First Victim

A Sally Fairburn Crime Thriller #3

by L.A. Larkin

The doorbell chimes loudly. Her husband answers. Muffled voices. Then a crash. The sound of her husband’s body falling to the floor. “Joseph…?” Her voice wobbles. And she knows instantly—she should have stayed silent…

Ex-cop Sally Fairburn has put the world of crime behind her, but when her old boss contacts her about working her first case as a detective, she can’t resist. The high-profile Austin case will be her first opportunity to prove herself.

Retired accountant Joseph Austin has been found dead and his wife, Fiona , in a coma, in their exclusive Peakhurst mansion. It’s a suspected burglary gone wrong, but something about the murder scene doesn’t add why is nothing valuable missing?

Nobody seems to know who might want to hurt this sweet old pair, but as Sally investigates, she discovers the wealthy couple weren’t as popular as she first thought. They’d been embroiled in heated arguments with their neighbor, ex-con Salvador Sobral , for months. His is the strongest motive she can find.

But before Sally can pounce, she receives a chilling call. Sobral has been brutally murdered with a thin strip of wire. Racing to find the missing link between the murders, Sally grows ever more desperate to catch the killer—especially when her violent ex-husband returns to his post with the Franklin police department, determined to discredit her.

Fiona Austin holds the answers Sally needs. But will she come round from her coma before the murderer strikes again? Or will the killer lead Sally down a dangerous path that will leave her balancing on a knife edge between life and death?

The third gripping instalment in the addictive Sally Fairburn crime thriller series, perfect for fans of Lisa Regan, Gregg Olsen and Melinda Leigh. Be prepared to stay up all night…

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Crime

382 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 3, 2023

About the author

L.A. Larkin’s crime-thrillers have won her fans all over the world. Described as a superb “chiller thriller” writer by Marie Claire magazine, and praised by the king of crime, Lee Child, for her “fast and immersive” thrillers, Louisa’s novels will keep you reading all night.
Her new Sally Fairburn crime thriller series is receiving rave reviews: Next Girl Missing (book 1), Her Deadly Truth (book 2) and First Victim (book 3) and is available in ebook, audio, and paperback. Amazon link: https://geni.us/B0CD7ZJ5QCauthor

Here’s what readers are saying :
“An absolute page-turner.” @mandylovestoread
“Will have your heart racing with every page… Completely sucks you in! … Absolutely addictive!” @oh.happy.reading, 5 stars
C.J. Carver, "Dark and menacing, Larkin's characters are heart-wrenchingly real"
Peter James, "Intrigue in spades"
Marie Claire, "This chiller thriller will reel you in"
Good Housekeeping, "Brilliant!"
James Phelan, "'L.A. Larkin is a world-class thriller writer"
Literature Works, "Exciting, original and utterly captivating"
Bookseller + Publisher, "Exciting, compulsive reading"

Connect with L.A. Larkin:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LALarkinAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lalarkinauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/la_larkin_a...
Join her quarterly emailed newsletter: https://lalarkin.com/

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ex-cop Sally Fairburn was called in to act as Detective to solve the Austin case, and her boss thought she was the best person to find the murderer. The elderly Joseph Austin was murdered, while his wife Fiona was left for dead, in a coma in hospital. Sally and her partner Clarence, interviewed suspects, digging deeply into the Austin's lives, and as secrets slowly came to the surface, Sally hoped Fiona would soon wake from her coma, to give them answers.

Sally's ex husband, Scott, had returned from Chicago to Franklin, and immediately let Sally and her son Paul know he was around. Scott was a cruel, vindictive man, and a pedophile to boot, but because he was a cop, evidence didn't stick. When Sally discovered he had another wife and son, she felt sorry for them both. But she tried not to let Scott distract her from the investigation at hand. When two more people were murdered, the race was on; the clock was ticking. Could Sally uncover the culprit of the brutal murders?

First Victim is the 3rd in A Sally Fairburn Crime Thriller by Aussie author L.A. Larkin and it was gripping and intense! Fast paced, my heart pounding, I raced to the satisfying conclusion - bring on #4. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

[Phrynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Sally Fairburn series but the first that I have read. I felt comfortable reading this book without reading the first two. I always understood what was going on.

