Crimson Ivy
Prologue: The Night Everything Fell Apart
My Throughts
As openings go, this one is really strong. I’m immediately invested — it’s compelling and atmospheric. I like how it feels as though the little girl is now an adult, recounting this memory to someone. It makes me wonder if that perspective will continue throughout the book.
You’ve done a great job depicting the sense that the father has either done something or is being blamed for something, and that he knows more than he’s told his family. The emotional contrast is powerful — the father’s calm, almost detached composure set against the daughter’s fear and confusion, and the mother’s helplessness. The imagery of the handcuffs clicking is especially effective; it lingers.
And then there’s Adrian DeLaurentis — the mysterious man in the suit watching as the police tear a family apart. It’s chilling and intriguing. You’ve set up a story that’s both emotional and suspenseful, and I definitely want to read more.
