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First Shot
Two years ago, David Crandall's mother was murdered and with little evidence, no witnesses, and no motive, the crime was left unsolved. Now a high school senior, David is unable to shake the sense that someone knows more than they're letting on. His suspicion deepens as he uncovers clues to a scandalous family secret involving embezzlement. But when he spies his father burying an old rifle in a deserted lot during a rainstorm, suspicion turns to fear. Is his own father the killer? Critically acclaimed author Walter Sorrells crafts a shocking and fast-paced thriller inspired by a local newspaper headline.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published September 20, 2007
33 people are currently reading
390 people want to read
About the author
Walter Sorrells
30 books60 followersAlso writes under the pseudonyms of Lynn Abercrombie and Ruth Birmingham. Sorrells has now stopped writing and earns a living as a knife maker. He has a Youtube channel about it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
December 7, 2008
First Shot.Walter Sorrells. New York: Dutton Books, 2007. 279 pp.
Reviewed by: Gwendolyn Payne
Walter Sorrells’ book First Shot is a quick pace intriguing murder mystery. For the most part, it was a great and suspenceful book with an overall good plot. But the frequent use of swearing, and the poorly written ending on Sorrells’ behalf was a letdown.
First Shot is narrated by eighteen-year old David Crandall who feels completely worthless. Although he comes from one of Maine's great families, he is convinced that he isn’t good enough to live up to the generations of powerful Crandalls. His harsh and demanding father is headmaster at the Arsenal he attends. The Arsenal is an extremely strict military academy. Between the fear that his father has murdered his mother, and his dream to win First Shot, David struggles, feeling as if he’ll never be good enough for his father. With the arrival of Misty, a beautiful new girl at the Arsenal, David finds the strength to solve the hidden mysteries of his family. Their search into the murder puts both of their lives in danger, but fortunately brings about a series of events that leads to the conclusion of his mother’s death.
The plot of First Shot is excellent, and kept my complete attention. It was written in such an intence way, forcing me to keep reading. Then, as it continued, the plot increased rapidly as well. For instence, Sorrells would convince you that you finally knew who the murderer of David’s mother was. Then, he would throw in a twist that threw everything up in the air and changed the circumstances completely. Not untill the very end was it made clear the exact conclusion of the murder mystery.
One main complaint was the way Sorrells went about ending the book. It was slightly unrealistic. I had a hard time believing that David lacked total emotional guilt and responsibility for his actions. It would have been easier to accept this if the author had at least shown David's scheming as a gradual progression to his final action. Also, although the villain got what he deserved it was extremely manipulative for the hero to get the son to kill his own father. It would have been better for the law to bring him to justice for his crime. He never learned a lesson or was properly punished, he just died. And the fact that his son in hopes to escape the horrible influence of his father actually becomes more like him by turning into a murderer as well was simply dreadful. Lastly, another aspect of the ending I did not like was for being such a suspenseful book throughout, I was disappointed to find the ending wasn’t nearly as climatic as I thought it should be.
Unfortunately, for such a great book it was filled with profanities. Just because the main character is in high school doesn’t mean he needs to use bad language throughout the whole book. Every time David found himself to be in an unpleasant situation, (which was quite often considering the whole book is based off of the death of his mother) he curses God or cusses profusely. The profanity Sorrells uses in First Shot didn’t affect the plot, and would have been just as successful of a book if it weren’t written with bad language throughout.
Overall, Sorrells’ book First Shot is an enjoyable book, and I would definitely recommend it to others. The plot keeps you on your toes constantly. Although, two main downfalls of First Shot is the continual use of profanity, and the Sorrells’ disastrously written ending. In all, First Shot is definitely a book worth reading though.
Reviewed by: Gwendolyn Payne
Walter Sorrells’ book First Shot is a quick pace intriguing murder mystery. For the most part, it was a great and suspenceful book with an overall good plot. But the frequent use of swearing, and the poorly written ending on Sorrells’ behalf was a letdown.
First Shot is narrated by eighteen-year old David Crandall who feels completely worthless. Although he comes from one of Maine's great families, he is convinced that he isn’t good enough to live up to the generations of powerful Crandalls. His harsh and demanding father is headmaster at the Arsenal he attends. The Arsenal is an extremely strict military academy. Between the fear that his father has murdered his mother, and his dream to win First Shot, David struggles, feeling as if he’ll never be good enough for his father. With the arrival of Misty, a beautiful new girl at the Arsenal, David finds the strength to solve the hidden mysteries of his family. Their search into the murder puts both of their lives in danger, but fortunately brings about a series of events that leads to the conclusion of his mother’s death.
The plot of First Shot is excellent, and kept my complete attention. It was written in such an intence way, forcing me to keep reading. Then, as it continued, the plot increased rapidly as well. For instence, Sorrells would convince you that you finally knew who the murderer of David’s mother was. Then, he would throw in a twist that threw everything up in the air and changed the circumstances completely. Not untill the very end was it made clear the exact conclusion of the murder mystery.
One main complaint was the way Sorrells went about ending the book. It was slightly unrealistic. I had a hard time believing that David lacked total emotional guilt and responsibility for his actions. It would have been easier to accept this if the author had at least shown David's scheming as a gradual progression to his final action. Also, although the villain got what he deserved it was extremely manipulative for the hero to get the son to kill his own father. It would have been better for the law to bring him to justice for his crime. He never learned a lesson or was properly punished, he just died. And the fact that his son in hopes to escape the horrible influence of his father actually becomes more like him by turning into a murderer as well was simply dreadful. Lastly, another aspect of the ending I did not like was for being such a suspenseful book throughout, I was disappointed to find the ending wasn’t nearly as climatic as I thought it should be.
Unfortunately, for such a great book it was filled with profanities. Just because the main character is in high school doesn’t mean he needs to use bad language throughout the whole book. Every time David found himself to be in an unpleasant situation, (which was quite often considering the whole book is based off of the death of his mother) he curses God or cusses profusely. The profanity Sorrells uses in First Shot didn’t affect the plot, and would have been just as successful of a book if it weren’t written with bad language throughout.
