Cops with vampire bat skills. Sure, why not?

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 Blondie snagged from the New Release shelf:

Blind Spots by Thomas Mullen

This podcast covers a lot of mysteries–I mean, a LOT of mysteries–so it’s fun to see how blending mystery with another genre can create something unique yet accessible for a reader.

Thomas Mullen’s Blind Spots opens with a traditional setup of The Cop Stakeout, but this traditional setup is warped outside our traditional experience as protagonist Owens thinks about how much life has changed because of The Blinding: a mysterious event that has led to humanity collectively losing their eyesight. (During my podcast I read one moment that the sun was blown out of the sky–my apologies for the misread.) Now humanity has to see through “vidders,” implants that have turned humanity into “vampire bats,” as Owens describes it. It’s a fascinating concept that allows for the science fiction aspect of this story to shine; plus, it creates a multi-layer mystery here, for alongside the mystery Owens has to solve, we readers wonder about the mystery of The Blinding. For those who are eager for a new flavor of mystery, Blind Spots may be the perfect selection to sample.

No matter what the season brings, keep reading!

Read on, share on, and write on, my friends!