The author's development of the setting is masterful. Immediately, you feel as if you're a student at Harvard with Cady, investigating the death of your sick brother. This book is heavy but fascinating. and I couldn't put it down. As the characters (read: ghosts) come alive before your eyes, you need to know more and more about them. While some areas of the plot felt disconnected or slow, you never once wanted to leave the characters until you learned the answer. I also loved how this book gave a voice to several whose are lost in the whitewashed history of ivy league schools. The author's note at the end explains more; definitely read it!