I'm torn between rating this book a 3- or 4-star read. I was so excited to start it, as it held the promise of everything I love in a story: history, mystery and romance. But I just couldn't seem to get involved in the story. I felt no affection for the characters after about 200 pages, and I found the narrative tedious and dragging. I set it aside and read other books in between, but I eventually came back to it yesterday...and finished the second half in 24 hours. The ending was satisfying (though the excessive foreshadowing gave it away if you've any imagination or familiarity with the genre) and the characters became a little more believable. If the exposition could have been a little more condensed, I wouldn't hesitate o give this one 4 stars, but as it is, 3 stands. I could see this as an entertaining period movie.