I read then listened to the Audio Book. Very long cast of characters made for some confusion at first, but like AC, we are intimately familiar with them in sufficient time to enjoy the mystery. Too much being made in these comments over the "animal abuse," it is fiction, not overly descriptive and is intricate to the story line. Also, interesting to know that Horowitz' novels seemingly are reviewed by "sensitivity proof readers," which should give an indication that this fiction isn't over the line by any means. An exceptionally entertaining read, I enjoyed the newly introduced (for Hawthorne readers) narrative style. Can't wait for the next!