I'll concur with the reviews I've seen on Goodreads about this one. It's not the best Fandorin novel. It may be the weakest I've read. But overall, I still love the series and the characters. I'm interested in how "He Lover of Death" (the next book and what seems like a companion piece) will play on this opinion once I've read that one.

I realized in this book that the reason I love the other books is because I love the narrators or supporting characters. I didn't really enjoy Columbine (Masha). I grew tired of her fast and the other narrators didn't really hold my attention. My favorite parts are always when Erast is introduced. Everytime I read "the pecuilar man with the stammer and the gray temples," I can't help but smile. I love how Akunin lets the reader in on the secret while the narrators of the book have no clue. Masa also has some great scenes in this one. That could be another reason I didn't like this one. Not enough Erast and Masa on the case. The mystery was pretty straightforward....and easily found out. Not the typical twist and turns you get from Akunin.