Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher! Thanks! All opinions are my own.

Book: The Third to Die

Author: Allison Brennan

Book Series: Mobile Response Team Book 1

Rating: 4.5/5

Publication Date: February 4, 2020

Publisher: MIRA

Recommended Age: 17+ (violence, gore, some adult moments)

Synopsis: An edgy female police detective…An ambitious FBI special agent. Together they are at the heart of the ticking-clock investigation for a psychopathic serial killer. The bond they forge in this crucible sets the stage for high-stakes suspense.

Detective Kara Quinn, on leave from the LAPD, is on an early morning jog in her hometown of Liberty Lake when she comes upon the body of a young nurse. The manner of death shows a pattern of highly controlled rage. Meanwhile in DC, FBI special agent Mathias Costa is staffing his newly minted Mobile Response Team. Word reaches Matt that the Liberty Lake murder fits the profile of the compulsive Triple Killer. It will be the first case for the MRT. This time they have a chance to stop this zealous if elusive killer before he strikes again. But only if they can figure out who he is and where he is hiding before he disappears for another three years. The stakes are higher than ever before, because if they fail, one of their own will be next…

Review: I really enjoyed this book. It was full of action and the writing was well done. The plot kept me entertained from start to finish and the characters were very well developed.

However, I did feel like the book was very fast paced and the book didn’t wrap up everything, which is a little annoying for me but leaves room for another book.

Verdict: Overall, a well done suspense novel!

Edge of your seat suspense does not get better than Allison Brennan’s spine-chilling nail-biter, The Third to Die. Packed with jaw-dropping twists and turns, blood-curdling intrigue and hair-raising tension, The Third to Die is a riveting page-turner thriller fans won’t be able to put down.

In the course of her work, Detective Kara Quinn is used to encountering the seamier and darker side of human nature. Currently on leave from the LAPD, Kara is taking some time out and is in her hometown of Liberty Lake for some much needed rest and recuperation and has gone for an early morning jog to clear the cobwebs and get some exercise when she makes a shocking discovery: the mutilated body of a young nurse. On closer inspection, Kara realizes that the way the nurse was killed shows a pattern of highly controlled rage. Immediately intrigued by this case and determined to bring the killer to justice, Kara calls it in and vows to get to the bottom of this case which will take her down a dark and very twisted path that will test her mettle and plunge her into grave danger.

In Washington, FBI Special Agent Mathias Costa is preoccupied staffing the Mobile Response Team when he receives word that a dead body has been found in Liberty Lake that fits the profile of the Triple Killer. With his team having been assigned this case, Matt is determined to stop this killer from striking again and causing even further damage. The team must arrest the Triple Killer before he commits yet another heinous murder – but with all the odds stacked against them, it is definitely going to be a challenge.

The stakes are higher than ever before, but the MRT cannot risk putting a foot wrong because if they fail, one of them will be next. Will this be a case that the team simply cannot solve? Or will they manage to stop this twisted killer just in time?

Allison Brennan’s The Third to Die is a first class thriller that shocks, terrifies and will leave readers on tenterhooks throughout. A gifted writer who knows how to make her readers jump out of her skin, Allison Brennan has penned a chilling and sinister thriller packed with menace, mayhem and murder that kept me reading until the early hours of the morning.

Allison Brennan’s characters are complex, compelling and intelligent protagonists readers will simply love spending time with and will want to read more about in future instalments of what promises to be a brilliant new thriller series.

A fantastic thriller that is simply outstanding, The Third to Die is an outstanding chiller that is absolutely impossible to put down.

The Third to Die was a suspenseful read that kept me turning the pages as fast as I could. This book is the 1st in a new series featuring a newly formed FBI response team. They get called out to the newest murder in a suspected serial killer case where the killer kills three people every three years but then seemingly goes dormant in between killings. It's a highly unusual type of serial killer and FBI special agent Matt has a limited timeframe if he is going to be able to help stop the new two killings before the killer strikes again. I really enjoy police procedurals and books featuring FBI agents as the lead characters. I always enjoy following along with the investigation in the hopes that they will be able to stop the killer in time. In this book that feeling of suspense was heightened because they knew that their killer always killed the three victims in a short amount of time. They didn't have much time to figure it out and on top of that this is a newly formed team where they were adding members as they went. I really enjoyed the suspense and mystery aspects of this book. I was kept guessing until the author was ready to reveal. And on top of it, it was just such a page turner! I really did whip through this book as fast as I could because I wanted to see how it was all going to turn out. My one issue with this book was that there were times where it felt like I was missing backstory. This book is the 1st in a new series but I'm kind of left wondering if these characters came from a previous series or book by this author. It didn't happen the entire book but there were a couple of times where a past case was referenced that we were never given the full details behind. Maybe we will learn more about that case and everything that happened in a future book? Or maybe I missed the fact that this series is connected loosely to another book or series of this authors? I haven't yet figured it out. Despite that complaint, I really did enjoy this book overall. The author wasn't afraid to take chances or make surprising choices with the story line. It kept me on my toes the entire time!

