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First Act
Not yet published
Expected 29 Jan 26A new detective. Tested like never before.
London, 2008. Kelly Porter has been in London for six years. She’s 28 years old and has passed her detective exams, working for Bethnal Green CID. Now she’s landed her dream job in the Met’s Major Investigation Team – the murder squad. And she is immediately thrown into the deep end.
Work on the Olympic Park is underway, and human remains are found on Kelly’s former patch. When a link to children’s toys is found, Kelly seeks help from a curator at the Museum of Childhood.
A legacy of horror and killer with an unexpected motive are about to be revealed – but can Kelly stop them?
The breathtaking, fast-paced prequel to the million-copy bestselling DI Kelly Porter series. Perfect for fans of Angela Marsons, Patricia Gibney and LJ Ross.
London, 2008. Kelly Porter has been in London for six years. She’s 28 years old and has passed her detective exams, working for Bethnal Green CID. Now she’s landed her dream job in the Met’s Major Investigation Team – the murder squad. And she is immediately thrown into the deep end.
Work on the Olympic Park is underway, and human remains are found on Kelly’s former patch. When a link to children’s toys is found, Kelly seeks help from a curator at the Museum of Childhood.
A legacy of horror and killer with an unexpected motive are about to be revealed – but can Kelly stop them?
The breathtaking, fast-paced prequel to the million-copy bestselling DI Kelly Porter series. Perfect for fans of Angela Marsons, Patricia Gibney and LJ Ross.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication January 29, 2026
1 person is currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Lynch
82 books414 followersRachel Lynch grew up in Cumbria and the lakes and fells are never far away from her. London pulled her away to teach History and marry an Army Officer, whom she followed around the globe for thirteen years.
A change of career after children led to personal training and sports therapy, but writing was always the overwhelming force driving the future. The human capacity for compassion as well as its descent into the brutal and murky world of crime are fundamental to her work.
A change of career after children led to personal training and sports therapy, but writing was always the overwhelming force driving the future. The human capacity for compassion as well as its descent into the brutal and murky world of crime are fundamental to her work.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 21, 2025
This was not my first book by this author, But I'm afraid it might be my last.
I was excited to read this book, as I am a sucker for a good murder/mystery. The book started off okay, and deteriorated from there.
I have never been so frustrated by an author's writing style. The story and premise were good., however the writing stye was not my cup of tea.
There were sentences that were that long, that I thought I may pass out from not taking a breath. Some of these sentences took several attempts of reading for comprehension to occur.
There seemed to be lots of Info dumping for no reason and lots of explanations where they were not required.
The FMC seemed to be confused/torn/Jekyll & Hyde/ I don't know how else to explain it. She would have an idea, an opinion, a desire and then she would change this, because someone had said something or she had just decided to change it.
Several inconsistencies with events, someone took her bag upstairs, but then this happened twice in the same paragraph.
Thank you to Net Galley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was excited to read this book, as I am a sucker for a good murder/mystery. The book started off okay, and deteriorated from there.
I have never been so frustrated by an author's writing style. The story and premise were good., however the writing stye was not my cup of tea.
There were sentences that were that long, that I thought I may pass out from not taking a breath. Some of these sentences took several attempts of reading for comprehension to occur.
There seemed to be lots of Info dumping for no reason and lots of explanations where they were not required.
The FMC seemed to be confused/torn/Jekyll & Hyde/ I don't know how else to explain it. She would have an idea, an opinion, a desire and then she would change this, because someone had said something or she had just decided to change it.
Several inconsistencies with events, someone took her bag upstairs, but then this happened twice in the same paragraph.
Thank you to Net Galley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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December 3, 20253.5 stars I'd say.
First Act is the prequel to a series of books about Detective Kelly Porter, following her early career as a detective newly started with a murder team in London. She’s in her late twenties, full of energy and with a real commitment to do the right thing and bring villains to justice. So far so good from my perspective.
Overall it was a mixed bag though. I found that I quite liked the main character and the author’s ability to capture the world she inhabited. I could see London in my head, sensing the busyness, the press of people and the summer heat. There was also a sense of time It’s 2008 and the London Olympic stadium is under construction and the music is of the time. I enjoyed the interaction of Kelly with her friends and colleagues. Mostly, he dialogue felt natural and realistic though there are some clunky sections. On the other hand, the plot tended to meander and there was a tendency to dump information rather than letting me work things out for myself through the dialogue. Kelly feels a little two-dimensional too. Surely this young woman has some sort of life beyond her job.