As the story begins an elderly man is dead and his wife is in a coma after a brutal attack. The puzzle is why would anyone want to murder these two people. There is a staff shortage at the police station and Sally is asked to return at least for the duration of this case. Unfortunately, her appalling ex-husband also returns and makes life difficult for her and her son.

There are more murders, a lot of great police work, a huge amount of tension and a very satisfactory ending. Sally is an excellent main character and she carries the whole story. Recommended to anyone who enjoys a good police procedural. Four stars.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Bec (becbingesbooks) - sorry, behind with lots of catching up to do · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another solid instalment in the Sally Fairburn series.

I enjoyed the story, felt frustrated by some of the bad characters (intentional by the author I'd imagine) and couldn't turn the pages fast enough. I really love Sally and her "team" and how they have each other's backs.

I felt like this could've been a tiny bit shorter but was intrigued throughout.

As I said in my summary note, I haven't been so satisfied by an ending in a while! I don't want to include any spoilers so I won't say why or anything about it other than I was very glad to read it.

I would recommend this series. I thoroughly enjoyed book 1, I was enjoying book 2 but had to DNF for personal reasons, and I again enjoyed book 3. There was a bit of information to gauge what transpired in book 2 at times but I'd have preferred a tiny bit more background to be able to pick up book 3 a little more easily.

Anticipated publication date: 3 October 2023

⚠️ Check TWs online ⚠️

Thank you so much to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am thoroughly enjoying this series, I really like Sally she is caring and empathetic to everyone and now she has been asked to come back to the Franklin Police Department as a detective for three months to solve a cold case and that is the murder of an old man and the attack on his wife, Sally is keen to show she can do this.

Sally and her partner Clarence start investigating what appears to be a burglary gone wrong but the more they investigate the more they uncover it appears to be a murder of revenge but by who? Why was Joseph Austin brutally murdered and his wife Fiona left in a coma in hospital Sally is hoping that Fiona will awake and have some answers and when another two neighbours are murdered Sally is really put under pressure.

To make things worse her ex-husband has arrived back in town, with a new wife and young son to resume work as a cop and he is doing his best to destroy Sally’s reputation as he puts the pressure on her and their son Paul and the man she put behind bars is also pushing her with questions and offers of help, will Sally uncover all the answers she needs to convict the killer or killers and how will things go with her ex Scott.

This is another compelling story in this series, one that I highly recommend, it kept me turning the pages I wanted to know all of the answers and I do look forward to more Sally Fairburn stories.

My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my copy to read and review.

[Damo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sally Fairburn returns for a third cracking outing in what is fast becoming a completely absorbing police procedural / thriller series. She has been called out of retirement from the police force to take up a temporary role as a consulting detective with the Franklin PD. Her recent performances when it comes to solving perplexing crimes as a civilian has come to the notice of friends in the police.

She’s asked to come in and run a cold case that involves a murder and attempted murder of an old couple, Joseph and Fiona Austin, in their own home by an unknown intruder. Joseph has been left dead and Fiona in an induced coma in hospital from the attack. Although she’s a little daunted by the prospect of resuming her career in the police force, even if on a temporary basis, she’s pleased to be out doing a job that she feels she’s well suited to.

A massive fly in the ointment comes in the form of her ex-husband, an abusive man with a penchant for grooming underage girls. He has returned from Chicago with his young wife and child and appears intent on destroying Sally and their son Paul’s happy life in Franklin.

When Sally is brought in to begin the investigation, the case is termed a cold case. However, it’s actually only a matter of weeks old, still relatively recent with plenty of scope for fresh eyes to unearth new leads. And then it becomes a very hot case again when, first one and then a second person closely related to the original case, is murdered. At this point I was rather surprised that the resources thrown at the case, i.e. Sally and a rookie cop, wasn’t dramatically scaled up.

This aspect felt like a rather large misstep and severely damaged the credibility of the storyline in my mind. But I was prepared to overlook the shoddy police procedure for the sake of enjoying the broader storyline.

