Magpie Murders (Susan Ryeland #1)

by Anthony Horowitz

But I’m not sure it actually matters what we read. Our lives continue along the straight lines that have been set out for us. Fiction merely allows us a glimpse of the alternative. Maybe that’s one of the reasons we enjoy it.

One for sorrow, Two for joy, Three for a girl, Four for a boy, Five for silver, Six for gold, Seven for a secret Never to be told.

You might even say that death has been a companion of mine, always walking two steps behind. Well, now he has caught up.’ He spread his hands and managed to smile. ‘We are old acquaintances, he and I, and he gives me no reason to be afraid.

These had been his plans. But if there was one thing that life had taught him, it was the futility of making plans. Life had its own agenda.

But that’s how it is when you’re a kid, isn’t it? You have all these dreams and, unless you’re lucky, they never amount to anything.