention regardless of their interweaving. I really enjoyed the main love story even if I was a little annoyed by it’s heroine. The end of the book is admittedly rather abrupt, but I suppose the desire to continue the modern storyline in another novel is a forgivable offense. It is a book I am sure I will read again and I look forward to reading The Masque of the Black Tulip.