Another solid entry in this enjoyable series. The usual mix of careful historical accuracy (from the political machinations to the details of early 19th century waste management) and borderline modern language (the use of the word “random” in a very 21st century way was a bit irritating to me), but never so much of the latter to ruin it entirely. The mystery was solid, too; I felt frustrated at a seeming lack of truly viable, narratively satisfactory suspects, then right on time realized the solution along with Our Hero, and felt pretty satisfied with the ending. Though there’s nothing in this volume about Sebastian’s origin and personal quest, it did tie back to the previous novel and Ashworth’s horrific acts quite thoroughly.