Title: 1st to Die
by James PattersonPublishing Info: March 5, 2011 by Little, Brown
Genres: Adult, Mystery/Thriller
Find it on the web: Buy from Amazon // GoodreadsDate Completed: May 6, 2012
Four women-four friends-share a determination to stop a killer who has been stalking newlyweds in San Francisco. Each one holds a piece of the puzzle: Lindsay Boxer is a homicide inspector in the San Francisco Police Department, Claire Washburn is a medical examiner, Jill Bernhardt is an assistant D.A., and Cindy Thomas just started working the crime desk of the San Francisco Chronicle.
But the usual procedures aren't bringing them any closer to stopping the killings. So these women form a Women's Murder Club to collaborate outside the box and pursue the case by sidestepping their bosses and giving one another a hand.The four women develop intense bonds as they pursue a killer whose crimes have stunned an entire city. Working together, they track down the most terrifying and unexpected killer they have ever encountered-before a shocking conclusion in which everything they knew turns out to be devastatingly wrong.
Breaking It Down Further: San Francisco homicide inspector Lindsay Boxer begins investigation on the gruesome “wedding murders” with the help of her best friend, M.E. Claire, and her new partner Chris Raleigh. When newbie journalist Cindy butts her nose into the investigation, Lindsay suddenly finds herself making an instant connection and brings her into the loop to do some nosing around to help solve the murder. The Women’s Murder Club is then later rounded out by D.A. Jill as Lindsay is supported by her friends to round up the killer. This group of ladies forge a bond as they collect the clues, as well as becoming Lindsay’s support group when she is struck by the news of a possibly-fatal blood condition that may just take her out. On top of all the chaos, Lindsay learns how to let her new partner Chris Raleigh in as a trust-worthy cop and a new flame.
Wow, this book was amazing. This was the first James Patterson book I read and I cannot wait to read more! All four of the ladies in the Women’s Murder Club were excellent characters, with Lindsay being the main character (the novel is told by her in first person), as well as the excellent budding relationship between her and Raleigh. The chapters that Lindsay narrates are interspersed with chapters from the killer’s point of view as well so you get a full story as well as a mystery as you go along. The best part about the mystery is that even though you essentially know who the killer is since you’re getting his story, you don’t know who the killer is. And even better than that is just when you think it’s the end of the book, Oh wait – there’s more! And then you think THIS is the end of the book, happy ending, but Oh wait – there’s more! And THEN you think this is really the end, I know who the killer is now, Oh wait – there’s STILL more. Man, it was great! I have never seen so many twists and turns in a book and they really keep you guessing until the very end. And then there’s still more! What an excellent book, extremely well put-together, and I have to say, I’m always surprised when a male writer puts together such an excellent female character. I’m always impressed when a writer chooses the main character as the opposite sex – Personally, I’d just be able to write better about a woman because I am one. But bravo to James Patterson on all accounts! I highly recommend this one to anyone!!
5/5 stars
Simply superb. I loved it from start to finish, and really couldn’t put it down once I was halfway though. It was a book that keeps you hooked and really connects you to the characters.
If You Liked This, You Might Like…
Naked In Death by J.D. Robb — Sadly some of my suggestions are starting to repeat, but this I felt was a strong similar feel to 1st to Die. Strong policewoman in homicide, serial killers on the loose, nice twists and turns. I think the two books are a very similar match! Very similar feel and another series I started and couldn’t put down.
…OR…
A is for Alibi by Sue Grafton — Another similar read. I do have to say that I liked the 2nd book in this series better and I actually think that the Women’s Murder Club is a better read than Sue (so far – I’m only ankle deep in both series), but worth checking out if you liked this book, or vice versa if you read this one first!
1 thought on “1st to Die (Women’s Murder Club #1) – James Patterson”
I remember loving this book as well, though for some reason I never picked up the next one…I might have to do that! 🙂 Great review.