Overall i enjoyed the book. It took a little while for me to get into, but that's probably because I was reading the majority of this at work and couldn't really relax into the story like I usually do. I did enjoy the character of Lady Darby otherwise known as Kiera. I feel as though she managed to keep the delicate balance of being a highly intelligent woman capable of being helpful in the investigation as well as a lady living in Scotland 1830. When i read a mystery book set back in the day featuring heroine the women often shunt off all everything that makes them a lady of the times. This isn't modern day we're talking about here I don't need a raging feminist in the 1800s. Unless she is done well and is believable for her time period. I'm glad she had a partner, seriously a lot of the detective females wouldn't get into as much trouble if they actually confided in someone for a change. Kiera is of course the stereotypical oddball of society, shunned by the social elite because of her eccentricities. However in this case it doesn't diminish her character in any way. She's knows people are talking about her behind her back and in her face but she still manages to hold on to her dignity. And i love how important family was to her, and she truly cares about the children her nieces and nephews. Sometimes i think an author is afraid to make the strong female lead have a feminine side that doesn't have anything to do with sex. I want a kick butt character who's not afraid to admit she knits and enjoys it! but i digress. I liked Kiera I enjoyed listening to her voice. and she's a bit like me. You can talk about me all you want but don't you dare go after my sister. Blood will be spilled. She's not a complete wallflower, she puts down a lady who keeps slandering her reputation and (view spoiler)[ she totally knifes the dude whodunnit (hide spoiler)]. I also enjoyed her relationship with Gage, and the grudging respect developing to genuine admiration for each other that develops. Plus these two did try to work together from the get go. Sure they had secrets but compared to other partnerships I can believe these two can actually work together and it's not something shoehorned in for the plot. I do want to find out more about Gage and where he's coming from, what it's like to live with his inspector father. I don't know maybe it's just me but i feel like the guy was probably overbearing with his son. I could be wrong though. Anyway I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series. 
 Oh and i should mention the cover... It's pretty and I like it. I totally want a cloak like that. In answer to the recommendation question. Yes. I do recommend reading this book. You may or may not like it. I was ambivalent throughout the first half of the book, but you might get into it quicker than I did. Or not. Either way give it a try. 
 Now on to my next book.