Overall, Sorrells’ book First Shot is an enjoyable book, and I would definitely recommend it to others. The plot keeps you on your toes constantly. Although, two main downfalls of First Shot is the continual use of profanity, and the Sorrells’ disastrously written ending. In all, First Shot is definitely a book worth reading though.
October 9, 2017
Having realized that I had no books I could read at home, I had to find one from Ms. Hughes library. When starting that process, I immediately went into the mystery/thriller section. I have always been more interested in these kinds of books than other kinds of stories. I was specifically drawn to this book, mostly because of the title. First Shot. It sounded interesting, so I read it.
The book follows the story of David Crandall, a mediocre student devoid of any real talents when compared to his private school counterparts, as he attempts to piece back together the story of who killed his mother. His mother had been murdered two years before the story takes place, but recent evidence has him suspecting his father of the crime. Upon meeting Misty, a new student, he becomes more adventurous with hopes to impress her, and investigates the murder. After a long winding path of evidence, his father is arrested. However, this does is not convincing to David so he continues to investigate until he gets to the bottom of it.
What I liked about this book is how engaging it was. The book lacked predictability and took some strange turns. For example, while David's father confesses to the murder, it turns out he was covering for who he thought killed his wife, David. After the real killer is revealed and it becomes apparent he will not be arrested because he has destroyed the evidence, he is dealt with in an unexpected way, which was sudden and surprising to me. This book never really seemed boring. I think it worked to have most of the book be backstory instead of events happening as it went along because then it added to the plot and it did not have to conform to the brief nature of the book.
I think what it could have done better would have been to focus on fewer elements of David's life. Sometimes it seemed as if they were adding filler details irrelevant to his character as a whole. For example, it is mentioned that David is a not academically talented, but there is a short passage about his talent in writing and storytelling. This comes up once and plays no role in his character or the story. Another example could be the large backstory of his family, the Crandalls, and their relationship to the Jackstaffs. It seemed as if this history made no impact and contributed nothing to the story.
The book follows the story of David Crandall, a mediocre student devoid of any real talents when compared to his private school counterparts, as he attempts to piece back together the story of who killed his mother. His mother had been murdered two years before the story takes place, but recent evidence has him suspecting his father of the crime. Upon meeting Misty, a new student, he becomes more adventurous with hopes to impress her, and investigates the murder. After a long winding path of evidence, his father is arrested. However, this does is not convincing to David so he continues to investigate until he gets to the bottom of it.
What I liked about this book is how engaging it was. The book lacked predictability and took some strange turns. For example, while David's father confesses to the murder, it turns out he was covering for who he thought killed his wife, David. After the real killer is revealed and it becomes apparent he will not be arrested because he has destroyed the evidence, he is dealt with in an unexpected way, which was sudden and surprising to me. This book never really seemed boring. I think it worked to have most of the book be backstory instead of events happening as it went along because then it added to the plot and it did not have to conform to the brief nature of the book.
I think what it could have done better would have been to focus on fewer elements of David's life. Sometimes it seemed as if they were adding filler details irrelevant to his character as a whole. For example, it is mentioned that David is a not academically talented, but there is a short passage about his talent in writing and storytelling. This comes up once and plays no role in his character or the story. Another example could be the large backstory of his family, the Crandalls, and their relationship to the Jackstaffs. It seemed as if this history made no impact and contributed nothing to the story.
November 21, 2019
When I first started this book I didn't really care for it. Mystery isn't really my cup of tea. I'm a biggy in romance novels. I picked "First Shot" because the summary really caught my eye. I want to be a cop when I get older so the title gave me some hope thinking it would be about cops. Boy was I was I wrong! It wasn’t at all what I thought.
I really got into the book midway through because of the suspense there was also a little bit of false romance in it (romance that ends up never happening) this let me down a bit. I wish there were more parts where the two main characters figured out that they liked each other. It could have also been more eventful. There was not a lot of things happening at the beginning of the book. The book worked most of the time because it was really flowing. It also had good details about the murder and almost every chapter revolved around the murder and not his school life. The author did really well with character dialogue and keeping me on my toes. I think the author could have talked a little bit more about the backstory of the mother and how she actually ended up dying because in the end we truly never figured out who killed her.
David Crandall is a senior boy at a private school in Maine called The Arsenal this is a boarding school. He is a thin scrawny looking boy. Who is very awkward to girls. He doesn’t get the best grades and doesn’t have a ton of friends. But he makes do of it. His father is the headmaster of the school and people think he would get special treatment because of this but they were wrong. Three years prior to when the book was taken place David’s mother was killed. The police couldn’t find the killer until now…
David has always had a liking to guns he was in the gun club that shoots every afternoon. This particular year a new girl named Misty Cleary joined the gun club and was the best shooter. She was a bright girl who was from the South she grew up with a father that taught her how to shoot. She had a southern accent as well. Misty and David spent their school year trying to figure out who his mother’s killer was.
David ends up framing his father and gets him thrown in jail. It ends up not being him. He then got chased by his roommate’s father who was the person who killed his mother and tried the best that he could to keep Misty safe.
In the end, his roommate ends up killing his father saving David from anything that would happen after. The book ends up with them graduating not knowing what life would have for them ahead...
I really got into the book midway through because of the suspense there was also a little bit of false romance in it (romance that ends up never happening) this let me down a bit. I wish there were more parts where the two main characters figured out that they liked each other. It could have also been more eventful. There was not a lot of things happening at the beginning of the book. The book worked most of the time because it was really flowing. It also had good details about the murder and almost every chapter revolved around the murder and not his school life. The author did really well with character dialogue and keeping me on my toes. I think the author could have talked a little bit more about the backstory of the mother and how she actually ended up dying because in the end we truly never figured out who killed her.