Unlike a lot of other cold case mysteries, there is some real momentum to this story as Sally and her partner, Clarence, hit the ground running. There also appears to be some glaring holes in the original investigation, things that Sally picks up only moments into her investigation. The fast-paced nature of the story is exacerbated by the growing tension that comes from the developing drama of Scott’s return.

Larkin writes with a free-flowing style that draws you into the story with an easy conversational tone. It feels as though you’re invited directly inside Sally’s head as she reveals all of her motivations, fears and emotions as she’s faced with both the intricacies of her job and her complicated personal life.

One of the more intriguing characters in the story continues to be Richard Foster. He has been part of the ongoing Sally Fairburn story since Next Girl Missing, the first book in the series, a dirty cop who currently sits in prison courtesy of Sally’s investigative work. He’s an enigmatic, powerful character who appears to have a great deal of reach outside the four walls of his cell. He repeatedly makes contact with Sally via text messages, which she ignores…until she doesn’t. I get the feeling that there’s more in store that will make far more use of Foster’s uniquely insidious abilities.

Once again, I found myself drawn in by the intense drama created by L.A. Larkin. The strong combination of a complex murder mystery and a harrowing domestic abusive relationship really tortured my emotions. Although it’s clearly set in the United States I loved the little Aussie place name references for the local areas around Franklin (made me chuckle). I can’t wait to find out what’s in store for Sally and her friends in future episodes.

My thanks to Bookouture via NetGalley for my digital ARC of the book to read, enjoy and review.

[♥Rachel♥ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wouldn't hesitate to read more by Larkin, but this particular story stressed me out. The situation with the ex-husband had me on edge and not in a good way. I ended up skimming to see how it would turn out while sparing myself the stress.

A copy was kindly provided by Bookouture via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Nadene (Totally Addicted to Reading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.First Victim delivered my first taste of L. A Larkin's work, and it definitely will not be my last. In this, the third book in the Sally Fairburn Crime Thriller, Larkin delivered a page turning tale that will delight fans of crime fiction. Read on and learn the reason First Victim is a must-read.

First Victim captivated from start to finish with its riveting storyline. From page one I surmised this would be a solid tale and each chapter reinforced my assumption.

The story began with the attack of a prominent elderly couple in their home. The male, Joseph Austin, was murdered while his wife, Fiona, was left in a coma. Enters ex police officer Sally Fairburn. Sally's former boss, reached out to her six months after the incident. He wants her to act as a consulting detective in solving the crime. Hesitant at first because of a traumatic past, Sally accepted after encouragement from friends and her son.

The biggest question on everyone's mind was who attacked the lovely couple and why. As Sally and her partner dug into the case, the bigger the puzzle grew. She discovered all is not as it appeared. The myriad of suspects only left her with more questions than answers. 

As it was my first time reading the series, I knew nothing about Sally. However, Larkin did an excellent job in portrayal of the heroine. Sally is one tough cookie. She survived an abusive marriage, and since then she has taken back control of her life. I feared she would allow this return to Franklin to undermine her progress, but she triumphed. He was pure evil, and I kept hoping with each page turn he would get his just deserts.

The thing that made this story so riveting was the complexity of the case. This one kept me guessing until the end. The shocking outcome made it even more satisfying.

I was impressed with my first experience with Larkin, which led to the addition of books one and two to my reading list. This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading

[Helen Frost · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic. Fast paced with lots of action. A strange murder in very mysterious circumstances and the answers aren’t forthcoming quickly. An older gentleman opens the door, seemingly to someone he know and then not long afterwards his wife hears him screaming as he is brutally murdered. The killer then goes to attack her, leaving her in a coma. The case seems to be a burglary as the safe is emptied but was it more complex than that?
The detective has a tough case and further pressures to prove herself. She also has a complex and troubled past of domestic abuse as the victim and when her husband reappears in her life things get scary for her and her son.
I loved the storyline, which wasn’t afraid to stray into sensitive areas such as DA and paedophilia. The main character was likeable and very human with her own flaws and backstory. I’d definitely love to read more in the series and am happy to recommend this one.

