Although I did not read in order (think I started with the 3rd book by chance) this series caught my attention from the first. I am not sure exactly what it is about the characters, but I found them to be real and relate able- in all their faults and differences. I have always loved both mysteries and historical fiction- which these books combine elements of both of those- a present mystery to solve while also learning things about the past....
I love the authors descriptions of the place settings, and the character's thoughts, feelings and how they relate with one another- not always predictable and not in a way that always makes sense (similar to real life people).
I went back to read this one, and intend to read the rest of the ones I missed in order. On the 2nd one now, and if I were not still taking online college courses, I would have probably finished the book already and moved on to the next one.