1st To Die..First in Another Mystery/Thriller Series

If you have ever read my profile page, you will know that without a doubt, I am a staunch James Patterson fan. In fact, I am his number one fan!! Therefore, I am the first to admit that I have been disappointed in some of Patterson's more recent novels. 1st To Die, however, is thankfully one of Patterson's better books to have come along in quite a while.

Perhaps, what I like most about 1st To Die is the female slant on the murder mystery solving. I liked Lindsay Boxer's character. She is the cute and gutsy lead detective who tries valiantly to solve this gruesome series of newlywed murders before her body completely shuts down from a rare blood disorder. Although I predicted early on in this novel that Lindsay would eventually be fine, Patterson successfully leads the reader into the heart and mind of what a dying young woman goes through. I found myself dreading each subsequent doctor's visit as much as Lindsay did!!

Lindsay enlisted the aid of several females in the work force, trying to solve these murders. My favorite sub-character was her best friend and medical examiner, Claire. As I read 1st to Die I vividly imagined actress Loretta Devine perfectly playing the role of this character, should 1st To Die ever make it to the big screen. Cindy is a top notch, eager and very clever newspaper column writer who joins the group headed by Lindsay. Rounding out the group, forever known as The Women's Murder Club, is a smart, tough lady District Attorney named Jill. By the middle of the novel, the initial forming of the group was strengthened by the tight bonds of friendship that eventually developed between the four women. I liked this loving and supportive little group.

As in most of James Patterson's novels, 1st To Die is chock full of action packed thrills that take the reader on a roller coaster ride of twists and turns, eventually culminating in a far-fetched and surprise ending. For this writer/reader, I predicted early on that the obvious murder suspect was not the murderer at all, when there were still several dozen pages left to the novel. The case against him was just a bit too tidy.

But, the ending...oh, that ending!! I found myself asking, "James, what have you been taking lately??" For me, the twist was just a bit too much. But, don't take my word for it, read it for yourself.

I would definitely recommend 1st To Die to a friend for a quick Sunday afternoon read. From the first page to the last, you will be indelibly held in Patterson's grip. You may not like the ending, as I didn't, however, you will be entertained for a few hours. The obvious romance that developed between Lindsay and her new partner, Chris, offers some steamy intimate interludes between the grizzly murders and The Women's Murder Club meetings.

Admittedly, Alex Cross was definitely missed but, this ardent James Patterson fan is willing to give the gal pals a chance in future Patterson thrillers.