1st to Die

1st to Die (2001), by bestselling author James Patterson, is the first novel in The Women’s Murder Club series. The club features four friends—San Francisco homicide detective Lindsay Boxer, medical examiner Claire Washburn, crime reporter Cindy Thomas, and assistant district attorney Jill Bernhardt—who work together, both professionally and personally, to solve crimes. In this first novel, the club works to solve the Honeymoon Murders, the killing of three couples just after their weddings. 1st to Die was adapted into a made for television movie in 2003 starring Tracy Pollen.

This guide refers to the 2001 paperback version of the novel published by Grand Central Publishing in arrangement with Little, Brown and Company.

Please note: This novel features descriptions of domestic abuse, sexual assault, and other forms of violence. It also features descriptions of suicidality and suicidal ideation. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a crisis, please reach out immediately to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741.

Plot Summary

Inspector Lindsay Boxer is diagnosed with aplastic anemia, a rare and potentially fatal blood disorder, on the same morning she is called to a double homicide.