Tom Swan and the Keys of Saint Peter is Christian Cameron's first novel-length Tom Swan adventure, the former all being serialized novels realized in parts. It loses nothing as it gains length, in fact, Saint Peter might be the strongest entry yet.

Cameron weaves a fantastic tapestry of 15th century Europe, with Swan going on a whirlwind tour of Venice, Florence, Albania, London, Bruges, and more. The pace moves at breakneck speed, action and plots twist and turn with almost every page.

The writing is sharp and no-nonsense, with an undercurrent of humor beneath the swordplay and intrigue. I admit I got a little lost in the layers of conspiracy on display here; the Italian names and the intricacy of the scheme were tough to decipher, and I'm still not sure I completely understand the plot Swan uncovered. That didn't take away any of my enjoyment of the book, though, and I hope Cameron revisits Swan in the future.