For a historical thriller which sounds quite complex from the premise I found the first impression far clearer and simpler than I could have imagined. I could see myself enjoying the novel and know the series and author are both highly rated. My nagging doubt however is that with this being book three I will have missed out on the established characters and the relationship and rapport that they share. Whilst the novel might stand-alone I always like to have an appreciation of the major players backstory and what has come before.