1. Pulsating“Not the blackness of nightfall but the heavy, pulsating mauve of an approaching storm.” Definition: beating or vibrating

2. Trendier“It’s not one of the trendier brand names.” Definition: stylish

3. Quavering“The old man has one of those slightly quavering, do-what-you’re-told voices.” Definition: shaking or trembling

4. Vaguely“But the fact is that David does vaguely know Mary Saunders. Definition: unfamiliar with

5. Bewildered“David stands on the doorstep, bewildered.” Definition: puzzled or confused

6. Malicious“A stupid, malicious joke.” Definition: vicious or cruel

7. Stammers“I’m sorry,” David stammers. “I didn’t know…” Definition: stutter or falter

8. Brisk“”You don’t know me,” says the voice, and this time it’s a woman, brisk, matter-of-fact.” Definition: sharp or harsh

9. Intimate“An intimate evening.” Definition: private

10. Fatalities“They said there were a lot of fatalities.” Definition: death