[Lori Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Victim is book 3 in the Sally Fairburn series by L.A. Larkin. The book keeps you on edge from the beginning to the very end with the case Sally is working and her stressful family situation. Sally is asked to be a temporary detective for 3 months to see how she likes it and to be evaluated on her performance. Sally is an ex-cop and helped the police a lot on past cases .She earned the respect of several on the force. Sally checks with her son before accepting the position, but when he says yes, she's very eager to get started.

Sally is called to a scene in which the husband answered the door late at night, invited the person inside, and was then killed by the visitor with a hammer to the head. His wife was upstairs at the time and when she heard her husband scream she tried to make it to the phone. Fiona, his wife, suffers from arthritis and has trouble walking. Just when she was reaching for the phone, the visitor caught up to her, and hit her hard from behind. She was left for dead. Fiona is in a coma and the doctors aren't sure if she'll wake up or not.

Everyone seems to think it's a burglary, but something about the scene doesn't fit Sally's eye. There are many valuable items laying around that the person didn't take. Why? Who would want to hurt this sweet old couple? Are they really as sweet as they seem? The neighbors tell a different story. There are many people that wouldn't mind seeing Joseph and Fiona dead. As Sally and her new partner, Clarence, begin investigating another neighbor is killed. Who is killing people in this nice neighborhood and why? How come someone doesn't see something?

As Fiona wakes up, Sally is hoping she will know who attacked her and Joseph. Will she? Is Fiona as innocent and forgetful as she claims? Who is this young man that wants to visit Fiona? Could he be the murderer? As Sally works the case, her ex-husband that she and her son escaped from six years ago is back. He's as dangerous and violent as ever and wants to make Sally's life miserable. He gets his old job back at the same police station Sally is working. He's spreading lies about Sally and his buddies believe them. Will Sally be able to solve the case while worrying about her son's safety as well as her own?

First Victim is a fantastic book that keeps you guessing until the end. There are twists that will keep you on your toes as you try to figure out who is doing the killing. I rate First Victim 5 stars and give it my highest recommendation. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy of First Victim in exchange for a fair review. #FirstVictim

[Bookswithacuppa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m just gonna come out and say it. I’m disappointed. Super disappointed. This is book THREE of the Sally Fairburn series and I had NO IDEA this series was out there until Bookouture gave me the brilliant opportunity to read it as part of their book tour.

I LOVED this police procedural. 🤩🤩 From the very beginning I was sucked in. I really liked Larkin’s writing style ✍️🖤 it was very conversational and flowed easily. Her characters are believable and well rounded - I was fully invested in Sally’s journey and rooting for her. Scott… oh man… 🤬🤬🤬 I just love how Larkin was able to write a character so utterly despicable!!!

It can be read as a standalone but there were snippets of what has clearly taken place in the previous books (and could possibly be spoilers if you haven’t read them…???) so I reckon if you were going to read this one, start with the first in the series Next Girl Missing.

I felt the pace worked really well and I was compelled to keep reading 📖 to find out how it ended 🤔🤔 I’m happy to say I didn’t figure it out!!

A solid crime thriller, I would highly recommend it. A huge thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the gifted e-arc and the opportunity to provide a voluntary review. I’m off 🏃‍♀️ to go grab the first two books and 🙏🏻 there will be a fourth!!!

[Bec]

First Victim was another gripping crime thriller with Sally Fairburn. There were 2 main storylines in this one with the murder of Joseph Austin and then the continuing saga of Sally's ex Scott, but now he has a new wife and child to torment. As the third in the series it I believe it would be best to read the first 2 books first, but could still be enjoyed as a stand alone. Plenty of action and secrets as Sally is bought in to investigate what happened to Joseph, and the murders start to pile up. I love the relationships Sally builds with the other characters, and in this one in particular with her police partner Clarence. Great book!

[Megan Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the previous two books so of course I had to read the third.

This book has a great role model of a woman named Sally. Having survived an abusive relationship she is now trying to get her life back together and has become fresh eyes at solving murders.

I really enjoy this saga, especially the ending. I can’t wait to see where this author takes us for the next book.

[Viking Jam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.8/5

Review: Pretty good writing. A little long in the tooth with her personal life and a bad ex. whom can get away with anything (of course). Baby momma intervals were also not interesting.

