I enjoyed Vices/Virtues for two main reasons. First, it was a gentle exploration of what is often seen as the seedy side of society. Author Beatrice DeSoprontu does not bombard us with explicit and/or violent fetishes but introduces many of Cristela’s clients with understanding and compassion, making the reader aware that often a fetish is simply a manifestation of something else that may be lacking in a person’s life or indeed a reaction to something that happened to a person earlier in life. She is not critical nor judgemental of her clients, which I found extremely refreshing. Coupled with this was the main character’s long-standing search for herself, her identity and her place in the world. The author’s characters, especially many of those drawn to work in the sex industry, were intelligent, funny and often extremely caring and sympathetic, which is perhaps not what one would expect from a “house of pain.” Second, the author eschewed the possibility of sensationalizing and exploiting the sexual nature of the job. Yes, there is explicit content but it is handled with grace, aplomb and sensitivity by the author, giving the tale a “naughty but nice” feel to it. I commend her on finding the right tone, the right style and for hitting all the right notes in this reader’s mind. Vices/Virtues is an excellent and insightful tale well told.