Rating: 
Summary: Enormously disappointing
Review: I expected this book to be a suspenseful, entertaining read. I also expected, given Mr. Patterson's reputation, that it would be a well-plotted and well-written book. I was enormously disappointed. At the very least, when I finish a suspense book, I expect to know exactly who the killer is and why the killer did it. Mr. Patterson gives a confused and thoroughly unbelievable conclusion to an unconvincing story. The plot holes are troublesome, too. (Example: who IS the character in Chapter 17?) I don't like the presentation of many of the women in this book, and I find them implausible, too. I was looking forward to this series. Given the weakness of this first entry, however, from its gimmicky open to its confusing close, it's the last in the series for me.
Rating:
Summary: Not a promising start to a new series
Review: The premise to this book sounded interesting but Patterson does not write well enough to convince you about the villain, the heros or the plot. Ultimately unsatisfying.
Rating: 
Summary: A good fast-paced read
Review: I really enjoyed this book. I'm not crazy about the Alex Cross series, but I liked these women. The ending was a surprise, and I was never bored during this story. I highly recommend it, and look forward to reading more about these ladies.
Rating:
Summary: A Shocker!
Review: If you loved the Alex Cross series, and I did, you're probably in for a big disappointment.I'd only normally review books I like, share the pleasure. This one however really got my goat up. Felon of the story - Nicholas Jenks, cynical, twisted author. Hopefully little of Patetrson in the character. But the book oozes with cynicism ... the killer who's not a killer, who is a killer, wrapped round over a hundred mini-chapters in 4th grade English. The book gets progressively worse. Would love to hear more women's persepective on the story, but the characters seem so unreal and superficial. Sorry, this one is for the remainder pile
Rating: 
Summary: Mr. Patterson is not up to par w/ this one
Review: I got ahold of this book recently and finished it just in time to see James Patterson on a television commercial reading an excerpt from the sequel to this one - 2nd to Die or whatever it's called. However, I am in no hurry to read it after being dismally disappointed with 1st to Die. The women were annoying with the exception of Claire, who fortunately wasn't the stereotypical loud, crass black woman that is so popular in the media these days. As a woman and a feminist to boot, I do not like to see female characters painted in such broad strokes. Now to the mystery ... it was sophmoric and something I would expect from a green writer, not one as polished and talented as Patterson. I find it incredibly hard to believe that the mystery was completely solved in 4 weeks time, when realistically, it would have taken months or years for the cops to finger the right criminal. I found the motive of the killer to be unconvincing and unclear, at best. That was just the first of many of my complaints about this book. I say next time, Patterson should stick w/ Alex Cross!!
Rating: 
Summary: A great serial killer novel
Review: The novel started off suspenseful right away. James Patterson did not waste any time to get to heart of the suspense. It was not just about 4 women tied to murder, but about how the murders were carried out by the killer and how he was discovered. If you don't like slow beginnings with a suspenseful murder plot ... read "1st to Die"
Can't wait to read 2nd Chance!!
Rating: 
Summary: a lot of details left out
Review: i think the book was started with good intentions. but it seemed to be in such a hurry, that critical evidence was left out, like what exactly motivated the killer? we are introduced to a woman who is suicidal and is the police inspector (i did not know that san francisco used that term, thought it was only the brits) and she has an fatal disease, is lonely and hooks up with three other woman (vagabound style) to solve murders. not especially exciting.
Rating:
Summary: A chick thriller
Review: First to Die is the beginning of what I hope will be another great series of novels. The novel starts slow, then picks up quickly. I call this a "chick thriller" is because it brings together four women who solve a very bizarre series of murders. I applaud Patterson's way of developing these characters as it seemed a bit far fetched at first, but turned into a very well developed series of characters. The only thing that concerns me is that Patterson is going to start mass producing novels just for the sake of putting them out.
Rating:
Summary: STAND ASIDE ALEX CROSS!
Review: The book is excellent! James Patteson is truly versatile. His adaptability in having created a narrative in the feminist gender is very convincing. Further, the ability to carry it off with four very diverse ladies, his new group of heroines, is also credible. The ladies of the clandestine Women's Murder Club are professionals, in various ways associated with law enforcement, and are used to playing second fiddle to their male counterparts in their respective fields. Patterson has made the ladies likeable, savvy, and tough, without having sacrificed their underlying femininity. Spearheaded by Lindsay Boxer, an inspector for the San Francisco Police Department, the ladies join forces to covertly solve the murders of two newlywed couples in the Bay Area. The plot races along at characteristic Patterson breakneck speed with many twists, turns, and subplots for good measure. I enjoyed the short chapters which spin toward an ending that even diehard fans will not have anticipated. I loved Alex Cross, but can foresee that these ladies will give us an equal amount of literary enjoyment in Patterson's future stories.
Rating:
Summary: 1st to die is 1st rate!!!!!!!
Review: I have read all of the Alex Cross books except the last one. I thought thery were the very best but "1st To Die" is as good as any of them. I guess it is all a personal openion as I have read some of the other reviews and many are not so good. In this one there are four women, with much knowledge, who meet and try to find the killer. Lindsay Boxer, an inspector--Claire Washburn, a medical examiner--Jill Bernhardt, an assistant D.A. and Cindy Thomas, a reporter. Newlyweds are being killed very soon after their weddings. Lindsay also has a medical problem of her own which could result in her death. Three couples are killed. What is their connection? Won't go into detail but every time I thought I had it figured out there was another twist and BAM I did not. This book will hold your attention, it will make you feel like you are there. I triedto read as fast as I could to see who the real kiler was. Suprise after surprise. I like the short chapters as I have to put a book down so many times while reading it. If you like one that will twist and turn on you and keep you guessing, you will like this book.
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