In the knowledge that this particular volume was set in Oxford, featured a feisty and ferocious feminine protagonist in Diana Bishop, and that it was written by an alum of Mount Holyoke, i had exceedingly high expectations of this book. All of them were met; Harkness' writing is colorful, elegant, rich, and deeply engrossing. Her character development is superb and unexpected, and the lushly detailed settings provide a fascinating and convincing backdrop to the driving mystery that binds this intricate plot together. It's hard in this day and age, i think, to read a book featuring vampires and witches and not compare it to Harry Potter or (dare i say it) Twilight, but Harkness' world stands utterly on its own, blending elements of traditional magical folklore with a fantastical historical backdrop. The romance is believable and healthy, the personality of Diana Bishop totally her own, and the world created at Harkness' hand is utterly unique, vibrant with her passion for wine and history. In particular, i was fond of the Salem witch motif present in Diana's background; i felt as though it colored her character as a powerful witch with a heritage of such power.


If you like historical fiction, mystery, romance, and kick-ass leading ladies, i would highly recommend this book!