David Crandall is a senior boy at a private school in Maine called The Arsenal this is a boarding school. He is a thin scrawny looking boy. Who is very awkward to girls. He doesn’t get the best grades and doesn’t have a ton of friends. But he makes do of it. His father is the headmaster of the school and people think he would get special treatment because of this but they were wrong. Three years prior to when the book was taken place David’s mother was killed. The police couldn’t find the killer until now…
David has always had a liking to guns he was in the gun club that shoots every afternoon. This particular year a new girl named Misty Cleary joined the gun club and was the best shooter. She was a bright girl who was from the South she grew up with a father that taught her how to shoot. She had a southern accent as well. Misty and David spent their school year trying to figure out who his mother’s killer was.
David ends up framing his father and gets him thrown in jail. It ends up not being him. He then got chased by his roommate’s father who was the person who killed his mother and tried the best that he could to keep Misty safe.
In the end, his roommate ends up killing his father saving David from anything that would happen after. The book ends up with them graduating not knowing what life would have for them ahead...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2018
I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!! It had action and suspense and comedy. My favorite part is when Leo confronts Rothenberg with a hunting rifle and It gave me a great image. that is what I love in a book. An author is successful when his reader is able to make a vivid mental image of the story.
I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone 12+ because it has some minor swearing in it. But this book was incredible. I couldn't put it down.
I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone 12+ because it has some minor swearing in it. But this book was incredible. I couldn't put it down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2015
First Shot by Walter Sorrells is a good book and I would recommend it to any one who loves action packed and adventurous books. Three things that I liked about this book were the characters personalities, the descriptive setting, and how characters change over the entire period of time. However, one thing that I didn't like was how fast Walter introduced the characters. It was pretty hard to keep up with who is who. The main characters in this book were David a student at Aresal private high school, Mr. Crandall who is David's dad and headmaster of school, and Misty Cleary who is from Mississippi and also attends Aresal. This school is located in the northern part of main along the coastline in a small town. It takes place in present time. This little town has a big background though. David's mom was murdered about two years back and the case goes cold. David has decided to solve this mystery himself since the police were no help besides finding evidence. David has a weird memory of his dad walking out in the middle of the night in pouring rain and burying something suspicious. He gets a little help from Misty who is now his shooting trainer and find much more evidence than the police had found.
October 7, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. Some of it was a little confusing, and it didn't make a lot of sense to me until later when all of the pieces are being put together. The author did a really good job of keeping me, as the reader, guessing. The whole premise is that David Crandall's mother got murdered and the case was never solved. The story revolves around David struggling to figure out who his mothers killer is. The author makes it so the story has a good number of twists and turns to keep us guessing as to who the real killer is.
June 18, 2015
A good suspenseful book.
July 30, 2018
David Crandall is the son of Arsenal's headmaster, a high school senior attending a military boarding school on the East Coast. It's been two years since his mother's murder, and his life has been miserable ever since. He and his father are constantly at each other's throats, and David admits he wishes his father wasn't disappointed in him - an seemingly impossible feat. However, the competition held for Arsenal's graduates, is steadily approaching, the marksman with the highest score awarded a prize and their name long remembered. First Shot, being the title awarded victors.
The one chance he had to fit in with his overachieving ancestors, swept away when a new student pushes him down to alternate. Fed up, David is surprised when she forces him to train with her. As he continues to work on his aim, he thrusts himself back into solving his mother's murder, trying to remember what his father was like before her death.
It took me a while to warm up to David, though I'm grateful I could. He narrates that he feels useless and that he hates every part of his life, and it's something he doesn't gloss over. While I really do understand the pressure and despair he feels, it's a little heavy handed when he's the one telling the story.
This book would have been even better with an epilogue or another chapter detailing the aftermath of what he went through. I also missed seeing Leo again, and knowing to an extent, he and David would remain in his touch. Their friendship was definitely an important aspect, both part of the book, and showing a softer, friendlier side to David's character.
Warnings in advance: Language, prominent, and something I thought was used only at times to seem darker, and edgier than it was.
Violence also played a role, aside from the fact that this a murder mystery. Our main character(s) find themselves chased by angry men intent on hurting them. A scene takes place as they get into a car crash, and often, they're shot at.
There was a little sexual content as well, and while not explicit, it's vulgarity demonstrates the immaturity of several of the characters. It's also hinted that
If nothing else, First Shot is definitely entertaining. Though thankfully that's not all it is. The book can be compelling at times, and showcases the way our friends and family shape us. It shows that losing people has devastating, and long lasting effects. At times, Walter made you wish that David and his father hadn't looked at each other the way they did, that grace and kindness played a larger role. That we had more time to see them grow. With a thriller such as this, even with the negative content, it's something unique to see protagonists suffering from damaged relationships and realizing they yearn for peace as they search out the truth.
I'm sure it has issues too, that I maybe didn't catch or glossed other, yet as much as First Shot has its imperfections, it's a book that I won't soon forget.
The one chance he had to fit in with his overachieving ancestors, swept away when a new student pushes him down to alternate. Fed up, David is surprised when she forces him to train with her. As he continues to work on his aim, he thrusts himself back into solving his mother's murder, trying to remember what his father was like before her death.
It took me a while to warm up to David, though I'm grateful I could. He narrates that he feels useless and that he hates every part of his life, and it's something he doesn't gloss over. While I really do understand the pressure and despair he feels, it's a little heavy handed when he's the one telling the story.
This book would have been even better with an epilogue or another chapter detailing the aftermath of what he went through. I also missed seeing Leo again, and knowing to an extent, he and David would remain in his touch. Their friendship was definitely an important aspect, both part of the book, and showing a softer, friendlier side to David's character.
Warnings in advance: Language, prominent, and something I thought was used only at times to seem darker, and edgier than it was.
Violence also played a role, aside from the fact that this a murder mystery. Our main character(s) find themselves chased by angry men intent on hurting them. A scene takes place as they get into a car crash, and often, they're shot at.
There was a little sexual content as well, and while not explicit, it's vulgarity demonstrates the immaturity of several of the characters. It's also hinted that
If nothing else, First Shot is definitely entertaining. Though thankfully that's not all it is. The book can be compelling at times, and showcases the way our friends and family shape us. It shows that losing people has devastating, and long lasting effects. At times, Walter made you wish that David and his father hadn't looked at each other the way they did, that grace and kindness played a larger role. That we had more time to see them grow. With a thriller such as this, even with the negative content, it's something unique to see protagonists suffering from damaged relationships and realizing they yearn for peace as they search out the truth.
