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Product Description

The Women's Murder Club pits four San Francisco women professionals against a serial killer who's stalking and murdering newlyweds in bestselling author James Patterson's newest thriller. Lindsay Boxer is a homicide inspector who's just gotten some very bad news. She deals with it by immersing herself in her newest case and soliciting the personal as well as professional support of her closest friend, who happens to be the city's medical examiner. The two women, along with an ambitious and sympathetic reporter and an assistant DA, form an unlikely alliance, pooling their information and bypassing the chain of command in an engaging, suspenseful story whose gruesome setup is vintage Patterson.

"What is the worst thing anyone has ever done?" the killer muses to himself early in the narrative. "Am I capable of doing it? Do I have what it takes?" Answering his own question, he embarks on a murderous spree that takes him from the bridal suite in a Nob Hill hotel to a honeymoon destination in the Napa Valley and thence to a wedding reception at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, Ohio. Dispatching his victims on the happiest day of their lives, he purposefully leaves enough clues for his distaff trackers to discover his identity and put him behind bars. But just when the women think they've got the case all wrapped up, the killer turns the tables on them in a bloody denouement that even the most discerning reader won't see coming. Patterson, author of the popular Alex Cross mysteries, promises future adventures for the Women's Murder Club, which may give him an opportunity to develop his heroines' characters more completely and win new fans among those who prefer their detectives in high heels and lipstick. --Jane Adams

Imagine a killer who thinks, "What is the worst thing anyone has ever done?"--and then goes far beyond it. Now imagine four women --a police detective, an assistant DA, a reporter, and a medical examiner --who join forces as they sidestep their bosses to track down criminals. Known as the Women's Murder Club, they are pursuing a murderer whose twisted imagination has stunned an entire city. Their chief suspect is a socially prominent writer, but the men in charge won't touch him. On the trail of the most terrifying and unexpected killer ever, they discover a shocking surprise that turns everything about the case upside down.

Customer Reviews:

• Women's Murder Club - 1st To Die
  I sort of stumbled into this series by James Patterson from another direction. I began watching the new TV series and after a few episodes, I was hooked. I, therefore, ordered the first of the books and now I'm hopelessly hooked on both the books and the show! Warning, though, the characters in the book and the show are rather different in description and attitude,(they have the same names, however) but that does not take anything away from either.
  
  This an absolute first-rate murder mystery, which will leave you guessing right to the last page. The last 100 or so pages just fly by, as you're trying to keep up with the Club.
  
  My advice? Buy it, read it, watch the show and enjoy every suspenful second. 'Nuff said...more info
• Still Good the Second Time Around
  I am rereading this entire series again because I enjoyed them so immensely the first time. 1st To Die did not lose any of its luster the second time around. Tho Patterson is not as detailed and educational as Patricia Cornwell, his women's murder club is entertaining and engrossing and I love the fact that the good guys (gals, actually) do not always have a happy ever after ending. This particular novel is the very beginning of the women's murder club and introduces the reader to Lindsay, a homicide detective, Cindy, crime reporter, Claire, medical examiner and Jill, a lawyer. The reader gets an excellent look at all four occupations. 1st To Die focuses more on Lindsay Boxer and the other three are gradually introduced. The case: a serial killer that chooses newlywed couples. Quite a shocking twist in the end too....more info
• good none the less....
  well it took me sometime to really get into this book.......
  i mean i am soo used to alex cross that i wasnt so sure about starting another series of thriller.........
  but none the less...this book is quiet good..at least better than some really bad ALex Cross books......
  anyways the book really picks up pace halfway tthrough...
  it has some shocking suspense.....
  and all in all ita a thrilling read....
  YEAY!!!...more info
• A thriller mystery
  I gave the thriller mystery book, "1st to Die," by James Patterson four out of five stars. I thought the plot of the book kept it interesting and hard to put down. Another aspect of the book that made it worth reading was the clear character descriptions. As well as describing characters vividly, James Patterson throws in many strong details, but readers be warned some are graphic. Now you see what i liked about "1st to Die," although what i found to make the book interesting could easily have made it hard to stomach for others....more info
• Great new series of detective novels
  I guess I'm a person resistant to change because the Lindsay Boxer series had been out for awhile before I decided to pick it up. I was concerned about starting a new series as I was coming off of a low period with the Alex Cross novels. I had enjoyed them so much when I started reading them, but after London Bridges and Big Bad Wolf, I was starting to feel like I was not connecting with the characters the way I used to at the beginning.
  
  I picked up 1st to Die anyway, and there was not a moment during the book that I wanted to put it down. I read it all the time, practically the whole way through. Immediately I was able to connect with the characters, as well as, feel as though the story was believable enough to hold my interest. This was a very good, very well written entertaining novel and the moment I finished it I found myself running to read the next in the series. This is a terrific book and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves mystery/crime novels.
  
