So many people I really respect love these books but I find that I finish them and feel 'meh'. Part of it is that these characters go through the usual challenges in life - marriages ending, adultery, betrayals - but there is too much of a blase attitude. Maybe the characters are demonstrating that 'stiff upper lip', but I find their apathy to all of life's cares makes me apathetic also! I love Simon Vance's narration, but I might try reading book 4 and see if I get more engaged.