I found this a very enjoyable book, and sometimes gripping book. It was even interesting to read about series that I don't read or don't like, just to read the author's take on the series and the time period. In the most interesting articles, the authors analyze usually one, but sometimes two series in terms of the skill with which the author evokes the historical setting, as well as the quality of writing. There were one or two duds that went off into Foucaultian analysis or the like, but I think that most people who enjoy historical mysteries would enjoy this book. And they might find some new series, as well. ( )