Almost all of the story is told from Kelly’s perspective, though occasionally the point of view shifted. The very first chapter offered a very different viewpoint and was quickly forgotten as the characters involved did not reappear for a considerable length of time and the significance of their conversation was lost on me until I was about three quarters of the way through. Similarly the viewpoint of the strange fellow in the Museum of Childhood received a chapter early on, only for him to disappear again for quite a while. This was a little confusing as a reader and did not help me settle in to the novel.
There are some annoying little inconsistencies scattered around the text which I think some closer editing could eliminate. In places the prose is a bit dense and there are long sentences that I had to re-read to figure out the sense. Editing slipped up here and there, allowing for some oddities. For example, the word ‘claret’ not previously used in the book, suddenly cropped up three times in as many pages to describe different things- Kelly’s dress, some furniture and a jug. It’s minor but it jarred. The opening was a little slow I thought and it took me a while to settle in to it, though to be fair that might be my fault as much as the authors as I was feeling quite tired when I started the book and perhaps less able to engage brain and concentrate.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
First Act is the prequel to a series of books about Detective Kelly Porter, following her early career as a detective newly started with a murder team in London. She’s in her late twenties, full of energy and with a real commitment to do the right thing and bring villains to justice. So far so good from my perspective.
Overall it was a mixed bag though. I found that I quite liked the main character and the author’s ability to capture the world she inhabited. I could see London in my head, sensing the busyness, the press of people and the summer heat. There was also a sense of time It’s 2008 and the London Olympic stadium is under construction and the music is of the time. I enjoyed the interaction of Kelly with her friends and colleagues. Mostly, he dialogue felt natural and realistic though there are some clunky sections. On the other hand, the plot tended to meander and there was a tendency to dump information rather than letting me work things out for myself through the dialogue. Kelly feels a little two-dimensional too. Surely this young woman has some sort of life beyond her job.
Almost all of the story is told from Kelly’s perspective, though occasionally the point of view shifted. The very first chapter offered a very different viewpoint and was quickly forgotten as the characters involved did not reappear for a considerable length of time and the significance of their conversation was lost on me until I was about three quarters of the way through. Similarly the viewpoint of the strange fellow in the Museum of Childhood received a chapter early on, only for him to disappear again for quite a while. This was a little confusing as a reader and did not help me settle in to the novel.
There are some annoying little inconsistencies scattered around the text which I think some closer editing could eliminate. In places the prose is a bit dense and there are long sentences that I had to re-read to figure out the sense. Editing slipped up here and there, allowing for some oddities. For example, the word ‘claret’ not previously used in the book, suddenly cropped up three times in as many pages to describe different things- Kelly’s dress, some furniture and a jug. It’s minor but it jarred. The opening was a little slow I thought and it took me a while to settle in to it, though to be fair that might be my fault as much as the authors as I was feeling quite tired when I started the book and perhaps less able to engage brain and concentrate.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
November 7, 2025
In First Act, Rachel Lynch takes readers back to the beginning, this is an enjoyable, compelling prequel to her much loved Detective Kelly Porter series. Set in London in 2008, this police procedural covers the early days of Kelly’s career before her move to the Lake District.
At 28, Kelly Porter has just achieved her dream job, a spot on the Met’s Major Investigation Team. But her promotion quickly turns from triumph to trial when human remains are unearthed on a construction site for the Olympic Park , right on her old Bethnal Green patch. As Kelly dives into the investigation, a chilling connection emerges between the remains and a collection of children’s toys. Her investigations lead her to a curator at the Museum of Childhood, where she uncovers a dark legacy of secrets, pain, and revenge.
The novel is well written and expertly plotted which is what I have come to expect when reading a Rachel Lynch book. A well paced story where the tension builds to a fitting climax, and unexpected twists.
This novel was a pleasant change to the usual timeline and a very interesting glimpse of the younger Kelly Porter.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Canelo for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
At 28, Kelly Porter has just achieved her dream job, a spot on the Met’s Major Investigation Team. But her promotion quickly turns from triumph to trial when human remains are unearthed on a construction site for the Olympic Park , right on her old Bethnal Green patch. As Kelly dives into the investigation, a chilling connection emerges between the remains and a collection of children’s toys. Her investigations lead her to a curator at the Museum of Childhood, where she uncovers a dark legacy of secrets, pain, and revenge.
