First Chapter ~ First Paragraph

 It's Tuesday . . . time for . . . 

. . . First Chapter ~ First Paragraph Tuesday Intros . . . now hosted by Yvonne at Socrates' Book Reviews, where bloggers share excerpts from a book they have read, are currently reading, or are planning to read.

 

Today I'm featuring a recent read, Invisible Girl by Lisa Jewell.  The excerpt shared is from a hardcover edition I borrowed from the library.

Beginning:  Valentine's Night

11:59 p.m.

I duck down and pull my hoodie close around my face.  Ahead of me the girl with red hair is picking up speed; she knows she's being followed.  I pick up my speed to match hers.  I only want to talk to her, but I can tell from the way she's moving that she's terrified.  I slow down at the sound of muffled footsteps behind me.  I turn and see a figure coming after us.

 

 

 

What do you think?  Would you continue reading? 

The opening paragraph gives a good sense of the suspenseful quality of Lisa Jewell's writing . . .

Owen Pick, a teacher suspended after being accused of inappropriate behavior by several students, becomes the prime suspect in the disappearance of Saffyre Maddox, a local teen last seen on Valentine's Day night. To his neighbors Owen is a strange, shadowy figure based on odd interactions they've had with him, and most definitely someone capable of abduction.  Unsurprisingly, the police build a strong--yet highly circumstantial--case against Owen.  Sure he's weird and creepy, but is he actually guilty?  

As we learn more about the secrets the neighbors are harboring--and what goes on behind their closed doors--the case against Owen begins to unravel, and the pool of suspects grows.  Who is responsible for Saffyre's disappearance?  Is she still alive, and if so, where is she?

In Invisible Girl, Lisa Jewell serves up a compelling domestic thriller with an interesting cast of characters and stunning twists and turns.  Jewell is proving herself to be a master of the genre whose books should not be missed by readers who enjoy suspenseful stories.

 

 

 

 

 

This First Chapter~First Paragraph post was originally composed and/or compiled by Catherine for the Book Club Librarian blog.  It cannot be republished without attribution.