This was a fast read. It also wasn't quite what I expected it to be. Though it did veer into the melodramatic at points, it made me far more interested in Dutch life in the 1680's, and the role and power of women in that society. More than anything, this book felt like a puzzle, a mystery, and what is discovered (and isn't) is what keeps the reader engaged and the pages turning. An interesting, quick, and enjoyable read for any historical fiction fans out there.