1st to Die: A Novel (ISBN 0446610038)

Amazon.com Review:
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

Start of new women-led murder series:
This 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!

Introducing the Ladies:
The day started out bad enough. SFPD homicide cop Lindsay Boxer has been given the news that she has a serious and rare health condition that might be life threatening. But that's nothing compared to what comes next. Even for a seasoned cop the crime scene was grisly. David and Melanie Brandt were killed on their wedding night. And the crimes were bloody and brutal. Yet there is very little left behind in the ways of clues for Lindsay to follow. When things heat up with a second killing a week later, Lindsay begins to think outside the box. She pulls together best friend medical examiner Claire Washburn and new friends Cindy Thomas, a reporter just starting on the crime desk, and Jill Bernhardt, assistant D.A. Can these four women catch the killer? I'll admit I watched the TV show version of these characters last year. I was curious about the books, so when a friend offered them to me, I jumped at the chance. As I expected, they were much more graphic then I am used to. But that wasn't my main problem with the story. Lindsay is a strong character, but I don't feel like we got to know anyone else that well. The sub-plot about Lindsay's health distracted from an already engaging plot and just slowed things down. And the discussions about the character's sex lives were pointless. But the biggest flaw was the climax. It was way too hasty and really felt tacked on. Not to say the book was all bad. The story moved forward quickly and included several nice twists. As of now, I am planning to continue on with the series. But I will be hoping that James Patterson really improves his storytelling in future installments.

seriously?:
You have got to be kidding me? A woman dressed as a man is a convincing disguise? Even when speaking face to face with someone? What a rotten wrap up. Totally unsatisfying.

Patterson's New Crew:
James Patterson made his reputation with his Alex Cross novels and then introduced new charactors in the novel 1st To Die. In fact I picked this up without reading the cover when it first came out since I htought it was just another Alex Cross novel and I enjoyed them. Of course I was a bit surpised when I started reading, but it turned into a pleasant suprise. Like the Cross novels, this bok has a great premise - newlyweds are being killed but somehow these deaths seem to be predicted (do not want to ruing the plot with how.) Here Lindsay, a homicide detective who is the new Alex, and associates find themselves trying to determine what is going on and there are enough twists and turns to keep any Patterson fan happy.

Okay, but should be read before others in series.:
I read the third book before this one, and I should have read this one first. I think this book was written before the author had fully developed the concept, but isn't so bad I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.