Sept 14-20, 2014

The Outcast Dead by Elly Griffiths - the sixth Ruth Galloway book and one of the better ones. The grave of a Victorian child murderer has been found and in the present there are a series of child abductions. Some surprises and an exciting ending.

4 stars
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Remains of Innocence by J.A. Jance - the 16th Sheriff Joanna Brady book. The murder of the county M.E. and some murders in Massachusetts seem to be related.  Locally, Joanna must decide if a disabled man's death is an accident. Some animal abuse.

4 stars
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Paw and Order by Spencer Quinn - a Chet and Bernie mystery, Chet being the dog that narrates the story. Secretive goings on and murder in Washington DC and Chet and Bernie are on the case. To me the mysteries are secondary to the pleasure of hearing Chet and his short attention span telling of the story. This one was wrapped up in the last two pages.

4 stars for sentimental value
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California by Edan Lepucki - a post-apocalyptic novel, but you're never told exactly what went wrong. Cal and Frida decide they can't make it in L.A. and strike out to live in the wilderness. After a few years, they find a community that takes them in. Of course things are never as they seem. A first novel and after awhile it started to drag. I skipped a few chapters and read the end.

2 stars
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The Golem of Hollywood by Jonathan Kellerman and Jesse Kellerman - a modern day story of a bizarre murder mixed with the Golem myth of Jewish culture. Certainly not a typical Kellerman novel. The main character is actually not very likeable. Too much sex but I think that's supposed to tie into this particular Golem story. The mystery is tied up but I was still somewhat confused at the end. I'll be thinking about this for a few days so...

4 stars
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The Waiting: The True Story of a Lost Child, a Lifetime of Longing, and a Miracle for a Mother Who Never Gave Up by Cathy LaGrow - I read this in one sitting, it flowed along so well. In 1929, a young girl must give up her daughter, the result of rape. She writes many letters to her and never gives up wishing to see her. Finally, when she is 94, a miracle happens.

4 stars