I can only agree with the other reviewers. I bought this book new in a local bookstore after picking it up and reading the introduction and a few paragraphs. I've never read another book quite like it. This book really stands on its own and unlike many others I believe that the sobriquet 'classic' truly applies to this novel. Buy it!!!

A classic, in medias res mystery, in which no one is innocent until the end; scene after terrific scene leads you to an end that will knock your socks off. If you've ever lived in CT (as I have) you will recognize and respond to this book. The smell of roses and fresh earth -- !!!!!

This is one of the truly great ones, a crime novel that you will remember ten years after you read it . I know -- it's been ten years since I last read it, and it just floored me again.

The writing is a bit affected and takes some getting used to, but it's worth it. When you get to the climax and the secret is revealed, you'll sit slackjawed and start paging back through the book, desperate to see how you missed it. A brilliant puzzle, brilliantly constructed and brilliantly unfolded.

If you like mysteries, do not -- I repeat, do not -- leave this screen without buying this book.