Finished The Grief of Stones

[conuly]

Not much to say other than that if you liked Witness for the Dead you'll like this one.

One content warning which I don't remember seeing on the book (well, ebook) or before buying - the core mystery deals with a child pornography ring. Addison doesn't write any of the disgusting details, but nevertheless, it seems likely that some readers might not want to head into that unwarned.

There is also a tomb with a murder monster. It seems like people shouldn't need to be told that if they ritually create a murder monster to guard their treasures, the very first thing the monster will do is murder them and not let any of their fellows in to reclaim the treasures after, so it's probably better to just get a good safe and trust in the power of locks. But apparently some people do need to be told. Alas! The warning came just a bit too late. How you can be smart enough to theoretically create a murder monster as a guard dog but then dumb enough to actually go through with it, I just don't know.

Comments

[nancylebov]

I'm about 80 pages in, and enjoying it.

However, there seems to be less about elves and goblins being distinct, and not having as much opera house (so far) makes it less fun. Of course, I don't know what will be in the rest of the book.

[oracne]

I just finished it last night. I am 100% there for it. I will hopefully remember to append a content warning when I write about it on Wednesday.

I was wondering if the murder monster people intended to be part of the sacrifice, since it seems linked to their sect losing the battle, or was it a wholly separate event?

[moon_custafer]

Re the spoiler: knowledge and skill do not = wisdom, and quite often = stupidity + overconfidence. Also there must be some people who’ve researched occult matters but haven’t read any M. R. James?

[maureenlycaon_dw]

Haven't read it -- but from the horror novels I have read, it seems like almost any idiot who can pronounce a few big words can summon a monster. Wisdom and common sense not required.

After all, most of the car drivers we see on the roads aren't geniuses either. ;)