1st to Die
| Industry | Publishing |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2001 |
| Founder | James Patterson |
| Products | Crime novels |
1st to Die is a 2001 crime novel penned by American writer James Patterson, marking the inaugural installment of the Women's Murder Club collection. This series centers on four women who pool their professional skills to tackle San Francisco's most challenging homicide investigations: Lindsay Boxer, a homicide detective; Claire Washburn, a medical examiner; Jill Bernhardt, an assistant district attorney; and Cindy Thomas, a crime journalist for the San Francisco Chronicle.
Plot summary
The story begins with Inspector Lindsay Boxer coping with depression following the loss of a romantic partner in a case referred to as "The Honeymoon Murders."
The initial case involves newlyweds David and Melanie Brandt at the Grand Hyatt, who are brutally killed by an assailant named Phillip Campbell. Lindsay, battling the effects of a rare blood disorder called Negli's aplastic anemia, faces both physical and psychological challenges while investigating the double murder. At the scene, she encounters Cindy Thomas, who is reporting on the incident. With additional victims emerging, Lindsay is assigned a new detective partner due to the case's complexity. Collaborating with Cindy and medical examiner Claire Washburn, they begin unraveling the mystery behind the killings.
Discovery of a third group of victims in Cleveland points toward a broader link. The team grows to include Assistant D.A. Jill Bernhardt. The quartet works in close cooperation to track down the perpetrator, leading to an unexpected conclusion. Meanwhile, a subplot highlights Lindsay’s evolving relationship with her new partner Chris Raleigh.
Reception
Kirkus Reviews disparaged the book for its "low-quality plotting, less excitement than a tax audit, and two-dimensional detectives set to appear in future installments."
Film adaptation
The novel was transformed into a television movie titled First to Die in 2003, starring actors including Tracy Pollan, Carly Pope, Megan Gallagher, Pam Grier, Gil Bellows, Robert Patrick, and Sean Young.