The first half was a bit slower but I enjoyed the story as a whole. I really enjoyed the mystery associated with the Hawthorne family as well as the overarching mystery of figuring out Signa's true identity and why she can be so close to Death, unaffected by his magic. The relationship between her and Death took a bit for me to buy in to, however. I loved Sylas. Also, the masquerade scene......!!! Great set up to become a series and I'm really excited for Foxglove!

My one gripe was the endless references to puzzles....I get that it's a mystery but WOW, I was so tired about all the various "puzzle pieces" referenced throughout the book...WE GET IT!!! Is there no other analogy that can be thrown in there???

09/05/23: update - I re-read and listened to the audio. Definitely liked it a lot more the second time around!