A notorious serial killer is back An edgy female police detective. An ambitious FBI special agent. Together they are at the heart of the ticking-clock investigation into a psychopathic murderer. The bond they forge in this crucible sets the stage for high-stakes suspense. Detective Kara Quinn is on an early morning jog in Liberty Lake when she discovers the body of a young nurse. The manner … the body of a young nurse. The manner of death reveals a highly controlled rage.
Word quickly reaches FBI special agent Matt Costa that this murder fits the profile of the elusive Triple Killer, who compulsively strikes every three years, targeting three victims, each three days apart. This time they have a chance to stop him. But only if they can decipher the meaning of his pattern to figure out who he is and where he is hiding before he strikes again.
The stakes have never been higher, because if they fail, one of their own team may be next…
Don’t miss Tell No Lies, the next page-turning thriller from New York Times bestselling author Allison Brennan!
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The Third To Die by Allison Brennan is an exquisitely plotted crime procedural jampacked with lots of action and suspense.
LAPD undercover detective Kara Quinn isn’t in Liberty Lake, WA because she wants to be. Her boss insisted that she take a two week “vacation” after the death of one of her informants which impacted her greatly and her shooting a thug in self defense. She has been cleared for the legitimate shooting but a FBI enemy is interfering in LAPD’s case and Kara’s boss wants her out of the picture for a while. Kara lived in Liberty Lake with her grandmother for a few years in her youth so she is “vacationing” by visiting her. Eager to stay in shape she is alternating working out in the gym one day with running four miles around Liberty Lake the next day. While running one early morning she noticed a neon pink thing and goes to see what it is. What it turns out to be is a stethoscope on the dead body of a young woman. She calls 911 to report it. The manner of death gets the attention of the FBI since it is the MO of a serial killer, the Triple Killer. Kara has never investigated a murder case before but this one intrigues her. Maybe she can assist the FBI.
FBI Supervisory Agent in Charge of the newly forming FBI Mobile Response Team Matthias Costa has been busy vetting staff for his new team. He is only partway set up when the news of the murder in Liberty Lake and it’s possible connection to the Triple Killer sends him and what staff he has to investigate. This is a really tough case. If this is the work of the Triple Killer Matt and his team have only 3 days to prevent the next death. Upon further research two prior incidents have been attributed to the Triple Killer. To Matt’s surprise the witness who found the body is “vacationing” LAPD detective Kara Quinn. She provides help and insight into the case. Also to his surprise Matt finds he is attracted to Kara. Neither of them feel they are relationship people. Maybe a fling?
The Third To Die by Allison Brennan is the beginning salvo in this author’s latest endeavor to thrill her readers. Allison Brennan always releases well-tought-out, excellently plotted suspense stories. Such is the case in The Third To Die. Her characters are fascinating people with interesting backgrounds. Much research is evident in her characters’ actions and their interactions throughout the story. I am a big fan of Allison Brennan’s stories and I found this new series intriguing, suspenseful and action packed. I will definitely be following along with future books as Matthias Costa’s Mobile Response Team races to their next case.
I absolutely love Allison Brennan’s Lucy Kincaid and Max Revere series, so when I got a chance to read this first book in her new series, I snapped it up! What a wild and exhilarating ride! The main characters are the ambitious and on so intuitive FBI special agent Matt Costas, the leader of the new Mobile Response Team, and a detective on vacation who discovers the dead body, Kara Quinn. The interactions between the two of them was electric and their dialogue was mesmerizing. The story begins when Kara discovers a dead body at Liberty Lake, in a rural community. The MRT is mobilized to assist since the murder may be the work of the Triple Killer, a serial killer who comes out of hiding every three years and kills victims on March 3rd, 6th and 9th. The story was fascinating and uniquely Brennan, with a fast pace and a complicated story that drew me into its web and wouldn’t let me go. The suspense was ratcheted up throughout the story and the book was an action-packed thriller that did not let me down in my expectations. My favorite characters were Catherine, the profiler, and Ryder, the techie. Catherine has a mystery in her past dealing with her dead sister Beth and I really want to know more about that and her. Ryder seems to be a young, highly intelligent geek who was raised to respect his superiors and is a perfect addition to the team. Again, I look forward to learning more about him. In short, I look forward to more, more Allison Brennan for sure and the next MRT book will be on my TBR list as soon as I hear about it. I loved this book and cannot recommend it highly enough for fans of suspense thrillers!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
The Third to Die is a suspenseful page-turner about a small FBI team sent to Eastern Washington to catch a serial killer who has just struck again. LAPD undercover detective, Kara Quinn, happens to find the body soon after the murder, giving the FBI a chance of solving the case before two more people die – because this killer strikes in 3s, three days apart, starting on March 3rd every three years. After he kills the third person, he disappears and doesn’t emerge again for three more years, which has made it challenging to discover the identity of the killer – until maybe now.