I'm sure it has issues too, that I maybe didn't catch or glossed other, yet as much as First Shot has its imperfections, it's a book that I won't soon forget.
September 25, 2018
The fiction book that I am reviewing is First Shot by Walter Sorrells. First Shot is about a boy name David Crandall who goes to a private school called Arsenal, he begins his senior year. During his senior year he meets a new girl with a southern accent named Misty Cleary. When they first met, they didn't get along to well because David was on the best ten shots shooter list, but when he looked at the list of best shooters he wasn't on there, Misty Cleary was. Later when Misty teaches him how to be a better shooter for this competition, they start to bond with each other. Middle of the book, David and Misty starts to investigate who murdered David’s mom two years ago. His dad teaches at his school so that gets David advantage to keep a close eye on him. During this investigation he finds out there’s a deep secret about his family.
I picked this book because I like reading mystery and action books and First Shot is mysterious/ a action book. Reasons why people should read First Shot by Walter Sorrells is because number one if you like real good mystery/ action books then you should read this one. Number two, There are two teens name David Crandall and Misty Cleary who are investigating who murdered his mother two years ago instead of the policemen because they still couldn't find the killer that did it. Teens investigating seems more interesting than adults investigating because they had a long, mysterious, fun and dangerous adventure. Number three, it involves puzzles or clues if you like, because when David’s dad throws away his mother’s paintings, the painting has numbers on them so that leads to who ever killed his mother. The final reason is David and Misty will end up facing people who change throughout the book, they’ll become dangerous, no good and awful person, for an example a person will betrayed them by stopping David and Misty from figuring out the real killer. This why I want you to read First Shot by Walter Sorrells.
I picked this book because I like reading mystery and action books and First Shot is mysterious/ a action book. Reasons why people should read First Shot by Walter Sorrells is because number one if you like real good mystery/ action books then you should read this one. Number two, There are two teens name David Crandall and Misty Cleary who are investigating who murdered his mother two years ago instead of the policemen because they still couldn't find the killer that did it. Teens investigating seems more interesting than adults investigating because they had a long, mysterious, fun and dangerous adventure. Number three, it involves puzzles or clues if you like, because when David’s dad throws away his mother’s paintings, the painting has numbers on them so that leads to who ever killed his mother. The final reason is David and Misty will end up facing people who change throughout the book, they’ll become dangerous, no good and awful person, for an example a person will betrayed them by stopping David and Misty from figuring out the real killer. This why I want you to read First Shot by Walter Sorrells.
December 26, 2017
Sorrels, Walter First Shot, 280 p. Dutton (Penguin), 2007.
David's family has always been a prestigious part of his boarding school. His father is the headmaster and several generations of grandfathers have taken the "First Shot", the shot at graduation that always hits the bullseye. David's mother was murdered two years earlier and the case has not been solved. He thinks his father did it; but his father is hiding thoughts of his own. Neither of them know the really deep secrets that are hiding on campus. But everything is about to be exposed.
Sorrells has written and tight and tense novel that is sure to be widely read. Not a word out of place, except for the murder, but plenty of action and drama.
MS - ESSENTIAL
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2007/...
David's family has always been a prestigious part of his boarding school. His father is the headmaster and several generations of grandfathers have taken the "First Shot", the shot at graduation that always hits the bullseye. David's mother was murdered two years earlier and the case has not been solved. He thinks his father did it; but his father is hiding thoughts of his own. Neither of them know the really deep secrets that are hiding on campus. But everything is about to be exposed.
Sorrells has written and tight and tense novel that is sure to be widely read. Not a word out of place, except for the murder, but plenty of action and drama.
MS - ESSENTIAL
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2007/...
November 8, 2017
The last shot is a mystery book about a boy who lost his mother. through out the book he is trying to solve the mystery of how his mother died, and he does not trust anyone! it could be his best friend for all he knows! but the person he is most mysterious about is his own dad... His dad (the head of the Arsenal) is a very strict man with a ton of rules he goes by. On top of all this the boy is facing he has more stuff on top of that!! he is struggling to get good grades and he needs to improve them, being the "alternate" on the school's list is very tough for him to deal with because he went from the best shooter in the school to the "alternate." But he needs to get justice for his mom. AND FAST!!!
April 30, 2018
I like the balance from David and how he lives in highschool. His mother was murdered but the case was never solved after so long it wasn't talked about. His father is the deen of a private school that is also the shooting coach. For this private school the biggest sport is shooting. With David’s mother's murder being on his mind he his own investigation was increasing with trying to find out who it was with some peoples expecting that his father was the one who killed her. With the romance with a girl on his shooting team intimidates him as time passes David and her get close and she helped David investigate more into his mother's murder. With The father complications I can relate and find a connection.
October 29, 2021
My overall felling of the book was that it was intense and good. The main plot was the David's mother died in a murder case. Although, it was a mystery and the dad was suspected for murder. Then David tries to figure out the case with a friend. I liked this book because it was intense. Also I felt like I was actually there with all the details. I felt like I was put in the shoes of David. Another reason I liked it was because it was a murder mystery. In all I liked it because is was a murder mystery and it was good and intense.
October 3, 2022
I am reading this book now I am not entirely done with it but I find it very interesting. the storyline with David thinks his dad killed his mother and in the end, his dad did kill him. all David is trying to do is find out what is happened to his mom and he's getting himself in a lot more trouble than he thinks he would. as you go on In the book it is fascinating with a lot of thrills but it makes you thin because there is a lot of twists and turns that you wouldn't be expected.
September 18, 2020
David could not believe it had been two years and the person who murder his mother hadn’t been found. He starts to do his one investigation. Everything starts pointing to his father. Finally David goes to the police with evidence that points to his dad. His dad confesses because he thinks David killed his mom. So who is the real murderer!
