Den 1:a att dö
8.2 / 10 366K ratings
- Language
- Swedish
- Published
- 2004
- Publisher
- Prisma
- Pages
- 318
- ISBN
- 9789172635463
In San Francisco, a city is gripped by fear as a ruthless killer begins targeting newlywed couples, turning their happiest moments into scenes of brutal murder. Homicide Inspector Lindsay Boxer is assigned to the case, but her determination to find justice is complicated by a private, life-threatening illness. As the official investigation stalls and the body count rises, Lindsay realizes the conventional methods are not enough to stop this meticulous and sadistic murderer.
Frustrated by the system, Lindsay reaches out to three friends: a medical examiner, a crime reporter, and an ambitious assistant district attorney. Together, they form the Women's Murder Club, combining their unique skills and insights to analyze the case outside the rigid lines of bureaucracy. By sharing information and sidestepping their bosses, these four women forge an intense bond as they pursue a terrifying killer. They must work together to unravel the puzzle before another couple is targeted, discovering that the path to the truth is more shocking and dangerous than they ever imagined.
Frustrated by the system, Lindsay reaches out to three friends: a medical examiner, a crime reporter, and an ambitious assistant district attorney. Together, they form the Women's Murder Club, combining their unique skills and insights to analyze the case outside the rigid lines of bureaucracy. By sharing information and sidestepping their bosses, these four women forge an intense bond as they pursue a terrifying killer. They must work together to unravel the puzzle before another couple is targeted, discovering that the path to the truth is more shocking and dangerous than they ever imagined.
Subjects
- Literature & Fiction
- Genre Fiction
- Horror
- Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
- Thrillers & Suspense
- Suspense
- Fiction
- Custom Stores
- Mystery
- Women Sleuths
- Crime
- Police Procedurals
- Friendship
- Psychological
- Psychological Thrillers
- Amateur Sleuths
- Religious
- Adventure
- Audio Adult: Books On Tape
- American
- Amateur Sleuth
- Police Procedural
- Crime & Mystery
- World Literature
- Legal
- Detective and mystery stories
- Fiction, mystery & detective, women sleuths
- Friendship, fiction
- Audiobooks
- Thriller
- Audio - Fiction (Unabridged)
- Mystery & Detective
- Thrillers
Original edition
1st to DieOriginally published in 2001 English Little, Brown
Other editions (38)
Listen to the summary Narrated summary
San Francisco, a city of fog and hills, found itself gripped by a chilling terror as newlywed couples began to vanish, only to be discovered brutally murdered. Each bride, still in her wedding gown, became a tragic symbol of a love story cut short. Inspector Lindsay Boxer, a formidable presence in the male-dominated homicide department, found herself at the heart of the investigation, wrestling not only with the escalating case but also with a devastating personal diagnosis: aplastic anemia, a rare and often fatal blood disorder. The weight of her own mortality pressed upon her, even as the city demanded answers.
The first horrific discovery involved David and Melanie Brandt, their honeymoon bliss shattered by a merciless killer. Lindsay, uncharacteristically emotional at the scene, crossed paths with Cindy Thomas, a sharp crime reporter eager for a scoop. As the bodies accumulated, and the police found themselves baffled, Lindsay's path converged with two other remarkable women. Her best friend, Claire Washburn, the chief medical examiner with a keen eye for detail, provided invaluable insights from the morgue.
Frustrated by the slow pace of the official investigation and the mounting pressure, Lindsay, Claire, and Cindy began to meet unofficially, pooling their unique skills. Over drinks and shared anxieties, the "Women's Murder Club" was born, an unconventional alliance determined to crack the seemingly impossible case. Their discussions, often held outside the rigid confines of police procedure, proved more fruitful than the official channels. A new partner, Captain Chris Raleigh, was assigned to Lindsay, adding another layer of complexity as a burgeoning attraction grew between them, despite Lindsay's fears about her illness.
The Honeymoon Killer's spree extended beyond San Francisco, claiming a third couple, James and Kathy Voskuhl, in Cincinnati. The missing wedding rings from each victim became a chilling signature. As the women delved deeper, Assistant District Attorney Jill Bernhardt, ambitious and sharp, joined their ranks, completing the quartet. Together, they navigated a labyrinth of clues, uncovering dark secrets and hidden motives, all while Lindsay battled the physical and emotional toll of her worsening health.
The investigation eventually led them to Nicholas Jenks, a celebrated writer, who quickly became the prime suspect. His fame, however, forced Lindsay and Chris to tread carefully, their attempts to secure a search warrant for his home initially thwarted. Yet, the Women's Murder Club, with their combined intellect and determination, continued to piece together the fragments of the killer's twisted puzzle, their unofficial collaboration proving essential in shedding light on the darkness.
The pursuit intensified, culminating in a dramatic confrontation. Chris chased Nicholas into the Palace of Fine Arts, only for Lindsay to arrive and find Chris shot, bleeding. Nicholas was there, arguing with his current wife, Chessy. In a shocking turn, Chessy confessed to the murders, revealing herself as the true orchestrator, acting under Nicholas's command. She attempted to silence Nicholas, but Lindsay intervened, fatally shooting Chessy.