  Timothy Lassiter, author of Three Degrees of Separation and The Devil You Know....more info
• great audio book
  If you are spending your time in the car, this book will make the time fly by....more info
• An enjoyable read that will keep your attention
  I read Kiss the Girls, Patterson's second novel, several years ago and thought it was a real thriller. My daughter, a Patterson fan, loaned me a box of JP's books. This is the thirteen one that I have read and only two, Along Came a Spider and Jack and Jill; books one and three, were above average. For those that I have read his first three have been the best.
  
  The plot had a few minor holes and a lot of the prose seemed to be contrived to fit the story. The main story line was about a serial killer that killed the bride and groom on their honeymoon. San Francisco Police Inspector, Lindsay Boxer, is assigned this high profile case and first has to find the common denominator between these gruesome murders that were in three different cities; one as far away as Cleveland, Ohio. What was the motive for stalking and slaughtering these newly weds?
  
  Even with these minor faults, 1st to Die was an enjoyable read and kept my attention. ...more info
• 1st to Die by James Patterson
  My first experience buying a used book and it had obvious wear, corners turned down and someone wrote their name on the first page. I expected a cleaner book....more info
• Excellent Series Kick-Off
  Lindsay Boxer is a homicide detective in San Francisco. Lindsay is normally pretty tough, but when her doctor tells her she's got a degenerative blood disease that could kill her, it knocks her for a loop. Added to that is a new case she draws where someone is murdering newly married couples on their wedding night. She has to have a nosy reporter named Cindy removed from the scene, and winds up driving back to town with her. To her surprise, Lindsay finds she really likes Cindy, and invites her to lunch with her best friend Claire, who happens to be the assistant medical examiner. Lindsay and Claire have always discussed cases they work on, and Lindsay thinks her investigation can only be helped by including Cindy and getting her reporter's take on the case. Cindy isn't the only one new to Lindsay's world, though, as Lindsay also draws a new partner for the honeymoon killer, a "marketing man" from the mayor's office, Chris Raleigh. To her consternation, Lindsay finds herself attracted to her new partner, but is afraid to pursue a relationship with him, not only because they work together, but because she might be dying. As Lindsay's case progresses and she focuses in on a suspect, Lindsay has occasion to talk to Jill from the prosecutor's office. She likes Jill, and by adding Jill to her lunch club, the four women will have all aspects of the investigation into the honeymoon killer covered. They decide to call their little group the women's murder club.
  
  This is not a story about women taking lunch, however. It is a well-drawn mystery that bounces from Lindsay's first-person perspective in some chapters to a third-person view that often includes the killer's thoughts. The story is about the investigation and how the mystery is solved, the lunch aspect simply adding some flavor and character depth. After reading other, over-the-top cop stories lately, this was a refreshingly "realistic" book about a cop who's dedicated to her job, yet still has a life outside the precinct and actually gets some sleep. There were plenty of twists and turns to keep it moving, too. It's certainly no mystery why James Patterson's books are so popular.
  ...more info
• Abrupt and unrealistic ending; frustrating end to exciting book
  Gosh dang it; I really enjoyed this book, until the ending when someone dies completely unnecessarily and the plot takes one final twist that's just too abrupt and unrealistic. Annoying that something so good was ruined in the end; I honestly don't know if I recommend it or not--it was interesting, exciting and realistic up until the last five chapters or so. Only read it if you have nothing else to read, otherwise it's not worth the ending frustration....more info
• I liked this book, however on thing ruined it for me
  I found this book enjoyable enough. It was quick paced and mostly kept me guessing. However, one "clue" was so ludicrous that the entire book was ruined. Without giving anything away, I would just like to tell Mr. Patterson that "boys" can most definitely "get them"....more info
• review
  Used books are the best way to save money and still get my reading fix. This product will serve my purpose and allow me to relax and enjoy my free time. I will most likely order from you again should you have a book I am looking for in the future....more info
• 1st To Die, A Review by SpeekNDaTruuf
  1st To Die 462pgs.
  by James Patterson
  Review by SpeekNDaTruuf
  
  Where can you find four successful women at the top of their game joining forces to find a serial killer? James Patterson's 1st To Die! Ever since reading Roses Are Red by Patterson, I've been a fan of his, and he didn't let me down in this novel, either. So, who are these four successful women?
  
  Lindsay Boxer. Homicide Inspector. Cindy Thomas. Crime Reporter for local newspaper The Chronicle. Claire Washburn. City Medical Examiner. Jill Bernhardt. Assistant DA.
  
  Inspector Lindsay Boxer is called to the scene of a crime, a hotel where a newlywed couple has been brutally murdered on the night of their wedding. Thus begins the hunt for the killer. Boxer calls upon City Medical Examiner, Claire Washburn, to assist with the investigation. Meanwhile, Chronicle crime reporter, Cindy Thomas, is sneaking into the hotel, scoping out the scene. She gets busted, but Boxer admires her "moxy." Further into the investigation, Boxer, along with her department, stumble across a possible "killer," but there are legal statutes in place, so who does she consult? Jill Bernhardt, assistant DA who's used to putting the "bad guys" behind bars.
  
