Thursday, August 26, 2021

Rizzio, New Historical Fiction Novella by Denise Mina -- BOOK BEGINNINGS


BOOK BEGINNINGS ON FRIDAYS

What are your thoughts on novellas? 

I say yes! Unlike short stories, I like novellas. I am not drawn to short stories. When I go to pick a book off my TBR shelf, I almost always pick a novel over a short story collection. I read short stories to finish a list -- like if I am trying to read all the books by a favorite author or if the book won a prize. 

But novellas are fun. They offer the story arc of a novel but the quick satisfaction of a short story. What do you think?

So I was excited to see that one of my favorite mystery authors just wrote a historical mystery novella. Rizzio by Denise Mina comes out September 7 from Pegasus Books. And I am extra excited to get an early copy to share on Book Beginnings on Fridays. 

Please share the opening sentence (or so) of the book you are enjoying this week. Add the link to your Book Beginnings blog or social media post in the linky box below.

MY BOOK BEGINNING

From Rizzio:

Lord Ruthven wanted him killed during this tennis match but Darnley said no.

-- from Chapter One, "David Rizzio Plays Tennis with His Assassins."

David Rizzio was the private secretary to Mary, Queen of Scots. Mina's new book tells the exciting and gruesome tale of his bloody assassination in 1566, a story of sex, secrets, power, and palace intrigue.

YOUR BOOK BEGINNINGS

Please add your link below. Please use the hashtag #bookbeginnings if you share on social media.

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THE FRIDAY 56

Freda at Freda's Voice hosts another teaser event on Fridays. Participants share a two-sentence teaser from page 56 of the book they are reading -- or from 56% of the way through the audiobook or ebook. Please visit Freda's Voice for details and to leave a link to your post.

MY FRIDAY 56

From Rizzio:
Darnley is giving too much detail, a sure sign of a false story, and all to subordinate. This makes Preston wonder if he's being fobbed off, but what can he do? Darnley is married to the Queen.
Rizzio is a fast and exciting read -- a sure winner for any historical fiction fan.

6 comments:

  1. Sounds good. Have a great weekend!

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  2. I'm the same as you - I almost always pick a novel over a short story collection, but I do like novellas. And I do like historical fiction so I'll be looking out for Rizzio.

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  3. I, too, like novellas better than short stories. But what I really like are series. I like to learn lots and really get involved in the characters and the world. Happy reading!

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    1. I love series too. But I always start many and finish few. I need to work on that!

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  4. I like novellas - especially as introductions or "bridges" in book series. Good to get a taste of what to expect. I love the intriguing first line and even the first chapter's title of Rizzio! Very bold!

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    1. Oh, yes! Me too. I don't come across those often, but I like them when I do.

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