Not a great book - Rated 
This is not a great book, but it is a fairly enjoyable romp. As many others have noted it is also too long (to be justified by its plot and writing). The characters are pretty thin and the plot silly, although I've got nothing against silly plots per se.
In order to keep the momentum of the book moving forward we need a sense of underlying logic which propels the narrative forward, revelations, mishaps, resolution, but unfortunately the tension starts to evaporate from this driving engine. It begins to feel as though a cycle of jeopardy and release, danger and escape has been set up which could continue indefinitely (sequels!) without ever having to be resolved. We and they could all be doing this in ten years time. It is at this point the book starts to feel way too heavy.
It suggests comparison with other books but loses out in connection with any of them. The characterisation and description in any Dickens novel is infinitely superior "Great Expectations" is a great example. For an unputdownable Victorian page turner of suspense and intrigue (complete with murder, kidnap and secret societies) "The Woman in White" by Wilkie Collins (written at the time) is the original and best. For a modern take on this kind of book Mark Gatiss "The Vesuvius Club" (twisted science, more murder, kidnap, secret societies) is, although primarily humorous, suspenseful, witty and pacy, doesn't take itself too seriously and whizzes along at a few hundred pages. For those keen to immerse themselves in a (paper munching) fully realised historical fantasy world I think Neal Stephensons Baroque Cycle ("Quicksilver, etc) is far richer and more inventive.
Read any of these others first.
Almost too tedious to finish - Rated 
The titles suggested a fast-paced action romp, a tightly crafted thriller in the style of Conan-Doyle. What emerged was a very long story about three quite annoying characters who never really emerged from their stereotypes. At many points, I was confused by the narrative and would not recommend this novel.
Great read - Rated 
This book will never win any great literary prizes but, and this is the important thing, it's not meant to. It is quite simply a great read. You remember those don't you? It's all tall tales and fantastic escapes - masked balls, caped men, strong heroines and sinister plots. In short, it's fun. It reminds me a little of the Flashman books in that respect but it doesn't have the same humour. As for those reviewers who found it 'ridiculous' and 'unbelievable' well yes, of course it is, but books have to work within their own internal narrative logic however unrelated to the real world this is, and this book does so marvellously.
Buy this book, set aside some time, and rediscover the pleasure of reading a book for the fun of it instead of reading a book so you can discuss its nuances and hidden meanings at a dinner party.
Finished at last! - Rated 
I can see how this book got such a high rating and in many ways it is un-put- downable, with many cliff hangers, a highly erotic content and originality unlike anything particular that I have read before. However it would benefit by being cut by a third and I frequently wished that the rushing through doors and corridors would come to an end and found myself skipping some bits and looking to see how many pages I still had to read! A marathon read of 753 pages.On balance I would say read it if you enjoy a dark, erotic, bloody and sadistic content and are willing to invest the time in ploughing through so many pages.
Really rather good... - Rated
The thing about books is that people think they should be like a blockbuster film. Quick, fast paced and with lots of stuff happening with one dimensional characters firing out one liners and a happy ending. With maybe some sex thrown in.
So, when it comes to books we forget that sometimes it's nice to just give into reading. That's why i found this book so great. Who cares that it's 800+ pages-the characters are adorable (especially Miss Temple and frankly i dare any woman not to be half in love with Cardinal Chang by the end of it) and the plot thick and lusturous. Not only that, but it reminded me of the Fantomas books and other such Edwardian pulp fictions novels i got hooked in my teens. I read it in three days and then read it all over again a month later.
It's long. And complicated. And has interesting characters. Get over it and enjoy it!
Oh, and the sequal isn't bad either....
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