So. This book.

On the one hand, it has three big flaws: it takes something like seven sodding chapters for anything to really happen, the premise strains reader belief and is never explained, and the main character, Cassie, propels the plot by making unprofessional decisions which again, are never explained.

But.

The mystery, once it gets going at last, is compelling. French's character work, dialogue, and descriptions are all six-star... I could almost smell and taste some scenes. Some of the philosophy in her prose is eye-wateringly beautiful. She makes a few character decisions (no spoilers) that are truly brave for fiction. And as in all her novels, there's no "Yay, crime's solved, let's go for a drink" ending for anyone.

So... four stars.