First Impressions

This week's competition, in which you have to identify a book from its opening sentence, is by an author who, like Wilkie Collins, wrote what was termed "sensation novels":

"Faint streaks of crimson glimmer here and there amidst the rich darkness of the Kentish woods."

* Entries, including postal address, should be sent to First Impressions, The Times Higher , Admiral House, 66-68 East Smithfield, London E1W 1BX, faxed to 020 7782 3300 or emailed to theschat@thes.co.uk

The winner receives a £25 book voucher. The closing date is December 11.

The winner of last week's competition, who identified P. G. Wodehouse's Aunts Aren't Gentlemen, is Nicola C. King, a training and development officer at St Andrews University.

THES (TSL Education Ltd) and its associated companies may from time to time wish to process, or disclose your data to approved third-party companies, in order to monitor our service and send you future promotions. If you do not wish us to do this, please notify us by writing 'No promotions' on your entry.