Chris died in Lindsay's arms, a devastating blow that plunged her into a deep depression, even as her own health began to show signs of improvement. But the nightmare was not over. Weeks later, Nicholas Jenks appeared at Lindsay's apartment, a chilling confession on his lips: he was the true mastermind, Chessy merely his pawn. He then tried to kill Lindsay, but she, fueled by grief and a fierce will to survive, managed to kill him first, finally bringing an end to the terror.
The first horrific discovery involved David and Melanie Brandt, their honeymoon bliss shattered by a merciless killer. Lindsay, uncharacteristically emotional at the scene, crossed paths with Cindy Thomas, a sharp crime reporter eager for a scoop. As the bodies accumulated, and the police found themselves baffled, Lindsay's path converged with two other remarkable women. Her best friend, Claire Washburn, the chief medical examiner with a keen eye for detail, provided invaluable insights from the morgue.
Frustrated by the slow pace of the official investigation and the mounting pressure, Lindsay, Claire, and Cindy began to meet unofficially, pooling their unique skills. Over drinks and shared anxieties, the "Women's Murder Club" was born, an unconventional alliance determined to crack the seemingly impossible case. Their discussions, often held outside the rigid confines of police procedure, proved more fruitful than the official channels. A new partner, Captain Chris Raleigh, was assigned to Lindsay, adding another layer of complexity as a burgeoning attraction grew between them, despite Lindsay's fears about her illness.
The Honeymoon Killer's spree extended beyond San Francisco, claiming a third couple, James and Kathy Voskuhl, in Cincinnati. The missing wedding rings from each victim became a chilling signature. As the women delved deeper, Assistant District Attorney Jill Bernhardt, ambitious and sharp, joined their ranks, completing the quartet. Together, they navigated a labyrinth of clues, uncovering dark secrets and hidden motives, all while Lindsay battled the physical and emotional toll of her worsening health.
The investigation eventually led them to Nicholas Jenks, a celebrated writer, who quickly became the prime suspect. His fame, however, forced Lindsay and Chris to tread carefully, their attempts to secure a search warrant for his home initially thwarted. Yet, the Women's Murder Club, with their combined intellect and determination, continued to piece together the fragments of the killer's twisted puzzle, their unofficial collaboration proving essential in shedding light on the darkness.
The pursuit intensified, culminating in a dramatic confrontation. Chris chased Nicholas into the Palace of Fine Arts, only for Lindsay to arrive and find Chris shot, bleeding. Nicholas was there, arguing with his current wife, Chessy. In a shocking turn, Chessy confessed to the murders, revealing herself as the true orchestrator, acting under Nicholas's command. She attempted to silence Nicholas, but Lindsay intervened, fatally shooting Chessy.
Chris died in Lindsay's arms, a devastating blow that plunged her into a deep depression, even as her own health began to show signs of improvement. But the nightmare was not over. Weeks later, Nicholas Jenks appeared at Lindsay's apartment, a chilling confession on his lips: he was the true mastermind, Chessy merely his pawn. He then tried to kill Lindsay, but she, fueled by grief and a fierce will to survive, managed to kill him first, finally bringing an end to the terror.
What other readers say
Liked
Reviews for this book highlight a range of opinions, with many readers finding it to be a compelling and fast-paced thriller. Positive feedback frequently mentions the book's ability to captivate and enthrall, with brisk chapters that make it an easy and quick read. Many appreciated the core concept of a diverse group of professional women – a detective, a medical examiner, a reporter, and a district attorney – banding together to solve gruesome crimes, noting their complementary skills and engaging dialogue. The suspense is often praised as well-paced, keeping readers hooked with numerous possibilities and clues regarding the killer's identity, leading to unexpected twists that some found clever and surprising. Additionally, the main character's personal struggles and the San Francisco setting were appealing to several readers.
Disliked
However, a significant number of critiques point to issues with character development and writing style. Reviewers often describe the characters, particularly the female protagonists, as shallow, stilted, and lacking nuance, with some feeling that the author's portrayal of women and their relationships was unrealistic or clichéd. The writing itself is sometimes labeled as mediocre, clumsy, or overly dramatic, with complaints about excessive vulgarity, cheap romance, and repetitive language. The plot, while fast-paced, is occasionally seen as formulaic, melodramatic, or relying on contrived coincidences. Furthermore, some readers found the twists to be predictable or tedious, rather than shocking, and the title "Women's Murder Club" was perceived as hokey or immature.
In short
In conclusion, this book appears to be a highly divisive read. It is generally recommended for those seeking a quick, entertaining, and undemanding mystery thriller that prioritizes a rapid plot over deep literary exploration or intricate character studies. Readers who enjoy fast-paced crime procedurals, especially those featuring a team of strong female protagonists working together, and who appreciate a "page-turner" that doesn't require heavy intellectual lifting, are likely to find it enjoyable. However, those looking for nuanced character development, sophisticated prose, or highly original plot twists may find themselves underwhelmed.
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