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3.98 AVERAGE
3.98 AVERAGE
Received from NetGalley, thanks!
You know when you really loved an author, but then you haven’t read anything from them in YEARS, then you give them a go again and your tastes have completely moved on? That is me with this book.
I have read a ton of Kendra Elliott’s crime thrillers and really enjoyed them, but it’s probably been 4-5 years since I last read one. And my tastes have changed and evolved and these books just aren’t for me anymore.
The writing is good, the story kept me interested (though I sort of had it figured out after the first third of the book, but there were still some surprises), but the fact that there are misogynistic microaggressions, problematic discussions around food (the FMC making comments about not having done enough exercise to deserve a cinnamon bun), and references to HP, were all just great big NOs for me.
I thought that we had moved past these things, but apparently I’ve just been living in my happy little corner of the bookish world where the authors *have* moved past these things and know better.
You know when you really loved an author, but then you haven’t read anything from them in YEARS, then you give them a go again and your tastes have completely moved on? That is me with this book.
I have read a ton of Kendra Elliott’s crime thrillers and really enjoyed them, but it’s probably been 4-5 years since I last read one. And my tastes have changed and evolved and these books just aren’t for me anymore.
The writing is good, the story kept me interested (though I sort of had it figured out after the first third of the book, but there were still some surprises), but the fact that there are misogynistic microaggressions, problematic discussions around food (the FMC making comments about not having done enough exercise to deserve a cinnamon bun), and references to HP, were all just great big NOs for me.
I thought that we had moved past these things, but apparently I’ve just been living in my happy little corner of the bookish world where the authors *have* moved past these things and know better.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Kidnapping, Gaslighting
Moderate: Drug abuse
What a well done first book in a series! Not only did it introduce the characters, but it also had a very compelling story of its own while letting the reader know more was to come! After finishing it I realized it was a spin-off from another series by Ms. Elliot. I didn't feel like I had missed anything by not having read those books. It didn't hurt that parts of the book took place in Sacramento, a town I know very well! The author did a great job of not falling into misidentifying traps but kept things vague enough that I could fill in the blanks myself and feel like I knew where the events took place. Obviously not all readers will have that luxury, but it did make me enjoy those bits of the book better. I have already added the second in the series to my TBR!
Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.
Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.
Explosive yet endearing! The first book in a brand new series from Kendra Elliot is sure to please her diehard readers because we see some familiar faces along the way from previous series that we all love and adore. The main character that this series revolves around is Detective Noelle Marshall. We learn quickly about her unexpected past and follow along every step of the way as twists and turns lead us to answers we never were expecting. The characters are easy to like and make you want to know more about them, the case is intriguing and the mystery surrounding it is addictive. I loved every minute and can't wait to see what happens next for Noelle and Max. Highly recommend!
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Her First Mistake by Kendra Elliot is the first book in a new series featuring Deschutes County, Oregon Detective Noelle Marshall. Thirteen years ago, Assemblyman Derrick Bell was murdered in his home and his wife, Noelle, was left for dead. Past and present leads collide when the FBI decides to take another look at the case and is reinterviewing everyone. While a team in Sacramento interviews the Bell family and others, Special Agents Keaton and Rhodes are dispatched to interview Noelle and her family in Bend.
Noelle had a memory loss of the attack, but has been having dreams about it. How much of her dreams are real? Her husband had been charming and privileged, but he hid a dark side from others. The interviews spur memories and action as events unfold.
Noelle doesn’t usually lack confidence, but she realizes it took hard work to overcome her past and how she allowed herself to be manipulated by others. She’s a quick study, hard worker, and consistent. While working as a bartender before her marriage to Derrick, she received a college degree in psychology and became a level 2 certified sommelier. She’s sharp, observant, loves to solve puzzles, and loves her current job in law enforcement. She’s also been a supporting character in the Columbia River series by this author. The other characters have good depth for the first book in a series. It was also great that Mercy Kilpatrick from another of this author’s series had a cameo appearance in the story.
The book gives a lot of Noelle’s background so it sets the stage for the series featuring her. This includes her grandfather and great-aunt who raised her and her two sisters, her terrible in-laws, and her married sister’s husband. It was also great to get to know Agent Keaton.
While the story is largely told from Noelle’s point of view, it does go back and forth in time. However, Kendra Elliot is skilled at making this seamless with excellent flow. The start of each chapter tells readers when the events are occurring. While this starts out as only a cold case investigation, violent events begin to occur adding action, danger, and suspense. With the help of the FBI, Noelle must determine what really happened 13 years ago and stop the violence.
Full of twists and turns, lies, and action, this novel has good world-building, great characterization, and a gripping storyline. I was immediately drawn into the story that also has a hint of a future romance. However, getting through the emotional effects of this story’s ending may take a while for Noelle to recover her equilibrium. What an ending!
Overall, this was a tense, clever, and suspenseful novel with well-developed characters and a great start to a new series. I am looking forward to finding out what happens in the next book. If you enjoy police procedurals, crime novels, and mysteries with a strong female protagonist, then I recommend that you check out this series.
