First to Kill (Leisure Fiction) (Mass Market Paperback)

by Andrew Peterson (Author)
Key Phrases: visitation logs, ghillie suit, Frank Ortega, Ernie Bridgestone, Director Lansing (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Debut author Peterson kicks off a series in fine style with this complex and action-packed conspiracy thriller. Former CIA sniper Nathan McBride, called in to investigate the disappearance of an undercover FBI agent who happens to be the grandson of former FBI director Frank Ortega, tracks down two homegrown arms dealers/terrorists, Leonard and Ernie Bridgestone, who have a huge supply of Semtex explosive. When McBride kills one of their men, the Bridgestones retaliate by blowing up an FBI headquarters building in California. As McBride chases them down, he discovers that what he thought was a clean-cut case of catch the terrorist is anything but, with corruption and twists that connect to Ortega and may involve McBride's own estranged senator father. Competent, intelligent, cool under pressure and romantically involved with FBI agent Holly Simpson, McBride is an extremely promising hero, and his adventures will be a big hit with thriller fans. (Sept.)
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Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 356 pages
• Publisher: Leisure Fiction (August 26, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0843961449
• ISBN-13: 978-0843961447
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 4 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #31,672 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An exciting action novel with a great new character, October 3, 2008

By	Book addict (San Diego) - See all my reviews

Andrew Peterson is a new author, so I read a few pages in the Costco before I bought the novel. The first chapter had me hooked, and after having finished it, I was not disappointed. The main character, Nathan McBride, is an ex CIA type with special forces and sniper training. Throughout most of the novel, he is accompanied by his long time friend who acts as a foil and quasi-conscience for our hero.

What I really liked about this McBride character is his no nonsense approach to catching bad guys and getting information out of them, although his tactics might make some a bit uncomfortable. McBride has some depth as well, as we learn of his life experiences that shaped him, and his strained relationship with his his father, a high ranking government official. The dialogue is witty and well thought out, with lot's of humor. My favorite McBride line is "I once beat a man senseless with a 12" salami then made myself a sandwich." You have to love that.

I don't want to give away the plot line, but basically our hero is chasing some very bad people who think nothing of causing collateral damage in their quest to get back at those they hate. In his effort to actually capture, or better yet, kill these vermin, he has to contend with the usual law enforcement and political types who like to eat steak, but don't want to be blamed for the death of a cow. If you like the show 24, you will like this novel.

It's current and relevant, and with an interesting cast of support characters, including the aforementioned FBI and politicians, we get a fast paced, fun to read adventure that will make you hope there is a followup installment.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Action thriller readers will love Andrew Peterson's debut!, August 28, 2008

By	J. Compton - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

If you are a fan of action thrillers, Andrew Peterson's debut, FIRST TO KILL, won't disappoint. The plot is jump-started right from the beginning with a harrowing prologue, and from then on, get ready for a fast-paced ride with the hero of the story, Nathan McBride. As a former Marine sniper and covert CIA operative, Nathan has experienced a large amount of violence in his life, both as victim and as perpetrator. This makes for a very interesting, conflicted -- and yet very likable -- protagonist. Writer Peterson clearly knows his technical stuff, too - weaponry, helicopters, etc. -- but what I enjoyed most were the ethical questions that slipped in subtly as I was reading: Are there times when certain criminals need to be "dealt with" outside of the justice system? And when, if ever, is it okay to kill another human being?

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fasten your seat belt!, October 20, 2008

By	Matthew Pallamary "writer" (Carlsbad) - See all my reviews

Andrew Peterson's First To Kill launches you racing down hill from the first sentence and doesn't stop thrilling with its twists, turns, and thrills. Tightly written, well-paced, and plotted, First To Kill promises to be a delight for thriller fans.

If you're a fan of Stephen Hunter, you'll love Andrew Peterson!

Matt Pallamary -- author of Land Without Evil & Spirit Matters