Patti S. (Pattakins) reviewed on 5/21/2007 + 365 more book reviews

For Lindsay Boxer, working in a field that is dominated by men is difficult. But when your father is an ex-cop who is not necessarily renowned for exemplary duty, she has to constantly prove her worth to her fellow law enforcers. All these she could handle while still maintaining her optimistic approach to life. But nothing can prepare her for the crime that will rock the city of San Francisco.

A newlywed couple is brutally murdered just hours after the wedding. And while the SFPD is still baffled by the crime, the killer soon strikes again in two other cities, with two newlywed couples also murdered. Aptly dubbed by the media as "the bride and groom murders", Lindsay is sickened by the horrible deaths and vows to bring the killer to justice. Never in her life as a law enforcer has she been more determined, especially now when she must also deal with a life-threatening disease. So she turns to her best friend Claire, a medical examiner. Together, they try to come up with possible leads that will help them solve the murder. Along the way, Lindsay meets the ambitious reporter Cindy Thomas, and sassy assistant D.A. Jill Bernhardt. In the most unexpected twist, these four different and brilliant women form the Women's Murder Club. Heedless of the standard procedures, they work together gathering every bit of information they can find intent on unraveling the truth.

1st TO DIE is a thrilling beginning to a series that has got me hooked. The prologue already serves as a teaser, as we are first introduced to the lead female character. Then when chapter one begins with the grisly murder, I had a feeling I was in for a roller-coaster ride. And I wasn't wrong. I was absolutely riveted by the twists and turns to the story. Trying to guess who the murderer is had me turning the pages over. Lindsay's struggle to cope with a personal tragedy also had me drawn to her character, not to mention the love that develops between her and her partner. And let's not forget the friendship that starts between these remarkable women, whom we will get to know more of as the Women's Murder Club continues. Now these four don't hang out together to talk Jimmy Choos or Prada! Once you meet them, you'd want to know more about them.

This is a real-page turner that had me on the edge of my seat and I can't wait to read more of James Patterson's novels.

Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details