Having read several of Kendra Elliot’s books, I went into Her First Mistake with high expectations—and it absolutely delivered. I experienced this story in both audiobook and print, and I have to say: both formats were stellar. The narration brought a gripping tension to the story that had me hooked during every commute, while reading it allowed me to really savor the intricacies of the plot.

The story moves across three timelines in Noelle Marshall’s life, and somehow, Kendra Elliot weaves them together seamlessly. The pacing never lags, and despite the jumps in time, the narrative flow feels effortless. I was fully immersed in Noelle’s world—her trauma, resilience, and the quiet strength she carries as she pieces together a past that refuses to stay buried.

I thought I had the mystery figured out more than once, but the twists kept catching me off guard in the best way. It’s not just the suspense that pulled me in—it’s the emotional undercurrent running through every page. The story explores grief, guilt, and survival without ever losing momentum, and Noelle is a character you genuinely root for.

Her First Mistake is not only a brilliant standalone—it’s a compelling start to a new series I’ll definitely be continuing. Whether you're a longtime fan of Kendra Elliot or new to her work, this one’s a must-read…or a must-listen. Either way, you're in for a ride.

Note = I totally want more

This book kept me in suspense as it explored Noelle’s past and present life surrounding the murder of her husband Derrick. When the case resurfaces 13 years later, new clues, buried memories, and new suspects collide, taking the case to a shocking new direction. The timelines and flashbacks were strategically placed that added depth and helped build the story in a gripping way.

At times, I did find some of the shifts between characters to be hard to follow and see who’s POV I was reading. Overall, it was intriguing, suspenseful, and left you needing to figure it out! This was my first book by Kendra Elliot, but I look forward to reading more of her books.

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC copy. My review is honest and voluntary.

Noelle Marshall has tried to put the murder of her husband, Derrick Bell, behind her. She's now living in Deschutes County working in the Sheriff's department with her family nearby. But when the FBI comes to town to interview Noelle and her family about the case it stirs up not only old feelings that Noelle had, but an old danger as well. Will Noelle finally get answers and feel safe?

The story had three main timelines: the current investigation, the first investigation thirteen years ago, and when Noelle first met Derrick. I enjoyed the back and forth in timelines at the beginning as it kept the pace of the book moving really fast. I'm excited to get more stories about Noelle and Max - the next book is already on my 'to read' shelf!

Thank you to #netgalley for a review copy of the ebook and the opportunity to share my voluntary and unbiased opinion.

Honest to Pete, this book was riveting from word go. I thought the author did an excellent job of going back and forth in time to show the differences between the characters then and now.

The abject horror and sorrow you feel for Noelle as she tries to remember what happened. Not to mention, all the abuse she had to endure between her husband and his family. I spent a good deal of the book wishing that it was kind of like Looney Tunes and that somewhere out of the blue a giant safe or piano would just land on at least one of them. Horrible vile people they ended up being, right until the very end.

I know a lot of people will come out of this thinking that Noelle got what she deserved because of the fact that she did let herself get fooled into being with her husband, who ended up being nothing more than a drug addled panderer who wants nothing more than political greatness and doesn't care about anyone else. However, I don't feel that way. He promised her that they would do it all together. That he would rise politically with her support. Not with him using her as some sort of a trophy to help get him elected.

Derrick's character, even from the get-go disgusted me. I could tell right away that he was a slimy charlatan hiding in a nice suit. However, just like the saying goes 'even the devil comes as an angel of light.' Sometimes we only see what we want to see, and I think this is a perfect case of that.

The ending though, was completely astounding and I was dropped jawed for most of it. I loved how everything came together and wow, it was so worth it. I cannot wait to read the next book. Kendra Elliot is quickly becoming one of my new favorite authors.

Thanks to Net Galley, the publishers, and to Kendra Elliot for the ability to read and review this book. All opinions are my own and are completely honest.