[Janaya Kabamba · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hadn't read the rest of the series but found this worked well as a standalone anyways. This literally had me ul all night, I just couldn't not put it down! Really cleverly written, the characters are original and well thought out. The plot is well paced and keeps moving forward and I just loved every page of this!! The twists were so well done that I did not see them coming and I will definitely be going back to read the rest of the series now

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Victim by L.A. Larkin is an action-packed and suspenseful novel that follows the story of Detective Inspector Hal Challis. Challis is assigned to investigate the murder of a young woman who was found dead in her apartment. As Challis digs deeper into the case, he discovers that the victim was not the first in a string of murders that have been occurring in the area.

The novel is fast-paced and filled with suspense. Larkin’s writing style is gripping and draws the reader in from the first page. She provides a vivid description of the characters, setting and plot, keeping the reader invested in the story.

Challis is a complex character with a troubled past. He is determined to find the killer and apprehend them, but struggles with his own internal demons. Throughout the novel, Larkin explores Challis’s internal struggles and how his work as a detective affects him.

The plot of First Victim is expertly crafted and keeps the reader guessing. There are plenty of twists and turns, and the story never feels predictable. Larkin builds suspense and tension throughout the novel, creating a gripping and thrilling read.

Overall, First Victim is an excellent read. Larkin has crafted an intense and suspenseful plot with complex characters and a captivating setting. If you enjoy action-packed thrillers with plenty of mystery, then this book is for you. Highly recommended.

[Jenn Brouwer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeps you guessing till the bitter end! A crazy twisty turny ride of terror. This one starts with a bang quite literally and then you are hooked! The characters are fabulous. The plot is so well done. I adore when characters feel like people you know. That takes a talent and this author has that talent in spades. A page turning, hair raising fast paced read. This is a must read!

[Sylvia Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Victim by LA Larkin
Tour date 10/7/2023
Crime thiller
@Bookouture
@Jess Readett
#LA Larkin
#first Victim book3

I really liked that this book kept you engaged
This book has lots of twists and turns and keeps you guessing what was next
Check out books 1 and 2 of Sally Fairburn crime thillers

Rating 5 stars 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
https://instagram.com/sylv.iareads?ig...
Www.goodreads.com/dsamuel48samgmailcom

My review:
The Austin's have been assaulted in their home. The husband dies, but the wife survived but is currently in a coma.
Harper has a kid with Scott. He is a much older man who is not only a cop but also a narcissist. Harper tries everything in her power to try to run away from Scott
Sally has been hired as a detective to find out what happened to Joseph and his wife. She used to be married to Scott and works in the same police department with him.
Sally tries to interview the neighbors to see if anyone saw anything the night Joseph and Fiona were assaulted. It seems the closer she gets, the more neighbors are being picked off.
Soon, the entire neighborhood will be killed.
What is going on? Who is doing this and why?
And now that Fiona is out of her coma and is acting as I'd she definitely knows more than she is putting on, Sally needs to race against time before another neighbor will be killed

Synopsis:
The doorbell chimes loudly. Her husband answers. Muffled voices. Then a crash. The sound of her husband’s body falling to the floor. “Joseph…?” Her voice wobbles. And she knows instantly—she should have stayed silent…
Ex-cop Sally Fairburn has put the world of crime behind her, but when her old boss contacts her about working her first case as a detective, she can’t resist. The high-profile Austin case will be her first opportunity to prove herself.
Retired accountant Joseph Austin has been found dead, and his wife, Fiona , in a coma, in their exclusive Peakhurst mansion. It’s a suspected burglary gone wrong, but something about the murder scene doesn’t add why is nothing valuable missing?
Nobody seems to know who might want to hurt this sweet old pair, but as Sally investigates, she discovers the wealthy couple weren’t as popular as she first thought. They’d been embroiled in heated arguments with their neighbor, ex-con Salvador Sobral , for months. His is the strongest motive she can find.
But before Sally can pounce, she receives a chilling call. Sobral has been brutally murdered with a thin strip of wire. Racing to find the missing link between the murders, Sally grows ever more desperate to catch the killer—especially when her violent ex-husband returns to his post with the Franklin police department, determined to discredit her.
Fiona Austin holds the answers Sally needs. But will she come round from her coma before the murderer strikes again? Or will the killer lead Sally down a dangerous path that will leave her balancing on a knife edge between life and death?

