First Chapter, First Paragraph Tuesday

First Chapter, First Paragraph Tuesday Intros is hosted by Diane at Bibliophile by the Sea.  The goal is to post the first paragraph or two of the book you are reading or one that you will be reading soon to see if other readers/bloggers are interested.

This is my first time participating in this activity and I'm posting from chapter 1 of A Perilous Undertaking by Deanna Raybourne. This is the second book in the Veronica Speedwell series.

London, September 1887

“For the love of all that is holy, Veronica, the object is to maim or kill, not tickle,” Stoker informed me, clipping the words sharply as he handed me a knife. “Do it again.”

I suppressed a sigh and took the knife, grasping it lightly as I had been taught. I faced the target, staring it down as if it were an approaching lion.

“You are thinking too much.” Stoker folded his arms over the breadth of his chest and looked down his nose at me. “The entire purpose of this exercise is to train you to react, not to think. When your life is in danger, your body must know what to do, because there is no time for your mind to engage.”

I turned to face him, not lowering the blade. “Might I remind you that I have, upon many and various occasions, been in mortal danger and I am still here.”

“Anyone can get lucky,” he said coldly. “And I suspect your continued survival owes itself to a combination of good fortune and sheer bloody-mindedness. You are too stubborn to die.”

Based on this intro, would you read more or pass on this book?

Have a great week!