Killer opening lines from Elmore Leonard

On this day in 1925, Elmore Leonard — “the Dickens of Detroit” — was born.

The author of Get Shorty, Out of Sight, and nearly sixty other books would’ve cringed at that opening, having earned a glowing reputation for his strong openings. (At least we didn't talk about the weather ... which is impressive for a Midwesterner.)

So the next best homage that could be paid is to share his twenty-five best opening lines, in the opinion of CrimeReads.

Before heading there, consider the site’s warning: “The temptation to keep on reading Leonard’s books will be strong, and you should follow that temptation where it leads.”