content: I was grievously disappointed with A MAIDEN'S GRAVE, especially after reading THE BONE COLLECTOR. Certain weak premises are unforgiveable - such as frequent the use of the word "stoat" by numerous characters, including the deaf ones and their interpreters, when a sign-language interpretation of that word would be automatically translated to "weasel". This is Kansas, not England! All the characters are poorly-defined and broadly unsympathetic, except the smallest children who are barely more than props shaken at the reader like helpless puppies. The "suspense" in this book left me feeling dirty and voyeuristic.