Book Beginnings #79

For Book Beginnings, Rose City Reader invites us to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires.

For Friday 56, Freda's Voice asks you to turn to Page 56 in your book or 56% on your e-reader and pick a sentence.

I am currently reading Sanctuary by V.V. James.

Content Warning: Extracts include mention of domestic violence.

Our moms were drinking champagne when Daniel died. Sipping on bubbles as Beatriz screamed outside the burning party house and I was loaded into an ambulance.

What a dramatic start. It certainly pulls no punches, introduces drama and mystery all at once, and there's a certain sense of opulence to it all that I can't quite put my finger on. It's a truly excellent start that gripped me straight away.

Also, look at that cover. It is stunning. I love the vibrant earthy colour, the small town imagery. It also feels slightly autumnal and like it'd be the perfect read for this time of year.

That rings alarm bells. I've worked more than a few domestic violence cases. When women start covering up, it's often because they have controlling partners who don't want other men looking at them. Or because they've got bruises to hide.

Alarm bells are ringing for me too. This is such an intense and almost intimate scene.

I'm not exaggerating when I say that I can't put Sanctuary by VV James down - it's bloody excellent and I'm kicking myself for waiting so long to pick it up.

What are you reading this week?