How is the humor readily apparent?

[clarepayton]

Yes, the humorous tone of the first line grabs us: "A watched phone never rings." We know immediately that at least part of the book is going to be fun. In the following first pages, or section, how else does humor play a part? And, as the novel progresses, does that humorous tone shift? Where?

[politikgirl]

I love that the humourous tone from the modern parts of the book - a staple in most "chick lit" - continues into the historical parts, which is part of what sets the book(s) apart from others.