62.
Title: [The Crossing Places]
Author: Elly Griffiths
Pages: 320
Genre: Cozy mystery
Medium: Kindle
Acquisition:
Date Completed: September 23, 2012
Rating: ***

There is nothing sensational about The Crossing Places, other than its slightly-odd sensationalizing of archeology (although this isn't that odd, as shows like "Bones" have already done exactly this).  The mysteries are painfully obvious from the first, and so the book offers little in the way of surprise or suspense.  Instead, this becomes a novel about characters, many of whom are shallow, two-dimensional, and downright dull. 

However, despite her many many (human) failings, I found myself sympathetic to Dr. Ruth Galloway; she is a character who is insecure and truly doesn't know her own worth (which can be irritating), but this is tempered by her confidence in her academic field.  This confidence is what saves Ruth for me as a character. 

There is one plot twist that I actually didn't expect, and for this reason I am actually likely to pick up the second book.  Eventually. 

60.
Title: Never Buried
Author: Edie Claire
Pages: 198
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Medium: Kindle
Acquisition:
Date Completed: August 28, 2012
Rating: ***

Never Buried is a formulaic cozy mystery whose most distinguishing narrative technique is the opening scene which describes a cat vomiting.  This features in the Amazon reviews of the book for readers' disapproval, and while I don't share the strength of feeling shared in these reviews, I can agree that the scene adds nothing to the narrative, and will likely only serve to repel readers.  The story itself is a bit clumsy, bogged down by details that are ultimately insignificant, but the mystery itself is decent enough.  I will not run off to buy the next Leigh Koslow novel, but Claire's series is probably a good go-to when desperate for fluff. 

61.
Title: Kitty Steals the Show
Author: Carrie Vaughn
Pages: 352
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Medium: Kindle
Acquisition:
Date Completed: August 31, 2012
Rating: ***

My partner came across a blurb about this book, and recommended it on the basis that it is set in London at an academic conference on supernaturals ("this book couldn't be more you").  The premise is certainly one that seems promising, but I did not initially realize that I was stepping into the tenth book in a running series, which complicated my reading.  Kitty is a standard protagonist in urban fantasy, which actually makes her feel two-dimensional; what I didn't know initially I could suppose, based not on the novel in hand but rather my reading of the genre at large.  As a whole, the novel feels like a transition - a shift in focus for an established series - and for that reason is less interesting for a new reader.  However, my interest has been piqued, so I may be looking to see how Kitty comes to speak at a conference in London in the first place.