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First Kill
"This is a chilling, suspenseful page turner that just might leave you scared at night!"—Reader review for Not Like Us
Former actress Layla Caine is an invaluable Profiler for the LAPD, with her unique ability to see through people and her deep knowledge of Hollywood. But when an elusive killer terrorizes Los Angeles, Layla finds herself in a game of cat and mouse with a killer always one step ahead…
A killer claims victims in a macabre tribute to their cinematic triumphs, and Layla must channel her past to unmask the murderer who stages each crime scene with eerie perfection—before the final curtain call.
"The plot has many twists and turns, but it is the ending, which I did not see coming at all, that totally defines this book as one of the most riveting that I have read in years."
—Reader review for Not Like Us
FIRST KILL is BOOK #1 in a long-anticipated new series by #1 bestseller Ava Strong, whose bestseller NOT LIKE US (a free download) has received over 1,000 five star ratings and reviews.
A gripping mystery series featuring the compelling and intricate protagonist Layla Caine, this crime thriller delivers relentless action, tension, and surprising narrative turns that promise to hold your attention and keep you enthralled long past bedtime. Fans of Mary Burton, Kendra Elliot, and Lisa Regan are sure to fall in love.
Future books in the series are also available!
"Very intriguing, kept me turning page after page… Lots of twists and turns and a very unexpected ending. Cannot wait for the next in this series!"
—Reader review for Not Like Us
"A roller coaster ride of events… Can't put down until you finish it!"
—Reader review for Not Like Us
"Excellent read with very realistic characters that you become emotionally invested in… Couldn't put it down!"
—Reader review for The Death Code
"An excellent read, lots of twists and turns, with a surprising ending, leaving you wanting to read the next book in the series! Well done!"
—Reader review for The Death Code
"Well worth the read. Cannot wait to see what happens in the next book!"
—Reader review for The Death Code
"Quickly became a story I couldn't put down! I highly recommend this book!"
—Reader review for His Other Wife
"I really enjoyed the fast-paced action, plot design and characterization... I didn't want to put the book down and the ending was a total surprise."
—Reader review for His Other Wife
"The characters are extremely well developed… There are twists and turns in the plot that kept me guessing. An extremely well written story."
—Reader review for His Other Wife
"One of the best books I have ever read… The ending was perfect and surprising. Ava Strong is an amazing writer."
—Reader review for His Other Wife
"Holy cow, what a rollercoaster… Many times I absolutely KNEW who the killer was—only to be proven wrong each time. I was completely surprised by the ending. I have to say, I am thrilled that this is the first in a series. My only complaint is that the next one isn't out yet. I need it!"
—Reader review for His Other Wife
"An incredible, intense, spellbinding, enjoyable story.
Former actress Layla Caine is an invaluable Profiler for the LAPD, with her unique ability to see through people and her deep knowledge of Hollywood. But when an elusive killer terrorizes Los Angeles, Layla finds herself in a game of cat and mouse with a killer always one step ahead…
A killer claims victims in a macabre tribute to their cinematic triumphs, and Layla must channel her past to unmask the murderer who stages each crime scene with eerie perfection—before the final curtain call.
"The plot has many twists and turns, but it is the ending, which I did not see coming at all, that totally defines this book as one of the most riveting that I have read in years."
—Reader review for Not Like Us
FIRST KILL is BOOK #1 in a long-anticipated new series by #1 bestseller Ava Strong, whose bestseller NOT LIKE US (a free download) has received over 1,000 five star ratings and reviews.
A gripping mystery series featuring the compelling and intricate protagonist Layla Caine, this crime thriller delivers relentless action, tension, and surprising narrative turns that promise to hold your attention and keep you enthralled long past bedtime. Fans of Mary Burton, Kendra Elliot, and Lisa Regan are sure to fall in love.
Future books in the series are also available!
"Very intriguing, kept me turning page after page… Lots of twists and turns and a very unexpected ending. Cannot wait for the next in this series!"
—Reader review for Not Like Us
"A roller coaster ride of events… Can't put down until you finish it!"
—Reader review for Not Like Us
"Excellent read with very realistic characters that you become emotionally invested in… Couldn't put it down!"
—Reader review for The Death Code
"An excellent read, lots of twists and turns, with a surprising ending, leaving you wanting to read the next book in the series! Well done!"
—Reader review for The Death Code
"Well worth the read. Cannot wait to see what happens in the next book!"
—Reader review for The Death Code
"Quickly became a story I couldn't put down! I highly recommend this book!"
—Reader review for His Other Wife
"I really enjoyed the fast-paced action, plot design and characterization... I didn't want to put the book down and the ending was a total surprise."
—Reader review for His Other Wife
"The characters are extremely well developed… There are twists and turns in the plot that kept me guessing. An extremely well written story."
—Reader review for His Other Wife
"One of the best books I have ever read… The ending was perfect and surprising. Ava Strong is an amazing writer."
—Reader review for His Other Wife
"Holy cow, what a rollercoaster… Many times I absolutely KNEW who the killer was—only to be proven wrong each time. I was completely surprised by the ending. I have to say, I am thrilled that this is the first in a series. My only complaint is that the next one isn't out yet. I need it!"
—Reader review for His Other Wife
"An incredible, intense, spellbinding, enjoyable story.
215 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 23, 2024
About the author
Ava Strong
207 books231 followersAva Strong is author of the REMI LAURENT mystery series, comprising six books (and counting); of the ILSE BECK mystery series, comprising seven books (and counting); of the STELLA FALL psychological suspense thriller series, comprising six books (and counting); of the DAKOTA STEELE FBI suspense thriller series, comprising six books (and counting); of the LILY DAWN suspense thriller series, comprising five books (and counting); and of the MEGAN YORK suspense thriller series, comprising five books (and counting).
An avid reader and lifelong fan of the mystery and thriller genres, Ava loves to hear from you, so please feel free to visit her website.
An avid reader and lifelong fan of the mystery and thriller genres, Ava loves to hear from you, so please feel free to visit her website.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
April 21, 2026
Hollywood Hits
Kind of unusual, a proven actress decides it is time to give up on films and strike out with a new career in law enforcement. So, beautiful, fit in an athletic way Layla works the crimes and uses those talents that brought her a modicum of fame. The storyline is plausible and makes for a quick read. However, I was ready to wince with all of the references to that slight beauty mark Layla sports on her upper lip, I don't care.
Kind of unusual, a proven actress decides it is time to give up on films and strike out with a new career in law enforcement. So, beautiful, fit in an athletic way Layla works the crimes and uses those talents that brought her a modicum of fame. The storyline is plausible and makes for a quick read. However, I was ready to wince with all of the references to that slight beauty mark Layla sports on her upper lip, I don't care.
May 8, 2026
OVERDONE WITH THE DISCRIPTIVE FLOWERY WORDS; " SHE STOOD UP, HER BOOTS CRUNCHING ON THE DRY AUTUMN LEAVES SCATTERED AROUND THEM. HER LONG GOLDEN HAIR FELL AROUND HER FACE AS SHE TILTED HER HEAD SLIGHTLYTO GET A BETTER LOOK AT TRENTS BODY". I DID NOT CARE FOR THIS STYLE OF WRITING. IT WAS DONE TOO MUCH. FOR ME I STRUGGLED TO FINISH READING THIS BORING STORYLINE LACK LUSTER CHARACTERS BOOK. ;[
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews