Thursday, March 24, 2016

Book Beginnings, J. Jefferson Farjeon

"Thirteen Guests" by J. Jefferson Farjeon.
Here are the first few sentences from this mystery.
Chapter 1. Completion of the Number.
"Every station has its special voice. Some are of grit. Some are of sand. Some are of milk cans.  Some are of rock muffled by tunnel smoke."
This sets the scene for a traveler to arrive at a railway station near a country home. A house party for 12 guests is scheduled, but an unlucky thirteenth guest arrives unexpectedly.
This is the first book I have read by Farjeon, and he has many admirers. He wrote about 60 novels so there is a lot more reading ahead for me. "Thirteen Guests" is a British Library Crime Classics book, reissued in 2015 in this series, and originally published in 1936. Alfred Hitchcock made one of Farjeon's books into a movie.
I am linking to Rose City Reader

8 comments:

Lauren Stoolfire said...

I've never read this author but I've heard of him because of the Hitchcock adaptation of Number Seventeen. I'd like to try some of these reissues that are being put out! :)

Check out my Friday 56 (With Book Beginnings).

Margaret D said...

You would have plenty of reading to do if you chose to read all his book.
Enjoy - and Happy Easter

Katherine P said...

How have I not heard of him? This definitely sounds like a book I would enjoy! I'm a big fan of Agatha Christie, Ngaio Marsh, and Patricia Wentworth and this one sounds fantastic. Thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

Oh, what a marvelous beginning!

Wanda said...

He is new to me, but isn't it interesting how a few lines can pull you in. I like courtroom dramas and have read all of Johh Grisham's novels...guess I will have to find something else until he writes another one.

Thanks for visiting my blog. Have a blessed Easter.

b+ (Retire In Style Blog) said...

I am on a mystery reading jag. These sound like a lot of fun. Thanks for the tip.

Fun60 said...

Like some of the other comments I feel I know this book yet the author's name is unfamiliar.Thank you for your kind comments on my blog

Red Rose Alley said...

ps I love that little lamb hehehe.