Opening Lines of Novels

A writer of mysteries and thrillers always wants a killer opening line for their novel. A good one can charm your reader, make them pay attention, and let their eyes flit to the next line. But a great one can conjure up an irresistible fantasy: They must find out what happens.

We writers dream of achieving such openings. Here are some from books I’ve written.

“I jumped and I survived; nothing else matters.”   A Reluctant Spy

“I never meant to harm anyone. Honestly.”   The Lincoln Affair

“It always came back to this case. How she thought she got it wrong the first time, corrected course, and then went off the rails again.”   Uneasy Lies the Head

“And then I see her, standing at the entrance. She doesn’t have on a stitch of clothing, and she’s facing a man who is also buck naked.”   Watching

Well, did lightning strike? Not really, you say? Stay tuned. My books are not published. Yet…