The First Murder: A Detective Willoughby Series

by Michelle Powers

The quiet midwestern town of Woodlake had not seen a murder in decades. Until now. As the bodies start stacking up, Detective Riley Willoughby realizes that there is a serial killer among them.

Follow Detective Willoughby through twists and turns as she makes her way to solving the case of a lifetime. With her partner Jake Maxwell at her side, she will unravel the mystery and find out who the monster really is.

118 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 1, 2023

About the author

Michelle Powers writes the kind of thrillers that keep you up way past bedtime—just one more chapter, right? What started with her breakout novella, The First Murder, quickly snowballed into a full-blown obsession with killers, clues, and crime scenes (the fictional kind, of course). She’s the internationally recognized indie author behind the addictive Detective Willoughby series, the fan-favorite Detective Kate Brown series, and a growing stack of standalone thrillers that will make you second-guess everyone you know. In 2024, she proudly earned the coveted KDP All-Star title—a gold star for authors who live on coffee, plot twists, and sheer grit. When she’s not working her day job in logistics or plotting her next murder (on paper, we swear), Michelle can be found writing at her desk with her Rottweiler sidekick, Ozzy, snoring nearby. Follow her on Facebook for new releases, giveaways, and all things murdery and mysterious. Just maybe leave the lights on.

Reviews

[KellyJ1028 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a new to me author, and a great way to start my new year of reading by reading this novella. I loved the storyline and character of Riley. I can’t wait to continue the series.

[Elaine Rainbolt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this story and all the twists trying to figure out who was killing people in that small town. I liked the chemistry between the 2 detectives Jake and Riley.

[Carly Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the perfect crime series. I devoured it so fast. I loved the sassy FMC. The plot was great and flowed throughout all four books. I couldn’t put it down. I had to know how it ended ASAP! Loved the twists! I highly recommend this series.

[K.S. Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short book is a predictable, run-of-the-mill detective mystery about a female detective searching for a serial killer with her partner. But she has something in her past she wants to keep quiet, only because the trauma brings painful memories.

There is a bit of verb tense switching in the first couple of chapters that can be jarring, but overall it was an easy read with a bit of romance and a predictable plot. If you like watching shows like Law and Order, you'll enjoy this.

[Lois Buck · Rating 3 out of 5]

Needs a good editor!!

I enjoyed this short story, but the book desperately, desperately needs a good editor!! Sometimes present tense and past tense are used in the same sentence. A woman does not generally pierce her lips unless she is at the jewelry store to get a lip ring. She purses her lips as a facial expression. If you can get past the lack of editing, you might enjoy this story.

[Alexis Matijevic · Rating 2 out of 5]

The First Murder offers a promising premise but ultimately falls short. While the mystery has potential, the pacing is uneven, and the characters lack depth, making it hard to invest in their journey. There’s a ton of grammar errors as well. The writing is decent but lacks the tension or intrigue needed to make the story truly gripping.

[Rachel Browning · Rating 5 out of 5]

The First Murder is a gripping start to the Detective Willoughby Series. Michelle Powers delivers a well-written, tightly woven mystery filled with perfectly timed suspense. The tension steadily builds with each chapter, keeping you on edge and guessing until the very end. A must-read for fans of clever, character-driven crime thrillers—I’m already looking forward to the next book!

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classic quick read!!

This book was really good!! Short and sweet, I read it in about an hour or two.

Were introduced to detective Willoughby who is working her first murder case. But soon, it turns to more murders, including people she cares about. Notes were left on the bodies, mocking her, could it be someone she knows?

[A.P. Goodman · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Fans of Law and Order will be immediately engrossed in this novel!

This story was a fast and captivating read.

The chapters are quick, and the plot is ready to go right from the start.

If you're into police dramas, this is definitely for you!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Jerry Jares · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novella was, oh, so predictable. Today's murder mysteries seem to involve serial killers, and this one was one, too. I thought the writing was at the grammar school level. The only reason I gave the book three stars was the ending (I was surprised).

[Tracy Hinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I chose The First Murder: A Detective Willoughby Series because of the Willoughy name. From the cartoon in the 60’s inspector Willoughby.
I thought it was a great book. There was a lot packed in this quick read. Loved 🥰 it

[Joë Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Who doesn't love a sassy female detective? Well developed characters. Great flow. Easy to read in an afternoon. Really good story.

[Charlene Mattson · Rating 3 out of 5]

It needs some editing (but who am I to throw stones?) And the pacing is wonky in places and rushed, but an engaging short story nonetheless

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put down

Great book! Quick read! I was surprised by the ending of this book. Just when I thought I had it figured out. I was wrong

[Marg goby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marg’s bedtime read

Good book hopefully there’s others in the series and with story lines that match this last one keep the good writing up

[Crystal O · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great FMC short novel that has you hooked from the beginning and the twists. The writing was a bit YA to me but loved the story and already continuing to book 2.