October 3, 2022
The book first shot is an amazing book by walter sorrells. the book has a way of dragging you into it by the speech and speed. it was perfect from start to finish. i think that the book is pretty awsome
October 23, 2012
Book Review
“First Shot” By Walter Something book review. SPOILER ALERT:
First Shot is written as a fiction book. This story, like most books, has a deeper meaning that everybody can relate to: Actions have consequences. The book begins with the main character David, he’s describing everything that has ever gone wrong in his life. He even compares himself to an appendix. (The most useless of the human organs.)
After explaining that David’s father is the “Principal” of this mysterious rich kid school in Maine, and the town below it is split by name: Cardnell vs. Jackstaff. Neither side is quite fond of the other. The Cardnells are rich, and well educated people. While the Jackstaffs are stereotyped to be stupid, and petty criminals. And, that the only thing David really cares about is shooting. The school has this contest called “First Shot” which is where the best shooter gets to fire a single shot at graduation. And that David’s roommate is Garrett Rothenberg who just happens to be the son of the financial manager of the school. And after Misty arrives. (A new student with a southern accent, and a perfect bullseye.) David falls head over heels for her, anyway, after all that is explained, the story quickly jumps into the mystery of David’s mother’s murder.
David believes that his father is responsible for the death of his mother. Because the small town dismissed the murder to a cold case, David decides to take the case into his own hands. He recalls a night when his father had left the house in the dead of night, carrying something wrapped in black plastic. Out of curiosity, and suspicion David followed his father out into the rocky beach outside the school. He watched as his father buried the item under Jackstaff tower. (An old lighthouse.) David assumes, based on shape of the object that it’s a rifle. The same rifle that killed his mother, perhaps?
With the help of his friends Misty Cleary (his crush), and Leo Jackstaff (an old friend, his father doesn’t approve of.) David sets out on a hunt for the truth. He learns of a key that was found near his mother’s body, and a painting. (His mother was an artist.) Over time, he also learns that she was painting Nolan, Leo’s older brother. David thinks that maybe his mother and Nolan, were having an affair. That theory was quickly shot down. The next idea was that Mr. Entwistle was responsible for her death. It’s said that he was sleeping with her. That theory also didn’t pan out. David goes back to the idea that his father is the killer.
Later in the story, David finds his mother’s old camera. There is a video on it revealing that she slipped coded messages on the rear side of her paintings, for fear that somebody was after her. Only one problem, David’s father disposed of the artwork.
David finds out that Misty’s father is some sort of National Security locksmith. And emails him pictures of the key found near his mother’s corpse. He emails back informing him that it’s a key to a safe. Nolan is later diagnosed with cancer, and dies. Leo, tells David about old tunnels under the school, and they decide to investigate, after a close brush with death being chased by a masked man in the tunnels, and many other close calls throughout the story: The police find out about the buried rifle, it’s a match to the one that killed his mother. His father is arrested, and that’s where the story takes a shocking twist.
As it turns out Mr. Rothenberg (Garrett’s father) was the actual killer. He killed her when she discovered flaws in the school’s finances. Mr. Rothenberg was embezzling from the school’s funds. David’s father buried the gun because he thought that David was the actual killer, he was just protecting his son. Then it end quickly and happily.
Honestly this book wasn’t very good. The story line kept shifting, it kept getting off topic, and there were even grammar mistakes. They could have ended this story in under thirty pages, with the same amount of suspense, instead the author dragged it on with random, pointless details.
Although the book was INTERESTING, it left the reader with many unanswered questions:
How did Leo beat up the guy with the mask?
Where did Leo get the car?
What happens to Garrett?
Why was the safe in the tunnels?
Why was the entrance of the tunnels in David’s dad’s office?
Where did Misty’s mom go?
How did Dad know which gun to bury?
Misty’s dad just happens to be a locksmith, secret government agent, and race car drive? And her mom is a banker?
Why did Misty have “Burglary tools”?
How did Leo know about the hole behind the paintings, and how did it get there?
How did Garrett cheat at the shooting competition?
Why did the police take the word of a kid, after they had a confession from another man?
Everybody can relate to what David was going through (even if your mom wasn’t murdered.) Being pressured to be the best, losing something you care about, not being trusted. Everybody can relate to that.
In conclusion, while “First Shot” is entertaining, it has a lot of unanswered questions. I didn’t enjoy it all too much, and wouldn’t necessarily recommend it.
“First Shot” By Walter Something book review. SPOILER ALERT:
First Shot is written as a fiction book. This story, like most books, has a deeper meaning that everybody can relate to: Actions have consequences. The book begins with the main character David, he’s describing everything that has ever gone wrong in his life. He even compares himself to an appendix. (The most useless of the human organs.)
After explaining that David’s father is the “Principal” of this mysterious rich kid school in Maine, and the town below it is split by name: Cardnell vs. Jackstaff. Neither side is quite fond of the other. The Cardnells are rich, and well educated people. While the Jackstaffs are stereotyped to be stupid, and petty criminals. And, that the only thing David really cares about is shooting. The school has this contest called “First Shot” which is where the best shooter gets to fire a single shot at graduation. And that David’s roommate is Garrett Rothenberg who just happens to be the son of the financial manager of the school. And after Misty arrives. (A new student with a southern accent, and a perfect bullseye.) David falls head over heels for her, anyway, after all that is explained, the story quickly jumps into the mystery of David’s mother’s murder.
David believes that his father is responsible for the death of his mother. Because the small town dismissed the murder to a cold case, David decides to take the case into his own hands. He recalls a night when his father had left the house in the dead of night, carrying something wrapped in black plastic. Out of curiosity, and suspicion David followed his father out into the rocky beach outside the school. He watched as his father buried the item under Jackstaff tower. (An old lighthouse.) David assumes, based on shape of the object that it’s a rifle. The same rifle that killed his mother, perhaps?
