1st to Die

I give it 3.5 stars, almost 4. I enjoyed it and there were cool twists. I think I will read more in this series before deciding if I will read the whole series.
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I had to come back to this review to give more detail (just in case the author reads it).

This writer has a GREAT plot, and I love how it twists and then twists again. I love the strong women and how he's started developing their characters. These plots are just as intricately woven as Stephen King's and it is such a relief to find an author that does this without the novel having to be horror. Additionally, the characters maintain their defintion and I can still identify with them, even after all the twists instead of everything devolving into some vague show more alien interaction.

As I read more of this author, I look forward to seeing his characters develop more and to see improvements in the timing and more elaborate sub-plots. The twists came very late in the book and were wrapped up in a very few pages. I loved the twists, they were so exciting, and I would have enjoyed savoring them for longer.

This writer has a ton of promise. I haven't read anything before that could touch Stephen King's talent for plot complexity, and I really prefer the subject matter. show less

To be honest, I'm trying to decide whether I want this guy in my collection at all. Based on just this book, he'd have to go.

Some of this may be style but the chapters are exceedingly short, to the point of being snippets, not true scenes. After about twenty of these, the book annoyed me more than enticed me. Early chapters had a flipping point of view that also added to the distraction. The most sympathetic characters from the entire book, for me, were the dead ones. I'd probably have preferred the reporter be the primary point of view, instead of the detective. She seemed more fascinating. However, she didn't have the pulse of the investigation without the inspector prompting her.

Early in the book, we were given a few chapters from show more the killer's point of view. Then these just disappear. Worse, when they come to the actual killer, the answer comes from out of left field, with very little supporting evidence to back it up. Not even the epilogue put everything in the right place.

I realize this is the first book of the series, and a lot of this is establishing the characters, but dang. He's stretching things out without actual investigation happening. The cops are doing more command and talk among themselves than they are pounding the beat finding answers. Some things that should be stretched were written as one sentence, whereas things that should be a couple sentences rated... a full chapter.

The author gave the main character a disease that is, in the end, fatal. By the hints in the prologue, she survives a while, but it's not an intelligent writing item for the primary point of view character. Not really a smart fatal flaw when looking at an extended series. Honestly, not smart writing at all... since it could potentially kill the character

HOW is this guy such a big deal writer?
I have more of his, but he goes to the back of the shelf until I get through some other stuff. And he may prove to be high on the weeding list when time to be rid of things. show less

I give it 3.5 stars, almost 4. I enjoyed it and there were cool twists. I think I will read more in this series before deciding if I will read the whole series.
------------------------
I had to come back to this review to give more detail (just in case the author reads it).

This writer has a GREAT plot, and I love how it twists and then twists again. I love the strong women and how he's started developing their characters. These plots are just as intricately woven as Stephen King's and it is such a relief to find an author that does this without the novel having to be horror. Additionally, the characters maintain their defintion and I can still identify with them, even after all the twists instead of everything devolving into some vague show more alien interaction.

As I read more of this author, I look forward to seeing his characters develop more and to see improvements in the timing and more elaborate sub-plots. The twists came very late in the book and were wrapped up in a very few pages. I loved the twists, they were so exciting, and I would have enjoyed savoring them for longer.

This writer has a ton of promise. I haven't read anything before that could touch Stephen King's talent for plot complexity, and I really prefer the subject matter. show less

I did not expect to like this book - but I loved it. Badass women solving murders? That's EXACTLY my cup of tea. I was so relieved that it wasn't a love story!!

My wife recently started this series and really enjoyed it so I thought I'd give the first couple of books a chance. Plus, I'd seen these books in stores and was always intrigued by them. I was pleasantly surprised. The book was an interesting murder novel that had many twists and turns. Even after I thought I figured it out, another twist came. I like books that do that.

I wasn't sure how I'd feel about the Women's Murder club, but I came to enjoy them as the book went on. I don't know if I'm hooked on the series just yet, but definitely work the next couple of books.

loved 1st to Die. It was the perfect beginning to a thrilling series. I thought the women's decision to join forces and work together to stop a serial killer was ingenious. I think it spoke to the true character of each of them, showing that their true goal was to protect the public from danger rather than be recognized personally for being the sole reason the killer was stopped.

The book works so well because of the differences each woman brings to the table. Lindsey works well as a main character because of the other women in her life. Had the book been Lindsey on her own, I don't think it would have been nearly as enjoyable.

1st to Die was a wonderful mystery that didn't hold back. The murders were shocking. The serial killer was show more targeting couples on their wedding nights. Just the concept alone is upsetting. The frenzied race to find the killer was easily felt and I found myself caught up in the momentum of the book. Once started, I couldn't put it down. I had to know who the killer was and how they would be stopped.

The first book in any mystery series can be hit or miss due to the necessity of laying groundwork and introducing background information. 1st to Die was definitely a hit for me. I honestly can't think of one thing that wasn't perfect in this book. If you haven't started this series yet, you are missing out. show less

1st to Die
Women’s Murder Club, Book 1

I Picked Up This Book Because: I’m looking for a new series to binge and this was recommended.

The Characters:

Lynsay Boxer: Police detective
Clair Washburn: Medical Examiner
Jill Bernhardt: Assistant District Attorney
Cindy Thomas: Crime desk reporter

The Story:

An interesting start to a series that revolves around several women who come together to find a serial killer. It was interesting how they all came together. I unknowingly listened to the abridged version and feel like I probably missed things about their bonding but I was already two hours in when I noticed and wasn’t about to start over. I like this group and plan to read book 2 soon. I hope this is the beginning of a beautiful binge. show more

The Random Thoughts:

I finished this book on October 6th but am writing the review on November 3rd. I’m sure many details have been lost.

3.5 Stars show less