I found the first book slow to get started, but once i got into it i couldnt put it down. Same with the other 2 in the series, in fact each book was better than the last. I read all 3 in a week!
So sad the author died, tragic really that he never saw the success they became. I also found it very strange that in the 2nd book i think, there is an author of a book that dies before it gets published. Weirdly prophetic.