With the help of his friends Misty Cleary (his crush), and Leo Jackstaff (an old friend, his father doesn’t approve of.) David sets out on a hunt for the truth. He learns of a key that was found near his mother’s body, and a painting. (His mother was an artist.) Over time, he also learns that she was painting Nolan, Leo’s older brother. David thinks that maybe his mother and Nolan, were having an affair. That theory was quickly shot down. The next idea was that Mr. Entwistle was responsible for her death. It’s said that he was sleeping with her. That theory also didn’t pan out. David goes back to the idea that his father is the killer.
Later in the story, David finds his mother’s old camera. There is a video on it revealing that she slipped coded messages on the rear side of her paintings, for fear that somebody was after her. Only one problem, David’s father disposed of the artwork.
David finds out that Misty’s father is some sort of National Security locksmith. And emails him pictures of the key found near his mother’s corpse. He emails back informing him that it’s a key to a safe. Nolan is later diagnosed with cancer, and dies. Leo, tells David about old tunnels under the school, and they decide to investigate, after a close brush with death being chased by a masked man in the tunnels, and many other close calls throughout the story: The police find out about the buried rifle, it’s a match to the one that killed his mother. His father is arrested, and that’s where the story takes a shocking twist.
As it turns out Mr. Rothenberg (Garrett’s father) was the actual killer. He killed her when she discovered flaws in the school’s finances. Mr. Rothenberg was embezzling from the school’s funds. David’s father buried the gun because he thought that David was the actual killer, he was just protecting his son. Then it end quickly and happily.
Honestly this book wasn’t very good. The story line kept shifting, it kept getting off topic, and there were even grammar mistakes. They could have ended this story in under thirty pages, with the same amount of suspense, instead the author dragged it on with random, pointless details.
Although the book was INTERESTING, it left the reader with many unanswered questions:
How did Leo beat up the guy with the mask?
Where did Leo get the car?
What happens to Garrett?
Why was the safe in the tunnels?
Why was the entrance of the tunnels in David’s dad’s office?
Where did Misty’s mom go?
How did Dad know which gun to bury?
Misty’s dad just happens to be a locksmith, secret government agent, and race car drive? And her mom is a banker?
Why did Misty have “Burglary tools”?
How did Leo know about the hole behind the paintings, and how did it get there?
How did Garrett cheat at the shooting competition?
Why did the police take the word of a kid, after they had a confession from another man?
Everybody can relate to what David was going through (even if your mom wasn’t murdered.) Being pressured to be the best, losing something you care about, not being trusted. Everybody can relate to that.
In conclusion, while “First Shot” is entertaining, it has a lot of unanswered questions. I didn’t enjoy it all too much, and wouldn’t necessarily recommend it.
January 4, 2018
A good realistic fiction book with some mystery's/adventures in it.
December 8, 2018
Plot got a bit complicated in the middle, but it was a good read overall. There were a lot of things I didn't see coming.
May 17, 2020
good story, quick read, twists and turns and good main characters
January 2, 2022
It was oddly inappropriate for something that totally reads like a book for kids. It wasn't well executed and it wasn't satisfactory at all. I did not like it and I would tell people not to read it.
March 19, 2023
Was confusing and hard to get through but finished in 2012
February 11, 2025
great YA
February 24, 2017
This book has by far been one of the best books I have read when it comes to describing the setting and characters. Walter Sorrells does a great job presenting the main character of the book, David Crandall, as a distraught teenager trying to find his way in life after something tragic happened to him and his father. As a current high schooler myself, Walter Sorrells hits it on the head with David as a high schooler. I can completely feel the way David would feel in certain moments because it was so correct and well described it really put me in the book. It was easy for me to fall behind David and relate to him because he represented something an everyday high schooler can relate to, and even older people. Not only is David struggling, but he’s struggling while going to an extremely prestigious High School which is ran by his father. His father is too tough on David if you ask me, and he shows no love towards him. With David's dad being a father who shows no love for his son and all the allegations being called forth against him, it is very easy to dislike him as a character in this book. Also, the school David goes to has a lot of stuck up people who are not for him but against him. This makes it feel like an even more realistic high school.
The conflict in this book runs very deep. David is consumed with inner conflicts as long as one's going on around him. His mother was murdered and the killer is unknown; however, David has a very strong suspicion that it is his own father who did it, but he refuses to accept this. Along with the death of his mother, David feels that he can not live up to his powerful family reputation and feels as if he does not belong. There is much more to the conflict for the book than just that, but it will give away parts to the book if I say anymore. All I have to say for how good this conflict is, normally I have a tough time reading Mysteries because they get boring or are drawn out too long and I lose interest in the book, but the way this mystery and plot are so twisted, this makes it a very interesting and entertaining mystery. Never once did I become bored of reading this book. It was one of those books I had a hard time putting down.
In conclusion, I highly suggest reading this book. Normally I pick terrible and boring books for independent reading books, but this time I really lucked out. It took me about two weeks to finish the book, but I was really busy so it took me a little longer than normal. The description of the book is incredible along with the setting, and this really makes you feel as if you are apart of the book. If you are into mysteries and enjoy a twisted plot, then this is the book for you.
The conflict in this book runs very deep. David is consumed with inner conflicts as long as one's going on around him. His mother was murdered and the killer is unknown; however, David has a very strong suspicion that it is his own father who did it, but he refuses to accept this. Along with the death of his mother, David feels that he can not live up to his powerful family reputation and feels as if he does not belong. There is much more to the conflict for the book than just that, but it will give away parts to the book if I say anymore. All I have to say for how good this conflict is, normally I have a tough time reading Mysteries because they get boring or are drawn out too long and I lose interest in the book, but the way this mystery and plot are so twisted, this makes it a very interesting and entertaining mystery. Never once did I become bored of reading this book. It was one of those books I had a hard time putting down.
In conclusion, I highly suggest reading this book. Normally I pick terrible and boring books for independent reading books, but this time I really lucked out. It took me about two weeks to finish the book, but I was really busy so it took me a little longer than normal. The description of the book is incredible along with the setting, and this really makes you feel as if you are apart of the book. If you are into mysteries and enjoy a twisted plot, then this is the book for you.
