Instruct: Classify Amazon reviews into positive or negative sentiment
Query: Turn this invitation down

The choice of Aphra Behn as protagonist in this 17th century mystery was intriguing. A classic unconventional, independent, rebellious historical figure augured well for a new detective. Unfortunately neither the character of the protagonist nor those of the million or so other characters are drawn well enough for the reader to care the least bit about what happened to them. Well-known Londoners of the time, Samual Pepys for instance, are dragged in to a quick sketch, then left.The plot is contrived, but by the time I came to the denoument I no longer cared. And this is all too bad because the writer has a nice wit and a good turn of phrase. I'd like to see this writer try something a little less ambitious.