Genre is such a tricky thing to get right. Conform to it too closely and the writing will sound formulaic. Take too many risks and your public will ask for roadmaps (if you're lucky).

A Demon's Lexicon was a bit of mystery. That is an interesting point. But it had a fairly angsty, "sunken" protagonist view as well, so the cues to read it emotionally were there. I was sincerely disappointed by it, plot-wise, though I found characters compelling and will read the next one, so I suppose it's done its work.

*grins over the cover art litmus test and Tour de Frances* Poor Frances. I wonder if she sang them any of her little songs or served them bread and jam.