I read this book over a period of time as a collection of short stories. Very Sherlock Holmesian in the way Horne Fisher solves mysteries.

But, there is an underlying pessimism, and although murders are explained, they are rarely punished throughout the book.

I enjoyed the style of writing, and each vignette as a separate story. Some things were a bit too unfamiliar, such as various politicians and events that I don't know well in history. However, the stories still read well, and the way war is waged and Fisher is both heroic and foolhardy makes for a surprising end.

Really enjoyable.