Meaning: The quote "Night fell clean and cold in Dublin, and wind moaned beyond my room as if a million pipes played the air" by Patricia Cornwell captures a vivid and atmospheric description of a nighttime scene in Dublin. This quote is from the novel "The Book of the Dead" by Patricia Cornwell, an American crime writer known for her popular series featuring medical examiner Dr. Kay Scarpetta. In this particular quote, Cornwell's evocative language creates a sense of ambiance and sets the stage for the setting in which the story unfolds, drawing the reader into the scene with rich sensory details.

The use of the phrase "night fell clean and cold" immediately establishes a specific mood and atmosphere. The adjective "clean" suggests a crisp, clear quality to the evening, while "cold" conveys a sense of chill and sharpness in the air. This combination of descriptors sets the stage for a bracing and invigorating environment, hinting at the potential for both clarity and discomfort in the upcoming events. The choice of "Dublin" as the setting adds a specific sense of place, invoking the imagery and associations that come with the Irish capital city.

The second part of the quote, "wind moaned beyond my room as if a million pipes played the air," introduces a powerful and evocative simile. The imagery of the wind moaning as if it were a musical instrument creates a haunting and ethereal atmosphere. The comparison to "a million pipes" suggests a vast and overwhelming sound, filling the air with an otherworldly quality. This description not only appeals to the sense of hearing but also creates a sense of movement and presence, as if the wind itself is a living, breathing entity. The use of the word "moaned" adds an emotive quality, imbuing the scene with a sense of lament or sorrow.

In this quote, Patricia Cornwell demonstrates her skill in crafting immersive and sensory descriptions that bring the setting to life for the reader. The evocative language and rich imagery serve to transport the reader to the streets of Dublin, enveloping them in the sights and sounds of the nighttime environment. By engaging the senses and painting a vivid picture of the setting, Cornwell creates an atmosphere that enhances the overall reading experience and draws the reader deeper into the world of the story.

Overall, this quote from Patricia Cornwell's "The Book of the Dead" showcases the author's ability to create a compelling sense of place and atmosphere through her use of descriptive language and imagery. Through her vivid portrayal of a Dublin night, Cornwell sets the stage for the unfolding narrative, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the rich and evocative world she has crafted.