Montlake and Kendra Elliot provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for June 10, 2025. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
Noelle had a memory loss of the attack, but has been having dreams about it. How much of her dreams are real? Her husband had been charming and privileged, but he hid a dark side from others. The interviews spur memories and action as events unfold.
Noelle doesn’t usually lack confidence, but she realizes it took hard work to overcome her past and how she allowed herself to be manipulated by others. She’s a quick study, hard worker, and consistent. While working as a bartender before her marriage to Derrick, she received a college degree in psychology and became a level 2 certified sommelier. She’s sharp, observant, loves to solve puzzles, and loves her current job in law enforcement. She’s also been a supporting character in the Columbia River series by this author. The other characters have good depth for the first book in a series. It was also great that Mercy Kilpatrick from another of this author’s series had a cameo appearance in the story.
The book gives a lot of Noelle’s background so it sets the stage for the series featuring her. This includes her grandfather and great-aunt who raised her and her two sisters, her terrible in-laws, and her married sister’s husband. It was also great to get to know Agent Keaton.
While the story is largely told from Noelle’s point of view, it does go back and forth in time. However, Kendra Elliot is skilled at making this seamless with excellent flow. The start of each chapter tells readers when the events are occurring. While this starts out as only a cold case investigation, violent events begin to occur adding action, danger, and suspense. With the help of the FBI, Noelle must determine what really happened 13 years ago and stop the violence.
Full of twists and turns, lies, and action, this novel has good world-building, great characterization, and a gripping storyline. I was immediately drawn into the story that also has a hint of a future romance. However, getting through the emotional effects of this story’s ending may take a while for Noelle to recover her equilibrium. What an ending!
Overall, this was a tense, clever, and suspenseful novel with well-developed characters and a great start to a new series. I am looking forward to finding out what happens in the next book. If you enjoy police procedurals, crime novels, and mysteries with a strong female protagonist, then I recommend that you check out this series.
Montlake and Kendra Elliot provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for June 10, 2025. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Kendra Elliott is an auto read for me, I’m never disappointed when I pick up one of her books.
This was a great start to a new series. I really liked Noelle in the Mercy Fitzpatrick series and the Columba River series. Turns out Noelle definitely had a more exciting back story than I thought she would. 4.5 stars.
** I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher**
This was a great start to a new series. I really liked Noelle in the Mercy Fitzpatrick series and the Columba River series. Turns out Noelle definitely had a more exciting back story than I thought she would. 4.5 stars.
** I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher**
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
After encountering, cool-headed and fab dressing Detective Noelle Marshall in previous Columbia River series books, I was tingling with excitement to finally get the deets on her mysterious past. Kendra Elliot created a layered and fascinating secondary character who is now getting the spotlight for the first time.
Her First Mistake has a split timeline-style format. There are two past (one pre-murder and one post-murder) and one contemporary. This choice makes perfect sense with this particular plot line.
Opening with Noelle being called into the FBI office in Bend, OR, to meet with two Sacramento FBI agents, Max Rhodes and his partner, who are assigned the still-open case of her deceased husband, California Assemblyman, Derrick Bell, Noelle is blind-sided by the past she thought she had successfully put behind her. This is routine and the agents have gone over the old reports, had any evidence that would benefit from updated forensic tech gone back over, and now they are conducting interviews with all the key players to see if anything new shakes loose.
As it happens, they do rattle someone who has been keeping quiet about the bludgeoning death of Derrick Bell and attack on Noelle that left her with memory loss of the day of the crime with ongoing struggles of minor memory loss. Noelle went through dark times back then and is now reliving them though still unable to recall the day of the murder. That said, she’s been keeping a secret- the vivid dreams connected with that day.
I couldn’t say why, but one sentence during one of the past timelines opened the solution to the murder and surrounding mysteries wide-open for me. I was gratified to see hints after that telling me that I had indeed nailed it. How gratifying, LOL! But, that said, Her First Mistake never lost the building tension or big climax scenes because Kendra Elliot knows how to toss in an exciting and unexpected surprise now and then to keep readers on their toes.
I really enjoyed delving into Noelle’s past and getting to know an already likeable character better. Her vulnerabilities as she saw them didn’t hold her back and I thought these added depth and hidden strength for her to go through what she did and her ongoing hidden disability that doesn’t get in the way of her doing her job as a detective. The crackle of attraction between her and Max was well done and I liked the slow build in the background of the work on the case. Max was an instant favorite and I look forward to getting to know him better in further books.
Sidenote: There are crossover characters and mentions of previous situations even though this is a first in series. If you want all those references to make sense, previous series including FBI Agent Mercy Kilpatrick and the more recent Columbia River books involving Detective Evan Bolton should be read first.
All in all, a satisfying, attention-grabbing book- as usual. Can’t wait for the next installment and recommend specifically to romantic suspense fans.
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Noelle Marshall has tried to put the murder of her husband, Derrick Bell, behind her. She's now living in Deschutes County working in the Sheriff's department with her family nearby. But when the FBI comes to town to interview Noelle and her family about the case it stirs up not only old feelings that Noelle had, but an old danger as well. Will Noelle finally get answers and feel safe?
