Recently, I recommended The Long Drop and then YES found a teaser chapter on Netgalley recent. Here’s what it’s about:
A standalone psychological thriller from the acclaimed author of the Alex Morrow novels that exposes the dark hearts of the guilty…and the innocent. The “trial of the century” in 1950’s Glasgow is over. Peter Manuel has been found guilty of a string of murders and is waiting to die by hanging. But every good crime story has a beginning. Manuel’s starts with the murder of William Watt’s family. Looking no further that Watt himself, the police are convinced he’s guilty. Desperate to clear his name, Watt turns to Manuel, a career criminal who claims to have information that will finger the real killer. As Watt seeks justice with the cagey Manuel’s help, everyone the pair meets has blood on their hands as they sell their version of the truth. THE LONG DROP is an explosive novel about guilt, innocence and the power of a good story to hide the difference.
Alright, here’s the thing, there’s not much to be garnered from a first chapter; it’s just enough to whet your appetite for the rest of the book, which I thought this chapter accomplished well. It’s the first meeting of Watt and Manuel to discuss Watt’s situation. It’s atmospheric and filled with Watt’s desperation for help to clear his name. What’s interesting is that it’s completely from Watt’s POV and Manuel is an enigma by the chapter’s end, his character already formed for readers by Watt’s POV.
Who is Manuel? I have to admit, immediately I am more curious about him from this first chapter than Watt.
Yep, I’m hooked and want more!