Stuart Turton's second novel is an ambitious genre-blending adventure that will delight readers who enjoyed his debut 'The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle' but may frustrate those seeking a straightforward mystery.

Set aboard a Dutch merchant vessel in 1634, the story follows Samuel Pipps, a brilliant detective imprisoned in the ship's brig, and his loyal bodyguard Arent Hayes as they investigate seemingly supernatural murders during a treacherous voyage to Amsterdam. Turton excels at atmospheric worldbuilding, immersing readers in the claustrophobic, superstitious world of 17th-century maritime life.

The ship feels authentically grimy and dangerous, populated by a colorful cast including the pragmatic guard captain Crauwels, the mysterious passenger Sara Wessel, and various crew members harboring dark secrets.

The author's strength lies in his intricate plotting and ability to weave together multiple mysteries while maintaining genuine supernatural ambiguity—readers will constantly question whether they're witnessing demonic intervention or elaborate human scheming.

However, the novel's complexity sometimes works against it. At nearly 500 pages, the pacing occasionally drags during the middle sections, and some plot threads feel unnecessarily convoluted. Unlike his previous work's tight time-loop structure, this book's sprawling narrative can feel unfocused. The characters, while entertaining, lack the depth needed to fully invest readers in their fates—Arent's gentle giant persona and Pipps' brilliant detective archetype feel somewhat familiar. The supernatural elements, while atmospheric, may disappoint readers seeking either full-blown horror or pure logical deduction. Turton tries to have it both ways, which doesn't always satisfy either camp. This book works best for readers who enjoy puzzle-box mysteries with historical settings and don't mind some narrative messiness in service of ambitious storytelling. Fans of atmospheric historical fiction with mystery elements will find much to appreciate. However, readers seeking fast-paced thrillers or those who prefer their mysteries strictly grounded in reality should look elsewhere. It's a solid sophomore effort that showcases Turton's creativity, even if it doesn't quite match the tight brilliance of his debut.