Helpful Score: 1
I probably would not have started this book if I had known about the paranormal elements, but I'm thankful that I did because the characters are incredibly likable, the mystery a good puzzle, and the descriptions of the setting make you feel like you're there.
Started reading this in 2022, but gave up about 50 pages in. Tried again and this time (in 2024) I managed to get to page 90 before deciding it wasn't for me, despite other readers' glowing reviews. I thought the character of Gideon was written as a silly twerp and after the second outrageous coincidence (the first being his encountering someone from his past in the church; the second was his running into some stranger asking him for directions to the house his uncle lived in). Writing style is ok if you are into that style (archaic, and some references I was too tired to look up on the internet.) As another Victorian might say: "Bah, Humbug."
