Woodstock anyone? Spirit Me Away Review

TITLE: Spirit Me Away (A Gus LeGarde Mystery #8)
AUTHOR: Aaron Paul Lazar
PUBLISHER: Aaron Paul Lazar
PUBLISHING DATE: May 8, 2014 (out now)

FROM GOODREADS: Boston, Massachusetts: It’s the summer of ’69—the parks are flooded with flower children and a hot new band called Led Zeppelin is set to appear at the Boston Tea Party. But for one newlywed couple just beginning their lives together, there will be no peace.

In the cradle of sex, drugs, and rock ’n roll, Gus and Elsbeth LeGarde are music students attending the New England Conservatory of Music, after a wedding kept secret from their families. When they discover a bruised and sobbing teenage girl on the Boston Commons who can’t remember who she is, or how she got there, the couple decides to “adopt” her to help find her identity.

But Gus and Elsbeth aren’t prepared to be plunged into a violent world of rape, abuse, and a ring of white slave traders who’ll stop at nothing to take back their property—or to acquire new flesh in the form of Gus’s beautiful young bride.

At times nostalgic, heart-stopping, and breathlessly dramatic, Spirit Me Away is a thrilling romantic mystery set against the colorful backdrop of the sixties—with an unforgettable conclusion at the greatest rock festival of all time. 

MY THOUGHTS:
This book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review. I admit, I initially wanted to read this book because it mentioned music and had a peace sign on the cover (and can I add that is a beautiful cover, even if I normally don't like faces on the front of books). Then I learned this was #8 in the series and feared I would be forever lost. However for some reason, the definitely wasn't the case.

I really enjoyed reading about Gus, Elsbeth and the gang. I became truly invested in many of the characters. Of course, it didn't hurt that there was plenty of mention of music, including the Stones, Led Zepplin and the Beatles. The mystery was tightly woven with several twists and turns. Since the book takes place in 1969, there are also lots of references to the hippie scene, and the evolving times of that era, as well as Woodstock. Two prominent characters are Vietnam Vets and it was nice how Lazar paid homage to the men who valiantly fought in such a disturbing war.

There is very little I didn't like about the book. I felt the ending was one where everything was tied up in a nice, neat package. Although that often disturbs me, by the end I was honestly invested in what happened to this "family" of characters and didn't mind seeing them have their happy endings.

If you like mysteries, music and the late 60's/early 70's - pick this book up. I doubt you will regret it. Please be aware that this book does deal with some series topics such as drug use, rape and white market slavery although it is pertinent to the story and not graphic in nature.

MY RATING: 4 PAWS