September 24, 2017
I think this book is AMAZING!!!!!!! I think it is definitely a must read.
March 7, 2015
"Loading the gun. Feeling the rod tamping down the powder. Feeling the familiar heft of the stock against my shoulder. Setting the sight on the red circle of the target.
And pulling the trigger.
Ka-pow!
Kiss my ass, all of you Achievers and Winners and rigor et disciplina jerks— kiss my ass all of you. Because I'm First Shot!"
Oooh, First Shot was a great book! Much greater than I had expected! I am not a big fan of mysteries, but this is one of the first mystery books that I had wholeheartedly enjoyed!
David Crandall calls himself an appendix; useless; left-over.
David goes to a private school —a strict one, I would say— in Maine, called The Arsenal. Doesn't that sound scary? It kinda has a scary ring to it, like a spooky echo. The Arsenal.
At the Arsenal, everyone has to run to their classes, and the last one there has to do push-ups. Punishment includes more push-ups, missing meals, cold showers, thinner blankets, and more. Being the son of the headmaster of The Arsenal, David often faces this on a daily basis. Everything David does doesn't seem to make his father care.
David is competing for First Shot. He's been practicing for it for years. This is a competition between ten students in a group called the Dartington Rifles.
"Then at the end of the year there's a second shoot-out between the ten members of the Dartington Rifles. The best shooter is named First Shot."
What is that supposed to mean, you're probably wondering.
"At commencement every year, one kid walks up onstage after all the speeches, and after all the diplomas are handed out he stands in the middle o the stage and loads an old-fashioned, black-powder rifle— pouring in the powder, ramming in the shot, putting the percussion cap on the nipple— ha-ha, lots of jokes about that— and cocking the hammer. Then he aims at a target on the far end of Guthrie Field. And shoots.
Supposedly, in like two hundred years, no one has missed."
Whoa. That would be awesome to see. Nerve-wracking for the person doing the shooting, sure, but wow, would that be a sight to see at a graduation. Very proper and serious.
David has been practicing shooting for years, and by now, he's so good at shooting, he's nearly guaranteed a spot in the Dartington Rifles. But then a new girl moves to the school, and she happens to be wicked-good at shooting. Better than David. David is up for a competition now, not only for a spot in the Dartington Rifles, but to be First Shot as well.
But that's not just what First Shot was about.
David's mother was murdered, two years ago.
David thinks that his father is the murderer.
After all, he did witness something recently, that made him very suspicious, and curious on how his mother had gotten shot in the chest.
But things are very complicated, and it might not just be David's father that is the suspect anymore.
First Shot was interesting to me, and I liked the overall story of it. The characters were likable, but some were just moe-rons!!
If you like mystery, action, and something different, you should read First Shot. I usually don't like mysteries, but I really liked this book! Even if you don't think you'll like it, give it a shot! (heh, puns... sorry)
"And there he was. Looming over us, not more than thirty feet away— a tall man in a suit. His face was covered by a strange mask. It took me a moment to figure it out. It was one of those night-vision things, like soldiers wore so they could see in the dark.
In his hand was a gun.
Misty screamed.
'Run!' I shouted."
And pulling the trigger.
Ka-pow!
Kiss my ass, all of you Achievers and Winners and rigor et disciplina jerks— kiss my ass all of you. Because I'm First Shot!"
Oooh, First Shot was a great book! Much greater than I had expected! I am not a big fan of mysteries, but this is one of the first mystery books that I had wholeheartedly enjoyed!
David Crandall calls himself an appendix; useless; left-over.
David goes to a private school —a strict one, I would say— in Maine, called The Arsenal. Doesn't that sound scary? It kinda has a scary ring to it, like a spooky echo. The Arsenal.
At the Arsenal, everyone has to run to their classes, and the last one there has to do push-ups. Punishment includes more push-ups, missing meals, cold showers, thinner blankets, and more. Being the son of the headmaster of The Arsenal, David often faces this on a daily basis. Everything David does doesn't seem to make his father care.
David is competing for First Shot. He's been practicing for it for years. This is a competition between ten students in a group called the Dartington Rifles.
"Then at the end of the year there's a second shoot-out between the ten members of the Dartington Rifles. The best shooter is named First Shot."
What is that supposed to mean, you're probably wondering.
"At commencement every year, one kid walks up onstage after all the speeches, and after all the diplomas are handed out he stands in the middle o the stage and loads an old-fashioned, black-powder rifle— pouring in the powder, ramming in the shot, putting the percussion cap on the nipple— ha-ha, lots of jokes about that— and cocking the hammer. Then he aims at a target on the far end of Guthrie Field. And shoots.
Supposedly, in like two hundred years, no one has missed."
Whoa. That would be awesome to see. Nerve-wracking for the person doing the shooting, sure, but wow, would that be a sight to see at a graduation. Very proper and serious.
David has been practicing shooting for years, and by now, he's so good at shooting, he's nearly guaranteed a spot in the Dartington Rifles. But then a new girl moves to the school, and she happens to be wicked-good at shooting. Better than David. David is up for a competition now, not only for a spot in the Dartington Rifles, but to be First Shot as well.
But that's not just what First Shot was about.
David's mother was murdered, two years ago.
David thinks that his father is the murderer.
After all, he did witness something recently, that made him very suspicious, and curious on how his mother had gotten shot in the chest.
But things are very complicated, and it might not just be David's father that is the suspect anymore.
First Shot was interesting to me, and I liked the overall story of it. The characters were likable, but some were just moe-rons!!
If you like mystery, action, and something different, you should read First Shot. I usually don't like mysteries, but I really liked this book! Even if you don't think you'll like it, give it a shot! (heh, puns... sorry)
"And there he was. Looming over us, not more than thirty feet away— a tall man in a suit. His face was covered by a strange mask. It took me a moment to figure it out. It was one of those night-vision things, like soldiers wore so they could see in the dark.
In his hand was a gun.
Misty screamed.
'Run!' I shouted."