Loved it!! I really enjoy this series and seeing characters from previous books. I didn't know much about Detective Noelle Marshall before reading this, except that she loves her boots and heels and always seemed put together. She's lucky to be alive after a horrible attack in her California home that left her husband dead. Unfortunately, Noelle doesn't remember anything. Her choice in men isn't always the best. Thirteen years later, she's a detective in Oregon, when the FBI shows up asking more questions about what happened to her husband. The same question is asked. Does she remember anything? The answer is still no. The Bell family believes Noelle had something to do with Derrick's death and doesn't believe she has memory loss. Loved how the book alternated between Noelle in the present and the past. I knew as soon as Noelle met Derrick her life would change. Derrick wanted to change Noelle and started gradually with her hair color. It progressed with clothes, jewelry...the list goes on and on. I loved Noelle's family, Great Aunt Daisy and her grandfather were the best. There was always something off about Lucia. The family always treated her like a child. They always made excuses for her. Loved Noelle's relationship with Alice and Savannah. I was hooked from the start and couldn't wait to find out who killed Derrick and left Noelle for dead. Who anonymously called 911 about the attack? Great mystery with so many twists and turns. I never guessed who was involved. I was shocked when it was finally revealed who killed Derrick. I definitely wasn't expecting that outcome. At least Noelle finally got her memory back and a possible love interest.

Definitely recommend the book. It was a great mystery/thriller. Loved the characters, story and writing style. Looking forward to reading more books by the author. I can't wait for the next book in the series and possibly learn more about Max Rhodes.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Montlake through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart


Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Her First Mistake starts a new Noelle Marshall series in the same world as at least two other series. She works with Evan Bolton from the Columbia River series, which is a mix of stories utilizing characters from some of the author's other series or supporting characters. She was in a book as a side character. Mercy Kilpatrick is in this book , of the Mercy Kilpatrick series.

This is the foundation of Noelle Marshall with her history and current case. The story does alternate between past and present. Thirteen years ago her second husband Derrick Bell, who was in Congress, was murdered. She was attacked and had a head injury and was found unconscious. The case has never been solved. Now the FBI is looking at the case again and comes to Oregon where Noelle and her family members are to ask more questions.

We learn much of her past, upbringing and family members. Noelle started with a degree in psychology. After Derrick died, she went into law enforcement where she works now. The detective, Alice, from her husband's case encouraged her. Noelle does have some memory issues related to her head injury but works hard to compensate for them.

Now with the case reopened things go wild. I won't spoil all the events but it escalates and hurtles along flying at the end. Because of the case, and her husband's family always disparaging her, Nicole has been private and kept to herself and family. When in school and starting the new career, Nicole was able to regain herself. Now with the facts becoming clear, Nicole may be able to move on with her life. There is an FBI agent who may be interested in joining her. I'll definitely be reading more next year in No One Knew.

First novel I have read from this author and it didn’t disappoint. Enjoyable from the first to last page. Plenty of twists and turns to keep me enthralled. Well rounded characters and very well written. Look forward to her next offering. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to review it.

I will never turn down a Kendra Elliott book. I am always intrigued and surprised. This one was a little difficult for me due to the constant time change, though each chapter was labeled making you aware. Once it came to the present day, I was 100% on board. Mercy makes visit and Evan (Noelle's partner) is of course on board. There is a lot going on with family, the good, the bad and the ugly. The perp was a surprise, and there were other surprises. This is book 1 so I am looking forward to following this series. Thank you for the advanced copy. I freely share my honest thoughts and opinions. #HerFirstMistake #NoelleMarshall #KendraElliott #Montlake #NetGalley

4.25 stars
This book is the debut of a new series and features Detective Noelle Marshall. Noella is a minor character from one of the author's other series but takes center stage in this book. I wasn't familiar with the character, but that didn't affect my enjoyment of the book. 
Noelle was the victim of a crime thirteen years ago and is now a detective with the Deschutes County Sheriff's Department. The FBI is now reinvestigating the cold case in which Noelle's husband, Derrick Bell, was killed and she was left for dead. The questions from the two agents are bringing back painful memories for Noelle, but she can't deny the connection she feels between her and Special Agent Max Rhodes.

