Well, you know ... even the greats have their "off" books. I thought the original Hitchhiker's trilogy was hysterical, but didn't care that much for "Goodbye and Thanks for All the Fish." But, then I was used to a certain level of funny from DA, and the fourth book didn't match my expectations.
So ... I figure, if TP's writing is a little uneven, or improves over time, and since I am enjoying the first book (didn't get a chance to read last night ... watched a really creepy-gory movie instead), my expectations won't be at a high point only to miserably crash.
I have come to love the Luggage. I wish I had loyal Luggage like that. (Although I did buy a really nice new day purse/bag for my Kindle the other day. Fits just perfectly, and has steel wire sewn into the strap so it's harder to steal.)