[Mamadukes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3 in the Sally Fairburn crime thriller series, FIRST VICTIM proves that L. A. Larkin should be on the top of every TBR pile.

Sally, a civilian for 23 years, works in a bookstore and is a victim advocate of many years. She shares a 15 year old son, Paul, with her ex-husband Scott. When Sally is contacted by the head of homicide from the Franklin PD, Fred Clark, she is asked to act as a consultant in the grizzly murder of Joseph Austin, and the serious aggravated assault of his wife, Fiona. As Sallie and her new partner, Clarence Pew begin to investigate, more murders take place in this tony neighborhood. We see secrets, lies and manipulations throughout as Fairburn and Pew attempt to uncover the truth.

While Sally is investigating, she is also dealing with her abusive ex-husband who has returned to town with his new wife and son in tow to work at the Franklin PD. While Scott tries to sabotage Sally’s consultancy and reputation, he is also making demands on wanting to see Paul, who has no desire to have a relationship with him. When Sally is contacted by Scott’s wife, Harper, asking for help to escape him, Sally is reminded of having been in the exact same position herself. And if that isn’t enough, Sally is contacted by serial killer Richard Foster, who is in prison, but has. “people” who can help her.

This is a Books 3 in the series, and it is as good as the previous two. I really enjoy the writing style as it leads to a smooth transition from one part to the next. While this book can be read as a standalone, it helps to have some of the background of the previous two novels. I could not put this book down and can’t wait to see where the author takes Sally and I next!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC opportunity. All opinions are my own and given voluntarily

[Sophie Sheppard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading the first book in this series just a week ago and I was hooked right from the start and cannot get enough of L.A Larkin’s work. Since then I’ve read the whole series and am really gutted I’ve finished reading ‘First victim.’ I’m also hoping there will be more in the Sally Fairburn crime thriller series and with that ending it is certainly possible.

This is the 3rd book in The Sally Fairburn series however any of these book could be read as a stand alone thriller (but I’d recommend them all 😜😂) when sally is contacted by her old boos Clarke and is asked to join the team as a detective to help solve a cold case Sally cannot refuse and is ready to get stuck in.

However Sallys joy is short lived when she discovers her ex-husband Scott has also returned to the force and is out to cause trouble for her, undermining her both personally and professionally.

Determined not to let Scott ruin things for her Sally cracks on with the case ahead of her. An attack on a retired couple Joseph who is murdered and his wife Fiona. As more evidence comes to light and Sally and her partner begin to close in on the killer more murders are committed and the pressure is on Sally to close this high profile case.
This is the sort of book that will have you hooked from start to finish. There were plenty of exciting twists and turns along the way to keep the reader interested and I found I was picking my kindle up at every opportunity I had. I have never read such an addictive book series and as I said above I desperately hope there will be more to come!

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for an advance copy of this book in exchange for this review. If I could give more than 5 stars I really would.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sally has a 3 month contract with the homicide squad tracking the killers of an aged man and his neighbour. The man's wife is critically injured. Sally is with her when she comes out of her coma, but it is clear the old lady has secrets she wants to keep secret, she won't reveal the attacker's identity

Her ex husband Scott has moved back to Franklin and is making her life miserable, taking every opportunity to degrade her and make it look as though she is the one with a problem. He has remarried and has a son, and his wife approaches Sally for help to escape from Scott and his abuse. He cannot be reported, as none of his cop friends believe that he is capable of the cruelty he metes out to women.

Sally again enlists the help of Richard Foster, who she jailed for his heinous crimes, but his demands of what he wanted in return was just too high a price for Sally.

Another instalment in what has turned out to be a fantastic series. Sally might not think she is a strong person, but she certainly is. I personally have a liking for books with a strong female lead.
I can't wait for the next book, L A Larkin keeps her readers engaged and this was definitely a page turner for me.