The novel is well written and expertly plotted which is what I have come to expect when reading a Rachel Lynch book. A well paced story where the tension builds to a fitting climax, and unexpected twists.
This novel was a pleasant change to the usual timeline and a very interesting glimpse of the younger Kelly Porter.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Canelo for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
November 9, 2025
What an absolute treat to get a look at Kelly’s past life in London, in this, the prequel to the Kelly Porter series.
Firstly I should point out, that this works perfectly as a standalone read. There is a complex interwoven main plot with a very unique theme, with lots of twists, turns and some shocking character revelations too.
For long time fans of the series there is the wonderful added bonus of a look at the life that Kelly lead before she returned to The Lakes. When Kelly goes home for a family party, her encounters in the cricket club bar will make you smile as you remember what happens to the characters in their futures. No spoilers here, if you know you know!
I enjoyed every minute of this read and would love for there to be another instalment set after this one as we are left far from the actual reason that Kelly abandons her London life. There is definitely much more to explore here.
As always the author delivers an engrossing read that while fiction, highlights wrongdoing and injustice in society.
Firstly I should point out, that this works perfectly as a standalone read. There is a complex interwoven main plot with a very unique theme, with lots of twists, turns and some shocking character revelations too.
For long time fans of the series there is the wonderful added bonus of a look at the life that Kelly lead before she returned to The Lakes. When Kelly goes home for a family party, her encounters in the cricket club bar will make you smile as you remember what happens to the characters in their futures. No spoilers here, if you know you know!
I enjoyed every minute of this read and would love for there to be another instalment set after this one as we are left far from the actual reason that Kelly abandons her London life. There is definitely much more to explore here.
As always the author delivers an engrossing read that while fiction, highlights wrongdoing and injustice in society.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
First Act by Rachel Lynch is the prequel to the Kelly Porter series. Having read and loved the series I couldn’t wait to hear how it all began.
It’s Kelly’s last day At Bethan Green CID before she stars work at MIT. When she is sent to discover a body buried and dressed up in a Pinocchio costume at the building site Olympic stadium. The body sticks in her mind when she joins the Murder team and when her first case there, she finds out there is similarities between the. But her new boss and partner Seb at first are not too forth coming and she doesn’t know who to turn to tell her findings.
I had mixed feelings about this book. I did enjoy reading about Kelly and her life in London, But I found that the storyline did not flow as easily as her previous books and there was so many characters to keep up with that, I felt a bit overwhelmed who is who. But it did end in a satisfying conclusion. 3.5 stars from me.
It’s Kelly’s last day At Bethan Green CID before she stars work at MIT. When she is sent to discover a body buried and dressed up in a Pinocchio costume at the building site Olympic stadium. The body sticks in her mind when she joins the Murder team and when her first case there, she finds out there is similarities between the. But her new boss and partner Seb at first are not too forth coming and she doesn’t know who to turn to tell her findings.
I had mixed feelings about this book. I did enjoy reading about Kelly and her life in London, But I found that the storyline did not flow as easily as her previous books and there was so many characters to keep up with that, I felt a bit overwhelmed who is who. But it did end in a satisfying conclusion. 3.5 stars from me.
December 26, 2025
I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This book is a prequel to the Kelly Porter detective series, which I hadn’t realised when I began and haven’t read any of the books in the series. However, I didn’t feel this mattered or affected my view or enjoyment of the book.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and really liked the main character, Kelly, and her two female friends/colleagues as well as her new partner, Seb. I did feel the book took a while to get going but then I powered through and couldn’t put it down. I enjoyed the setting as it’s a part of London I’m very familiar with and it was an intriguing plot in terms of the murders and how they play out, and begins with Kelly moving roles from CID to the murder squad, and the office politics and internal intricacies that come with that.
It did make me consider reading other books in the series too.
Thank you again for the copy in exchange for my honest review.
This book is a prequel to the Kelly Porter detective series, which I hadn’t realised when I began and haven’t read any of the books in the series. However, I didn’t feel this mattered or affected my view or enjoyment of the book.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and really liked the main character, Kelly, and her two female friends/colleagues as well as her new partner, Seb. I did feel the book took a while to get going but then I powered through and couldn’t put it down. I enjoyed the setting as it’s a part of London I’m very familiar with and it was an intriguing plot in terms of the murders and how they play out, and begins with Kelly moving roles from CID to the murder squad, and the office politics and internal intricacies that come with that.
