Cover Image: The Third to Die

The Third to Die

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

The action and the fast-moving plot had me riveted! Allison Brennan hooked me with the opening, and the intermitten chapters with the serial killer were captivating! There were a lot of characters to get to know, which had my head spinning a bit early on, and a lot of bureaucratic plot points with FBI versus local cop versus big city police jurisdiction that didn't interest me all that much. But once I got to know the characters, I was completely invested. The killer is smart but the "good guys" are smarter (of course). Kara Quinn is a kick-butt cop and she was awesome to get to know as a character, and FBI guy Michael Costa was a bit dry but also intelligent, capable, and protective, which really hit the swoon button for me. As far as writing goes, there were a few chapters early on from the FBI profiler's POV that dwindled out as the story continued, so they seemed a bit pointless but probably served as a wrap-up of her storyline in another series (my guess, anyway). But otherwise, this story was really interesting and I'm looking forward to reading #2 in the series.

**Thank you, NetGalley and publishers, for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.**

Was this review helpful?

Unputdownable! The profile of the killer was interesting. I liked Flo Abbott.

I received an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

In this introduction to a series, Brennan creates intriguing characters and a riveting suspense. Detectives Quinn and Costa are forced to work together when Quinn finds a body on her morning jog one day and the details of the murder fit the description of a killer Costa is chasing. Despite their forced relationship, they realize they work well together, and together they may be able to solve the case. This is a great introduction into the series with lots of unexpected twists. Readers will be left wanting more of Quinn and Costa after reading this.

Was this review helpful?

Really enjoyed this FBI crime thriller! I am all about the serial killer hunt stories, and this one did not disappoint. I felt like I was reading an episode of Criminal Minds and thoroughly enjoyed it. Love the characters, especially Kara and Matt! Looking forward to the rest of the series.

Was this review helpful?

The start of a new FBI series solving murders. An interesting thriller with tons of police procedural. Hooked me immediately ad was quite the page turner. Great plot. The characters interactions were well written and the ending was absolutely brilliant. Loved this one.

Was this review helpful?

ANOTHER AUTHOR I ADORE. ALLISON BRENNAN CAN WRITE A STORY. I LOVED THE INTORDUCTIN OF NEW CHARACTERS IN THIS BOOK AND I LOVED THE TWIST.

Was this review helpful?

The Review

Such a compelling and engaging blend of police procedural and serial killer thriller! This captured my attention immediately, as the author went about setting the haunting atmosphere of the killer’s actions in the book’s prelude. The insight into the killer’s mind and the investigation very much reminded me of J.D. Barker’s 4MK series, building the suspense and the cat & mouse element of the narrative slowly but surely, keeping the reader hanging on the author’s every word.

The character growth was definitely the major hook for this story. The killer’s motivations and thought process throughout his killings was complex, but it was the protagonists themselves, Costa and Quinn, who really added depth to this narrative. Their haunted backstories and the bond they form together keeps readers on an emotional rollercoaster as they follow this partnership through its highs and lows, until the book’s exhilarating final chapters.

The Verdict

A masterful, engaging, and thrilling new suspense novel, author Allison Brennan’s “The Third To Die” is a must-read thriller! Heart-pounding games between a killer and those chasing him really keep readers invested in this narrative, and the bond between the two investigators on the case will have readers ready and eager to dive into the next chapter of this series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Was this review helpful?

Detective Kara Quinn, while on forced leave from the NYPD and visiting her grandmother in another state, she stumbles across the body of a young nurse.

Word quickly reaches FBI SA Matt Costa, the new leader of the Mobile Response Team. Matt determines that this is the work of a man they call The Triple Killer. He has killed 6 people over a 6 year time period ... on March 3, March 6 and March 9.

Matt means to catch the killer ... if only they can figure out his pattern of death.

Quinn volunteers to work with Matt since she feels she has a vested interest since she's the one who found his latest victim.

The stakes have never been higher, because if they fail, one of their own team may be next…

It's a fast-paced thriller with a cleverly written plot filled with twists and turns at every corner. The characters are solidly drawn and the newly formed team members all work well together. The ending is explosive. I really look forward to reading the next book in this series.

Many thanks to the author / Harlequin Books / Mira / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

Was this review helpful?

Great book! Engaging from the beginning to the end. Looking forward to reading more by this author! Highly recommended!

Was this review helpful?

The Third to Die is a definite page-turner. We are introduced to Kara Quinn who is on leave from the LAPD. While on her morning jog she finds a body of an apparent victim of a serial killer. The FBI is called to the scene and the hunt for the killer begins. The story is told by multiple POV’s: The killer, Kara, and other members of the Mobile Response Team. I liked reading from the killer's point of view. It added another layer to the story. Overall it was a good read, and I have a feeling that this will be the first book of many in a series

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to the publisher for my copy of this one - all opinions are my own.

I LOVE a new series, and more importantly, a new series that is REALLY good and makes you immediately anxious to get another book so you can find out what happens NEXT.

Enter - Allison Brennan who is now the writer my latest and greatest favorite series.

I LOVE a good serial killer story, and moreso, a good one with a scrappy female lead character. This is the kind of fast paced police procedural/thriller/suspense that is right up my alley. It sucked me in from the first page and I couldn't decide if I should pace myself so I could enjoy it longer, or fly through to see what would happen. I loved the complexity of the characters in this one, as I am a sucker for a messy and very human character filled with flaws and missteps. And I LOVE that you just know there is more to come as this series develops.

