I think so, too :). I have to say, I´m pretty ruthless with my DNFs this year. And the majority of them I DNF because I am bored by the story.

Same here. I have no regrets about being ruthless either. I just don't have the time for books that don't inspire or thrill me in some way.

Oh, I forgot to tell you, BT that there is nothing whatsoever in this book that reminds of Sarah Waters.
However, the other comparisons to the books that I have read and disliked are very fitting. I enjoyed the first 50 pages of The Night Circus and The Miniaturist more than this book, though.

How do you manage to remember things like this? I sometimes need to resort to notes placed inside the book. Or forget then get to remember all over again that I needed to approach the book with caution. The Hunting Party was a prime example. I have a note somewhere about MR's review, and yet, I bought the book and started reading in total ignorance/denial.

When I see you starting this book, I can remind you of the purple prose :)

If I mentally classify a book as "literary" I remember to expect purple prose (since I associate the two). The trick is getting my mental classifications to stick in my selective memory. A reminder would actually be very helpful. ;D

Duly noted ;)