Welcome to another Bookish Friday, in which I share excerpts from books…and connect with other bloggers, who do the same.
Let’s begin the celebration by sharing Book Beginnings, hosted by Rose City Reader; and let’s 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!
What better way to spend a Friday!
Sophie Hannah has brought many delightful books to me library, so I’m thrilled to showcase The Orphan Choir, a darkly suspenseful investigation of obsession, loss, and the malevolent forces that threaten to break apart a loving family.
Beginning: It’s quarter to midnight. I’m standing in the rain outside my next-door neighbor’s house, gripping his rusted railings with cold, wet hands, staring down through them at the misshapen and perilously narrow stone steps leading to his converted basement, from which noise is blaring. It’s my least favorite song in the world: Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now.”
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56: Joseph has always been a brilliant sleeper: seven thirty at night until seven in the morning, however light, dark, loud, or quiet his surroundings. Other mothers think I’m lying when I say this, but it’s true: he has slept all night every night since he was four weeks old.
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Synopsis: A MOTHER WITH AN EMPTY NEST IS BEING HAUNTED BY A GHOSTLY CHILDREN’S CHOIR. ARE THEY GIVING HER AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE THAT ONLY SHE CAN HEAR, OR ARE THEIR MOTIVES MORE SINISTER?
Louise Beeston is being haunted.
Louise has no reason left to stay in the city. She can’t see her son, Joseph, who is away at boarding school, where he performs in a prestigious boys’ choir. Her troublesome neighbor has begun blasting choral music at all hours of the night—and to make matters worse, she’s the only one who can hear it.Hoping to find some peace, Louise convinces her husband, Stuart, to buy them a country house in an idyllic, sun-dappled gated community called Swallowfield. But it seems that the haunting melodies of the choir have followed her there. Could it be that her city neighbor has trailed her to Swallowfield, just to play an elaborate, malicious prank? Is there really a ghostly chorus playing outside her door? And why won’t they stop? Growing desperate, she begins to worry about her mental health.
Against the pleas and growing disquiet of her husband, Louise starts to suspect that this sinister choir is not only real but a warning. But of what? And how can it be, when no one else can hear it?
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What do you think? Would you grab this one off your shelf? Would you keep reading?
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Sounds spooky 👻.
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Agreed! I do love a good Sophie Hannah book, though. Thanks for visiting, Stefanie.
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I haven’t read anything by Hannah before. This sounds haunting and mysterious. I’ll have to check her out. Happy Reading!
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I love her mysteries…they are twisty and creepy. Thanks for stopping by, Heather.
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I love that song! And it’s not fair that her baby sleeps like that – mine never did. Have to get this book now. Enjoy. Here’s my Friday Book.
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Ha- Yes, a sleeping baby is a rare and wonderful thing….Thanks for stopping by, Bev, and I’m definitely looking forward to this one.
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I’ve heard so many good things about this author! Happy reading!
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I’ve loved several of her books, Lauren, but it’s been too long since my last read. So I am excited about this one. Thanks for stopping by.
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A ghostly children’s choir sounds terrifying. or is it sweet?
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I’ll bet it was initially sweet, but quickly became spooky…and scary. Thanks for stopping by, Anne.
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Sounds scary, but I’m intrigued. I hope you enjoy the book.
My Friday post features a book about writing: THE LIE THAT TELLS A TRUTH.
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Thanks for stopping by, Sandra, and I think it will be terrifying…but a page turner. Your book sounds very intriguing, too!
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This is one of Sophie Hannah’s books that I haven’t read and so of course I’d keep reading!
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Yes, somewhere along the way, I skipped a few. Must get back on track! Thanks for stopping by, Cleo.
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Oh no…a basement. LOL
sherry @ fundinmental Friday Memes
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Basements can be very scary, for sure. Thanks for stopping by, Sherry.
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I haven’t heard of this one before, but it sounds so good. Thanks for sharing, enjoy! 🙂
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Thanks, Breana, I am looking forward to this one…and I’m glad you could stop by.
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This sounds a bit scary for wussy me, but it does sound good! http://tinyurl.com/LisaKsBookReviewsSBkd
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In my experience with this author, it’s best not to read before bedtime…lol. Thanks for stopping by, Lisa.
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Sounds a little too creepy for me. I hope you enjoy it. This week I am spotlighting Marked in Flesh by Anne Bishop. Happy reading!
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Thanks, Kathy, and yes, her books can be creepy, but good. Glad you could stop by.
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Joseph sounds like the best baby ever… lol… I got a creepy vibe from the beginning and liked it. 🙂 Happy weekend!
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Oh, yes, there is plenty of creepiness in this author’s books. Thanks for visiting (and hosting), Freda.
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I’m not sure how I feel about this one as I love Queen, but otherwise it sounds great. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
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Thanks, Whitney, glad you could stop by. Enjoy your weekend, too.
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Not heard of this one but it sounds really interesting. Hope you enjoyed it! 🙂
Stormi
Friday Memes
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Thanks, Stormi, I have loved several books by this author. Enjoy your pick!
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I do enjoy creepy, ghosty stories!
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Yes, I do have to be in the mood, Loreen….but they can be very enjoyable. Thanks for stopping by.
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The opening paragraph sounds really creepy and I’m such a wimp that I know I wouldn’t be able to read any further than that! Having said that, I am still intrigued by it and would love to know what was going on. I hope you enjoy reading the rest of it. I’ve read Sophie Hannah’s other books and they always give me the creeps and unsettle me but I love her writing.
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Definitely! I am a fan, but for some reason, haven’t read any of her books in a while. Now it’s time. Thanks for stopping by, Hayley.
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This is the first time I’ve heard of this book but it sounds just creepy enough and scary enough to be a good read for the Halloween season:) I’d definitely add it to my list. Here’s my Friday meme
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I agree, Maria…thanks for stopping by, and enjoy your read.
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Ahh! This sounds interesting. I loved the beginning quote. I love the voice of the narrator. Thanks for sharing!
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Thanks, Danica, I think I’m going to love this book.
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That’s one lucky mother! I wish I could sleep like that myself. Happy weekend!
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Ah, yes, I remember those sleepless nights….thanks for stopping by, Alicia.
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Now what I was expecting at all. I like a scary story. Sounds like this could be one.
My Friday 56
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Oh, I do, too, Laura…of course I don’t like to read scary stories at bedtime. Thanks for stopping by.
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A “brilliant sleeper” sounds quite odd but I know what the author’s driving at. You seem to be reading creepy stories lately! What’s going on? 🙂
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Good question, Aloi, although I always read thrillers…some are just more creepy than others. I try to mix it all up with other genres, like I did this past week. Thanks for stopping by.
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