Private Investigator Charlie Winters searches for a missing girl in this mystery thriller. She's come back to Salem Island after many years and this abduction hits too close to home. When she was a teenager, Charlie's twin sister Allie vanished and this case is a huge reminder. Who has taken Kara and why? Charlie's a little out of her typical caseload on this one, but is making progress until another family reports another missing daughter.

I think I would have liked this more if the "voice" of Allie wasn't speaking constantly to Charlie. I didn't care for the use of that narrative device and it annoyed me so much that I just couldn't really appreciate this story. I didn't care for Charlie as a character and I guessed the "bad guy" much too easily. I did finish the book, but I don't believe I'll be reading another in this series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the e-book ARC to read and review.

I loved this one. I was on the edge of my seat and look forward to future books in the series. Charlotte is such a loveable character.

Omg, where do I start this review? This was hilarious, suspenseful filled with action and a tinge of paranormal. The authors did a bang-on job in writing this thriller.

2 missing girls + 1 private investigator + 1 dead sister + 1 best friend + many suspects = 1 rollercoaster unputdownable thriller

Charlie was everything I longed to be, a kickass heroine. The one who stood strong after having lost her sister to a killer and now ran a private investigation firm. Determination and single-minded focus made me love her more. Her conversations with sister Allie in her mind (yes, Allie was some kind of ethereal being) and friend Zoe were sarcastic and super fun. Allie’s zingers made me laugh even when Charlie was busy investigating the cases of 2 missing girls.

The writing was simply smooth with loads of humor. I found myself giggling in between the action and suspenseful scenes. I was quite amazed at the balance the authors could maintain in the entire book. Very few could do it.

Ah well, I couldn’t guess the perp, and I was still happy because the journey to reach the end was filled with multitude of action, emotions, some betrayal, humor, and intelligence. Total fun!!

A new series set in Salem Island, Michigan where Charlotte (Charlie) Winters has returned to her hometown to help her uncle through cancer treatment and handle business at his private investigation company. A PI herself, Charlie had left Salem Island after the abduction and murder of her twin sister, Allie. Now Allie lives on in Charlie's mind; they have conversations on a regular basis. Returning does not seem like a good idea, but she has no choice.

Charlie's first case is the investigation of a missing teenager. Kara is the same age as Allie was when she was taken. Her disappearance has too many coincidences for chance and when another body is found in the same area Allie was taken, Charlie knows these crimes are personal.

A great beginning to a new series that introduces to several characters that we will be looking for in the next book. Lots of room for Charlie to keep the citizens of Salem Island safe.

Charlie always swore she would not return to Salem Island after her twin sister disappeared, tearing her family apart. But her uncle, a private investigator, is battling cancer, and Charlie is back to help out. The story jumps off to a very quick start when a girl goes missing followed shortly by another girl. As Charlie tries to draw parallels and make connections, events happen that bring her past to the forefront, making the investigation even more challenging. The story is well-plotted, well-written, drew me in, and kept my attention. I really enjoyed the characters in this book, although one shared a name with one of my favorite television characters, which was somewhat distracting to me. But that’s minor; this is a definitely a great first book in a new series. For a full review, please visit Fireflies and Free Kicks. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for a digital ARC of the book.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publishing house and the author for the opportunity to read a complimentary advance reader copy of this book in return for review based upon my honest opinion.

I think I may have found my next favourite new series. I really enjoyed this book it was a quick read but it was a good read. There were lots of twists and turns, I really enjoyed Charlie and her story I can’t wait to read what she gets up to next and find out if she ever solves the crime that’s closest to her heart. I enjoyed all of the characters in the story and the ending was really good I can’t wait to see where this goes in the future. I will definitely be reading the next book in the series

Favorite Quotes:

So… Misty Dawkins… She got fat… See? That’s why I’m never having kids… You pop out some crotch fruit, and your hips and thighs stay doughy until the end of time.

He’d lost so much weight, and the lack of hair and eyebrows only added to the frail appearance. He looked withered and gaunt. Like a tree that someone forgot to water.