What I Loved
Usually, my “favorite character” section would be here, but this time what I loved about this novel and my favorite character are the same. Kara Quinn is a character for which I will happily read this series for many years to come. She is complicated with such a level of depth and dimension that I feel like I can anticipate her reaction to things beyond even the story.
Kara is focused and determined with an intelligence and a keen eye that make bosses love her, and others hate her simply because they aren’t her. They resent her natural abilities, which they could only hope to have, and the fact that many others sing her praises. In spite of this, she can blend in undercover and catch the lowest of low criminals.
She loves her job, and she knows she is good at it. She doesn’t care what other people think as long as she is happy with her performance. She doesn’t live to please others; she lives to help people by catching the bad guys and bringing them to justice. She is a wonderful character, and the reason I gave this story 5-stars.
What Else Did I Like
The story has odious police chiefs and even a very hateful FBI agent in LA, but I liked that they only had small parts in the story. I tend to get annoyed with a story when I have to spend lengths of time with this type of character, but luckily they just had appearances now and again.
I also really liked the plot, even if it is predictable, and wanted more when I reached the end. The amount of times I tapped the screen to turn the page when there were no more pages to turn to is a testament to this fact.
To Read or Not to Read
It is a suspenseful thrill-ride made more intense by interspersed chapters written from the serial killer’s perspective – a must read!
Thank you to NetGalley and MIRA books for granting me an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Also, a special thank you to Justine Sha and Harlequin Trade for organizing this blog tour and for giving me a spot on the tour.
YES YES YES!!! The start of another great series by Allison Brennan. One of my fave authors did it again! Looking forward to reading the next one.
Thank you #netgalley and #HARLEQUIN – MIRA (U.S. and Canada) for the eARC.
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
Linda’s Book Obsession Reviews “The Third to Die” by Allison Brennan, MIRA, February 4, 2020
Allison Brennan, author of “The Third to Die” has written a chilling, suspenseful, intense, intriguing and captivating novel. The Genres for this novel are Thriller, Suspense, Mystery, and Fiction, with a touch of Romance. The author’s timeline for the story is set in the present and goes to the past when it pertains to the characters or events. The story takes place in a small town called Liberty Lake. The Author describes her dramatic characters as complex and complicated.
Kara Quinn is an undercover detective from the LAPD, on a “forced vacation” in her hometime of Liberty Lake when she is staying with her grandmother. Kara is very intense and anxious and goes running, where she finds a murdered body. Now Kara is a witness, but also finds herself getting involved with the Police and FBI investigation going on.
Mathias Costa is a specialized FBI agent with a Mobile Unit and is selecting people to work on it. He, of course, is involved with the case. After speaking to a profiler, Costa and the police are aware that this murder in Liberty Lake fits the profile of a serial killer called “Triple Killer”. What is known is that the killer is somewhere close and will be killing again. Who is this killer?
Kara has had her run-ins with the FBI before and is looking forward to going back with the LAPD. Little does Kara realize what danger is waiting in store for her. This is a chilling thriller, with intense suspense, that had me at the edge of my seat, and page-turning. I would recommend this fast-moving and riveting novel for those readers who enjoy a great thriller.
Engaging characters and detailed investigations into a serial killer had me captivated. Not only captivated, but when I reached the ending I was ready to jump into the next book!
The dynamic between all the characters, but especially Matt and Kara was fantastic. Having both of their POV showed who they were and who they allowed others to see. The idea behind an undercover cop and her personality was unique and the writing superb. I felt as though I was solving the case with them and I enjoyed the back and forth with the rest of the mobile team as they were developed and the love and loyalty from people in Kara’s life has me excited to see how her role in this series develops. Along with the two main characters the remaining characters were quite vivid and I though their development was on point as it helped see the role of this new team and how specialized it will be. Ryder cracked me up with the “sir” and GQ sounds like he may be a team favorite. Em is sweet and showed up at the perfect times to provide balance to all the violence of the case. The ending was a bit bittersweet, but also nifty in how it provided an answer for the working dynamic in upcoming books.
This is a great start to a new series and I am excited and already ready for more! Thank you NetGalley and Mira for the chance to read the book and share my opinions!
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.
