Last word first: A highly diverting page-turner. Would Joe like this book? You bet!
Description: A group of female crime professionals (a cop, a coroner, a lawyer, and a reporter) get together to brainstorm a mind-boggling case. There's a serial killer stalking San Francisco, killing newlywed couples.
My thoughts: I picked this book up because it was the only thing at the house I was staying in that wasn't a romance novel. The kind with Fabio on the cover. Nothing against romance novels, but I can't read them where Joe can see me or I will be mercilessly mocked. And I don't want to have to hurt him.
I was happy I picked up 1st to Die, because I really liked it. James Patterson has the knack, uncommon for a male writer in my experience, of writing a female protagonist who doesn't make me angry. Inspector Lindsay Boxer is a great protagonist, a tough female cop who doesn't seem to spend all her time worrying about proving herself.
This book has a lot of gory details, so those of you who are bothered by that type of thing, consider yourself warned. Otherwise, this book is an entertaining, very readable example of the crime novel. Not really memorable, but exciting enough to keep you interested. Perfect for a long airplane ride or trip to the beach.
Purchase 1st to Die from Amazon.
