Best First Lines in Crime Fiction

First lines in modern books

There’s always quotes and lines you remember from a novel. When you pick up a book, that first line especially has a very special power. There have been some memorable ones that’s for sure!

So, where do we start? How about this one…..

Lying in Wait by Liz Nugent

Location – Dublin

‘My husband did not mean to kill Annie Doyle, but the lying tramp deserved it.’

This has to be one of the best and most memorable lines from a novel in a long time. Who is Annie Doyle and what has she done? Why is the wife in this story pleased her husband has killed Annie? I remember opening this book and thinking.. ‘Now THAT is an opening line.”

The Pact by Sharon Bolton

Location: Oxford

This line really captures the spirit and feeling of summer. Gives all the feels….

“When they thought of that summer, it was to remember the bitter taste of the river in their mouths and the spatter of lager froth on hot skin; to recall days that began after noon and ended as the night sky paled into the east.”

The Wild Girls by Phoebe Morgan

Location: Botswana

Now, this line really grabs as what kind of invitation makes THIS noise as it comes through the door?

“The invitation lands like a grenade on my doormat early on Friday morning….”

What is the invitation for, who is it from and who has received id? SO many questions to hook you in. Plus it’s Friday. That always means an eventful weekend for sure!

Death in the East by Abir Mukherjee

Location: London, India. Assam, Calcutta

What about this for a compelling first line…?

The birds were killing themselves,

Not a few, but thousands.

‘They’re starling, ‘ said the woman. ‘Suicide birds.’

What? Birds killing themselves? Really? Why? What are suicide birds for goodness sake. Not what you expect in a crime novel. Intriguing!

Shiver by Allie Reynolds

Location: French Alps

You know this setting is going to be dangerous and cold. Those mountains are dangerous and deadly. People can die on the mountain from injury or exposure. This is the first line you read….

“It’s that time of year again, The time the glacier gives us bodies.”

What is going on here? Who is going to die and why? How many bodies are they going to find? Will one or two of them be a case of murder? Oh this is going to be a crime novel to remember…

What kind of opening line grabs you and makes you want to read?