Knots and Crosses, by Ian Rankin (first published 1987). First of Rankin's Inspector Rebus mystery series. I'm reading this one for a couple of challenges — the Vintage Mystery Cover Scavenger Hunt, and the Read Scotland Challenge over at GoodReads (haven't read anything for that one yet). Here are the book's opening lines:
The girl screamed once, only the once.
Even that, however, was a minor slip on his part. That might have been the end of everything, almost before it had begun.
About the Book:
"... the brutal abduction and murder of two young girls. And now a third is missing, presumably gone to the same sad end. Detective Sergeant John Rebus, smoking and drinking too much, his own young daughter spirited away south by his disenchanted wife, is one of many policemen hunting the killer.
And then the messages begin to arrive: knotted string and matchstick crosses – taunting Rebus with pieces of a puzzle only he can solve." (from the official Ian Rankin website)
Initial Thoughts:
Definitely not a "cozy."
I've never read anything by Ian Rankin, although he's been on my "must-read" list for many years. Haven't gotten very far into this one, but so far I'm enjoying it a lot.
Rose City Reader hosts Book Beginnings on Friday. As she says, the idea is to post the first sentence (or so) of the book you're currently reading, along with any first impressions or thoughts you have about the book, the author, etc. It's a wonderful way of adding new books to your must-read list, and a chance to connect with other readers and bloggers.
Sounds like a page turner! Thanks for sharing, and enjoy. Here's mine: “ECHOES OF FAMILY”
ReplyDeleteNow that is a gripping opening. Sounds like one to look for.
ReplyDeleteThis author is really popular at my library - and I've never read him but I think I'd like him!
ReplyDeleteyikes this sounds pretty spooky. Here is my book beginnings: http://shoshireads.weebly.com/home/book-beginnings-friday-56
ReplyDelete