This was such a fun novel! I really enjoyed the tulip mania combined with the political intrigue in Holland of the time. While I didn't grow very attached to the characters, this was an adventurous, pacey book. I loved the obsession over the black tulip and how such a small plant can create such a dynamic plot. There was subtle humor throughout, and the audiobook narrator (Peter Joyce) was fantastic. I much prefer The Count of Monte Cristo, but if you are looking for a fun, quick read, I would recommend The Black Tulip.