James Patterson - 1st to Die

Hmmmmm...... My first review in "Books". Well, let me begin by stating that "1st to die" was my first James Patterson book. That being the case, I was able to read the novel without screaming in my head..."WHERE'S ALEX CROSS??" (I overheard some other commuters thought while on the train).

Yes, you read correctly, this book DOES NOT contain Alex Cross. For those out there that need their Cross fix, don't fret. This story can and will ease the pain and satisfy the cravings for sharp detective work and action.

Enter Lindsey Boxer, San Francisco detective on the rise. Success seems to have no boundaries until everything comes falling to earth rapidly. Someone has murdered two prominent newlyweds in their honeymoon suite. Not just murdered, but defiled. No apparent clues or leads. All this and life threatening news from her doctor!!! How can Lindsey persevere?

Enter three equally successful women, each in their respective fields. Cindy, the newspaper columnist, Claire the medical examiner, and Jill, the District Attorney. As the four women come together, forming "The Women's Murder Club", they begin to piece together a picture of the killer.

Patterson does a bang-up job of keeping you, the reader, attentive throughout this Indy 500 of a novel. If your familiar with Patterson, the usual formula is still there. Love interests, plot twists, and action at breakneck speed.

The characters are likable, albeit somewhat unbelievable at times. There seems to be a great deal of character development for Lindsay, obviously, and for Claire. I felt Cindy's character could have been used and developed more, but you, the reader, will have to decide that for yourself.

All in all, this is a chilling novel that reads quickly and may cause you to look over your shoulder from time to time. Especially if your wedding day is approaching!!