1st To Die | Womens Murder Club | James Patterson | Book Review

We love reading thrillers!

And we know, you too!

As Hercule Poirot often says (not exactly), “it tickles our little grey cells” and thus gives us thrills (why otherwise, they are called thrillers!).

Today we are going to talk about a book named 1^st To Die by James Patterson.

The book found the commercial success and it became the starting point of “Women’s Murder Club” – book series.

Book Cover:

We believe that while a book should not be judged by its cover, we also affirm the fact that the cover page makes the first impression of the book (or respective media). And thus, is often responsible for a remarkable number of purchase and/or read decisions. So, we briefly talk about the cover page when talk about a book.

While different editions of this book has different covers, reflecting the trends of respective time; the cover page embedded here is from the latest edition available on various online shopping platforms. And, it is quite attractive.

I am sure you will find the color-scheme of the cover page quite attractive, at least, I found so.

A bullet shoot through the letter 1 in the title makes it attractive and faithful to the book title. use of black color for the rest of the title makes it reflect the word “die” quite effectively. The author name in the contrast color makes the cover page more attractive. A simple yet effective cover page.

Storyline:

Let us take a bird’s eye view of the book plot.

Inspector Lindsay Boxer is going through a rough phase in her life. Her health conditions are getting worse. She has been diagnosed with a rare and potentially fatal blood disease!

The world, however runs on its own scale and the city is going to be crime-free to let her focus on her health!

A newlywed couple was found brutally murdered in their honeymoon suite (precisely, in the Mandarin Suite of the Grand Hyatt) and thus SFPD is called. The case is assigned to Inspector Lindsay Boxer!

To cut a long story short, she took the challenge to solve it and teamed up with other three strong women Claire Washburn, a medical examiner; Jill Bernhardt, an assistant district attorney; and Cindy Thomas, a crime reporter.

It was indeed needed, as the murder was followed by another one followed by another one…!

So these ladies form the Women’s Murder Club to collaborate and share their expertise outside the constraints of their official roles.

Will they be able to end this killing spree and solve the mystery?

Well, you need to read the book to get your answers!

Over the course of the story, you will meet with Lindsay Boxer, Claire Washburn, Jill Bernhardt, Cindy Thomas, David and Melanie Brandt, Phillip Campbell, Dr. Roy Orenthaler, Sam Roth, Jacobi, Tom, Captain Chris Raleigh, Anthony Righetti, Dr. Victor Medved, Rebecca Passeneau, Ben, Milt Fanning, Becky De George, Michael, Lieutenant Frank Hartwig, Brandee, Maryanne Perkins, Kaylin, Kathy Kogut and James Voskuhl, Paul Chin, Ms. Laurie Birnbaum, McBride, Hillary Bloom, Hugh and Christine Kogut, Merrill Shortley, Jim Heekin, Nicholas Jenks, Jill Bernhardt, Joanna Jenks (Joanna Wade), Charlie Clapper, Sherman Leff, Chessy Jenks, Dr. Robert Yatto, and many other characters.

Views and Reviews:

Of course, the book is a fast-paced thriller. But, the USP of it, according to me is the exploration of human emotions. The way all the four protagonists stand with each other, selflessly, is something that will remain with you even after you complete the book. The book celebrates the bond of friendship and love.

The author is good at exploring scenes and weave emotions quite well while doing that. For example,

It is an unusually warm night in July, but I’m shivering badly as I stand on the substantial gray stone terrace outside my apartment. I’m looking out over glorious San Francisco and I have my service revolver pressed against the side of my temple. “Goddamn you, God!” I whisper.

You can understand what mental state, Inspector Lindsay was in at that time! Her thoughts continuous, and through them the author eventually shows the difference between the genders (in terms of dealing with things and thinking)

…I just don’t see a way out of this mess. I have thought it all through a hundred times. I can be as logical as hell, but I am also highly emotional, obviously. That was my strength as an inspector with the San Francisco Police Department. It is a rare combination, and I think it is why I was more successful than any of the males in Homicide. …

Seeing murder victims is of course a very emotional thing for the law enforcement fellows who had not lost their heart. When looking back in her thoughts, Lindsay expresses it as:

I keep seeing the first couple who were killed, in the Mandarin Suite of the Grand Hyatt. I see that horrifying hotel room, where they died senselessly and needlessly.

Sarcasm always find its plays during dark times. So, it is an inevitable part of any crime-thriller or espionage adventure.

“Only good news,” I joked, as his voice came on the phone. “In that case, I can give you a nine hundred number. For two bucks a minute they’ll tell you anything you want to hear.” I could hear it in the tone of his voice.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
“I’m gonna make you pay if this blows any chance of getting my memoirs in print by forty.”

Here are some lines from the book exploring the emotions which are sometimes mental-duel (with themselves).

“You’re probably used to this sort of homicide,” Hartwig  said as we walked in. The sharp, rancid smell hit our nostrils. My stomach rolled. You never get used to homicide scenes.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Claire and I have been best friends for years. We talk at least once every day. I knew why I was having trouble telling her about my illness- I didn’t want to hurt her. Or to burden her with my problems. I loved her so much.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
One thought was pounding in her. She was a doctor, a doctor who dealt only in death. Never once had she saved a life. She was a doctor who did not heal.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Working alone in the underbelly of the building, she felt as if she were some isolated Egyptologist scraping the dust off of long-buried hieroglyphic tablets. She now knew why it was referred to as “the Tombs.”

The author’s choice of word will amaze you.

No one, including the D.A. himself, wanted to submarine his or her career by taking on the powerful fund-raiser. Jill nailed him, sent him away for twenty years.

Rather than talking much about the story spread over in 126 chapters, and ruin your reading experience, we thought to give you some first-hand glimpses of actual writing in the book. The sole aim is, you yourself can then decide whether it meets with your reading preferences.

And, by now, I am sure you must have got a fair conclusion.

On a side note, women readers will like this book even more. Because, while the protagonists are emotional, they are strong, they are expert in what they do.

I like the way: they don’t give gender equality lectures, but prove themselves by performing. And, most importantly, they don’t let their personal struggles come in their professional lives. They are the strong women everyone love to see in their own families.

This relatability is what makes this book so special, and possible was the reason of its success.

What do you say?

We are keen to explore other books in the series. Will you join the quest?

Summary:

It is a nicely written thriller which balances between human emotions, human psyche and thrilling incidents.

ThinkerViews Rating:

Around 7.5 stars out of 10.

Quick Purchase Links:

• Buy - 1st To Die by James Patterson - Paperback - Amazon IN
• Buy - 1st To Die by James Patterson - Kindle EBook - Amazon IN
• Buy - 1st To Die by James Patterson - Audiobook - Amazon IN
• Buy - 1st To Die by James Patterson - Paperback - Amazon US
• Buy - 1st To Die by James Patterson - Audiobook - Amazon US

Over To You:

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