In Val McDermid's novel "The Mermaids Singing," the opening line captures a powerful sentiment about the intense and unforgettable nature of significant life experiences. The author reflects on how the human mind tends to etch the first experiences deeply into memory, whether they are moments of passion or violence. This idea highlights the profound emotional impact such events can have.

McDermid compares the first experience of sex to that of committing murder, suggesting that both hold a deep psychological imprint. The exploration of these themes underscores the complexities of human emotions and morality, demonstrating how certain moments can reverberate through a person’s life, influencing their actions and thoughts long after the event has passed.