Title: 1st to Die
Author: James Patterson
Publisher: Warner Vision
Pages: 261
I decided to read this book because it was recommended to me from my aunt. James Patterson is her favorite author and she has just about every book he has written; this is one of her favorites.
1st to Die is a murder mystery novel about a man by the name of Philip Campbell and his killing spree of San Francisco newlyweds. Four women friends…Lindsay, a homicide detective…Clair, a medical examiner…Jill, an assistant D.A.…and Cindy, a reporter for the Chronicle…all put together their talents and brains in search of finding the killer. The longer they wait, the more people die.
The audience of this book is anyone who likes a good murder mystery. They also have to be a mature audience for there is murder, gore, and graphic scenes; some pertaining sexual content.
Patterson’s writing style is modern and contemporary. There is slang used but also the technical terms seen as there are medical examiners that need to discuss what is happening or has happened to the victims.
“Clapper laughed. ‘You think I’m holding out on you? You’re cute, Lindsay, but I get off on bagging killers more.’” (Patterson 75)
Three passages that really struck me were:
“Campbell stepped forward and plunged a knife deep into the groom’s chest, between the third and fourth ribs, the closest route to the heart.” (Patterson 12)
This passage seemed to stick with me because it was what started off the story. It is where all of the drama began and really set the mood for the rest of the story to come.
“’How serious are we talking about’ I asked, my voice catching…’Then here’s the truth, Lindsay. What you have is life threatening.’” (Patterson 18-19)
This is another passage that set the mood. Lindsay is diagnosed with a fatal disease that she frequently bringing up throughout the story.
The theme of this book is tricky, but I would have to say that it is how even though people might discourage you, you shouldn’t give up. Throughout the book Lindsay Boxer, the main character had to deal with the judgment and ridicule from her partner and her whole department…she was the only female detective. The other girls have to deal with this as well.
“’I avoided his eyes as I skirted past him out of the suit. ‘What the hell’s wrong with Boxer?’ Charlie Clapper asked.” (Patterson 31)
All in all, I would give this book an A. The detail was phenomenal and the book in general kept you at the tip of your seat. The characters were mysterious and the ending had an unexpected twist.
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I feel as though this book would intrigue me. It seems like it would be very suspenseful. The passages you chose are intense and seem like they add lots of excitement to the book. This book also seems like it would make you think, and try to figure out who the murderer is yourself.
ReplyDeleteFrom what you said, I would definitely consider reading this book. I've never read a murder mystery before but I watch TV shows about them all the time and I feel like this book would be just as interesting as one of those shows. I also love books with an unexpected ending; it keeps the book from getting too boring. I think this book would be hard to put down because you would want to find out who the murderer was! Great job on the book repot--I will definitely consider reading this one.
ReplyDelete-Kaitlyn Baranowski
This book sounds really good. I am interested in murder mysteries because i think they are always interesting. I think its cool how there is a group of friends who each contribute to the solving of the crimes. You did a really good job on the summary of the book. It makes me want to read the book and find out what happens.
ReplyDelete-Melissa Oslin
I love reading about murder mysteries. I like how you describe the book. It gives me more of an idea of the book and makes me understand the plot more. This book will be in my hands with in the next coule of books that i read.
ReplyDeleteErnesto Ayala