This is a very good story, with plenty of action and history. It proves Batman's title of the Worlds Greatest Detective also. My only minor quibble is how much Gotham feels like a small town here.

This was my first introduction to the Court of Owls - I haven't read those comics. As an institution that's been "watching over Gotham" for so long, the history portions of this novel were both appropriate and excellent. Chapters set in 1918 advance the story in the present, and vice versa. Batman's detective skills are used to solve a modern day murder and also a historical mystery - a nice combination.

Several of Batman's allies factor in, and a few enemies are mentioned. When going back to the founding fathers, a lot of familiar names are mentioned - perhaps too many. I think villains can opposed the Bat without a lot of historical reasons. But really, that is a very minor quibble. Without spoiling the story, I can safely say that it is a good and consistent narrative, with plenty of well-described action. 5 stars.