His hulking figure looked, in this moment, very apelike. Between his oddly animal posture and the unkempt beard crawling so high on his cheeks, Charlie couldn’t help but think of him as a man about halfway through the transition to werewolf.

It strikes me that a lot of us live in a sort of echo chamber these days. We surround ourselves with people who agree with us on everything— politics, art, entertainment.

But you don’t know what it was like growing up next door to him. He was like Bart Simpson. One time, he melted a hole in one of my Barbie dolls with a magnifying glass.


My Review:

This was a ripper of a series opener; I will be camping out on the authors’ pages to make sure I don’t miss the subsequent installments. I am hooked, ensnared, addicted, and infatuated with these clever and conniving wordsmiths as well as their oddly appealing and unusual quirky characters. I do loves me a kickass chick with clever snark, and this book had two.

The writing was easy to fall into with storylines that intrigued, beguiled, and taunted the little pea in my brain to immediately begin to conjure theories. I was so smug in believing I had easily solved the case with my initial suspect being the villain. But, nooooo. These wily authors had outmaneuvered me and I had fallen for their trickery. How have I not read these prolific scribblers before? They seem to be like potato chips as now that I’ve had a taste of their salty goodness, I must have more.

Thank you to Bookouture for my copy of this book via Netgalley and for letting me take part in this tour. I love a good detective novel so I was excited to read this story.
Charlotte Winters is a private detective, usually, I read police procedurals but, in all honesty,, there wasn’t too much difference. Yes, Charlotte could break the rules more than the police but most of the time the rules get broken anyway! I really liked Charlie. She’s been through a terrible ordeal in her life and to continue on through that is quite remarkable.
The case of missing girls Kara and Amber is full of dead ends. I was so stumped. There were lots of red herrings and leads that went nowhere. I could really feel Charlie’s frustration too.
The book was full of action and was very fast-paced. The last 30% or so somehow seemed to get faster. I was right on the edge through the last few chapters. I felt every step, every movement every heartbeat of Charlie’s. The danger felt so real.
This is the first book I have read by these authors but it certainly won’t be the last. It was so easy to become absorbed and forget your surroundings. I felt like I was right there with Charlie. I am looking forward to seeing this series progress.

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

First, I want to thank L.T. Vargas, Tim McBain, Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.

If you love missing person cases like I do you need to put L.T. Vargas and Tim McBain First Girl Gone on your TBR list. L.T. And Tim are both so gifted and collaborated so perfectly bringing each of their writing strengths to this story.

The cover of this book is absolutely beautiful. It instantly grabbed my attention.

With having two writers collaborating on this book it made for a more interesting read. I had never read either of these authors prior to this book. Therefore, not knowing their previous writing style I wondered who wrote what parts.

The missing person case storyline drew me into the storyline. I loved how the private detective was mourning her sister being missing but having to handle another missing case. The authors did an awesome job pulling out all the raw emotion Charlie was feeling as she was hearing the sound of her voice in her head. My heart ached for her sister going missing years ago.

First Girl Gone is a very fast paced read with an action packed climatic ending. Both authors made sure to put a little bit of something each reader would like into it.

Way back in the late 60s, early 70s when my brain worked properly and I didn't have so many aches and pains, there was a television programme called Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased) It was about a private Investigator who was assisted during his investigations by his dead friend who could only be seen by the private Investigator. They were both men whereas Charlie,the main character in this book was a female who couldn't see her missing sister Allie but had conversations with her inside her head. The sister's had completely different attitudes and personalities, Charlie was a kind, caring character whilst Allie was brash and outspoken. I did enjoy their conversations and interactions, sometimes their banter was quite funny but there was also times when Allie came across as a bit irritating. I thought Charlie was a very likeable character and thought the way that she too care of her Uncle Frank was really sweet. I liked how Charlie was established as a private investigator from the very beginning of the story so the reader didn't have to read pages of back story before the investigation into Misty's disappearance was introduced into the plot. The story wasn't packed full of action but there was some intense moments and there was a number of suspects who could possibly have been involved in the girl's disappearances including one of Charlie's childhood friends.

