Friday, September 21, 2018

Book Beginnings: A Morbid Taste for Bones


A Morbid Taste for Bones, by Ellis Peters (first published 1977). First book in the Chronicles of Brother Cadfael series of mystery novels. This is the first sentence of Chapter 1:

On the fine, bright morning in early May when the whole sensational affair of the Gwytherin relics may properly be considered to have begun, Brother Cadfael had been up long before Prime, pricking out cabbage seedlings before the day was aired, and his thoughts were all on birth, growth and fertility, not at all on graves and reliquaries and violent deaths, whether of saints, sinners or ordinary decent, fallible men like himself.

About the Book:
In the 12th-century Benedictine monastery of Shrewsbury, Brother Cadfael has settled down to a quiet life in charge of the herbarium. It is fortunate his prowess as a herbalist is matched by his detective skills — when his Prior decides to acquire the bones of a Welsh saint, the obstacles include murder.

Initial Thoughts:

To be honest, my first thought was something about that being a really long opening sentence.

The Brother Cadfael mysteries have been on my must-read list for decades now. Oddly (for me), I'm starting with the first book in the series this time. I'm about 50 pages in, and really enjoying it so far. Hope that lasts.

Happy Friday, everyone! And have a lovely weekend.



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.


Thursday, September 06, 2018

Book Beginnings: The Empty House


The Empty House and Other Ghost Stories, by Algernon Blackwood (first published 1906). First sentence of the title story:

Certain houses, like certain persons, manage somehow to proclaim at once their character for evil.


About the Book:
A collection of mystery and horror tales from an author whom many critics regard as one of the masters of the genre. The Empty House and Other Ghost Stories showcases some of Algernon Blackwood's finest — and most spine-tingling — short fiction.

Initial Thoughts:

That's been one of my favorite opening sentences ever since I first read Blackwood's classic horror story "The Empty House" back when I was twelve or so. I've read more of Blackwood's stories over the years, but not all the ones in this edition. So now that the RIP challenge has come 'round again, I thought this might be a good time to fill in some gaps.

And anyway, I love a good ghost story. Do you?

Happy Friday, everyone! And have a lovely weekend.



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.