I'm really struggling with this one. There were a lot of things I really enjoyed about this book but also several that bothered me, so I'd have to say ultimately 3 1/2 stars. I think like this first book, many people will either love it or hate it. It is so unlike his first book in so many ways - especially in that the narrative here to me was less complicated than the first book (which for those who found Hardcastle confusing and annoying might be happy about; other might find it boring). I was somewhere in the middle. I don't read a lot of mysteries so I won't make that comparison. I'm also not sure whether this will become a thing for this author, but both books have a main male investigator assisted by a woman whose life is constantly in danger. Not a big deal if done well, which I thought for the most part it was.

The somewhat modern language didn't bother me as it did others. Some if the historical accuracies didn't bother me either - I took this story for what it was, something loosely based on the time period (think of Victorian steampunk - some things are historically accurate but a lot are not). So that didn't bother me. I felt the descriptions of the scenes were well done - I could particularly envision the storm as if I was there on deck. But I felt some of the descriptions of the characters were lacking. Sara - I couldn't tell whether she was supposed to be pretty or just average. Creesje was supposed to be this alluring courtesan but I found it hard to picture what she actually looked like. Arent I also had a difficult time picturing - sometimes I felt like he was supposed to be like Andre the Giant. Other times it sounded like he was a big guy who wasn't handsome but could be kind of appealing in a ruffian sort of way (at least that seems to be what Sara thought).

What really bothered me was the lack of resolution - or justice - for some of the characters, particularly two evil ones. One of whom was part of the reason for the whole story. I don't want to ruin it by saying which two but if you read it to the end you'll figure out who I mean. They're major characters (one in absentia) and when everything is being wrapped up they're both just forgotten. Seriously. No mention of what happens or will happen to either of them.

The other big issue I had was the plot holes. There were several. I honestly couldn't find any huge plot issues with Evelyn Hardcastle. This one had several. I'm not sure if this would give anything away so I explain a little more below under the "potential spoiler" header. So don't read past that if you don't want a potential spoiler (although I was still trying to be careful).

I'm not a criminal mastermind but I kind of had it narrowed down (and was right about one) but just like his first book there was a twist I never expected. I also liked the ongoing tension between whether this was a supernatural book or a straightforward whodunit, or a bit of both. But some parts of the ending just don't sit well with me and I felt the justification for them wasn't enough.

Would I recommend this book? Yes. I still think it was very well done and I'm in awe of authors who can plot this stuff out. And I think some might not have the same issues I did and enjoy it more, so you should at least give it a try.

POTENTIAL SPOILER

DON'T READ PAST THIS POINT - POTENTIAL SPOILER

There was just too big of a conspiracy that took years to play out. YEARS!!! And that's what I really couldn't buy. Too many people were involved and not one whisper of the plan? And what happens to get them on the island was NOT part of the plan and what's about to happen on the island with the soldiers is definitely NOT part of the plan. And it felt like if the plot wasn't finally unraveled, some very bad things were going to happen and the masterminds wouldn't have cared - which made no sense since one of them was on the island still. This is the biggest reason I didn't rate it higher.

The Devil and the Dark Water - Likewise Book Reviews

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