Thanks to the GoodReads First Reads program for sending me a copy, but I have to admit, this book just didn't quite work for me.

The Tower, the Zoo, and the Tortoise tells the story of a Beefeater (or Yeoman Warder) named Balthazar Jones, who lives and guards the Tower of London, and his fading relationship with his wife Hebe after the loss of their son. This is the story of love in bloom at the London Underground's Department of Lost Things. And this is the story of the Queen's menagerie that Balthazar is put in charge of.

This book could have been wonderful--the author's writing is rich in detail, and I loved the weaving in of the historical background of the Tower. However, the characters were just too quirky. I felt we really didn't get to know their feelings, just their idiosyncrasies (i.e., Balthazar collects different types of rain in tiny bottles) and *everyone* introduced in the story was introduced by their quirks. This got quite annoying. The book also couldn't decide if it was a comedy or a melodrama.

I know many people who will probably love this book, but it just wasn't for me. Thanks just the same for the opportunity to read it, though!