Let’s take a look at Jeopardy in January by Camilla Chafer for Book Beginnings on Fridays.
Book Beginnings is a fun meme hosted by Rose City Reader blog. To participate, share the first sentence or so of a novel you are reading and your thoughts about it. When you are finished, add your URL to the Book Beginnings page linked above. Hope to see you there!
Jeopardy in January* by Camilla Chafer
(*Amazon Affiliate link)
Summary: As the head of the Calendar Public Library, Sara Cutler is fighting to keep the building from being torn down by a real estate developer named Jason Rees. When she discovers her assistant dead in the rare books section, handsome Rees is on hand to keep Sara safe. Soon Sara’s life becomes complicated as she must solve the mystery of her assistant’s double life, save the library, and figure out what to do about Rees.
First Sentence:
Discussion:
I love novels set in libraries, but after reading this first paragraph I have to admit I was a bit disappointed. The protagonist sounds young and immature rather than what I would expect for a head librarian. Hopefully it gets better.
What do you think? Would you keep reading?
This novel is part of the Calendar of Crime 2020 challenge.
That does seem a rather lame beginning. I don’t think I’ve ever abandoned a book just because of the first line, though. Usually takes two or three chapters before I give up.
I don’t believe I’ve ever put a book down because of the first line, but through this meme I’ve seen a number that I got pulled into because the first line was such a great hook.
I might have to keep reading, as I am always intrigued by library settings…and the cozy mystery feel to this one. Thanks for sharing.
Sounds like a fun and important mystery: to save the library. My Friday quotes from NORMAL PEOPLE
Shame that you’re a bit disappointed with this. I wouldn’t expect her to be a head librarian, either. I do love books about books, though, and the opening made me giggle. I hope it picks up for you!
Here’s my Friday post.
Oh! I would definitely keep reading! It sounds like so much fun! 🙂
If it’s supposed to be funny, I’d probably keep reading. Thanks for sharing the opening scene on Book Beginnings.
Perhaps not the best opening, but I am interested in the book. I do enjoy a good cozy mystery set in a library. I hope it got better for you!