Overall, I enjoyed this book and am excited to continue on with this series! I've previously enjoyed a couple of this author's books - I really need to get working on her backlist more! She has quite the backlist so at least I have lots more to look forward to while I wait for the next book in this series. I'm especially intrigued by the way the author chose to end this book. The case was wrapped up but she left some major questions open for one of the characters that is going to have me jumping on that second book whenever it comes out. I would recommend this book to fans of mysteries and romantic suspense - this isn't a romantic suspense by any means but there are hints at a possible developing relationship that I think those types of readers will enjoy. This is an easy book for me to recommend!

Bottom Line: A mystery that kept me reading as fast as I could just so I could see how it would all turn out!

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book thanks to the publisher and NetGalley as part of a publisher led blog tour. Honest thoughts are my own.

Favorite Quotes:

“Six months… Six months and the triplets start kindergarten.” She looked at her FitBit. “Five months, twenty-six days.”… Kara was still hung up on triplets. She’d definitely shoot herself. Or never have sex again.

Small town cop with a small town girlfriend and a small town life. Kara almost felt sorry for him. Like he still believed in Santa Claus and she was going to burst his bubble.

My Review:

This was quite a complicated and multifaceted tale with a full cast of compelling, intriguing, and complex characters. I quickly fell into this brilliantly contrived, tautly written, and brain-tickling vortex that alternated between the killer and those doggedly working to find him and end his spree.

The storylines packed a visceral punch and were cunningly crafted, quickly paced, and occasionally cringe-worthy. I was rabid to know all the deets about everybody and everything, and even when I knew who the killer was and why - I was still rabid to know how it would resolve. Basically, I was rabid and close to hissing at any interruption of my perusal. Pity my poor little husband.

Despite her prolific body of work, this was my first exposure to the shrewd and haunting storytelling and profoundly insightful character development of Allison Brennan. I was an instant fangirl, although I wouldn’t want to get too close as I would imagine her interior life may be a bit scary to inhabit.

Even when she’s 100’s of miles away from home, LAPD detective Kara Quinn can’t get away from trouble. She’s on a leave from her job and staying with her grandmother at Liberty Lake when she discovers a dead body during a morning jog. It’s not long before she learns that the dead body could be part of a serial killer.

A newly formed task force called the Mobile Response Team, led by FBI agent Mathias Costa is on the job and conducting the investigation. The team is still being assembled, but they have a good team to start. Kara’s expertise is a huge help so they temporarily add her to the team.

It’s a race against time since the serial killer has a timeframe of killing three people every three years. They must prevent the second killing at all costs. It’s not long before they realize one of their own could be a target.

The Third to Die is a police procedure which keeps you at the edge-of-your seat. It grabs you in from the start. It takes a little time getting to know the cast and the members of the Mobile Response Team, but the author does a good job of introducing them.

This is one of those novels that has your heart racing from the start. About halfway through the book, it was clear who the killer was, but the story is more about how they are going to stop the killer from claiming another victim.

There are many layers to this investigation. Kara and Matt are drawn together through this adventure, but once this case is solved, they would each go their separate ways. They are each fighting their own inner demons.

I could easily see this book being made into a movie. It has all the ingredients to keep the audience engrossed and on their toes. I’m looking forward to the second book in the series.

An edgy female police detective…An ambitious FBI special agent. Together they are at the heart of the ticking-clock investigation for a psychopathic serial killer. The bond they forge in this crucible sets the stage for high-stakes suspense.
I’d meant to read this author for years now and I’ve finally gotten the chance. This was a pretty good book. I really liked both Kara and Matt individually. I’m not really sure how I feel about their interactions though. I really liked watching the mystery unravel as they rush to figure the murders out. I only really have a few minor complaints. One, I felt it could’ve been trimmed down a bit (ex, following as they figure things out and than also being part of them explaining it to others I thought was a bit much when it was 400pgs). Another, I didn’t really get the point of having the parts that are in the profiler’s POV. I didn’t really feel like it added to the book. The only other thing was that I felt like it ended on a slight cliff hanger. However, I don’t know if that’s just this author’s style in a series or what, but it threw me off just a bit. Overall, I enjoyed the story and both main characters. I highly recommend.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

Thank you to MIRA for providing me with an e-ARC of The Third to Die by Allison Brennan in exchange for an honest review (& for allowing me on the blog tour)!

