First Girl Gone: An absolutely addictive crime thriller with a twist

First Girl Gone , the first book in a new series, is the first I have read from LT Vargus and Tim McBain and what a great introduction it is to their work. This story had me in its clutches right from the get go and I was completely enthralled throughout. The author’s have created a thrilling story that see’s Private Detective Charlotte “Charlie” Winters reluctantly return back to her hometown on Salem Island to look after her uncles PI business when he falls ill. But with her return, comes painful memories of when her sister was abducted from the Island when they were teenagers. Not knowing what became of her sister still haunts as she becomes embroiled in a similar case. I really enjoyed Charlie’s character, she makes for a great lead, who is flawed a loner and who I could actually see some of myself in. You can feel her pain as she is forced to relive the disappearance of her sister when she is called upon to help in the search for her friends missing daughter. She really did pull at my heartstrings and I look forward to getting to know her more in future books. I connected with the author’s writing style and I would be interested to see as to whom wrote what parts. They were really in sync with each other and made it seem like they were one. I liked the sharp dialogue throughout and I thought the inclusion of Allie, (Charlie’s sister) who she has a running commentary with in her head, made the story all the more interesting. All up, First Girl Gone is a great start to a new series. It is a gripping page turner that is fast paced and action packed and perfect for fans of the crime thriller genre. I will most definitely be looking forward to the next instalment. It was a pleasure to be able to read and review First Girl Gone which I recommend. Thank you to LT Vargus, Tim McBain, Bookouture and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of First Girl Gone which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

First Gone Girl by L.T. Vargus & Tim McBain Charlotte Winters #1 Charlotte “Charlie” Winters is back in her childhood home after almost a decade away. Her reason for being there is not fully given but there are inklings provided. At first, reading the synopsis, I thought that Charlie was a police detective, but she is really more of a private investigator and has been for several years in Seattle before returning home. She is currently working in her Uncle Frank’s private investigation office and has mixed feelings about being back in Michigan. The prologue sets the stage for the missing persons case, The next chapter had me quickly pondering who the characters were and how they would impact the case Charlie will ultimately agree to pursue. The missing person case Charlie accepts soon triggers memories of her past and the loss of her twin sister, provides interaction with old friends from high school, provides flashbacks to past events in her life, provides information related to Charlie’s backstory, and ultimately provides an intriguing thriller with a bad guy to catch in hopes of saving a young girl’s life. What I liked: * Charlie: an interesting character with an interest in seeking to provide recompense or justice for victims. * Not knowing what to think of Allie and her relationship with Charlie * Learning more about Charlie’s backstory although I believe there is much more to learn * Zoe: I hope to see more of her in the future as she and Charlie work cases that overlap * Uncle Frank: I charmer with a bit of a rough edge – do hope he is there for many more books in the series * Will: I would like to hear more about him. He seems to be a lawyer dedicated to his clients’ best interests * The twists and turns that occurred in the pursuit of the kidnapper-murderer * Some of the red herrings – there was more than one * Reading a story that introduced me to new authors * knowing that there will be a book two to look forward in the future What I did not like: * Knowing that such crimes occur more often than we would like to believe * Amber’s parents * The double standard related to bending the law that Charlie had depending on whether it was her or someone else doing the bending * Knowing I will have to wait awhile to find out what happens next Did I like this book? Yes Would I read more in this series/by these authors? Definitely Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC – This is my honest review. 4-5 Stars

Detective Charlie Winters is having to relive a painful past and venture into eerily similar abductions. Why is she hearing her missing sister’s voice? Who is taunting her? What does a dive night club have to do with the disappearance of a young girl? This will keep you up all night it’s unexpected ending will be well worth it. .