Беллмен и Блэк, или Незнакомец в черном

Setterfield's vivid descriptions create such a haunting mood—was there a particular place or era that influenced this world-building?

His relentless pursuit feels both tragic and understandable. How did others interpret his motivations and moral choices?

The mix added a layered depth to the story, but I wonder if this balance was planned from the start or evolved during writing.