1st to Die: A Novel
Grand Central Publishing - Grand Central Publishing
Release date: 2002-02-01
Mass Market Paperback
Author: James Patterson
Fiction, Fiction - General, Mystery/Suspense, Fiction / Mystery & Detective / Women Sleuths, Fiction / Suspense, Mystery & Detective - Women Sleuths, Suspense
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1st to Die: A Novel
Date undefinedThis review is of the Audiobook version.
The first story in this series is '1st To Die' which introduces Lindsay Boxer and the Women's Murder Club. Lindsay is a San Francisco homicide Inspector and she has been put on a case where a married couple were killed on the evening of their wedding. Lindsay is partnered with a man from the mayor's office, Chris Raleigh, and on the same day discovers she has an unusual blood disorder which is potentially fatal. Lindsay's energy is directed toward the investigation as well as her health and as she investigates the first murder and another two 'bride and groom' killings she finds herself drawn into a group of other women for support - Cindy Thomas, a reporter; Claire Washburn, a medical examiner; and Jill Bernhardt, an assistant DA.
The book seemed to draw to a conclusion fairly early but then there were several twists which made the story move in new directions. The interactions between Lindsay and Chris Raleigh were well written, as were Lindsay's moments of emotion as she battles her disease and tries to get to the bottom of the murders. However there were some rather cringe-worthy moments when the girls seemed to have to say "I love you" to each other, as well as having to be vastly successful and feisty as well as in touch with their femininity. Those who like to read more about the murder scenes might find this story a disappointment as it seems to be more about Lindsay and her feelings than detective work. I also felt that the 'baddie' seemed rather comic-book bad and his behaviour at the very end of the story was rather implausible. Still I enjoyed the story and this new series of characters.
The narrator of this story did a good job but sometimes her voice became so quiet that it was difficult to hear over road noise when driving and listening, which is probably how many people will hear this story. In order to hear the quiet sections the volume had to be raised rather more than I would like for the louder sections. However this was an excellent audiobook and whiled away a long journey very effectively!
1st to Die: A Novel
Date undefinedThis is the first James Patterson book that I have read and I was not disappointed! His WOman's Murder Club series caught my attention a couple years ago with his 5th or 6th book but I didn't want to start a series with a book that late in it. Well, I just recently got around to actually starting the series. After I finished this book I immediately ordered #2 and #3 so that I can continue to read them. When I read a book I am the type of person that likes to be able to suspend reality when I read so the fact that their "club" is technically illegal and could cost them all their careers and freedom, I really enjoyed it. I see enough reality every day, I prefer to go to fantasy when I read. I liked the twists and turns in this book and enjoyed the writing style. It was a bit graphic at times, but in my opinion wasn't too overboard. Once again, loved the book and can't wait to get the next 2.
1st to Die: A Novel
Date undefinedToday I stopped listening to this audio book for three reasons. First, expletive overload. I'm not naive enough to think that cops don't swear (my brother was one), I just don't want to hear it or read it in every other diaglogue. Second, horrible reader. Third, murder nausea. Can't people just be murdered in a novel anymore without all the perversion added in? It makes me wonder about the mind of the author. Give me a clean or semi-clean mystery that has even a mild aroma of good writing. This was my first James Patterson novel and probably my last. Give me Anne Perry any time!
