Welcome to some serendipitous fun today as we share Book Beginnings, hosted by Rose City Reader; and as we showcase The Friday 56 with Freda’s Voice.
To join in, just grab a book and share the opening lines…along with any thoughts you wish to give us; then turn to page 56 and excerpt anything on the page.
Then give us the title of the book, so others can add it to their lists!
Since I live in California’s Central Valley, I bought this collection of short stories from a few authors I’ve met at Valley events. It has been on my TBR Pile, just waiting for the right time to come out. Valley Fever: Where Murder is Contagious, is a collection of stories by three women who write about the underbelly of Fresno, the “All-American City,” and its surrounding areas. The authors: Sunny Frazier JoAnne Lucas, and Cora Ramos.
Today’s beginning is excerpted from the first story, A Tale of Two Sittings, by Sunny Frazier:
It was the best of crimes, it was the worst of crimes.
It was a crime so well thought out, so magnificent in execution, I had to admire the murderers. Passion prompted the act, vanity was its undoing.
***
The p. 56 snippet is from Fresno Heat, by Jo Anne Lucas.
Larry laughed on cue. “Nells is no shy, retiring public servant like…what was his name?” Larry snapped his fingers at us. “That guy last year, the city councilman. Tarnally, yeah, Edward Tarnally. Remember him?”
***
I like the beginning, especially the first line, reminiscent of the famous opener in “A Tale of Two Cities.”
What are you showcasing today? Come on by and share!
SERENDIPITY 
Haven’t been to Fresno but it doesn’t mean I won’t get there someday! Interesting tidbits from the short stories!
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I could say that you’re not missing much, Harvee, but that would make you wonder why I’m still here…lol
I came here against protest, when my husband (at the time) got a job here; then I stayed because of the job I got, and because it wasn’t that easy to change jobs once you started building seniority.
Now I could easily move…but there’s just something about the place, in spite of the hot summer heat and the “underbelly.” Maybe it’s an addiction, like the drugs that seem to proliferate here.
Anyway…long answer, I know; but I’ve read Sunny Frazier’s mysteries and loved them, so buying this short story collection seemed like a no brainer. But I tend to put the short story collections aside until I’m in the mood. I guess I’m now in the mood.
Thanks for stopping by!
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Great book beginning! Love it. This sounds like an intriguing anthology and since it’s from a group of authors you may know it’s nice to showcase it.
Here’s my Friday Meme Post
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I have been waiting for the perfect time to read it, and a long, hot Valley summer seems to be fitting. Thanks for visiting, Maria D.
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I loved the beginning! Sounds like an interesting anthology!
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I think it will be, Valli…thanks for stopping by!
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Have been to Fresno, visiting Merced many moons ago. I just love Larry’s dialogue featured in this book. Have a great weekend, stay cool!
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Thanks, Lady D….a lot of people go “through” Fresno and rarely stop…lol
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about the excerpt…enjoy your read!
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I thought for a moment the opening was going to continue using the style of Dickens’ opening. Makes me want to read the rest of the story.
Here’s my Book Beginnings.
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I like the opening style, too; can’t wait to see what will follow. Thanks for stopping by, Chris.
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As always I enjoy the snippets you provide for the 56 and book Beginnings.
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Thanks, Sidne…glad you could stop by.
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Funny 56… makes me want to know more.
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Yes, I thought it was intriguing, too; thanks for visiting, Freda, and enjoy!
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An interesting opening, I like the nod to A Tale of Two Cities. I have been all around Fresno but haven’t visited the city.
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I enjoy how Fresno works as a place to show the “underbelly” in its long, hot summers. Thanks for stopping by, Squirrel Queen.
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The twist on the ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ opening is amazing and made me laugh! Thanks for sharing and for stopping by! I hope you have a great weekend!
Juli @ Universe in Words
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Me, too, Juli….I can’t wait to see what the rest of the story brings. Thanks for stopping by.
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I enjoy books with a real local flavor — this would be exactly the kind of book I would buy. I’m not a fan of Fresno, but I have a good friend who grew up there. this might have to be her Christmas present.
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I like how the long hot summers work perfectly to showcase stories about crimes…as well as teens looking for something to relieve their boredom. Thanks for visiting, Gilion.
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I thought those beginning lines sounded somewhat familiar! Hope you are enjoying the book!
Here’s my Book Beginnings.
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Thanks, Kristin T. Glad you liked the lines…and for stopping by.
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That’s a good beginning! Definitely intriguing since the narrator apparently admired the murders!
Thanks for stopping by my blog!
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I like that part, too, Lauren…I’m wondering about the narrator! Thanks for stopping by.
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This sounds really good. Love the snippet.
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Thanks, Yvonne, I do enjoy mysteries, as I know you do, too; and mysteries set in my location makes it all seem more real. Glad you could stop by.
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Good choice, this looks like a great collection. ( I have never been to California … but maybe some day, sigh …. )
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I have always lived in California, but have enjoyed visiting other states. We took a lot of road trips when I was a kid. Thanks for stopping by, and maybe, “along the way,” you’ll journey here, Janet Ruth.
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OK, so why is Tarnally so memorable? Thanks for sparking an interest in this book.
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I am wondering about that, too, Linda…can’t wait to find out! Thanks for stopping by.
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