The mystery is good and the characters are fine. I really liked the way the author put me in the mind of the protagonist, how strongly her emotional state was reflected in the way the other characters and situations came across. When she first arrives in the Whitlock house, it and its inhabitants really seem vile, but as she gains more confidence and familiarity that feeling shrinks away and the sisters shrink to more human proportions and even become somewhat relatable. The only part that didn't resonate with me at all was the romance; I spent the whole book thinking "I hope she doesn't end up with X" (because it's telegraphed pretty clearly, honestly) and of course she does. But otherwise the climax and wrap-up were very satisfying.