Murder, blackmail, domestic abuse, twists, secrets and lies. This book has it all.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ex police officer, Sally Fairburn has accepted a temporary position as a detective on a three month trial basis at her old station, Franklin PD. She previously left the police force as well as her marriage after her controlling husband’s behaviour led to her daughter Zelda’s death. Now with her life back on track and her son Paul coping well after all the trauma, she’s enjoying being back on the force and investigating the murder of an elderly man and the near death of his wife, left in a coma. Not long after starting in her new job, she is appalled to learn that her ex-husband, still a serving police officer has transferred from Chicago to Franklin where a lot of his best friends work in homicide. It soon becomes clear that although he now has a new wife and child, he wants to see more of Paul and disrupt Sally’s life and work as much as possible.

This turns out to be a tough case for Sally and her team. Further deaths occur and add to the puzzle without helping to identify the killer or their motives, but eventually Sally will unravel the web of secrets hidden by the elderly couple. This is a well written murder mystery, full of tension and suspense. It’s also a great addition to the series, but would work well as a stand alone novel.

With thanks to Bookouture via Netgalley for a copy to read

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

🚨Sally faces challenges on two fronts: totally gripping!

Excellent story, that I could not stop reading. Sally Fairburn, the single mom turned temporary police detective, is a really sympathetic heroine. She's been through a harrowing marriage with a controlling cop husband who was into gaslighting and controlling her, and just when she gets a meaty murder/attempted murder case to solve her terror of an ex comes back to undermine her. Sally is not always as strong and impervious to her ex Scott's manipulating ways as she wishes and her mix of frailty and resolve make her very relatable.

I found this book really well written and devoid of fluff. The plot is complex, the action and investigation fast-paced and I really liked the way the author handles her characters. There is just enough detail to flesh them out and distinguish one from the next without going overboard on descriptive details that don't matter to the murder investigation. Surprises and chases with a thrilling climax, yes, and for me Sally's personal life and the tragedy of Harper's (Scott's new wife's) woes enhanced the whole to make it a marvelous read.

Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

[Connie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Thoughts

First Victim is written by by LA Larkin. This is the first book that I’ve read by this author. This is book three in the Sally Fairburn Crime Thriller series. While this is part of a series I didn’t have any issues following along.

Sally is now an ex cop. She’s been looking forward to moving on. However her old boss wants her to help on a case where a Retired accountant Joseph Austin has been found dead and his wife, Fiona, in a coma, in their exclusive Peakhurst mansion. The prime suspect is their neighbor, ex-con Salvador Sobral. They’ve been in a consistent argumentative state for months. However Salvador ends up dead.

Sally does not agree with the initial assessment of a robbery gone wrong. She digs deep and tries to sort it all out. However her abusive ex husband shows back up in her life and he’s determined to discredit everything she’s ever done.

I loved all the twists and turns. I loved that the book draws you in within the first few pages and doesn’t let you go. The book is well written and I adored Sally.


Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.

[C.A. Powers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, right out of the gate, Larkin gets your heart beating fast!

This is a captivating crime novel that delves into the dark corners of human nature, where secrets and deceit intertwine. Set against the backdrop of a retired cop's return to the world of crime-solving, this book weaves an intricate web of suspense, revenge, and redemption.

The story follows the life of Sally Fairburn, whose retirement is abruptly interrupted when she receives a chilling request for assistance from her ex-boss. An older man has been brutally murdered, and his wife lies in a coma. Little does Sally know that the victim had his own secrets setting the stage for a complex and twisted investigation.

Larkin masterfully crafts a tale of relentless pursuit, as Sally's experience and gut instinct come to the forefront. With each page, the plot thickens, revealing a labyrinth of interconnected relationships, hidden motives, and buried secrets. The suspense builds steadily, keeping readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly turning pages to uncover the truth behind the heinous crime.

In conclusion, this is a compelling crime novel that will keep readers enthralled from beginning to end.

[Ade · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Sally Fairburn series ( the first I have read) and it can be read as a standalone.

This was gripping and intense from start to finish. On top of investigating several murders, Sally had to contend with a narcissist ex-husband hellbent on destroying her life.

I enjoyed the whodunnit and the police procedural drama that ensued. It was nerve wracking trying to figure out the culprit and I did not see the end playing out the way it did.

The author did a good job of highlighting the misogynistic aspects of police work that still exists today.

I admire Sally’s work ethics, intelligence, smartness and how she has tried to rise despite her challenges.

