While this book will never win any literary awards, it is a light, entertaining romp through an almost believable Dickensian England. It is straight forward black and white spy story - the baddies are ugly and Russian, the goodies are handsome and English. Very clear cut with nothing too unpredictable or mind blowing. I did enjoy the witty narration and the character of India Black. Enjoyable yet probably forgettable. Two and a half stars.