Multiple Perspectives: The Third to Die gives us insight through multiple perspectives. From Detective Kara Quinn to Special Agent Matt Costa to our Triple Killer. This gives us more of a jist at what’s happening in the plot all-around and helps us truly get to know the major playing characters.

There are a lot of characters that come and go throughout The Third to Die, so I strongly believe that Allison Brennan made the right choice by choosing to dive into the minds of multiple characters; shining light on each personality and the relationships that they are involved in.

One thing that really causes this book to stand out is getting into the mind of the Triple Killer. Throughout the book, we get to learn more about him through his own thoughts and what the team discovers throughout their investigation.

Detective Kara Quinn: Detective Kara Quinn is probably my favorite character in The Third to Die. Growing up, she had con-artist parents who were in and out of jail and attempted to use her multiple times in their shenanigans. This obviously adds rough-around-the-edges to her character; one thing I absolutely love. Her sub-plot was also fairly interesting, and it was very easy to root for her.

Special Agent Matt Costa: Special Agent Matt Costa is in charge of the Mobile Response Team, and honestly, there really wasn’t much of anything to him that makes him stand out.

Romance: There’s a romance/lust aspect to The Third to Die, and I believe that as the series continues it’ll get even better. At the point of this read, it’s just more of a sexy — kind of forbidden — relationship. Which I’m always here for sexy & forbidden.

The Triple Killer: As mentioned above, what really adds umph to The Third to Die is the Triple Killer’s insight and point-of-view. He’s very methodical and proves to be a challenge for the team. It’s fun watching what makes him tick, and what happens when his plan gets thrown off course.

Plot & Execution: Unfortunately, this is where the story kinda fails for me. Plot & execution are clearly important when it comes to a book; as this is what really holds the reader in.

There is a lot of repetition in terms of what’s going on, and the character’s thoughts continuously being repeated. A lot of the internal dialogue and scenes could have been removed, and the story still would have made its point. It was a fairly long & dragging read for me. Excluding getting a glimpse into the Triple Killer’s head, there’s nothing that makes The Third to Die stick out from the other thrillers & mysteries.

Golly, what an impressive read this little gem turned out to be!

The Third to Die is the first book in a new series by Allison Brennan centring on the FBI's Mobile Response Team. This newly formed part of the FBI consists of highly specialised agents who are top in their field, be it forensics, crime scene specialists or investigators. They are operational primarily in rural areas and this is their first case.

A serial killer has resurfaced whose preferred method of attack is to kill on March 3rd, 6th or 9th, every three years. Enter FBI special agent Mathias (Matt) Costa who has been advised that a body of a young nurse has been found in Liberty Lake and the murder fits the profile of the compulsive so-called 'Triple Killer'.

Detective Kara Quinn, on enforced leave from the LAPD and out jogging in her hometown, made the gruesome discovery and offers her help in solving the case, which Matt readily accepts.

This story is zhooshed up by the addition of Kara who is a curious character, and fiercely independent with a strong sense of justice. The chemistry between her Matt is electric and they also share mutual respect for one another. The reader is privy to glimpses of ambitious Matt’s past involving his reluctant profiler, Catherine Jones. Not all is explained, but it involves a prior case that led to the death of Catherine’s sister. Matt himself is shrewd and makes a marvellous leader.

The mystery element in The Third to Die is magnificent and totally engaging, although not particularly offbeat. The tight time-frame keeps the plot rolling, with no opportunity to become mired in tediousness. The procedural aspects are solid with the exasperation of the team, hampered by bureaucracy, coming through winningly.

The Third to Die is wonderfully written in a style I relish and I'm in my reading element when a percipient perpetrator emerges to challenge a talented, super-smart team. This is a great start to what is sure to be a stellar series.

I enjoyed The Third to Die so much that I'm reading the books from Brennan's other series' and cannot wait for her next in this one.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my request, from MIRA via NetGalley and this review is my own unbiased opinion.

Allison Brennan has left me needing more from this series. Detective Kara Quinn is on leave from the police force, but happens upon a body. The discovery pulls Quinn back into work supporting Special Agent Matt Costa. The book is twisted, that is for sure and will keep a reader needing more.

Kara is an LAPD undercover cop. She is on a forced vacation and she is NOT happy about it. Kara decides to spend some time with her grandmother in Washington. She ends up running across a dead body. This leads to a serial killer investigation with the FBI. And of course, being a witness…she inserts herself into the investigation.

