Welcome to another Tuesday celebrating bookish events, from Tuesday/First Chapter/Intros, hosted by Bibliophile by the Sea Every Tuesday, Diane at Bibliophile by the Sea posts the opening paragraph (sometime two) of a book she decided to read based on the opening. Feel free to grab the banner and play along.
My post this week is from Humber Boy B by Ruth Dugdall where we meet the probation officer Cate Austin after her outings in The Woman Before Me and The Sacrificial Man.
Blurb
A child is killed after falling from the Humber Bridge. Despite fleeing the scene, two young brothers are found guilty and sent to prison. Upon their release they are granted one privilege only, their anonymity.
Probation officer Cate Austin is responsible for Humber Boy B’s reintegration into society. But the general public’s anger is steadily growing, and those around her are wondering if the
secret of his identity is one he actually deserves to keep. Cate’s loyalty is challenged when she begins to discover the truth of the crime. She must ask herself if a child is capable of premeditated murder. Or is there a greater evil at play? Amazon
First Chapter ~ First Paragraph ~ Intro
July 2013
Down the grassy bank, under the shadow of the Humber Bridge, a teenager walks on her hands in the shallows, blonde hair hanging into the water so the tips are soaked dark. Flipping back up, she sees black specs of grit on her palms from the waterbed and tries to wipe them off along her upper thighs, newly fleshed out. Her swimsuit digs in at the top of her legs; it’s too small now but she hasn’t got any other and it’s a warm day and she longs to be in the water. Too warm, there must be a storm coming.
Please note the quote is from a proof copy, the book is due to be published on 1 April 2015
Do you want to know more? Would you keep reading?
Cleopatra Loves Books 
Not sure about this one. I think I would need to read a few more paragraphs to see if I was drawn in. Emma
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It isn’t for everyone as it is such a hard subject matter.
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Descriptive, but might have to read more before deciding. Thanks for joining us.
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Thank you for visiting!
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I like the premise — sounds like it could be creepy. Good opener too.
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It is a very interesting look at all sort of aspects of the after-effects of this type of crime.
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The blurb definitely has my attention because I have been wondering about this after seeing something on the news! The opening seems almost relatable and recognizable, which is scary considering what the book is about! Thanks for sharing 🙂 I hope you have a great week!
My Tuesday post
Juli @ Universe in Words
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The fact that there have been few child killers means that this book relates to those we know although the circumstances are very different. This is as much about what happens to the boy convicted of murder, on his release as the crime itself.
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Thanks for sharing this, Cleo. The first paragraph sets the reader up I think to believe that something nasty is going to happen. Beyond that, I’ll be keen to see your full review.
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It is a difficult subject matter but by using the unusual perspective of the probation officer I think gives the author the ability to explore in depth the issues surrounding murder committed by a young child.
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I’m not sure this is for me, but hope you enjoy it!
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Thanks for visiting 🙂
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I like the blurb and had actually heard something about this book already. And, yes, I think the first part sets us up for what is coming. I could guess…but I might not be right. Yes, I would read this one. 🙂
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It is such a good read although it is a difficult subject matter the viewpoint from the probation officer helps to explore the range of issues.
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The beginning and blurb have me intrigued. I will be watching for this one’s publication.
Thanks for visiting my blog.
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Thank you for visiting 🙂
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I like the blurb, but the opening wasn’t enough to draw me in. Would give it a little more time.
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It wasn’t the best opening paragraph I’ve had but it is worth reading further – thanks for visiting.
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I’d be put off by the present tense and would flick ahead to see if it’s done that way all the way through…
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I’m afraid there is a fair bit depending on whose viewpoint you’re reading….
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The blurb sounds really interesting.
This week I’m reading a police procedural thriller about a missing child: http://pdworkman.com/excerpt-from-cold-fear-books-teasertuesday/
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I do like the sound of your read – thanks for stopping by and leaving your link.
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I love the intro and the blurb…you had me at “probation officer,” as I love stories with characters like probation officers or social workers…LOL. And this one sounds very good. Thanks!
And thanks for visiting my blog.
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I do think you will enjoy this one – the probation officer viewpoint really adds something special to this difficult subject matter.
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I like the teaser you shared. It sets the tone, well, I think. I would continue to read. The blurb has me curious too. I love books like this.
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Thank you – it was a great if slightly disconcerting read. Thanks for stopping by.
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Wonderful description!
I probably would.
Mine: https://storytreasury.wordpress.com/2015/03/24/teaser-tuesday-the-hero-with-a-thousand-faces/
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Thank you for stopping by and leaving your link 🙂
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This is not the sort of book I normally read. I did, however, like the opening paragraph. I think I should read a few pages and see where it takes me.
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It won’t be for everyone as it is quite an emotive subject but it is very well done.
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i’m usually hesitant to read a book where a child is injured or murdered. But if this one isn’t gory, I’d give it a try. I like the foreboding “there must be a storm coming.”
Thank you for visiting my blog and leaving a comment.
Sandy @ TEXAS TWANG
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It isn’t gory it rather it examines the reaction of the public to the crime and the after effects on the boy who was convicted after his release – the opening paragraph does set the scene with that last paragraph doesn’t it?
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I recall reading the description for this book – I like the dark books as much as you – but when kids are involved I get uncomfortable…but I’ll look forward to your thoughts!
Today I’m teasing a historical fiction The Dream Lover by Elizabeth Berg
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I am interested in how we treat child criminals which are so emotive. This is more about what happens after the event and the impact it has on the child convicted of the crime.
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The summary of this one sounds really good. The beginning seems intriguing enough, but nothing WOW. I’d still like to read this.
-Lauren
http://www.shootingstarsmag.blogspot.com
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Yes I agree the beginning isn’t the most dynamic I’ve read but it does set the tone and style of the rest of the book. The synopsis had me sold without the fact that I’m a fan of this author already.
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That sounds so dark, but it does make me want to give it a try, mainly because it sounds so unusual. Let me see if I can get hold of it.
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It is very dark and it makes you think at the same time, I really enjoyed it (if that is the right word) It’s due to be published on 1 April 2015.
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I wonder of this was inspired by the Jamie Bulger case in the UK where two boys abducted a young child and killed him. They were given fresh identities on their release but there were similar questions about whether that was right.
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I think it was although the author references the Bulger case in this book to make it clear it isn’t the same – as Ruth Dugdall says at the end of the book that she worked with boys like Ben in Young Offender Units adds a layer of realism to the issue from an insider’s viewpoint.
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