Thrillers are one of my favorite genres, and this one certainly didn’t disappoint. I loved Kara and Mathias, and felt like that have good chemistry between them. This is the first book in a new series by Allison Brennan, and I and sure it will be as good as all her previous series. I look forward to reading more in this series, I would certainly recommend it to others.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and this is my fair and honest opinion of the book
Allison Brennan begins a new series on fairly strong footing with The Third to Die, a thriller with some interesting and complex characters that remain unique but occasionally dip into some tired tropes of the genre. The book begins from the point of view of a serial killer whose meticulous nature and disturbing psychology are immediately apparent as he is described cleaning up after his latest crime. Liberty Lake is a small Washington town, unused to such violence and the local law enforcement is ill-equipped to handle such a complex case. Luckily, the body happens to be discovered by Kara Quinn, an LAPD undercover detective who is on a mandatory vacation for reasons that will be discovered as the story evolves. Because of its similarity to other cases known to be committed by the “Triple Killer,” the FBI sends a newly formed unit called the Mobile Response Unit to aid in the investigation. Matt Costa barely has time to form his team and coax his best friend and expert profiler out of retirement before the killer is due to strike again. Targeting nurses, teachers and police, the “Triple Killer” has evaded capture due to his long waiting periods and victim profiles that defy easy classification. Of course, small town politics and jurisdictional issues arise to complicate matters further. Kara Quinn is enormously perceptive, and due to her inability to relax while visiting her grandmother, she is an eager and welcomed help to Costa and the MRT. Still, her complicated past and cavalier approach to excessive force may make her a liability as well. Of course, Costa and Quinn find themselves irresistibly drawn to each other and quickly tumble into a sexual liaison of the “I’m damaged, so won’t let anyone get too close” variety. The action in The Third to Die is fast-paced and compelling, if also a bit predictable. Brennan is at her best when she is inside the mind of the killer and weakest in her portrayal of the formulaic carnal passages. The cast of characters are obviously crafted to continue past this book and are drawn convincingly enough to attract a following. This new release will appeal mostly to those who like their thrillers traditional and comfortably familiar. Hopefully, Brennan’s follow up will go deeper into the development of the MRT team and avoid veering again into unnecessary romance.
Thanks to the author, MIRA/Harlequin Books and Edelweiss for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
I read the first paragraph and new what my day would entail. Reading this book! A one sitting read. I have to be upfront here, I love Allison Brennan I got hooked on her Fear No Evil and then devoured every book. When I heard about the new series I immediately waved my hand and begged for Net Galley , aka the publishers to please, please let me read. I am so grateful they did. All thoughts and opinions are my own and were unsolicited. Starts with blood on page one and ends with wondering if Kara knows who she is. Yes! Costas (Matt or Matthias your choice) was easy to love. I instantly fell for his character. Kara is not easy to love, because you feel for her. I felt all the edgy and I was immediately wound up tight. This is a great psychological thriller, police procedural action packed either emotionally or physically. I so want Thornton handed his a** . I cannot wait for book 2. This has all the bells and whistles for me.
The Third to Die is a masterfully plotted mystery with engaging characters that promise to bring us plenty of entertainment. The mystery itself was smart as it was grisly with plenty of action to keep you engaged. There is a lot of profiling information but stops just shy of being too clinical.
I struggle to read books that employ multiple POVs and this book had a handful. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Kara and Matt but those are the only two I care to hear from outside of random chapters with The Killer. Catherine has her place but Kara and Matt have my heart. Even with the slower read time, I thoroughly enjoyed the journey. The ending was by far my favorite part, followed closely by Kara and her chameleon-like abilities!
Ultimately, I enjoyed the start to what should be a gripping new series featuring Matt Kosta and his team. Brennan really knows how to subtly turn up the desperation and make you feel like you are racing against time to help catch a killer and I’m ready to ride along with their team again! The ending had the perfect set up for the next book and I’m really wishing I had a release date to stalk for it!
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I ventured out of my romance obsession into a thriller when I read the blurb for The Third To Die. I was a big fan of Criminal Minds and this seemed like it would be right up my alley. Happily, new-to-me author Allison Brennan did not disappoint. This is the first in the Mobile Response Team series and while there must have been something that came before (there is a situation with the profiler that is adequately explained) I didn’t feel like I missed anything.
Special Agent in Charge Matt Costa is the head of the new Mobile Response Team, an FBI offshoot used for crimes in areas where law enforcement is sparse or ill-equipped to handle the circumstances. His first case comes before his team is entirely staffed but time is of the essence. The Triple Killer has struck and they only have 9 days before he goes underground again.
Set in a small northwestern town, this thriller is not only about the killer and how to stop him but also the people that hunt the evil of the world. What motivates them, how they think and what they are willing to do to stop a maniac. Matt Costa is what you expect from an FBI SAC. Smart, sharp, demanding. The boss who uses his team to the best of their abilities. Kara Quinn, an LAPD undercover cop, sent to “relax” at home when a case goes sideways is the driven, single-minded foil to Costa. The pair play off each other very well while trading theories.
A great crime procedural story that doles out the clues little by little, unraveling the mystery of the Triple Killer with every chapter and leading to an explosive ending that wraps up the case but not necessarily the story.