Once again, I’m linking up again 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. In really enjoy these tasters when I read them on other blogs so wanted to join in.
This week, I’m reading a book which sounds right up my street to be honest, though there are mixed reviews on Goodreads that make me slightly nervous. It’s Girl Number One by Jane Holland. Here’s what it’s about…
As a young child, Eleanor Blackwood witnessed her mother’s murder in woods near their farm. The killer was never found.
Now an adult, Eleanor discovers a woman’s body in the same spot in the Cornish woods where her mother was strangled eighteen years before. But when the police get there, the body has disappeared.
Is Eleanor’s disturbed mind playing tricks on her again, or has her mother’s killer resurfaced? And what does the number on the dead woman’s forehead signify?
And here’s how it starts…
Prologue
I know Mummy’s dead. But I have to check.
Kneeling beside the perfectly still body, I stare up through the trees, watching the flash of white trainers disappear.
I hear a crack of twigs as he makes his way higher up the slope. He’s not really hurrying. There’s no other sound except the nearby stream. Even the birds have stopped singing.
Maybe he’s going to come back.
‘Mummy?’
She does not move when I touch her cheek. Her throat looks red and swollen. I guess that’s where he grabbed her and squeezed. Squeezed until she stopped struggling. Her eyes are wide, staring up into the leafy branches that sway gently above us.
What do you think – would you keep reading?
Emma
One Readers Thoughts 
I saw this one on Netgalley and was tempted to get it, I look forward to reading your review so I know whether to pick it up or not
LikeLike
That’s where I got mine. The cover kept catching my eye. Hope it is as good between the pages!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh this one sounds really good! Can’t wait to see what you think of it. 🙂
LikeLike
As its a review copy and needs reviewing hopefully I won’t keep you waiting too long 😜
LikeLike
This sounds scary, I’d read more. Hope you enjoy it Emma.
LikeLike
I hope it is…also another reminder why I don’t go jogging…you never know what you will come across.
LikeLike
I’m SUCH a wuss *sigh* but continuing on where a small child has just watched her mother being strangled… noooo…
LikeLike
It might not be all bad…
….oh who am I kidding, there is more death on the way!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I figured there would be! Hope you continue to enjoy this one, Emma:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, you have caught my attention with this one, Emma. Thanks for sharing, and here’s mine: “ALL THE UGLY & WONDERFUL THINGS”
LikeLike
It did mine to. I just hope it lives up to expectations x
LikeLike
This reminds me of The Soul Summoner and the detective’s connection to the murders. I would probably read this one since I enjoyed TSS.
LikeLike
Not a book I’ve heard of. Sounds like it’s worth checking out?
LikeLike
Yep, I’d keep going. Sounds like a good one. I love a good thriller.
LikeLike
Me too. I hope this is one of them!
LikeLike
I’d like to read this one. It’s hard not to know what’s going on. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLike
I imagine whatever is going on it won’t be good!
LikeLike
Creepy! But intriguing! I’d keep reading.
LikeLike
It is a bit isn’t it. I hope that it continues.,
LikeLike
I’m so glad you’ve chosen this one Emma – I wasn’t too sure whether to pick it or not so you can test-read it for me 🙂 If I had it to hand, I’d definitely read further although a child narrator is always a toughie!
LikeLike
I know what you mean but I felt like in theory it should be my type of book. Will let you know how it goes
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ll look forward to your thoughts!
LikeLike
I would keep reading. This sounds like something I would really like too. 🙂 Hopefully you do end up enjoying it despite the mixed reviews.
LikeLike
I hope so too. I try not to read reviews before I read a book so my own fault!
LikeLike
Creepy! Keep reading for sure!
LikeLike
I will!
LikeLike
This sounds like the kind of book that I’d enjoy too.
LikeLike
I can’t resist murder and mystery!
LikeLike
This looks like one I would like. I would keep reading. Enjoy!
LikeLike
I am hoping I do. Fingers crossed x
LikeLike
wow, sounds tough
LikeLike
Might be a hard story to read…
LikeLike