A must read for suspense lovers, this will be the series you need to add to your dream tbr.

Was this review helpful?

In typical Allison Brennan fashion this book had Interesting characters and a gripping story line. Recommended to all our mystery/thriller readers

Was this review helpful?

MIRA and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of The Third to Die. I voluntarily chose to review this book and my opinion is freely given.

The Third to Die is the first book in a new series by veteran author Allison Brennan. Detective Kara Quinn is on leave from the LAPD, visiting her hometown, when she comes across a dead woman. This death draws the attention of the FBI, as the manner of the crime matches a serial killer. FBI special agent Mathias Costa and his new Mobile Response Team are called into action. With the help of Kara, and local law enforcement, will the group be able to find the perpetrator before the person kills again?

I liked The Third to Die, but was not immediately drawn in as per usual with books by this author. As this novel is the introduction of new characters and ideas, I would assume that future books will be more compelling and interesting. I did like the strength and determination displayed by Kara Quinn, along with the special abilities of each member of the newly formed team. I look forward to reading more of this series, so I would recommend The Third to Die for that reason.

Was this review helpful?

4.5 stars
This felt like one of those Netflix police procedural type series you get sucked into and next thing you know, you're 3 seasons in, not sure what day it is, and forgot to make a meal or two. Lots of fine details that made this story seem very real, and what is it that makes us so interested in serial killers? This one was very well written. If this will be a series, it'll be one I will follow.

Was this review helpful?

A solid addition to the thriller genre. A recommended purchase for collections where crime fiction is popular.

Was this review helpful?

Kara Quinn is an under cover detective on leave from the LAPD. One morning while on a jog she comes across a dead body. FBI agent Mathias thinks the murder fits the profile of the Triple Killer, he needs to find him before he strikes again. This is a fast paced police procedural that will keep you turning the pages. Thank you to net galley for a copy.

Was this review helpful?

Great Start To A New Series!
Three murders, beginning the third day of the third month, three years apart…A serial killer is back, new city, new state, but with his same routine. But how could a serial killer go three years between his horrible attacks?

That is what FBI Special Agent in Charge Matt Costas must quickly determine. The head of the new mobile Response Team, barely put together to work is more isolated areas where equipment and labs are n’t close by, they speed to the scene of Liberty Lake.

LAPD undercover detective Kara Quinn happens upon the first body while jogging. On a forced leave from her office, she is all to ready to involve herself in the murders.

Can any of them stop them before the next two deaths?

Ms. Brennan has penned another exciting, well put together novel of suspense. The complicated yet clear part the agents take, the speed of their responses, all of the action is very well laid out. You will find a variety of points of view, including that of the killer. The author reveals one clue at a time, so it’s hard to figure out who it could be.

The tension builds knowing the third murder will be someone in law enforcement. That means it is one of their own, one of those within the small town department. You will find yourself wanting to guard some of them yourself to avoid the vicious killer.

A captivating read that you won’t want to miss. I can’t wait to see what the Mobile Response Team will find with their next assignment. Watching the team develop and connect with each other, growing into a solid team will add to the attraction.

Allison Brennan has published more than three dozen books, including the popular Lucy Kinkaid series and the Max Revere Series. She’s a fine writer, thorough with so many details. Definitely one to follow.

We received a copy of this book as part of a blog tour hosted by Harlequin Trade Publishing. We were delighted to review The Third To Die, since Ms. Brennan has long been a favorite author. If you have read any of her other novels, you will understand. If not, don’t miss this one. It’s a great place to start since it will be the beginning of the series.

Enjoy!

Was this review helpful?

***Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***

I always enjoy books by Allison Brennan. They're usually pretty formulaic, but always keep my interest.

Was this review helpful?

2.5*
This is book one of a new series. The Mobile Response Team is a newly developed division within the FBI. Before they can work out all the kinks, they’re rushed off to their first assignment. A suburb just outside Spokane, Washington where the infamous Triple Killer has struck again.

Though a new series, I felt all the characters were so fully developed that I was stepping into the middle of a series. Because this is my first read by this author, I’m not aware if any of these characters have appeared in her previous series, with this being a spin-off?
It left me feeling like an outsider looking in.

I know there was a good story buried in there. I just got tired of waiting for it to surface. It became a struggle to finish, and felt much too long.

I know I’m very much an outlier as most everyone loved this book. Do take a look at all the amazing five-star reviews before making your decision to read or pass on this one.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin MIRA for an ARC to read and review.

Was this review helpful?

4 1/2 STARS!

A web of woven secrets unite with the first book in Allison Brennan's Mobile Response Team series and it's sure to please suspense fans! With a powerful cast and a murder mystery that keeps getting more creepy, the story unfolds into more than we ever expected.

Kara Quinn is tough as nails and a meaningful character to pay attention to. She's on leave from her job as a detective for the LAPD and never expected to happen upon a crime scene while out for a jog in her hometown of Liberty Lake, Washington. She's quickly thrust into the case and neck deep in details with the feds.

Mathias Costa seems like just the guy to head up this new unit as the FBI special agent in charge. He's powerful and sure footed in his duties and can rub elbows with the best of them when the case calls for it. He's quick to arrive in town when it becomes clear that Kara's crime scene is part of an elaborate serial killer they've been tracking for years.

I highly recommend this story to anyone who enjoys a suspenseful read with a bit of romance. The ah ha moment could have been a little more shocking, but overall it was a top notch story and held my attention quite well. I'm looking forward to more to come with the Mobile Response Team.

Was this review helpful?