The story alternates between three main timelines - the present investigation, the initial investigation thirteen years ago, and a few years before that when Noelle first met Derrick. I enjoyed both of the faster-paced investigation timelines the most. I like the FBI agents Alice Patmore and Oscar Wilson from the original investigation and the current timeline is suspenseful since Noelle again seems to be in danger. Despite the act Noelle puts on for her husband's constituents, she and Derrick didn't have a perfect marriage and some of their interactions were unpleasant. 

The plot is complex, often dramatic, and has several twists. It was clear several characters were keeping secrets and when they are revealed, there are some big surprises. The author's acknowledgements in the back say there will be a second book with Noelle that will reveal more of Max's backstory. I look forward to reading it and seeing what happens next in their lives. 

Thank you to Amazon Publishing for the review copy of the book. My review is voluntary and unbiased.

4.5 ⭐️ round up to 5

This is a fantastic start to a new series. This book will keep you turning the pages wanting to figure out the mystery. What happened to Derrick? Who killed him? Will Noelle ever remember what happened?

The twists and turns in this book! It was a book where everyone was a suspect and I couldn’t figure out who actually did it.

Thank you Montlake and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

4.5 stars

I think I expected a different type of book from the description. Her First Mistake is broken up into three timelines. The death of Noelle’s husband 13 years ago mostly from the original FBI Agent’s perspective, the years before that detailing their relationship and the present as the FBI revisits the case from Noelle’s.

If you read the Mercy Kilpatrick series, Noelle and some of the other officers have appeared in those. Kendra Elliot also mentions in their author’s note that this is a new series so we can expect more from Noelle and Max in the future. Since it is widely advertised as book 1, a little obvious that it was unlikely to be Noelle in jail at the end of the book.

We start with the original FBI agents investigating the murder of Noelle’s husband, a politician, and her attempted murder. They are suspicious of the circumstances, even suggesting that Noelle may have hit her own skull to cover up the murder. Meanwhile, Noelle is suffering from memory loss and her in-laws pushing all the blame on to her. The book then looks at their relationship, starting with meeting at the restaurant she bartended at and their introduction up to the day of the murder. Derrick is emotionally abusive, while charming on the outside, and the chapters are pretty descriptive on his behaviour.

Back in the present, two FBI agents still suspicious of Noelle after speaking to her dead husband’s family, ask her to come in to discuss a case. She thinks it is one of her cases only to find herself questioned for hours about the life she left behind to settle in Bend, Oregon. Things quickly escalate with an attempt on her life before the murderer reveals themselves and the reason behind it all.

The second half of this was stronger than the first, but it makes sense that it was a little slower if setting up a new series as we really get to know Noelle. The relationship part can be a little emotionally hard to read too. I did find a few things a little hard to believe, multiple cops having no clue about people’s drug use despite multiple interviews and the Bell family having private investigators following Noelle etc . The murderer really didn’t need to out themselves at that particular point either, they were barely on the radar but I guess they didn’t know that.

It is hard to say much more without major spoilers but overall this was a really good read and I am looking forward to the next one. Thanks to Montlake and Netgalley for the copy for review.

In Her First Mistake, Kendra Elliot features Sheriff's Detective Noelle Marshall. Thirteen years ago, Noelle's husband was brutally murdered, and she was left for dead with a traumatic head injury. Unable to remember the events of that night, Noelle has tried to move on by moving away and transforming her new life by becoming a Detective. However, the FBI has reopened the case and is back to interview Noelle and her family again, setting up a disturbing chain of events.

Her First Mistake is a fast-paced (I finished it in one sitting) thriller told in two timelines. Noelle has been a character in other books (Hi Mercy Kilpatrick!), but she is now getting her chance as the lead. She is strong and relatable. My only criticism is that I felt the villain wasn't very well-developed.

The next book in this series is scheduled for release in 2026, and I'm eagerly anticipating it!

Advanced reader copy provided by Montlake / Amazon Publishing. All opinions are my own.

3.5 stars

I’ve been a huge fan Kendra Elliot for a while now and have binge-read just about everything she’s written. The Mercy Kilpatrick series remains one of my absolute favorites—Kendra has such a talent for pulling readers right into the story from page one.

