A true classic, which, despite a slow writing style, is intriguing to the end, keeping even a reader who knows of sweeney todd in suspense. The book, made from the original weekly serial, is not like many of the adaptions of Sweeney Todd, which tend to be much more emotive, but is instead a classic detective/murder mystery novel, making it novel and enjoyable read even for people who have seen other versions of the story of Sweeney Todd. Those who do not enjoy murder-mystery intrigue stories may not enjoy it, but for most it is a good buy.