[.ca] 1st to Die (ISBN 1586210564)

From Amazon.com:
The Women's Murder Club pits four San Francisco women professionals against a serial killer who's stalking and murdering newlyweds in bestselling author James Patterson's newest thriller. Lindsay Boxer is a homicide inspector who's just gotten some very bad news. She deals with it by immersing herself in her newest case and soliciting the personal as well as professional support of her closest friend, who happens to be the city's medical examiner. The two women, along with an ambitious and sympathetic reporter and an assistant DA, form an unlikely alliance, pooling their information and bypassing the chain of command in an engaging, suspenseful story whose gruesome setup is vintage Patterson. "What is the worst thing anyone has ever done?" the killer muses to himself early in the narrative. "Am I capable of doing it? Do I have what it takes?" Answering his own question, he embarks on a murderous spree that takes him from the bridal suite in a Nob Hill hotel to a honeymoon destination in the Napa Valley and thence to a wedding reception at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, Ohio. Dispatching his victims on the happiest day of their lives, he purposefully leaves enough clues for his distaff trackers to discover his identity and put him behind bars. But just when the women think they've got the case all wrapped up, the killer turns the tables on them in a bloody denouement that even the most discerning reader won't see coming. Patterson, author of the popular Alex Cross mysteries, promises future adventures for the Women's Murder Club, which may give him an opportunity to develop his heroines' characters more completely and win new fans among those who prefer their detectives in high heels and lipstick. --Jane Adams

Good read:
This novel is an exciting tale, the story never slows down, you are kept guessing about the identity of the killer up to the last pages. I found this thriller very engaging and intriguing, I can't wait to read the second book.

Patterson's Murder Club series is riveting!:
Take four professional women--Lindsay-a homicide inspector who receives some bad personal news, Claire-a medical examiner and Lindsay's best friend, Jill-a tough assistant DA, and Cindy-a persistent reporter from the Chronicle--mix them together and you've got: The Women's Murder Club. In the first in the series, the fantastic four meet and decide to share resources and talents. They are plunged headfirst into a series of gruesome murders. Someone is killing off newlyweds. The twists and turns, even at the very end, will leave you breathless and is enough to give any bride-to-be the jitters. This is one of James Patterson's best, with characters you'll empathize with and actually care about. The humor, relationships and expert crime procedural detail tie this book together neatly. ~Cheryl Kaye Tardif Author of Whale Song (978-1-60164-007-9) Available 2007 from Kunati Books

Excellent:
I checked this book out from my local library just before heading out to Hawaii on vacation. I had read another book by James Patterson before (Jester), and I enjoyed it. So, I figured I would try another one. The book captured my attention immediately and I could not put it down until I finished. I burned a whole day in Hawaii on this book---beware! (it was that good!).

Captivating:
I could not put this book down! I'm not the type of person to read mystery/thriller fiction type of books. But from the first page to the very end... I was on the edge of my seat while reading this book on the train every morning to work. James Patterson has this ability to keep the reader wanting more. I could not believe how good this book was going to be. Every twist and turn the author takes you on is such a treat. Mr. Patterson is damn good! His attention to detail with each and every character is spectacular. I'm so flustered because I did not want this thriller to come to an end. Trust me, you will me enthralled. Also recommended: BARK OF THE DOGWOOD

die laughing:
As a new reader of best selling novels (killing time on my job), I'm finding that it's more fun to read the Amazon readers reviews of the book that you just finish, than the book itself. This was my first Patterson novel, and I thought it was entertaining, and very suspenseful right till the end. THEN I read the reviews! Man! you guys opened my eyes to some major flaws. I do agree how some thought it had too many distractions for someone investigating a serious serial killing spree (the new love interest, the deadly disease, and the women's club issue). Also, the spooky surprise ending did leave me backtracking to see if I'd missed something. But for me the only detail that dampened my enjoyment of the book was the convenient earthquake escape. Everything else kept pace with reality enough for me to go with the flow and entertainment value that best-selling authors normally deliver to you. I will say I'm looking to become as high brow as some of the critical reviewers on Amazon. I'm hoping to find some higher quality reading so I can look book at this book and say it sucked.