Jack Olsen - Salt of the Earth: One Family's Journey Through the Violent American Landscape

42. Salt of the Earth: One Family's Journey Through the Violent American Landscape by Jack Olsen (1996)
Length: 376 pages
Genre: True Crime
Started: 16 May 2013
Finished: 20 May 2013
Where did it come from? From Bookmooch
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 13 May 2013
Why do I have it? I like true crime and had read and enjoyed Cold Kill: The True Story of a Murderous Love by the same author in the past. I have never actually heard of the Brenda Sue Gere case.

One day in September of 1985, 12-year-old Brenda Sue Gere was abducted from her family's home in Clearview, Washington. Her parents, Joe and Elaine Gere, were understandably devastated by the little girl's disappearance, and Joe said he effectively died on the day that Brenda was taken. It was left to Brenda's mother, Elaine to sustain her stricken family, search for her missing child, and pressure the authorities for justice.

From the first minutes of the investigation, suspicion fell on Michael Kay Green - a steroid-abusing "Mr. Universe" hopeful - but there was no proof of a crime, leaving police and prosecutors stymied. Tips and sightings poured in as lawmen and volunteers commenced searching the Cascade forest in a search which would become the largest in Northwest history. Years passed with no sign of blue-eyed Brenda or the bright clothing she had worn on the day she had disappeared. Yet Elaine remained undaunted in her quest.

Salt of the Earth: One Family's Journey Through a Violent American Landscape by Jack Olsen, tells the true story of a simple family thrust into overwhelming grief and the unyielding spotlight by a senseless crime. This story traces the background of the Gere family, the seven-year long crime drama and the effects of tragedy on a family.

I must say that I enjoyed this book very much. It was well-written, easy to follow and the plot had a poignancy about it that I appreciated. I give this book an A+! and look forward to reading more books by Jack Olsen in the future.

A+! - (96-100%)

Till we Meet Again, Glow Brightly as Moonlight