Book Nerds Across America

When Mary selected 10th Anniversary for this month's Sunday Mystery Corner, I had to ask for a pass on this read along.  I didn't want to start on the tenth book in a series when I had never read a single book written by James Patterson.  I have had these books on my to be read list for quite a while, but never had a chance to read them. (The BookNerds keep me very busy with other assignments...Hunger Games, Harry Potter, Mortal Instruments..you get the idea.)  Instead of 10th Anniversary, I read 1st to Die, which is the first book in the series. I decided I would give our followers a brief introduction to the characters and my thoughts on the first book to hopefully inspire them to join us in this month's read along.

The Women's Murder Club is formed during 1st to Die in an effort to catch a brutal murderer preying on young newlyweds.  Each woman provides a different piece of the puzzle and is essential in solving the crimes.  Lindsay Boxer is the homicide detective working the investigation.  Her long time friend Claire Washburn is the Medical Examiner assigned to the cases.  Cindy Thomas is a reporter that stumbled upon the initial crime scene and develops a relationship with Lindsay.  When the investigation seems to have come to a halt, Lindsay decides to introduce Cindy to Claire.  The three women meet off the record to brainstorm over margaritas.  Once they have enough evidence for a search warrant and arrest, they seek the assistance of Jill Bernhardt the assistant district attorney.  When Lindsay decides that the case is not taking the direction she first thought it was, she invites Jill to their next club meeting...over more margaritas of course.  Their friendship, strong work ethic, and expertise in their fields enables them to crack a case that is far more than it initially appears to be.

Patterson had me on the edge of my seat from the initial crime to the final scene.  I was sure I knew who the murderer was with about 100 pages left in the book.  I sent Mary a message and she said to keep reading.  After another 50 pages...I was sure it was someone else.  She once again said to keep reading.  I was SHOCKED by who was eventually responsible for the crimes.  I didn't see it coming at all, but in retrospect it makes complete sense.  Patterson laid out an amazing murder mystery with brilliant characters.  I can't wait to read the rest of this series.  Hopefully I will be able to fit one in here and there between all of my BookNerd assignments.   

-Jacque