Kara is a character I can truly revel in! She is one disrespectful, smart, tough cop with some unique skills. I swear, I thought she had ESP through most of this read. She is on top of it! And nothing escapes her notice. She becomes vital to the investigation of this 3/3 serial killer. Now, don’t get me wrong…this is a team effort and and this team has a great set of skills. They know how to use them and to work together to capture their target!


There is a lot going on in this story. I really enjoyed the chase in this one. It is very complex and intricate. I love a smart read that really keeps me guessing. This story is a slow build of intensity and intrigue. You just read faster and faster to get to the answers. And to the final killing…can they stop this serial killer…you MUST read this to find out!


I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

Kara Quinn is on administrative leave and visiting her grandmother in Liberty Lake when she stumbles upon a dead body while jogging. Turns out the woman she found is the victim of The Triple Killer, a serial killer with a specific MO. Every three years, on March 3rd, a victim is killed. For the next 6 days, two more victims also fall prey and then the killer is silent for another three years.

Mathias Costa is busy heading up a new mobile FBI crime unit. He and his team will travel the US and assist with cases where larger teams aren't readily available. He isn't full prepared when he gets called out to assist with the Triple Killer case and since Kara has time on her hands, he finds her enlisting her assistance. But can a team of qualified law enforcement agents find out what motivates the killer to take action, and more importantly, who he is and how to stop him.

I have had some good luck with thrillers lately and The Third to Die is no exception. The story is told from several POVs and even include some chapters from the killer himself. Perhaps it's my background in criminal justice but I do tend to enjoy procedural thrillers and it was a fun trip unraveling the case along with the agents. The book, while lengthy, is told during a short time span which I think lends the reader to feel the urgency of the investigation right alongside the agents.

I also really liked the characters in the book. We are introduced to some small town police who have never worked such a high profile case, along with Kara, Mathias and the criminal profiler, Catherine. Kara is a tough cookie and has a lot of pent up resentments against the FBI. However, she finds working with Mathias challenging and interesting. Mathias is somewhat cocky and arrogant, but wen push comes to shove, he will admit he needs help. Basically, the characters were flawed and I do love me some flawed characters.

I'm glad to see this is the beginning of a new series. I don't have many procedural thriller series to follow but this is definitely going on my have-to-read list. I've read one other book from this author years ago and enjoyed it, but The Third to Die has me interested to see what books from her I might have missed out on.

I've really been jonesing for another Max Revere book so when I was given the opportunity to review The Third to Die by Allison Brennan I jumped at the chance! I've been in love with Brennan's writing style since the early days. I'm currently re-reading her first series and plan to attack her back list one book at a time until I'm caught up.

The Third to Die did not disappoint. I was intrigued throughout the whole book. Brennan kept the identity of the killer hidden until she chose to reveal it but we do get insights into his life. I really enjoyed all of the characters. The only complaint that I had is that we didn't get to spend enough time with them. I can't wait to get to know the members of the Mobile Response Team better.

I did find myself getting annoyed with Kara a little bit and I think that's the intention. I really liked her and I understood why she did the things she did but it didn't stop me from being mildly annoyed at times. Matt is going to be a great lead for this team! I think that his intuitiveness is what made me like him. He's also pretty humble while still maintaining alpha male characteristics. Nothing is sexier than a man who is in charge and knows what he wants but doesn't hesitate to ask for help to accomplish his goals.

The tension in this book was amazing! I wanted very much to know everything. As a reader I spent most of my time reacting to the story unfolding for me. It kept me on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what was happening and more importantly why it was happening. There was one major thing that I knew was going to happen but wasn't sure how it would happen but it didn't stop my reaction when it did happen.

It's no secret that I've always loved Brennan's writing but I really feel like she hit it out of the park with The Third to Die!

A goid start to hooefuly a new series. I was engrossed from the first page. Non-stop action. I was thrilled! I loved that this writer is so apt at placing readers right there in the mind if the characters. Trully a page turner.

The Third to Die is the fabulous kick-off to Brennan’s new series. The characters draw you in from page one and the action doesn’t stop. Brennan is always good at getting into the killer’s head and this is no exception. You will be up all night turning pages, but make sure to leave the lights on.

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.

