Russell James is known for his work in noir, which could suggest that this book will be dark and gory. It is not. Instead, Russel has combined the best of writing with the best of plotting to create suspense, intrigue and, at times, a dark humour. His characters are fully-formed and often scary. Not because of what they do but who we perceive them to be. A should-be-innocent is too worldly, a deformed 'freak' is too caring and an old woman is frail but astute. If you're looking for stereotypes, then you won't find them here. What you will find is the richest of writing in the richest of landscapes as befits a book which is, in part, about art. Without doubt, this is the best book that I have read for a long time.