March 7, 2017
This was a pretty good book, It kept me at the edge of my seat the entire time. I really enjoyed this book and I would happily recommend this book to anyone. The author did a really good job grabbing my attention with this book. I would give this book 5 stars if it had a sequel.
December 11, 2015
This book is about a kid named David Crandall, whose mom was killed two years ago with no one there to witness the crime. David suspects that his dad is the murderer but lacks the evidence to prove it, so this high school senior goes searching for clues to find out who the murder is. During his research he finds a history of embezzlement in his family from the school and the weapon he suspects is the murder weapon and all evidence leads back to his father.
This book was really enjoyable for 9th-12th grade students (⅘). “You know how in biology class they tell you about your appendix?...once a long, long, long time ago it was useful to our caveman ancestors? But now it’s just hanging there, waiting to get infected and burst so you have to go to the hospital? That’s pretty much me”(Sorrells 3). They way Sorrells started off the book really gets you interested in the main character, and makes you want to learn more about him. He talks about himself like he is good at nothing and is useless, but in reality he is good at alot of the things he does, which I feel a lot of people his age do and because of that he is very relatable. But as the story goes on, the choices David makes become unrealistic for someone his age, and what other people do to him also seems unrealistic.
The author uses effective expression extremely well (5/5). “Like I said, I practices, I worked. All because I was determined to be First Shot. Not just because I’m the appendix of the Great Crandalls. Not just because of my dad and grandfather and all that crap”(Sorrells 18). The way Sorrells writes is very creative and expressive. When David is talking about something he cares about, you know. He goes into great detail about how it's important and it really lets you relate to the character and his ambitions.
The author uses very appropriate language and message for young adults (⅘). “I’m ready to move on, move on to whatever’s next. I’m tired of looking backward, back toward the past” (Sorrells 279). First Shot has a very good message for high schoolers, that nothing is forever and if you try hard enough you can overcome any challenge. This message is really good for high schoolers because they are usually over attached to certain actions that they and other people do, but in the long run, almost all of them don't matter as much as you believe them to be as they are happening.
This book is high creative and imaginary(5/5).”I think my dad murdered my mom. But more on that later”(Surrells 6). This book has very creative plot and story that I personally have not seen used before. But sometimes Surrells is to imaginative, the things that happen later to David later in the book seem unrealistic for someone his age, as well as the people around him to do.
Overall, I give this book a ⅘ because it was a very interesting book that is very suspenseful and makes you want to know what happens next, but it also is a little too creative at some points which takes you out of the moment.
This book was really enjoyable for 9th-12th grade students (⅘). “You know how in biology class they tell you about your appendix?...once a long, long, long time ago it was useful to our caveman ancestors? But now it’s just hanging there, waiting to get infected and burst so you have to go to the hospital? That’s pretty much me”(Sorrells 3). They way Sorrells started off the book really gets you interested in the main character, and makes you want to learn more about him. He talks about himself like he is good at nothing and is useless, but in reality he is good at alot of the things he does, which I feel a lot of people his age do and because of that he is very relatable. But as the story goes on, the choices David makes become unrealistic for someone his age, and what other people do to him also seems unrealistic.
The author uses effective expression extremely well (5/5). “Like I said, I practices, I worked. All because I was determined to be First Shot. Not just because I’m the appendix of the Great Crandalls. Not just because of my dad and grandfather and all that crap”(Sorrells 18). The way Sorrells writes is very creative and expressive. When David is talking about something he cares about, you know. He goes into great detail about how it's important and it really lets you relate to the character and his ambitions.
The author uses very appropriate language and message for young adults (⅘). “I’m ready to move on, move on to whatever’s next. I’m tired of looking backward, back toward the past” (Sorrells 279). First Shot has a very good message for high schoolers, that nothing is forever and if you try hard enough you can overcome any challenge. This message is really good for high schoolers because they are usually over attached to certain actions that they and other people do, but in the long run, almost all of them don't matter as much as you believe them to be as they are happening.
This book is high creative and imaginary(5/5).”I think my dad murdered my mom. But more on that later”(Surrells 6). This book has very creative plot and story that I personally have not seen used before. But sometimes Surrells is to imaginative, the things that happen later to David later in the book seem unrealistic for someone his age, as well as the people around him to do.
Overall, I give this book a ⅘ because it was a very interesting book that is very suspenseful and makes you want to know what happens next, but it also is a little too creative at some points which takes you out of the moment.
May 17, 2016
At the start of the book it talks about how two years ago David Crandall's mom was killed. But there wasn't enough evidence, no witnesses, or any motive found for the police to look into at the time. So the police set the crime aside and nothing was done about it, until David reached his senior year of high school was when he started thinking that the murderer was his dad. David starts finding troubling clues for a deep family secret that has to do with embezzlement. Then one night David sees his dad running out into a rainstorm with something in his hands, so David decides to investigate and follows him. He follows his dad out to an old abandoned lot just past their house, his dad begins to dig a hole and something catches David's eye. What David's dad was burying was an old rifle, He couldn't figure out why but he assumed that it was something of the unthinkable. David believed that his dad was the killer of his mom. He starts looking at his mom's stuff for clues. He finds her old painting that she made and tries figuring out what they meant. Then he notices that there was writing on the back of each painting. It later had to do with a series of numbers that David found along with the help of Leo and Misty. After David found the numbers, a group of goons, Mr. Rothenberg, Nick, and Garrett, were out to get them so they could have the numbers. The goons were big muscular men, the leader, Mr. Rothenberg, also had his son with them, Garrett. David ends up cornered by Leo'd trailer with Garrett holding Misty at gun point. Mr. Rothenberg asks for the papers three times and David finally gives him them, But instead of keeping them he burns them. After that, the goons wake away leaving Leo, Misty, and David by the ashes of the papers. Then when there was only one day left until graduation, Garrett was taking his test for the First Shot award. but when his rifle hang fires, it ends up shooting his dad, Mr. Rothenberg, and killing him. They rush him to the hospital but it was already too late to save him. In the end, no one gets the First Shot trophy, and David's dad was found Innocent and released from jail.
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