I had to finish this last night. Obsessed! 
 The book had is all! Intrigue, murder, lust & love, a variety of interesting characters (I'm thinking Dallas and Dynasty here), double-crossing, backstabbing... 
 Basically, if you have not read this author before, I recommend this book as a starter. Just don't be too surprised by some of the things the author makes the characters do - consider it trademark Follett! 
 In a nutshell, the corrupt & mysterious world of banking set in the 19th Century.