I know there is still more coming from Sally that I can’t wait to read as there is still an unfinished business with Foster.

The story could have been a bit shorter and could have done with fewer chapters.

If you love police procedural work with some mystery and domestic drama then you will enjoy this.

I received an advanced copy of this book and the review is entirely mine and voluntary.

[Els · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes it's a bit harder to recall what previous books in a series were about when you read a lot, but as soon as I opened this one, my mind flew back to one character immediately. I remembered quite vividly what a disgusting so and so he was and it seemed like he had not changed one little bit.

Of course you need this kind of people in thrillers. People you can hate with all your heart, because they make this genre so good and sometimes you really feel sorry you can not dive between the page to give them a good piece of your mind. But thank God there is something like karma who often steps in to deal with it once and for all.

I, for one, would not mind to see someone setting this person straight. Maybe my prayers will contribute to something...?

There are also cute things happening in thrillers and I adore the new addition to Sally's family. :)

So if you are in for a great story starring Sally, you can sit back and enjoy this wonderful book, filled with characters you love to love and some you love to hate. 

Sally is dong a splendid job as did the author. 5 stars

Thank you

[Rachel Cater · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, L.A. Larkin, and Bookouture, for an ARC copy of "First Victim".

"First Victim" is a riveting addition to the Sally Fairburn Crime Thriller series, delivering a suspenseful and intense story that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Sally Fairburn, a former cop, left the world of crime behind her, but when she is offered a chance to work her first case as a detective, she can't resist the opportunity. The case involves the mysterious death of Joseph Austin and his wife, Fiona, who is left in a coma after a violent incident in their exclusive Peakhurst mansion. Initially thought to be a burglary gone wrong, Sally begins to unravel a complex web of secrets and hidden animosities within the seemingly idyllic world of the Austins.

If you're looking for a book that will keep you up all night, this is one thriller you won't want to miss. I'm eagerly anticipating the next book in the series.

[Christine LaBatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

The next Sally Fairburn mystery finds her working as a temporary detective investigating a case of the murder of a prominent citizen and the attempted murder of his wife. Complicating things even more is the fact that Sally's abusive husband has returned with new wife and young child in tow.

Another fast-paced good entry in this series! I was worried about the reemergence of Scott (the abusive ex-husband) and ultimately felt meh about this story line just because it was so hard to read (because Larkin does a good job portraying him as a jerk). It does wrap up in a way where it won't be an issue in the future and leaves us with new potential side storylines. I am interested to see where Sally goes next because her boss at the PD mentioned cold cases. I wonder if Larkin will dial in on this or if Sally will kind of bounce around more.

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know I am a big police procedural lover, but I really like the series that have a little different something to offer. In this one, Sally, the MC, went from being a police officer to being a victim's advocate. And while it looks like she is back on the way to heading back to the police department, I love how she cares and thinks of the victim as she works to solve kidnapping, assaults and rapes. Having her history, she always makes sure that is at the top of her thoughts.

And appropriately in this case, a secondary story involves Sally and her ex-husband and him trying to come back around and change the narrative on what he has done to her. She gets a chance to grow and see how strong she is while battling him.

Sally is interesting and I'm always interested in what she plans to do next as she works tirelessly to solve the case. This one was fast paced and full of tension.

While it is the third book in the series, it can easily be read as a stand alone.

[Kiersten Pyrtle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sally, an ex-cop, is asked to consult on a murder case that has gone cold. She’s excited to be back to work, until her bad news ex comes back into her life. With all the odds (and her ex) stacked against her, Sally comes out on top!

✨✨Wow! I love Larkin’s writing style. This book was a breeze to read—I stayed entertained and on my toes throughout this novel. I found myself becoming attached to Sally and Harper—I was actually worried for their safety at times. I love how developed all the characters were, I felt like I was in the story. ✨✨

This is the first book I’ve read by L.A. Larkin and I am so impressed!! I’ve officially added all her books to my TBR. 📚🤓

I really appreciated this ARC—thank you so much @netgalley, @la_larkin_author, and @bookouture !

The First Victim will be released October 3, 2023 and I highly recommend snagging a copy!!