As I had already thought while reading the first book, things slow down to a crawl on this second volume. Does this mean that the book is bad? Well, it is too slow and nothing really of interest happens. However, Miyabe is too good a writer to make things boring.
If just things could go faster... Let's hope the pace picks up in the next volume.
The best: the mystery is still compelling
The worst: too much plodding and loitering, making the characters a tiny bit annoying
Alternatives: Start with the first of the series, a more well rounded effort