This brilliant book is the first in what looks like is going to be a fantastic mystery/thriller series. The twists and turns of the plot kept the reader guessing and happy to invest your time in the story. The characters were a realistic group of diverse individuals and I look forward to witnessing how their character's evolve as the series progresses.

This was the first book in a new series, and I was kept guessing throughout as to who the killer was.

It was an enjoyable read; the only downside was I didn’t like the idea of the main character, Charlie, hearing commentary from her sister, Allie. This didn’t work for me.

Private Investigator Charlotte (Charlie) Winters never expected to be returning home to Salem Island, Michigan, but she comes back to look after her uncle’s PI business after he falls ill. When an old friend requests her help following the disappearance of her teenage daughter, Kara Dawkins, Charlie feels torn as her own sister, Allie, was abducted from the small town when they were teenagers. Ever since Allie’s funeral Charlie has heard her sister's voice in her head. Never having dealt with a missing persons case before, Charlie is unsure whether she ought to take on the job but seeing the similarities and parallels between Allie and Kara’s cases, she decides she must grab the opportunity to maybe bring a dangerous perpetrator to justice, for Allie and also the other victims.

In this first book of an exciting new series, the reader meets Charlie as she has to cope with painful memories from the past. I liked Charlie’s character who was smart, a bit of a loner and she made a great lead. As she was forced to relive the disappearance of her sister, I could definitely feel her anguish. This was my first book by LT Vargus and Tim McBain and together they made a good team. I connected with the writing style and I liked the sharp dialogue throughout. The inclusion of Allie, whose voice Charlie could hear in her head, made the story all the greater.

The plot was well thought out and I enjoyed the progression to the surprising reveal. First Girl Gone was entertaining and held my attention throughout, and it will be interesting to see what LT Vargus and Tim McBain have in store for Charlie in the second instalment, Girl Under Water. Overall, a fantastic start to a new series that I have no hesitation in recommending.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

An excellent start for a new series! It's a gripping, highly entertaining and tightly knitted story that kept me hooked till the end.
Charlotte (or Charlie) is an interesting and complex characters, damaged and strong at the same time. She can be a sort of kick-ass heroine but she's never reckless and I loved her. The dialogue with her long missing sisters were quite amusing and I loved her relationship with the uncle Frank and her BFF Zoe.
The story is told by Charlie's POV and I liked how it was developed, always keep your attention high.
All the characters are fleshed out and interesting.
The atmosphere of the story is sometimes bleak but the humour makes it lighter and often funny.
The mystery is solid, full of twists and turns, and it kept me guessing till the end, I liked how the solution left no loose ends.
I can't wait to read the next instalment, it's highly recommended.
Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

First Girl Gone by L.T Vargus and Tim McBain is the first book in a series featuring P.I Charlotte (Charlie to everybody) Winters. It is set on Salem Island, Michigan.
Charlie has had to return to Salem Island to help her P.I Uncle with his own business, due to him undergoing cancer treatment, it's not a choice she would have made under any other circumstances, but she knows she is needed. After she arrives, Charlie is begged by a really old friend to help find her daughter, Kara. Having never investigated a missing person before she is not sure but her personal past makes this a case she is unable to say no too. Charlie's twin sister Allie, was abducted when they were teenagers and never found.She has had her sisters voice in head from the day of her funeral. Charlie sees parallels and similarities between Allie's disappearance and Kara's and hopes she may be able to solve these cases by bringing the criminal to justice finally!
A beginning of a new series! What a fantastic sentence to hear when you have consumed the book as quick as I did! A riveting, addictive story with a great plot with plenty of twists and turns along the way and expertly crafted characters that are engaging and intriguing too.I thought that Allie's voice in Charlie's head was a very original idea and loved it when Allie popped up with her sarcastic comments towards her sister that only sisters can do! I could empathise with Charlie, a loner who people sometimes think is an odd character because of her preference to spend time alone. She is also a strong woman as well which I admire as she is determined to get to the bottom of both Kara and her sisters disappearances.
A really entertaining book that had me hooked till the end.Looking forward to the next book.
Thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for the copy of the book for my review today.

