The book is written in alternating flashback chapters which are labeled, so the story isn't difficult to follow. It's a good thing, since the dialogue is -very- anachronistic and clunky in places. I found myself wincing occasionally after a particularly wooden bit of narrative. There were 'academic interactions' which bordered on being painful to read.
The 16th century bits of the story are well researched and I found no obvious problems with the historical timeline. It's worth noting that I am not a historian, just an interested amateur, so if there are anachronisms (outside the dialogue, yikes), please don't poke me with pointy sticks, thanks.
The characterizations are not in-depth or well developed. I never found myself connecting on any level with any of the characters. I wasn't engaged beyond wanting to find out why these murders which are separated by 500some years happened. The resolution of the mystery was mostly satisfying and without spoiling anything, I was amused that a lawyer came up with such a convoluted solution.
The book is a solid 3 stars and I enjoyed reading it. It would make a good summer airport/travel read.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher
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