It did make me consider reading other books in the series too.
Thank you again for the copy in exchange for my honest review.
December 12, 2025
This was a compelling thriller that drew me in from the first chapter. Set in London in 2008, it follows a young Kelly Porter as she steps into her role with the Met’s Major Investigation Team and is immediately pulled into a disturbing case when human remains are found on familiar ground and linked to people from her past.
The plot is tightly constructed with plenty of forensic and procedural detail, which I always appreciate, yet it still remains firmly character driven. Watching Kelly find her feet and grow in confidence as she tackles her first major murder investigation made her an easy character to root for.
A strong introduction to Kelly Porter’s early years and a gripping read in its own right. Clever, tense and engaging. I will definitely be adding more of this series to my wish list.
The plot is tightly constructed with plenty of forensic and procedural detail, which I always appreciate, yet it still remains firmly character driven. Watching Kelly find her feet and grow in confidence as she tackles her first major murder investigation made her an easy character to root for.
A strong introduction to Kelly Porter’s early years and a gripping read in its own right. Clever, tense and engaging. I will definitely be adding more of this series to my wish list.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.
This started out really slow but I'm glad it picked up around 20% and became like the Kelly Porter stories I know and love. Prequels can be quite hit or miss and I think this one did justice to the series. There weren't as many twists as I was expecting; then again, I had a sense of deja vu regarding the story line, so much so that I thought I'd already read it, but perhaps the children's home part is also part of another Kelly Porter book, and that's what I'm remembering. At any rate, it was wonderful to see Kelly's backstory, how she started her career, and (maybe?) how she ended up in the Lakes District. It would be fun to revisit some of these side characters in future books.
This started out really slow but I'm glad it picked up around 20% and became like the Kelly Porter stories I know and love. Prequels can be quite hit or miss and I think this one did justice to the series. There weren't as many twists as I was expecting; then again, I had a sense of deja vu regarding the story line, so much so that I thought I'd already read it, but perhaps the children's home part is also part of another Kelly Porter book, and that's what I'm remembering. At any rate, it was wonderful to see Kelly's backstory, how she started her career, and (maybe?) how she ended up in the Lakes District. It would be fun to revisit some of these side characters in future books.
December 22, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book.
This follows detective Kelly Porter towards the start of her career. Newly promoted to the murder squad in London, she investigates when bodies are found dressed as childhood characters, and with puppets of the character beside them.
This was a great prequel to an excellent series. The London setting was very different to the mountains of the Lake District. The descriptions were as good and I could clearly imagine what things looked like.
The story itself was intriguing, to see how childlike innocence was exploited into posed murder victims. It revealed details slowly but enough to keep me focussed and coming back to read more. I did find some of the details of the case/evidence confusing and had to reread some pages just to get things straight.
All in all one I will recommend.
This follows detective Kelly Porter towards the start of her career. Newly promoted to the murder squad in London, she investigates when bodies are found dressed as childhood characters, and with puppets of the character beside them.
This was a great prequel to an excellent series. The London setting was very different to the mountains of the Lake District. The descriptions were as good and I could clearly imagine what things looked like.
The story itself was intriguing, to see how childlike innocence was exploited into posed murder victims. It revealed details slowly but enough to keep me focussed and coming back to read more. I did find some of the details of the case/evidence confusing and had to reread some pages just to get things straight.
All in all one I will recommend.
November 27, 2025
First Act by Rachel Lynch is a prequel in the Kelly Porter series as we go back to before she transferred to the Lakes District. She is a DS in London at Bethnel Green CID. She is on her final day before moving over to the MIT in London east, when a call comes in about a body at the site of the Olympic Stadium. The scene is unsettling with what is found with the body. This is 4 years before the London Olympics. But on her first day at MIT, another body is found. I love the Kelly Porter books, and it was great to read about her early days. She is determined to prove herself. Kelly has a caring character, and this comes out in her interaction with some of the characters. The investigation runs deeper than Kelly expected and covers some dark topics. I really enjoyed it.
