Once again I’m linking up again with Vicky at I’d Rather Be At The Beach 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.
This week, I’m planning on starting Willnot by James Sallis as part of a buddy read but also to – hopefully – regain my faith in one of my favourite authors after a not so great read of one of his books a few weeks ago. Here’s what it’s about…
In the woods outside the town of Willnot, the remains of several people have been discovered, unnerving the community and unsettling Dr Lamar Hale, the town’s all-purpose general practitioner, surgeon and town conscience.
At the same time, Bobby Lowndes – his military records missing, and followed by the FBI – mysteriously reappears in his hometown, at Hale’s door. Over the ensuing months, the daily dramas Hale faces as he tends to his town and to his partner, Richard, collide with the inexplicable vagaries of life in Willnot. And when a gunshot aimed at Lowndes critically wounds Richard, Hale’s world is truly upended.
And here’s how it starts…
“We found the bodies two miles outside town, near the old gravel pit. Tom Bales was out on an early-morning hunt when his dog Mattie dropped the quail she was retrieving, sprinted to a stretch of worried earth, and wouldn’t budge. He’d call, she’d start toward him and circle right back, barking. It was the smell that got him finally, when he walked over. Mushroomy, dark. Cellarlike.”
What do you think – would you keep reading?
Emma x
One Readers Thoughts 
A gritty, gruesome opening. Not sure this one is for me, but I hope you enjoy it.
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They always are with Sallis!
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I would keep reading. It sounds wonderful. I’m not familiar with the author but will be putting the book on my wishlist. This week I am spotlighting Hooked on a Phoenix by Ashlyn Chase. Happy reading!
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I hope it is. I can highly recommend his books.
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I do hope it turns out to be a good read for you!
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Me too!
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Oh, I am imagining the find…and feeling a little sick. But the story sounds like one I wouldn’t be able to put down. Thanks for sharing, and here’s mine: “AN AMERICAN MARRIAGE”
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Yes it’s a good but graphic opening.
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I’d definitely keep reading. It sounds really good from the blurb too.
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I hope it is!
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I would. Nothing like the word “bodies” in the first sentence!
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Exactly!
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Ooh yes I would keep reading as both the synopsis and the opening grabbed my attention although I’m not so sure I want to imagine that smell!
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No dead body smells aren’t something I want to experience 🤢
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Oh absolutely I’d read this one – in fact I’m planning to start it later this week after I’ve finished The Bitter Twins:)). Looking forward to it, Emma!
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Me too. I am almost done with my current read then will be cracking on x
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I’m in the middle of The Bitter Twins – it is a reasonably hefty read so I don’t think I’ll get there much before the weekend… I’ll let you know!
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No worries. I’ll start when you do. Snow days and no school mean not much reading is being done!
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I’ll let you know – I checked on the page nos of The Bitter Twins, only to discover it is 600+!
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That’s a good start to a mystery. I’d keep reading.
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I hope it keeps being good x
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I would definitely keep reading! The blurb is intriguing and the beginning definitely caught my attention.
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Fingers crossed 🤞 it’s a good one
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I’d keep reading. This is a new to me author.
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He is so good – the last book I read aside
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