I was surprised to see a novel by an experienced pro that had such terrible stretches of writing in it. Would not have finished if it hadn't been a club selection. Got better nearer the end, where the action picks up.So where was the editor? Is Follett so big that they can't tell him when something is clunky and amateurish? Awkward info dumps, cardboard characters, and too much that is thrown in to see what sticks. Way too many superfluous beatings, errors, and convenient plot devices. And in this part of Scotland, apparently most of the populace drives expensive luxury cars. Um...Yes, there are good things, but they are overshadowed by the things that aren't. If professional publishers and writers are going to put out something so much in need of editing that it says they don't care, it shows what contempt they hold readers in. "Aw, they'll buy it anyway, because it's a Follett!"News flash-- we expect better!