Meeting a new character at the beginning of a series is like deciding if the new girl in class has what it takes to be your friend. I’m happy to report that L.A. detective Kara Quinn and I are going to get along just fine. What rates highest in my list of attributes for a series star is competence. I don’t care how flawed her character or warped her vision, if the reader can count on him or her to do the job, my satisfaction is guaranteed. In The Third to Die, Kara has been banished to the town of Liberty Lake where she previously lived with her grandmother, using vacation days to remove her from the aftermath of a case she was working on back in L.A. While running one morning, she is the first to come upon a body and is soon lending assistance to the local small town police force. Before long the FBI is also involved as the case shows signs of being the work of a serial killer. The MRT, mobile response team, under the leadership of Matt Costa is sent from DC to provide know-how and personnel to the inexperienced police department of Liberty Lake. The book is a solid story of following the clues juxtaposed with chapters revealing the killer’s plan. Although the reader gets a front row seat of the “How” of his heinous scheme as it unfolds, we only learn the “Why” along with Kara, Matt and the gifted profiler Catherine who is wrestling with her own issues.
I found the pace of the story to be perfect, keeping me interested throughout. When the detectives realize this is the work of the Triple Killer, they know they have a deadline til his next kill, and we are caught up in the drama of solving the case before any more victims suffer.
My only complaint is a petty one. I read fast and when multiple characters share names beginning with the same letter, it takes me awhile to sort them out. Here we had Matt, Maddox, and Michael sharing police duties. would it have spoiled the story to rename a few of the minor characters? Just a thought for writers of popular work.
By the end of the story we have come to understand more about the complex woman that is Kara Quinn and, although her future is not completely revealed to us, we know she is headed to new challenges that will use her skills in very satisfying ways. I for one am looking forward to her next case, wherever it takes her.

The Third to Die, the first book in The Mobile Response series, is a chilling tale about a smart, meticulous and twisted killer determined to get revenge against the people he believed wronged him. He would match wits with the members of the FBI’s newly formed Mobile Response Team and local law enforcement, who would find themselves in a race against time to capture him before he could execute his next target.

A riveting read which proved difficult to put down. The story started slow and took its time building up to a thrilling end. The story gave nothing away. I followed the evidence along with the team and got my answers the same time they did.

I thought the characters were well developed, and I had a great time getting to know them. I found Kara’s character intriguing. As an undercover cop, she proved an asset to the Mobile Response Team. Her working with the team was due to her discovery of a murder scene while jogging. A discovery that placed her in the middle of the hunt for a serial killer. She has an interesting past, which played a role in molding her strong, intelligent and maverick personality.

At the time of Kara’s discovery, Mathias Costas was selected to head the Mobile Response Team. At this point, he and Kara’s paths will cross. Mathias proved to be a great leader but did not have the patience for inter-agency politics. He and Kara worked well together

I feel that this book is a spinoff of another series. I came to this conclusion based on the limited background information provided regarding Mathias and his behavioral analyst Catherine. There is history there, which was not fully explored in this book.

I loved how the author blended the personal lives of the characters with the solving the case. I mourned and celebrated with them as a result.

Conclusion / Recommendation
The Third to Die highlighted how easy it was for the criminal mind to unravel when plans go awry. This was an enjoyable read and a great start to the series. Fans of mysteries and police procedurals would enjoy this latest offering from Allison Brennan.

I'm really excited about this new series by Allison Brennan. I found the main characters to be intriguing and the mystery was quite suspenseful. Will be looking forward to more books in this series.

One of the best first in series books I have read in a long time! I was drawn in from the first page. There is a lot of basics for the series laid down. The cast of characters is large and full of interesting and complex people. The plot is intriguing and full of action, suspense, and twists. The drama is balanced by a perfect dose of a possible budding romance that will be fun to see play out in future books. This series has the potential to be the best one this author has created. I'm a huge fan of Lucy Kincaid and Max Revere. Kara Quinn is right in league with them. This author has a knack for creating strong female characters that readers can relate to as well as become invested in. I can't wait for more.

This can definitely be classified as a police procedural. As time goes on, I’m not sure I enjoy police procedural novels as much as I used too. Initially, I had a hard time getting into it because there was a lot of police shop talk and so many characters to familiarize myself with. I was a bit confused especially since there were multiple police forces and counties involved and I am not familiar with American police forces, and how their legal/police system works.

However, as the story developed, and I got familiar with all the different characters and police forces, I really go into it and found it to be quite a real mind nerving page-turner.

The premise is very creative; a serial killer that kills in threes, in the third month of the year, on the third day, every third day, three times, every three years…if that makes sense!
I’m so glad I powered through because this will now be another series I can’t get enough of; it was so gripping, and I absolutely loved the main character Kara Quinn. She was such a badass protagonist. I also really love the other main character agent Mathias Costa. Looking forward to reading more on their dynamic!
Perfect debut book for the Mobile Response Team series.