This latest book was no exception when it came to her writing style. The story, told in alternating timelines between present-day Noelle and the aftermath of her husband’s death 13 years ago, was beautifully paced and emotionally layered. That said, I have to admit I was a little disappointed by the ending. While everything was wrapped up neatly, it just didn’t land the way I’d hoped.

Still, I’m definitely intrigued to see where things go next—especially with Noelle and Max’s relationship.

Big thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for the advance copy! I’m leaving this review voluntarily.

Her First Mistake by Kendra Elliot is a suspenseful and emotional mystery that blends a cold case and a past full of secrets. Thirteen years after the brutal murder of Assemblyman Derrick Bell, his wife Noelle Marshall, now a detective, is pulled back into the trauma she thought she had left behind. As the FBI reopens the case, Noelle must confront painful memories, hidden truths, and a secret she has never told anyone about the night her husband died.

The book starts off slow, and it took a while for me to get truly invested. The early chapters focused heavily on setting the stage, which at times dragged the pace. However, once the story gained momentum, it transformed into a fast-paced, twist-filled ride that kept me turning the pages. The final chapters were intense and incredibly satisfying.

Noelle is a strong and layered character. Her journey from victim to investigator is compelling, and the romantic thread that develops adds a hopeful note to an otherwise dark and gripping story. The ending was especially rewarding and made the slow start worth the wait.

Overall, Her First Mistake is a solid thriller with strong emotional depth. If the first half had been as powerful as the last, this could have been a five-star read. Still, it is a great pick for fans of suspense and romantic crime fiction.

Where do I begin? WOW WOW WOW this was an amazing book!! I couldn’t stopped reading it This was my very first book by the author and I can’t wait to read more from the author. I highly recommend reading it!!

Her First Mistake is a gripping and emotional thriller that kept me hooked from beginning to end. Noelle Marshall, a strong and determined detective, is forced to revisit the trauma of her past when the FBI reopens her husband's cold case murder. As the investigation unfolds, long buried secrets and painful memories come to light.
I loved how the story moved between past and present, slowly revealing the truth. Noelle is a complex and tough character who is easy to root for. Her bond with her family, especially her sisters, added warmth to the dark and suspenseful plot.
There were plenty of twists, and I was guessing until the very end. It was great to see familiar characters from Kendra Elliot’s other books too. This story was both emotional and suspenseful, with just the right mix of action, mystery, and heart.

Noelle moved and rebuilt her life, becoming a law enforcement officer, after the murder of her husband Derrick thirteen years ago but now all that she's done is in peril because the FBI has reopened the case. This is the start of a new series and it's very much a worldbuilding novel as we get to know Noelle and her family as well as Derrick and his. She makes for an interesting character and I'm interested in seeing where Eliot takes this next. Thanks to Netgalley for the Arc. A good read.

I was so happy to finally getting to know Noelle after meeting her in other books! She seemed so classy and interesting and I was blown away by her past and what she went through, I had no idea it was going to be so intense and have us questioning everything we thought we knew!
The story is told from both the present and the past as Detectives take up the search for her husbands killer 15 years later. You get to know the Noelle before her husband, during and the after. Its intense, and thrilling and it will leave you guessing until the very end.
She comes from a unique family, with 2 sisters and raised by her grandfather and great aunt. A loving, supportive family that would do anything for each other. Noelle still deals with the physical aftermath of her attack which has her wondering what is really going on when someone seems to be after her and her family after all these years. She does not remember what happened and fears the worst.
Her story is really intriguing and I am really invested in where her journey will take her in future books! Thank you so much to the author for giving us another incredible female to fall for!

Thus was an excellent read such a page turner I loved it will be reading more from this author thank you for this read I will recommend

Kendra Elliot is a wizard at creating strong, flawed, damaged women who overcome all and get the job done. Nicole is one such woman. The author takes us through the unsolved murder that informs Nicoles past and present. You can’t help but admire her grit and guts. A fascinating tale filled with twists and turns that will leave you spinning. I anxiously await the next installment.