  I loved reading this novel. There were four heroines! Am I feminist? Not really, but it is good to see four women playing the role of lead characters. And not only that, but they are also relatable. I've often found the bond between females interesting; catty, but still interesting. This gave me hope that not all women thought solely about sexual and romantic endeavors, that some women actually saw a "bigger picture," and worked towards that, encouraging and uplifting each other along the way. There's hope for womankind yet!
  
  Now, most people will agree with me when I say that women are smarter than men. I think it's a proven fact... and, apparently, so does James Patterson. But not to be outdone, there are some interesting male characters in this novel as well.
  
  Captain Chris Raleigh, handling public affairs, has been assigned as Boxer's new partner, casting Warren Jacobi, her wise-cracking, sexist partner into a smaller role. Still, Jacobi finds a way to add a few "funnies" here and there throughout the novel. And who can overlook Phillip Campbell, the killer in this novel. Yes, Patterson even takes us into the mind of the murderer, and what you find out may just surprise you!
  
  For creating such memorable characters (and a series on ABC to boot, might I add), I have awarded James Patterson's 1st To Die THREE AND A HALF STARS....more info
• Disappointing ending
  I have read a couple of Patterson's books in the past,not my favorite author but I have enjoyed the new TV series so I wanted to try one of this series. The premise is good and the hunt for the killer was interesting enough. The characters except for the main character Lindsay were one-dimensional though. I was also somewhat disappointed in the ending. It seemed to have just been tacked on quickly to "get it over with." I would have preferred more explaination of how and why the crimes were pulled off. ...more info
• 1st to Die
  A real page turner. The book was much better than the movie although I did enjoy the movie also....more info
• I am addicted to this series!
  Very easy reading. I am addicted to this series... have read 1 through 5. The 6th one is one the way and should arrive on my doorstep anyday... I can't wait!...more info
• Great Re-introduction to Patterson
  A serial killer is on the loose with a strange fetish for newlyweds. The killings are gruesome, yet the killer seems to enjoy it; almost as if, painting a picture or telling a story. Investigators scramble to find their target before the killer finds theirs. Enter the world of Lindsay Boxer as you see this murder-laced story unfold from her point of view. A good page-turner on a cold and cloudy weekend.
  
  For those who like a good suspense novel who are always on the go and need a quick read, this book is for you.
  
  Without knowing much about the author, I picked this book up one weekend hoping to become submerged into a twisted tale that was not my own. I was pleasantly surprised as I was introduced to several new characters that I think will work well together in this series.
  
  Definitely written with 'girl-power' in mind, this book is a necessary relief from a sometimes male dominated mystery/suspense world. I gave this a strong 3.5 (it probably deserves a 4, but I don't give out 5's too often..so I have to grade tough...lol) If you are a fan of suspense writers today (Sanford, Johansen, Woods, etc), you will enjoy this one.
  
  ...more info
• I was shocked! Shocked again, again & then holy crap - again!
  I enjoyed the book greatly. I've read 3 of Patterson's books and now starting this series. I really enjoyed it.
  
  I agree with some of the other critiques. He doesn't do too terribly well with what a woman would actually say or think. The love interest took off a little too fast. He flirted with her too much too fast. Made me wonder how many others he'd done that with.
  
  I thought all the twists and turns were great. I am very impressed with Patterson's writing ability. I disagree with some of the critiques that say it was a boring plot that had been used up. I'd never read anything like it, I thought it was clever and well carried out.
  
  I liked the part about her health (dont want to tell too much) But I thought it was a great part, made you love her and root for her all the more. I found the 'Club' to be a little far fetched. Not to mention probably illegal for her to be involved in.
  
  But who cares. It was great, it was entertaining, a quick read that kept me page turning and it cost me a few hours of sleep! So I say bravo and well done. Especially that ending! Never saw that one coming! Great job!
  
  On to the next one - 2nd chance!
  Heidi
  Avid reader from Dickens to Deaver
  
  ...more info
• Disappointing
  Well, this had a lot of good reviews, and I wanted to get a Patterson novel as I heard they were good reads. I do agree this was a page-turner and an easy read that was good for a long airline flight, but it reminded me of a made-for-TV movie. No character development, very contrived, poor writing, and basically light weight when compared to products from great mystery writers such as Peter Robinson, Colin Dexter, or Michael Connelly. The book is pure fluff and leaves you feeling as if you ate a lot of cotton candy. I would not recommend it for readers who like intelligent reads....more info
• Wow!
  I have just finished the final chapter in James Patterson's 1st to Die and all I can say is...Wow! He had me following every aspect of the mystery and I found myself trying to figure out who the culprit was right along with the girls. I found it hard to put down and I was intrigued literally up to the very last word of the very last page. This is the first book I have read by Patterson and I plan to continue the series up until the end. ...more info