Book Beginnings: Murder in the Meadow

Murder in the Meadow, by Faith Martin (Joffe Books, January 2018; first published 2008). No. 7 in Martin's DI Hillary Greene series. These are the first sentences from Chapter One:

May Day that year dawned bright and hot, just the kind of weather to encourage the idiots who liked to throw themselves off Magdalen Bridge as part of the traditional May Day celebrations. In Oxford, uniformed police watched them and shook their heads, whilst the media cheered them on.

About the Book:

"When Wayne Sutton's body is found in a beautiful summer meadow, his head bashed in and a red paper heart left on his body, DI Hillary Greene isn't surprised to learn that the handsome young artist had a reputation as a heartless Casanova. Moreover, it appears that there were numerous middle-aged, married and wealthy women buying his canvases with reason enough for wanting him dead. But, delving deeper into this case of cold-blooded murder, she finds that all is not what it seems. Worse still, her new Detective Sergeant, although pleasant and efficient, has a secret agenda." (--Goodreads)

Initial Thoughts:

Actually, my first thought was that I really like the word "whilst." Why don't we Americans use it more? Also, Oxford is one of my favorite cities, although I haven't been there in many years, so the setting is a definite attraction.

I've read about a third of this one and I'm really enjoying it so far. I might have to go back and read some of the earlier books in the series. Not that I really need to get myself stuck into yet another series, but....

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.