An excellent mix of the gripping intensity of an investigative crime novel and the otherworldly reality-bending you get with certain science fiction. It was paced near perfectly, I can't recall one chapter being boring or slowing the book down. The plot was not lacking, and found the conclusion satisfying as well.

The sci-fi concept, two cities phased together occupying the same space, seemed simple on the surface. Though Miéville developed it intricately and with depth, world-building in various ways, making it the primary source of what made this novel so unique.

The City & the City was my introduction to China Miéville, testing the waters for another science fiction author I can count on when I am in the mood for the genre. I am definitely looking forward to the next one I decide to pick up.