Once again this week I’m linking up with Diane at Bibliophile by the Sea who hosts a post every Tuesday for people to share the first chapter / paragraph of the book they are reading, or thinking of reading soon. I really enjoy these tasters when I read them on other blogs so wanted to join in.
Yesterday, I started Follow the Leader by Mel Sherratt. This is the second in the DS Allie Shenton series and I’m looking forward to it, having really enjoyed the first (Taunting the Dead). Here’s what it’s about…
A man’s body is found on a canal towpath. In his pocket, a plastic magnet in the shape of an E.
Days later, a second victim is found, this time with the letter V tucked into her clothing.
As the body count rises, the eerie, childlike clues point to a pattern that sends DS Allie Shenton and her colleagues into full alert.
The race is on. Allie and the team must work quickly to determine where the killer will strike next.
The rules are simple but deadly—to catch the killer, they must follow the leader.
And here’s how it starts…
1983
Patrick sat alone. Across the playground he could see the other children playing and talking to their friends. Screams and squeals erupted every few seconds. He kept his head down.
Out of the corner of his eye he saw a girl coming towards him. He clutched his bag to his chest and looked everywhere but at her. She stopped in front of him, a gangly specimen of a ten-year-old who hadn’t yet grown into her body. Long legs and arms, thin torso, oval face. Pigtails in her blonde hair, braces on her teeth, yet the makings of something special in the years to come.
What do you think – would you keep reading?
Emma
One Readers Thoughts 
I feel the tension from that intro, I’d read more.
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I haven’t been able to stop. So glad I’ve been stuck on a train!
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I’d read more — based on both the intro and the premise.
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Definitely worth reading more. Loving it! Thanks for stopping by.
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The blurb grabbed me more than the intro… sounds good!
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It is definitely good so far. Hopefully it continues. I find the intros can be difficult but it shows how hard it is to catch a reader in a few lines.
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Awh – violence against kids always gets to me and that scene with Patrick gives me a foreboding feeling!
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Foreboding is such a good word. I just felt my stomach tightening reading it!
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Sounds like a compelling read. I’m off to check out the first book in this series.
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It really is. Definitely worth checking out.
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Poor Patrick! I’d keep reading to see what the girl says and does and how it affects Patrick. The blurb makes me wonder how the opening scene ties in with the rest of the book.
My Tuesday post features Previously Loved Treasures
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Ah but poor Patrick for how long? He may start getting his own back (without giving any spoilers)
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Sounds like a confrontation is coming on the very first page.
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It did. This is a real page turner.
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I love suspense, and this one seems full of it. Love that cover, too. Adding it to my list! Thanks for sharing, and here’s mine: “THE SPECTACULAR NOW”
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I have been lucky enough to be stuck on trains today so lots of reading time. Have made it halfway through and loving it. Definitely recommending.
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I would keep reading, and did! I really enjoyed this fast and furious thriller, I hope you do too!
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Halfway through in one day so yes, loving it (think it was a review you posted of her latest book that got me started on the series so thanks 😄)
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I’d definitely keep reading and the blurb has me wanting to go find this one. It sounds really interesting.
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It is well worth a read (she says three quarters way in). I really like Allie, the main character.
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Yeah, I’d keep going. I love how detailed it is!
Freda’s Voice
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It is turning into a real page turner. Thank you for visiting.
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Very intrigued by the blurb and intro.
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It’s definitely worth a read…at least so far!
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Definitely sounds like a keeper, Emma! Wow! Thanks for sharing this one!
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It’s been great. All done – just a review to write
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Absolutely! It sounds intriguing and I want to know what those letters mean and what they are spelling out.
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It was. Really enjoyed it!
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What a great description of the ten-year-old girl. I’m interested in reading more. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.
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Hopefully my review will appeal too. To follow soon 😀
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