A Quiet Belief in Angels by R J Ellory

5 stars  VERY MUCH 5 stars!!
R- 3
some language, disturbing images

Haunting, lyrical, poetic-- part mystery and part coming-of-age story.  Overall, a beautiful book.

While it's filled with tragedy, loss, and consuming guilt, there are still moments of hope, optimism and love.

This book spans the decades-- beginning in the late 1930s and continuing through to the late '60s, with the epilogue taking place in 2005.  We follow Joseph from when he was 11, through the losses and loves that made up his life.  And above all, the feeling that he should have protected the girls from his town that were found murdered.  Should have been able to save them.  Until finally all that he has is his desire to find the person responsible.

Highly recommended.  (Even if there were a couple of typos, lol.)

Counts for the Support Your Local Library and Reader's Choice challenges!