Hello, my fellow creatives! After a bout of illness and some time writing for NaNoWriMo, I am finally back and able to read the opening chapters of various new releases at my local library.
As writers, we hear all the time that we’ve got to hook readers in just the first few pages or else. We’ve got to hook agents in the first few pages or else.
Whether you’re looking to get published or just hoping to hook your reader, first impressions are vital. Compelling opening scenes are the key to catching an agent or editor’s attention, and are crucial for keeping your reader engaged.
JEFF GERKE, THE FIRST FIFTY PAGES
Well then, let’s study those first few pages in other people’s stories, shall we?
Today I snagged from the New Release shelf:
The Man Who Died TWICE by Richard Osman
It’s been a while since a story truly tickled me, and Richard Osman’s The Man Who Died TWICE did exactly that.
If you do not see the audio player above, you can access the podcast here.
Here we watch a group of four friends having lunch after their “Murder Club” meeting, where they get together to study cold cases. I didn’t even realize this was the second book of the series until I caught this brief exposition in the first chapter, and thankfully, that was all I needed to be brought up to speed. The chemistry and personalities of these characters will have readers chuckling before they’ve even gotten to the third page, let alone to any murder. When a writer can establish four unique characters through a single lunchtime conversation, then you know their writing is worth a study! For those who need a lift in the heart and spirit while also tucking into a good mystery, then I have a feeling Osman’s Thursday Murder Club series will be the perfect fit for you. I know I’m excited to find the first book!
As always, I love hearing what’s on the shelves of your own libraries. No matter what the season brings, keep reading!
Read on, share on, and write on, my friends!
Jean Lee's World 
I like Richard Osman’s work. I’ve bought one as a Christmas present for a daughter.
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I can see why! He’s got delightfully unique characters.
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Richard Osman is quite a well known tv presenter here, even I know him. But he is also such a fine writer. Hope your feeling way better now. xxx
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It’s a work in progress–still bummed how things are shaping up this year, BUT we are safe, and now we’ve just got to survive the ongoing snowstorm…
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Hey JL!
I gave up on the first Osman book but this is the second post in a week that I’ve read about him – perhaps I should try again 🙂
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Hey, there’s nothing wrong with taking a break from someone. I certainly didn’t care for the Marple books years ago, but now I enjoy them. Sometimes it’s a matter of meeting the right book at the right time!
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It’s on hold, so let’s see if the timing feels right when it turns up 🙂
I just picked up the massive new Robert Galbraith (JK Rowling) book so that’ll keep me busy for a while.
And before I get to that I’ll be reading Book 5 of Louise Penny’s Inspector Gamache series – have you read them?
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I’ve not, but that sounds promising! Thanks for the recommendation. 🙂
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Merry Christmas, friend. May your writing in the New Year be stellar!
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And a Blessed New Year to you, Friend! May your writing time be precious and beautiful. 🙂
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♥️♥️♥️🙏👍🎄🌹
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Yes to precious and beautiful!!💜
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