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 His Bloody Project by Graeme Macrae Burnet, a book I read some great reviews of not so long ago and started last night. So far, I have to admit I’m struggling a bit but the good reviews have convinced me to keep going. Here’s what it’s about…
A brutal triple murder in a remote northwestern crofting community in 1869 leads to the arrest of a young man by the name of Roderick Macrae. There’s no question that Macrae is guilty, but the police and courts must uncover what drove him to murder the local village constable.
And who were the other two victims? Ultimately, Macrae’s fate hinges on one key question: is he insane.
And here’s how it starts…
Preface
I am writing this at the behest of my advocate, Mr Andrew Sinclair, who since my incarceration here in Inverness has treated me with a degree of civility I in no way deserve. My life has been short and of little consequence, and I have no wish to absolve myself of responsibility for the deeds which I have lately committed. It is thus for no other reason than to repay my advocate’s kindness towards me that I commit these words to paper.
So begins the memoir of Roderick Macrae, a seventeen-year-old crofter, indicted on the charge of three brutal murders carried out in his native village of Culduie in Ross-shire on the morning of the 10th of August 1869.
what do you think? Would you keep reading? If you’ve read it should I persevere?
emma
One Readers Thoughts 
I definitely say persevere – I found it a bit disconcerting at the beginning but it’s worth it in the end!
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I am going to try. I just need to find the rhythm (I hope!)
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The language is after the style of the time, but it does sound an interesting premise and looks well crafted. I’d certainly read until the end of the first chapter to see if I like it…
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Yes. It’s an interesting idea. I am going to stick with it for now but we’ll see. I am hoping something will click soon.
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Best of luck with it:).
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Sounds interesting, I would continue. 🙂
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I think it will be if I can get away with it, I just don’t know if I can.
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I’m trying to read happier books this month so, I’d pass on this one right now but, the intro leaves me curious.
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Happier books – I’m not sure what they are lol
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Scotland? Mystery? Nineteenth century? I’m in!
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I hope it lives up to the reviews I read!
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I’m not sure…but I am also very curious. Thanks for sharing, and here’s mine:
“IN HER WAKE”
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I will have to see how it goes. May not make it 😏
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The language is a bit difficult to get through, but I sense a good story. I’d keep reading through at least the first chapter. I hope it works out for you.
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It is. I am going to stick at it a bit longer…it’s from the library so no harm if I don’t finish.
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I think it would take a while to get comfortable with the book’s formal language. If I hadn’t seen the synopsis, I’d be wondering what “deeds” have been committed and I’d read more to find out. I’m surprised that insanity is a defense in 1869.
My Tuesday post features MIAMI MORNING.
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That is profit. And I was tired when I started reading. I found myself reading the same lines more than once. I’ll see how it goes tonight…wish me luck!
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[…] in with Diana at Bibliophile by the Sea for her Tuesday intro linky. This week I introduced His Bloody Project by Graeme Macrae Burnet, which I struggled to get into but finally found the flow of and really […]
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