This is the third book in the sally fairburn series and I gotta say L.A.Larkin did it again.

Once I started this I couldn’t put it down till I finished it. The writing and the characters were phenomenal. I really hope there will be more in the series because I’m ready for them.

This story begins with an elderly man who 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 good ending. Sally is an excellent main character and she carries the whole story.
Recommended to anyone who enjoys a good police procedural mystery.

Thank you l.a Larkin , Bookouture and Netgalley

Sally Fairburn has an unexpected career opportunity as a consultant detective, but just when she hopes to prove herself, her troubled past returns to haunt her. This story is disturbing reading with the return of Sally's abusive husband. She demonstrates her strength of character when faced with her dangerous ex and his misogynous accomplices. The balance of this novel is well executed, keeping the reader immersed in the characters' lives and events. The investigation has many suspects and twists, and Sally has to solve the crime in a toxic work ethos with danger threatening her personal life. I like the police procedural aspect, the believable characterisation and the story's pervading sense of menace.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

***TW - Domestic Violence***

I love this series and I really love the character of Sally Fairburn. However, as a DV survivor myself, I did find it quite triggering. So anyone who has been in this situation, be warned, as the descriptions depicted in this book did cause me some flashbacks and it has been over 20 years since I was in that situation.

Sally is on the case when it comes to the puzzling murder of Joseph. His wife was upstairs and didn't see a thing. However, there is more going on with this sweet, elderly couple than it appears.

When a second murder takes place and is clearly linked with the first, things get even more complicated.

Who is lying, and why?

There is a lot going on in this book and the tight storyline and gripping scenarios are typical of this author. Terrific addition to the series!

4.5 stars from me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.

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!!!

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?igshid=NGVhN2U2NjQ0Yg==
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?

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.

Congrats to L.A. Larkin on your new book!!
So, right out of the gate, L.A. Larkin gets your heart pounding!

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 múrdéréd, 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.

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.

Sally is an ex cop who has been recalled to take over a case as the department is over worked. The Austin case is a high profile one and when the body count spirals, it becomes urgent to find this killer who is cautious and fastidious as well.

Suspicions mount but when one of the suspects is himself murdered, the detectives have to delve deeper into history and backgrounds and what is discovered is quite surprising. The innocent, frail old lady is hiding massive secrets, the suave retired friend has secrets of his own and Sally has to deal with a nightmare of an ex husband who has returned to her own police department with revenge on his mind.

The story was a busy one, the bodies only part of it. The blackmail, the political maneuvering to hide crime, the old boy network closing in against a female added great interest overall. Enjoyed the fast pace and was a real page turner.

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.

Sally Fairburn Crime Thrillers are always tense and adrenalinic stories that keeps turning pages and on the edge.
This is up to the level of the other instalments in these stories: plenty of surprising twists, fast pace, and with some dark moments.
The author delivers a good story that kept me till late in the night and I enjoyed it.
I was glad to catch up with Sally but I would suggest her to buy a good luck charm or prepare a witch bottle because there’s a limit to the amount of misfortune a human being can face unless they are cursed and this is not a fantasy
My consideration on Sally’s private problems apart this is an excellent crime thriller and I was surprised and satisfied by the solutions.
Can’t wait to read the next one.
4.5 upped to 5
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Bookouture for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I was a complete bundle of nerves while reading. I was excited Sally was back on a case but dismayed when her worst nightmare showed back up.
I seethed with loathing every single time that slimebag had a scene.
The part with the puppy almost made me become unhinged.
I understand Sally’s emotions and fears but I was worried she was going to blow it.
Oh yes, and then there’s the murders on Willow Way. One character proves you’re never too old to act innocent.
During one scene toward the end I did yell finally!!!
Can’t wait to see what case Sally tackles next.

First Victim is book 3 in A Sally Fairburn Crime Thriller series by L.A. Larkin.
My fifth book by this author and I’ve gotta say she keeps me so entertained every single time.
This was an incredible thriller. I absolutely loved this book! Fast paced, unexpected, and clever, with great characters. The storyline was very interesting and had me glued to my Kindle!
I hope this series continues!

I would like to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this ahead of its publication date in return for my honest review.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #Bookouture for the ARC #FirstVictim by #LALarkin. I enjoyed this book and would recommend. It was non stop and I read it in one sitting. I relate to some of this story and am glad that abuse is addressed.

Number 3 in this now ‘must read’ series and another great read.
The main plot is excellently executed and I’d no idea who the villain was or their reasoning for their actions. I was swept along constantly thinking who? why? what?
Major developments in the subplot only add to this breathtaking read. In the first in the series we are introduced to Sally’s past and that of her ex Scott. I remember being somewhat disappointed that this wasn’t revisited much in the the second book but boy was this made up for here and with explosive results.
We leave Sally on the cusp of a more settled life and with her new permanent role offering a host of adventures to come and I for one can’t wait to read about them

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.

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.

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.

I’d like to thank Bookouture and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘First Victim’, a Sally Fairburn Crime Thriller book 3 written by L A Larkin, in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Detective Clarke of the Franklin Police Department needs help to find the person who killed Joseph Austin and left his wife Fiona in a coma and asks Sally Fairburn if she’d consider returning on a temporary three-month contract. Sally agrees and with the help of her new partner Officer Clarence Pew she begins questioning neighbours and friends of the Austins. Meanwhile, her ex-husband Scott Fairburn has left Chicago with his teenage wife Harper and young son Eli and is now back working with Franklin PD but he bears a grudge and just as the lives of Sally and Paul, the son he had with Sally, are on the up he reappears to drag them down again by blackening her character and work ethic, and attempting to get her removed from the police department.

‘First Victim’ is an exciting police thriller that’s an excellent addition to the series as Sally Fairburn’s investigation runs concurrently with her ex-husband’s desire to destroy her reputation with their colleagues in Franklin PD. The plot is well-written with an abundance of drama, suspense and twists and turns that consumed by thoughts and mind when I wasn’t glued to my Kindle. Sally’s character is one I admire greatly for her honesty, courage and desire to achieve justice for others, as well as being a great Mom to her son and loyal to her friends. This is an amazing police thriller that’s had me enthralled from the first page to the last and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

Another brilliant crime thriller from L.A. Larkin.
Joseph is killed in his own home and his wife Fiona is left for dead and Sally is asked to investigate.
With Fiona in a coma she has to wait until she comes round but when she does, she can’t remember too much about what happened.
Soon another person in the area is killed and Sally is determined to find the killer.
Her ex Scott is back and starts to cause trouble for Sally and their son Paul. Having escaped his abuse once she’s determined he’s not going to harm her again but he has a new wife and it’s clear to Sally that she needs help.
There’s a few twists and turns in this book which I really liked and Sally being given a a detective role is perfect for her.
I’m looking forward to what comes next.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.