Can you list a few more of the best first lines of mystery novels?
The first line of 'The Maltese Falcon' by Dashiell Hammett - 'Samuel Spade's jaw was long and bony, his chin a jutting v under the more flexible v of his mouth.' This line gives a physical description of the main character, which is an interesting way to start a mystery. It makes the reader wonder who this person is and what kind of mystery he will be involved in.
A great first line is from 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn - 'When I think of my wife, I always think of her head.' This line is really intriguing as it makes the reader immediately question the relationship between the narrator and his wife and what could be so special or mysterious about her head. It hooks the reader from the very start.
Can you list a few more of the best first lines of novels?
The first line of 'Lolita' by Vladimir Nabokov: 'Lolita, light of my life, fire of my loins. My sin, my soul.' This line is very intense and immediately grabs the reader's attention, although the novel contains controversial themes. But just this line shows Nabokov's unique writing style.
Can you recommend a few mystery novels from the list of 100 best mystery novels?
I would also recommend 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris. This novel features the iconic characters of Hannibal Lecter and Clarice Starling. The mystery of the serial killer known as 'Buffalo Bill' and the psychological cat - and - mouse game between Starling and Lecter make it a gripping read. It's not just a mystery but also a deep exploration of the human psyche.
Can you list more best opening lines of romance novels?
Here's a great opening line: 'She had given up on love until he showed up at her doorstep.' This line sets up a story of a jaded person who is about to have their world turned upside down by someone unexpected. It creates a contrast between her previous state of mind and the new possibilities that his arrival brings, which is very appealing in a romance novel.
What are some of the best first lines of mystery novels?
The first line of 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson - 'During the whole of a dull, dark, and soundless day in the autumn of the year, when the clouds hung oppressively low in the heavens, I had been passing alone, on horseback, through a singularly dreary tract of country.' This line sets a desolate and mysterious mood, making the reader curious about what will happen in such a gloomy setting.
Can you list a few best puzzle mystery novels for beginners?
For beginners, 'The Westing Game' by Ellen Raskin is a great start. It has an engaging mystery about a will and a group of people trying to figure out the puzzles within it. It's not too complex but still very interesting. Another good one is 'Nancy Drew: The Secret of the Old Clock'. It's a simple yet fun mystery with the young detective Nancy Drew solving puzzles.
Can you list a few best WWII mystery novels for me?
Definitely. 'The Invisible Bridge' by Julie Orringer is a good choice. It has mystery elements in the story of a Hungarian Jew during WWII. 'The Light of Paris' by Eleanor Brown is also worth mentioning. It combines a modern - day story with a mystery from the Paris of WWII. And 'The Secret Wife' by Gill Paul is an interesting read. It delves into the secrets and mystery surrounding the Romanov family during the war.
Can you list a few best recent murder mystery novels?
In recent times, 'Lock Every Door' by Riley Sager is a great murder mystery. It's set in a luxury apartment building with a lot of secrets. The protagonist uncovers some really dark and dangerous things while trying to solve the mystery of what's going on in the building. And 'The Guest List' by Lucy Foley is also a popular recent murder mystery that takes place at a wedding on an island, with lots of secrets and lies among the guests.
Can you give more examples of the best first lines in novels?
Sure. In 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville, 'Call me Ishmael.' This simple yet powerful line draws the reader into the story, making them curious about who Ishmael is and what his story will be. It's a very direct way to start a novel that goes on to be an epic adventure on the high seas.
Can you recommend a few titles from the list of best mystery novels?
Sure. 'The Da Vinci Code' by Dan Brown is a popular mystery novel. It involves a murder in the Louvre Museum and a series of clues related to Leonardo da Vinci's works that lead the protagonist on a thrilling adventure.
Can you list a few best humorous cowboy mystery novels for me?
Sure. 'The Mystery of the Missing Mare' is a great one. It's about a cowboy who has to find his missing horse and along the way, there are lots of humorous situations. Another is 'Cowpoke Conundrums'. It has a really funny cowboy character who is always getting into trouble while trying to solve mysteries on the ranch. And 'Wild West Whodunit' is also quite good.