i liked this book even more than Farthing, it is a worthy sequel. Poor Inspector Carmichael breaks my heart, and Jo Walton tells a well-crafted story about the dangers of fascism. This close after the recent European elections, the book was a depressing read at times, and proved difficult for me to finish. I look forward to the final book in the series, but I need to take some time out with lighter fare before I'll be able to stomach it.