I really wanted this book to be great. I wanted Anne to finally return to her roots and write a novel rich in character and description. I turned every page of this book hoping that it was going to kickstart. It never did and to be honest I am left disappointed and annoyed. It almost seems as though she can publish anything just based on her history without an editor or publisher reading what it is she has presented. I give it two stars to credit the idea and the potential of the store but the writing and the lack of commitment to every page and character makes it a fail for me. But then I expect a lot from Anne Rice because I know she can deliver...or at least she used to be able to.