The Rest is Even Better Than the First

Another in my long running series on first lines (see here).

This one, the most recent, compliments of Lee Child and his thirteenth Reacher novel, is pretty gripping as far as first lines are concerned.

Suicide bombers are easy to spot. They give out all kinds of telltale signs. Mostly because they’re nervous. By definition they’re all first-timers.

Child, Lee - Gone Tomorrow

Who wouldn't want to know why Reacher is thinking about suicide bombers? Who wouldn't want to know what the signs are that lead him to spot one. Plus it has that bit of cryptic, dry humor that immediately puts the reader into the mind of the main character.

Gripping? Sure. Apropos description if you ask me. Best part about this first line? It presages a novel that is just as gripping and hosts just as much dry, crypticism and compelling interesting twists and turns.