I picked this book up simply because I liked the title. The fact that it was about a book seller helped too of course. I like mysteries, but I do not normally read crime dramas. I prefer my mysteries to have either a romance or paranormal twist to them, so this book was out of my comfort zone.
Having said all that, I cannot decide if I did not like the book simply because it was not my style or because it was so dark. I think those are actually the same thing in this case.
Jack Susko is not a likable person. The only positive thing I can say about him is that he likes his cat. Annabelle, the female lead, is hard to figure out. Is she really a nice person and a victim of her family or is she just out for herself?
I did not enjoy reading the book, but the mystery was engrossing enough that I had to finish it. The outcome was also a surprise. I thought I had it figured out, but I there was an unexpected twist.
If you like crime dramas, read this book. The sequel, The Black Russian, is scheduled for release in 2010.