“Bethany Waites understands there is no going back now.”

This is the opening line of the novel. It establishes the central figure in the case that the Thursday Murder Club investigates: Bethany. The Prologue is a cold open, showing a few moments from the night of her disappearance.

“Ron pretends he is not touched. Last time he had a gang of friends like these, they were being hospitalized by police riot shields at the Wapping print-workers’ strike. Happy days.”

This passage develops the character of Ron and the theme of The Importance of Friendship. Ron’s background working for the trade union aids him with investigating murders. Both in the past and present, he values working alongside friends for justice.

“I like questions you can answer.”

This passage is from Joyce’s first diary entry, establishing it as a structural feature. She is the only character who uses first-person pronouns, and she is considered the central protagonist.