Even though this book was not entirely my cup of tea, I can definitely see the appeal for others. I would easily be able to recommend the story to the right person. Part mystery, part historical fiction, part love story, part sob story; it has a little bit of everything, for just about anyone. 
 The part that bothered me the most was that in awkward places, the author would try to fit in a flowery phrase. It stood out in odd angles from the rest of the book, and simply came across as being pretentious, instead of astute or literary. I would have enjoyed the story must more without the infrequent attempts. 
 The last few chapters were just about perfect. Well written, and the mystery all unraveled and tied up, all loose ends tucked in. Then there's the epilogue. I understand the point to it, but it felt like and afterthought. Kind of unnecessary.