A typical Wilkie Collins that combines interesting characters, including those who are quite unlikely heroes in Victorian literature, a plot that defies modern genre definitions but comes most closely to a mix of mystery, domestic thriller and family drama, and a compelling way of telling the story. I comes easy to be intruiged and care for the characters. Although it is told through a male perspective, the women of the novel are front and center, portraying different kinds of capable female characters It seemed like it leaned heavier into the tropes and dramatic style of sensationalism and is a less complex and subtle read than maybe No Name by the same author, but it's very captivating and an absolute blast if you like the genre and/or author. Although there is no mystery regarding who the culprit is, there is always a sense of suspense.