The story had three main timelines: the current investigation, the first investigation thirteen years ago, and when Noelle first met Derrick. I enjoyed the back and forth in timelines at the beginning as it kept the pace of the book moving really fast. I'm excited to get more stories about Noelle and Max - the next book is already on my 'to read' shelf!
Thank you to #netgalley for a review copy of the ebook and the opportunity to share my voluntary and unbiased opinion.
The story had three main timelines: the current investigation, the first investigation thirteen years ago, and when Noelle first met Derrick. I enjoyed the back and forth in timelines at the beginning as it kept the pace of the book moving really fast. I'm excited to get more stories about Noelle and Max - the next book is already on my 'to read' shelf!
Thank you to #netgalley for a review copy of the ebook and the opportunity to share my voluntary and unbiased opinion.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book is the debut of a new series and features Detective Noelle Marshall. Noella is a minor character from one of the author's other series, but takes center stage in this book. I wasn't familiar with the character, but that didn't affect my enjoyment of the book.
Noelle was the victim of a crime thirteen years ago and is now a detective with the Deschutes County Sheriff's Department. The FBI is now reinvestigating the cold case in which Noelle's husband, Derrick Bell, was killed and she was left for dead. The questions from the two agents are bringing back painful memories for Noelle, but she can't deny the connection she feels between her and Special Agent Max Rhodes.
The story alternates between three main timelines - the present investigation, the initial investigation thirteen years ago, and a few years before that when Noelle first met Derrick. I enjoyed both of the faster-paced investigation timelines the most. I like the FBI agents Alice Patmore and Oscar Wilson from the original investigation and the current timeline is suspenseful since Noelle again seems to be in danger. Despite the act Noelle puts on for her husband's constituents, she and Derrick didn't have a perfect marriage and some of their interactions were unpleasant.
The plot is complex, often dramatic, and has several twists. It was clear several characters were keeping secrets and when they are revealed, there are some big surprises. The author's acknowledgements in the back say there will be a second book with Noelle that will reveal more of Max's backstory. I look forward to reading it and seeing what happens next in their lives.
Thank you to MB Communications, Amazon Publishing, and the author for the review copy of the book. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
Noelle was the victim of a crime thirteen years ago and is now a detective with the Deschutes County Sheriff's Department. The FBI is now reinvestigating the cold case in which Noelle's husband, Derrick Bell, was killed and she was left for dead. The questions from the two agents are bringing back painful memories for Noelle, but she can't deny the connection she feels between her and Special Agent Max Rhodes.
The story alternates between three main timelines - the present investigation, the initial investigation thirteen years ago, and a few years before that when Noelle first met Derrick. I enjoyed both of the faster-paced investigation timelines the most. I like the FBI agents Alice Patmore and Oscar Wilson from the original investigation and the current timeline is suspenseful since Noelle again seems to be in danger. Despite the act Noelle puts on for her husband's constituents, she and Derrick didn't have a perfect marriage and some of their interactions were unpleasant.
The plot is complex, often dramatic, and has several twists. It was clear several characters were keeping secrets and when they are revealed, there are some big surprises. The author's acknowledgements in the back say there will be a second book with Noelle that will reveal more of Max's backstory. I look forward to reading it and seeing what happens next in their lives.
Thank you to MB Communications, Amazon Publishing, and the author for the review copy of the book. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Gaslighting
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
4.5 ⭐️ round up to 5
This is a fantastic start to a new series. This book will keep you turning the pages wanting to figure out the mystery. What happened to Derrick? Who killed him? Will Noelle ever remember what happened?
The twists and turns in this book! It was a book where everyone was a suspect and I couldn’t figure out who actually did it.
Thank you Montlake and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
This is a fantastic start to a new series. This book will keep you turning the pages wanting to figure out the mystery. What happened to Derrick? Who killed him? Will Noelle ever remember what happened?
The twists and turns in this book! It was a book where everyone was a suspect and I couldn’t figure out who actually did it.
Thank you Montlake and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
If Kendra is writing it, I'm picking it up. I love that her different series interconnect and we get to catch up with different characters. I've been intrigued by Noelle since she popped up in the Columbia River series. 'm so glad she now has her own book. I look forward to seeing more of her.
This was such an interesting twist on the usual crime thriller. Noelle's amnesia adds to the suspense. You can feel the frustration and fear from Noelle not being able to remember what happened all those years ago and that it might be happening again. With each flashback chapter, we get to learn more about Noelle and what went wrong.
I had my suspicions about a certain character but the end reveal still had me on the edge of my seat. I had no idea how it was going to end. I read it in one sitting because I couldn't put it down.
I read an arc via NetGalley
This was such an interesting twist on the usual crime thriller. Noelle's amnesia adds to the suspense. You can feel the frustration and fear from Noelle not being able to remember what happened all those years ago and that it might be happening again. With each flashback chapter, we get to learn more about Noelle and what went wrong.
I had my suspicions about a certain character but the end reveal still had me on the edge of my seat. I had no idea how it was going to end. I read it in one sitting because I couldn't put it down.
I read an arc via NetGalley