A unique anthology series of best first pages of thrillers, and more, including Lee Child's judge's notes, and his introduction discussing how to create great openings for thrillers. Writing challenges, crime trivia, brain-teasers, and editors notes will be included. The puzzles are created by L.A. Times puzzle setter Robin Stears.

Lee Child says, 'Long ago people would say, "This is a great book, but you need to give it fifty pages." That's crazy now, in our hyper-fast world. Now readers give you fifty words. Your first paragraph, basically. That's where you win or lose. It doesn't always need to be slam-bam, but it does always need to give the reader absolutely no choice but to race ahead. Send your entry in to Black Spring's contest, I'll judge the best... and if you win, I'll be first in line to buy your book.'

A unique anthology series of best first pages of thrillers, and more, including Lee Child's judge's notes, and his introduction, discussing how to create great openings for thrillers.

Lee Child says, 'Long ago people would say, "This is a great book, but you need to give it fifty pages." That's crazy now, in our hyper-fast world. Now readers give you fifty words. Your first paragraph, basically. That's where you win or lose. It doesn't always need to be slam-bam, but it does always need to give the reader absolutely no choice but to race ahead. Send your entry in to Black Spring's contest, I'll judge the best... and if you win, I'll be first in line to buy your book.'