I liked The Savage Garden by the same author, so when I saw this book in a discount store I figured I should pick it up.

I wish I hadn't.

Not that it's a bad book- not at all- but it's not as good as his other work. It offers us cardboard characters with weak motivations, cliche villains and plot twists telegraphed from a mile off. However, the writing itself is strong and evocative. At it's best, it;s slightly above average quality. At it's worst it's mediocre and dull.

Mills can do better.