December 8, 2025
I loved Rachel Lynch's prequel to her Detective Kelly Porter series. The story sees Kelly moving from her roots in the Bethnal Green patch to a DS role in a murder team. Her first case turns out to overlap a case on her old patch which allows the reader to gain an insight to an even earlier period of Kelly's career. The story is quite spooky with the killer dressing their victims up to look like children's story characters and the suspense builds to the end. I did not foresee the killer's identity but the plot hung together really well so it was good to be outsmarted. A thoroughly enjoyable novel, plotted with Lynch's usual expert skill.
December 1, 2025
I love a thrilling police procedural, and this book absolutely doesn’t disappoint. It’s well written with a strong storyline and an engaging plot. The characters are compelling, and the writing style makes it an easy, enjoyable read. What’s not to like? Although this is a prequel to a series I haven’t read yet, it serves as an excellent introduction. If anything, it’s made me even more excited to dive into the rest of the books.
I received an advance review copy via Netgalley/Canelo and I’m leaving a voluntary and honest review.
I received an advance review copy via Netgalley/Canelo and I’m leaving a voluntary and honest review.
December 8, 2025
Firstly, I should say that I hadn’t read any of the Detective Kelly Porter books before picking up First Act, and I didn’t realise it was a prequel to that series. Unfortunately, this book just didn’t work for me. The writing style wasn’t to my taste, and I struggled to connect with the story or the characters. As a result, it hasn’t encouraged me to go back and read the earlier books in the Kelly Porter series.
While fans of the series may appreciate the added backstory, as a newcomer, I didn’t find the First Act engaging enough to continue exploring the series.
While fans of the series may appreciate the added backstory, as a newcomer, I didn’t find the First Act engaging enough to continue exploring the series.
November 9, 2025
First Act by new to me author Rachel Lynch is the prequel to her 13 books Series DI Kelly Porter.
Set in 2008, Kelly Porter, a 28 year old woman just got her dream job. She's part of Met's Investigation Team and her first case is a challenge in itself.
Well written with twists and turns that had me guessing till the end, First Act is that, a wonderful story that deserves all the stars.
Set in 2008, Kelly Porter, a 28 year old woman just got her dream job. She's part of Met's Investigation Team and her first case is a challenge in itself.
Well written with twists and turns that had me guessing till the end, First Act is that, a wonderful story that deserves all the stars.
November 22, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for letting me read this book ahead of its release day. It was really nice catching up with Kelly and how she became the woman she becomes later in the series. Can’t wait for the next book if there is going to be one.
December 26, 2025
Kelly Porter has left her childhood home in the Lake District to become a police officer at Bethnal Green CID. Now she has landed her dream job working as a detective in the Met’s murder squad and she immediately finds herself investigating what will become a challenging case after human remains are found at a building site. With the body being found on Kelly’s former patch, how will her connection to some of the main players affect the investigation?
First Act is a prequel to Rachel Lynch’s successful Kelly Porter series and we get to meet her at the beginning of her career before relocating back to the Lake District, the setting of the rest of the series. Fans of the series will enjoy seeing characters we have previously heard about and I, in particular, liked reading more about Kelly’s relationship with her family. If you have never read any of the series, however, this can definitely be read as a standalone and may even serve as an introduction to the other books.
The story, set against the backdrop of the forthcoming Olympic games (it takes place in 2008) has a great plot with a plethora of fascinating characters, not least the curator at the Museum of Childhood. What starts out as a straightforward murder mystery soon becomes something much darker leading to a dramatic climax full of twists and turns along the way.
It has been good to see the beginnings of Kelly Porter and I hope that we can continue to read about her life in London.
First Act is a prequel to Rachel Lynch’s successful Kelly Porter series and we get to meet her at the beginning of her career before relocating back to the Lake District, the setting of the rest of the series. Fans of the series will enjoy seeing characters we have previously heard about and I, in particular, liked reading more about Kelly’s relationship with her family. If you have never read any of the series, however, this can definitely be read as a standalone and may even serve as an introduction to the other books.
The story, set against the backdrop of the forthcoming Olympic games (it takes place in 2008) has a great plot with a plethora of fascinating characters, not least the curator at the Museum of Childhood. What starts out as a straightforward murder mystery soon becomes something much darker leading to a dramatic climax full of twists and turns along the way.
It has been good to see the beginnings of Kelly Porter and I hope that we can continue to read about her life in London.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews