1st to Die

The Women's Murder Club

By: James Patterson

Narrated by: Suzanne Toren

Four women - four friends - share a determination to stop a killer who has been stalking newlyweds in San Francisco. Each one holds a piece of the puzzle: Lindsay Boxer is a homicide inspector in the San Francisco Police Department, Claire Washburn is a medical examiner, Jill Bernhardt is an assistant D.A., and Cindy Thomas just started working the crime desk of the San Francisco Chronicle.

But the usual procedures aren't bringing them any closer to stopping the killings. So these women form a Women's Murder Club to collaborate outside the box and pursue the case by sidestepping their bosses and giving one another a hand.

1st to Die is the start of a blazingly fast-paced and sensationally entertaining new series of crime thrillers.

©2001 by James Patterson (P)2001 by Time Warner AudioBooks

I LOVE the Women's Murder Club

Being a fan of James Patterson, I was delighted to come across this book which was much different than the Alex Cross stories. The whole idea of a successful group of women coming together as friends to solve murders was great. I thought the story had just the right amount of twists in it, and it kept me on edge most of the time - which is mandatory for a good mystery novel. I liked it enough to listen to it twice. The narrator was ok as well - not distracting like some books I've listened to. I recommend this for any mystery/suspense fans.

It Seduced Me!

When I bought this audiobook, it didn't have much going for it, as far as I was concerned. An author who churns out mysteries on a seemingly weekly basis; female main characters, who no doubt hate men and constantly try to show them up; and a plot built around a super-criminal directly descended from Hannibal Lecter...all of these preconceptions almost prevented me from reading (listening to) it.

However, all my prejudices were wrong, I'm happy to say. The characters were realistic and compelling. Yes, the women are competing with their male colleagues, out of necessity and because they're professionals. The villain's identity kept me guessing until the very last page. The plot moved quickly, and there were several clichéd plot contrivances that the author could have used, but he stayed away from them.

The only thing that prevents my giving this book five stars in every category is the narrator. She's generally good, and does a fine job of using inflection during dialogue to help differentiate the members of the Women's Murder Club.. However, there are also quite a few male characters, and the narrator used one and only one voice for every male character: an annoying, raspy nasal whine. It wasn't irksome enough to make me stop the book, but the irritating voice sometimes pulled me out of the narrative and broke the magic, if you will. It's a shame, too, because the narrator's voice was normally pleasant and easy to listen to.

I like this book so well, I'm getting ready to buy the next one, with a "2" in the title. I'll even give the narrator another chance.

Great!

This was an awesome story and very easy to listen to. Twists and turns - love and friendship. Awesome book.

Great detective story

What made the experience of listening to 1st to Die the most enjoyable?

I enjoy detective stories and this one did not disappoint. The is the first of the Women's Murder Club I have read.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked the twists and turns of James Patterson's story the best. You could guess, but never really know what would happen next.

What about Suzanne Toren’s performance did you like?

Ms Toren's ability to perform the various characters with just the right amount of drama made this audible book suspenseful and believeable

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I was totally surprised by the end of the book.

Any additional comments?

If you like mysteries, you will like this one.

Great story but not so great narrator.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Very nice story with lots of twists.

What didn’t you like about Suzanne Toren’s performance?

Toren seemed to be way too dramatic for portions of the story that didn't require any. I think she read with a lot of exclamation points added.

a non stop listener

Where does 1st to Die rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I was very pleased with this first book in this series. I had to order the second one to see if its just as good. Havent got to start it yet though.

What was one of the most memorable moments of 1st to Die?

The ending is what surprised me- cant say no more.

Which character – as performed by Suzanne Toren – was your favorite?

The person who is the killer or maybe is the killer, who knows? Read and find out for yourself

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No laughing or crying, just suspense.

Any additional comments?

I had to read this in my car at times. I had to see what would happen next.

another good one in the series.

does Not disappoint. Well written and the performance was Pretty good Will read these serious

Not impressed with the story or narrative

First off the narrator's voice did not match the character. When the character was supposed to be getting angry it just sounded silly or maybe it was the actually the writing. The story was kind of typical and nothing original. Very disappointing based on the author's popularity.

second time reading this series

Great series. gripping story, great characters! must read. you will love it. thanks James patterson

Kept my constant attention

What made the experience of listening to 1st to Die the most enjoyable?

I have a part time job cleaning and really it passes the time being able to listen to the books while I clean

What was one of the most memorable moments of 1st to Die?

the murders...gruesome!

Which character – as performed by Suzanne Toren – was your favorite?

I liked the main character, but I also liked Claire the medical examiner as well as the reporter

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When the main characters love was shot at the end