Charlie Winters has recently returned to her hometown to be a private investigator when an old friend enters her office crying. Mistys daughter has been missing for a few days, the police show no interest in helping she needs Charlies help.

When she begins to look into the disappearance it brings her back to when her sister Allie went missing and how they never caught her killer, the similarities make things worse. Will she find Kara in time or is it already too late?

I enjoyed this book the only thing that pulled me out of it at times was the voice of Allie in Charlies head even though she did make me laugh a few times.

I received a free copy from the author/publisher through netgalley in return for an honest review

A mystery/thriller that kept me guessing. Some surprises and a yell of "noooooo" from me at one point. Some scary moments. A little grittier than my usual, but do look forward to reading more of Charlotte Winter's adventures.

This excellent beginning of a new series will keep you guessing. Charlie is a complex and intriguing character. She is dogged in her determination to find the missing girls. I love the parts with Allie. Her sarcasm and wit had me laughing out loud. The mystery is full of suspense and surprising twists. I was totally blown away by the reveal and the action that led up to it. I was completely invested in the story and characters. I can't wait for the next book!

I do love a great crime thriller and this one had me well and truly hooked.
Charlie Winters returns home after several years away and takes over the reins of her uncle’s private detective business.
An old friend comes in sobbing and begging for help as her daughter is missing.
Charlie is wary about taking the case on as she thinks the Police are best to deal, but Misty tells her the Police are doing nothing.
With her own sister going missing years before, this case is close to Charlie’s heart so she takes it on.
Soon another girl is missing and Charlie faces a race against time to find them.
I really liked the interaction with Charlie and her dead sister Allie, whose voice Charlie thinks she can hear and there’s some great humour between them.
I also liked Zoe and Will and hope they will be in the next Charlie Winters book.
This is a fantastic start to a new series.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

First Girl Gone is the first instalment in the Private Investigator Charlotte ”Charlie” Winters series, set on Salem Island, Michigan. Charlie has felt as though she had no choice but to return to Salem Island as her Uncle Frank, also a P.I. with his own business, undergoes treatment for cancer and needs someone to keep the company afloat. Returning has re-opened old wounds as her twin sister, Allie, was abducted during their high school years in Salem and she never saw her again. Ever since Allie’s funeral Charlie has heard her sisters voice in her head as a sort of running commentary on life, albeit a sardonic and sarcastic one. Then one of Charlie’s long-term friends approaches her and begs her to investigate the disappearance of her teenage daughter, Kara Dawkins. Having not dealt with a missing persons case before, Charlie is in two minds whether to take a look but reliving her sister's case in her head and seeing the similarities and parallels between Alllie and Kara’s cases she decides she can't pass up the opportunity to possibly bring an incredibly dangerous perpetrator to justice, not only for Allie but the rest of the victims, too.

This is a riveting, addictive and twist-laden cross between a police procedural and a thriller and marks the beginning of an interesting new series. It's compulsive and fast-paced with a well-crafted plot and an intriguing and engaging cast of characters. This is well-written and highly readable fiction with a plethora of twists, turns and red herrings to throw you off the scent and right from the beginning I was hooked. I loved the unique and original ”voice in your head” interspersed throughout with Allie coming down hard on her sister in a really amusing fashion that only close family can get away with. Told primarily from Charlie’s perspective, with only the opening chapter being dedicated to Kara, the author creates an effortlessly flowing style of writing which never fails to immerse you. I can relate to protagonist Charlie as I'm sure many others can too, she is a strong and individual person who prefers to be alone and is unfairly judged as a bit of a weirdo. An easy, entertaining read with enough happening to keep you satisfyingly turning the pages. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Bookouture for an ARC.