Dark of the Moon   John Sandford
Another entertaining Virgil Flowers novel. Chronologically, this is the first, about a series of murders in a tiny town in southwestern Minnesota. Good writing, believable characters, and plenty of action. Quick, distracting fun.

The Guns of August: The Outbreak of World War I   Barbara W. Tuchman
Brilliant, beautifully written history of the first month of World War I, the month that determined everything that followed. Thought it appropriate since this is the 100^th anniversary. Deeply sad.

Orfeo   Richard Powers
Stunningly beautiful novel chronicling the life of a contemporary composer who at 70 is suspected of bio-terrorism. Highly intelligent, insightful, and beautifully written. Powers’ mind is incredible.

Mad River   John Sandford
Enjoyable and bleak Virgil Flowers novel about a killing spree in Southeastern Minnesota. Complicated plot, the usual good writing, and moral dilemmas and outrage. Nicely entertaining.

Shock Wave   John Sandford
Virgil Flowers novel about bombings of a megastore site in rural Minnesota. The usual good writing, some interesting characters, and a few twists toward the end. A satisfying and entertaining diversion.

Bad Blood   John Sandford
Very entertaining Virgil Flowers novel about a religious sex ring in rural Minnesota. Excellent police procedural, intense action, humor, and a believable narrative. Really fun.

The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America   Erik Larson
True crime book about the 1893 Chicago World’s Columbian Exposition and the serial killer in Chicago at the same time. Fascinating history of the fair and the many things that developed from it. Not nearly as interested in the speculative serial killer sections. In general, good.