This volume pretty much covered one comprehensive storyline which is unusual for this series. Starting off with Tsuzuki's nightmare about an over amorous Muraki leads to the shinigamis’ dinner with the mysterious invisible count who also has an attraction for Tsuzuki. A confrontation between Tsuzuki and the ministry's cold overseer and second in command Tatsumi drives Tsuzuki to the library where he falls into one of the Count's self writing story books.

As a coherent tale it was interestingly unique and the revelations of Tatsumi and Tsuzuki's past were illuminating, however, I felt a little disappointed and I can't even pinpoint why. It may be because the angst just wasn't as engrossing in this volume. Or it could have been the whole feel of watching a story from the outside within a story that made me feel disconnected. For whatever reason this volume wasn't my favorite but it certainly isn't enough to put me off from reading the next volume.

This is still one of my favorite manga series discoveries for 2009 for the supernatural, drama, humor combination and I'm really am looking forward to reading more. ( )