Rating: Summary: Technicalities cost it 2 starts Review: But it was still a pleasant way to spend a couple hours. In fact, it had me pretty entertained until a couple of rather GLARING mistakes and inconsistencies had me disappointed. But only a couple (Three to be exact). Three pretty dang HUGE ones (enough to cost it 2 stars), but only three.That bein said...very nice plot...someone killing off brides and grooms....and the women's club (although the formation of the club and any action the club took was more like a subplot than an actual undertaking) who discussed how they're going to get the killer. The characters are likable...although one of the characters does something so unbelievably stupid that I had to remind myself that "oh yea...fiction......":-) All in all..a better than average book for an easy way to spend an afternoon...once you get past those 2-star errors :-) Bottom line: If you want pretty decent fiction...interesting plot (who's killing the brides and grooms and why?) enough of the surprises in the book so say "hey, THAT's a good plot device" AND you don't mind giving up common sense (just a little) you'll probably have a good read.....
Rating: Summary: Don't Judge A Book By Its Chapters Review: Nearly 130 chapters are the structure of James Patterson's 'First To Die'. At about 3 pages per chapter all of the speed-reading 'wannabes' will brag how they knocked off ten chapters in just an hour. Fast - yes, but don't judge this book by its chapters. 'First To Die' is entertaining and intense. A group of professional women form a pact to help capture a serial killer. The narrative is by Lindsay Boxer, a police inspector, who juggles the quest for the killer with a number of other personal crisises. Patterson uses first person narratives to flush out the main character. He also changes point-of-view at times to get us inside the killer's head. The many chapters are one tool to switch point-of-views without confusing the readers. If there is a minor flaw with this approach, it is some flatness with other characters where we don't get inside their heads. I enjoy Patterson's Alex Cross series, but I am happy he is launching a completely different heroine + buddies to track similar demented killers. 'First To Die' is a good first attempt at this new series. I look forward to the next.
Rating: Summary: Wow! Review: Just as Alex Cross stories were beginning to sound a little bit strained, there comes Women's Murder Club! Four tough ladies, thorougly professional, solving cases on their own, outside official guidelines, but effectively. The book is full of Paterson-twists, unespected bad guys popping out at the end and a wonderfully twisted end. Maybe not Patterson's best, but among the best.
Rating: Summary: Hard to read. Review: Some of the words were too hard to read. I think my copy may have been defective. Also, there weren't enough kitty cats. Believe me, if I am ever the first to die, I will come back and haunt Mr. Patterson with love for writing such a tender, scintillating joy of a novel. I hope he's the very last to die. Very last.
Rating: Summary: Pretty darn good Review: This is the first James Patterson novel I've read, so I can't compare it with his Alex Cross series. However, I liked the book enough to stay up until 2am reading it. The characters, especially the lead character, Lindsay Boxer, was fun to watch in action. I also enjoyed getting the perspective of the killer. The short chapters keep you turning the pages, so does the story. I can't say that I was all that surprised by the ending. But I will rank this an over all satisfying quick read.
Rating: Summary: You won't put it down! Review: I am a huge fan of James Patterson, John Sanford, Jonathan Kellerman and John Grisham, this is Patterson at his best! I started the Painted House and could not get into it so I switched to 1st to Die and I could not put it down. It moves quickly and just when I thought I figured it all out he surprises you. The new characters are interesting and fun. It is easy reading and very exciting. I can't wait for the next book. I was afraid to try the new series, but I am so glad I did.
Rating: Summary: loved it! Review: I just finished this book. I could not put it down. I can't wait for the new James Patterson novel. I didn't want it to end. I highly recommend this and all James Patterson novels.
Rating: Summary: An OK Read; Not The Best Patterson Review: The plot of 1st to Die is interesting enough to keep reading. A serial killer is murdering young newlywed couples. His goal is doing the worst thing that anyone has ever done, and he seems to be leaving a clue behind at each murder scene for the investigators to find. The investigators are the problem with the book. Four professional women join together to form the "Women's Murder Club" which sounds more like a sorority outing than the serious focus that the crimes require. The four are into "sharing" and being there for each other. The dialogue is girlie stuff and not nearly as strong as Patterson usually is with his Alex Cross stories. A good surprise ending makes finishing the book worthwile. I will read Roses are Red, the new Alex Cross book, and skip the next book with the girls.
Rating: Summary: Good Review: This isn't the best thriller I've read (that would be Craig Furrnas' THE SHAPE), but I have a fascination with serial killers, and this was a page-turning tale about one. Summer's coming up, so get it to read by the pool. It's that kind of book.
Rating: Summary: Very Good Read Review: I find the books I get by Mr. Patterson to be really entertaining. This one is no exception. Good story, that had me guessing. The main character, Lindsay, seems so real you can feel her pain and excitment. The crew, including her gal pals, makes for some good reading. The ADA, the ME, and the reporter all add some nice touches. Her partner, Chris, adds a strong supporting role. The chase of the killer and the eventual capture are excellent. Had me thinking the whole way. Good, Quick read, but very entertaining. The ending makes me think there's more to come.
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