The Third to Die: A Novel

The mind of a killer and the way it's detailed in this book is off the chart. This author truly has a way with bringing out that part of her character and it made this read that much more appealing. Kara on vacation, a forced one at that, is sucked into a murder investigation. It just happens to be a serial killer which in turn brings out a newly formed FBI Mobile Response Team. This is the first book in the series and my first read by this author. The mystery/thriller part of the read is beautifully done, includes suspense and yeah the killers pov is part of the mix and what keeps things interesting. This author also includes a ton of detail on the team itself and at times I found myself stretched to remember how they all fit into the story. Then of course the romance is thrown in and while there isn't a cliffhanger it is clear it's a lead to the series. While I enjoyed the story I have to agree with other reviewers that said it felt familiar, not in it being copied just that it wasn't unique. I would like to see where she takes the series and probably will read more of her work.

The Third to Die by Allison Brennan Mobile Response Team #1 Detective Kara Quinn has worked undercover most of her twelve years with the LAPD. She is good at her job but as a result of her last assignment is “on leave” for two weeks and has gone “home” to spend time with her grandmother. Not a woman to sit and relax she is soon assisting the FBI’s Moblie Response Team in finding the Triple Killer. This story has a great deal of police procedural information included as they look for the killer. As this is a new series each of the team of the new MRT has to be introduced and a bit said about them, too. Will they catch their man? Will they be able to save any of the people the killer is out to take the lives of? Will they figure out why the killer kills and why he chooses those he does to murder? Quite an interesting tale but not a happy ever after for everyone. What I liked: * The concept for the team and that it is not quite complete yet * Matt: seems wise and mature enough to be in charge of the team * Kara: dedicated police woman that is a bit of a chameleon. I want to know more about her * The dynamics between the various people working the case * The side story of Catherine the profiler and her situation (though I wonder if she has been in a previous book) * The potential for a relationship between Matt & Kara * The groundwork put in place for the series What I did not like: * The bad guy...what a creep. Toward the end he did sound mentally “younger” than his years...more teenager than adult at times * That some very good people ended up dead at the hands of the serial killer * Having to wait for the second book to find out what the next case will be. Thank you to NetGalley and Mira for the ARC – This is my honest review. 4-5 Stars

The Third to Die is the start of a brand new series by Allison Brennan, and she certainly knows how to build tension. This one pulls you in right out of the gate with the perspective of a serial killer, and from there we get introduced to the key players. The story has good flow, and the tension steadily rises throughout the book. There were a few lags here and there, but overall, the story held my interest and kept me engaged. As the start of a series, the characters that make up the Mobile Response Team are interesting and the type that I'll look forward to seeing again in future books. All in all, this first in the series is well-written, entertaining, and a great intro to the characters. I'll be interested to see where it all goes from here.