Pulsating“Not the blackness of nightfall but the heavy, pulsating mauve of

an approaching storm.”

Definition: beating or vibrating

Trendier“It’s not one of the trendier brand names.”

Definition: stylish

Quavering“The old man has one of those slightly quavering, do-what-

you’re-told voices.”

Definition: shaking or trembling

Vaguely“But the fact is that David does vaguely know Mary Saunders.

Definition: unfamiliar with

Bewildered“David stands on the doorstep, bewildered.”

Definition: puzzled or confused

Malicious“A stupid, malicious joke.”

Definition: vicious or cruel

Stammers“I’m sorry,” David stammers. “I didn’t know…”

Definition: stutter or falter

Brisk“”You don’t know me,” says the voice, and this time it’s a

woman, brisk, matter-of-fact.”

Definition: sharp or harsh

Intimate“An intimate evening.”

Definition: private

Fatalities“They said there were a lot of fatalities.”

Definition: death