Fraser constructs her characters with great skill. They are both genuine and compelling. Humor based on this careful construction carries the story, and the reader is loath to finish the book as he wishes to savor every clever moment. My only critisism is that this, like other Fraser novels, ends quite abruptly with no apparent promise of that denouement we all enjoy. Surely it is possible to sell the next book and still tie up most of the loose ends! I've enjoyed many of Fraser's efforts and I find myself quite enamored of her pleasing, simple description and characterisation. It's a great read.