𝔽𝕚𝕣𝕤𝕥 𝕍𝕚𝕔𝕥𝕚𝕞

Author - Debbie Babitt
Rating - ⭐️ ⭐️ / 5
Genre - Mystery & Thrillers
PUB Date - 06/14/22

Not sure if I have ever given a book a 2 ⭐️ on here before….but I guess there’s a first for everything…

I do however want to start out by saying that this book had A LOT of potential. Did I guess who the father was of Alice’s daughter? Nope! But was this book all over the place? YES!!

*may contain some spoilers*

.....

What I liked :
✨I didn’t guess who the father was (probably because he was only introduced in the last 10% of the book 🙃 )
✨ The potential. Debbie has some great ideas, just maybe didn’t need them all compacted in 1 books…

What I disliked :
👎🏻 I think this may be only the second time I have said this but, the multiple POVs! I am a sucker for multiple POVs it just wasn’t well done. There was no indication at the beginning of a chapter whose POV you would be reading about…
👎🏻 The detail. Clearly this author did her research and knows a lot about how a trial works…however, for someone who doesn’t, it can get real confusing, real fast…
👎🏻 Too many plots. There was a bunch of different stories and plots playing out all throughout the book
👎🏻 There were times I had to go back an read a passage to understand who a character was talking to or about.
👎🏻 Missing details. While some parts of the book are overly detailed, some were not detailed enough. Again, to the point where I had it go and reread a passage multiple times to understand what was happening and who was involved…

In my opinion, this book needs a lot of work. On top of all my dislikes, there were numerous grammar and spelling errors as well (but it was an ARC, so that part is still a WIP)! It was a great idea that unfortunately ran flat…

But nonetheless, thank you @netgalley and @penzlerpublishers and Debbie Babbitt for this ARC!!!

This was quite a dark and grim story. Alice D. McKerrity has worked hard to get somewhere after having a child at 17 and dropping out of school. She finished her schooling at 20, went to law school and is now a respected judge. On the down side her 29 year old daughter, Alexis, is moody and secretive and her older husband (not Alexis’s father) is suffering from the increasing ravages of dementia.

Alice is to preside over a murder case, William Henry Young is accused of brutally raping and torturing and killing a young pregnant woman. A repugnant crime. He’s already on his second lawyer. When that lawyer quits he elects to represent himself. From the start of the trial Alice has been nervy and anxious and having weird flashbacks to a terrible event from her past. You may be able to guess where this is going but, sheesh, it’s a dark, unnerving read.

I don’t want to say any more but Alice must soon face her demons and fight for her life. It was hard to read this as the bad guy was pure evil. The characters felt so real, which was quite discomforting. The tension was so thick you could cut it with a knife. The pace was relentless and there were no flat spots. I haven’t read anything from this author before but I was impressed with the writing of this book, it kept my nerves as taut as a bowstring! Many thanks to Netgalley and Penzler Publishers for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.

What starts out as a legal courtroom drama soon turns into a really good crime thriller with more than a few touches of the psychological. What happens when a judge takes the law into her own hands???. This would have been a five star read except the ending left me feeling flat.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

A legal, courtroom based drama with a thrilling backstory. Let me begin by saying this would make a great movie or tv show. It’s a well written book and fast paced. This is my first book from this author and I can’t wait to read more.

Loved this book! Cover is awesome! Will share with friends. Must read more by this author in the future!

"First Victim" combines two of my favorite genres, psychological thriller and courtroom drama, in a brilliant way. Judge Alice McKerrity is presiding over the murder trial of a creepy, disturbing man who has decided to represent himself pro se and delights in getting under the judge's skin. Alice is also undergoing turmoil in her personal life. Her husband Charles has early onset Alzheimer's and her grown up daughter is living with her and interested in finding her biological father. Alice starts to unravel, suffering from nightmares hinting at a past trauma and from paranoid feelings she is being watched and followed. This is a suspenseful read to find out what happened in the past, and what will happen with the trial. One star taken off for the ending, which fell flat.

The line between justice and revenge blurs when a judge takes the law into her own hands. OMG! This drew me in quickly and there was that instant tension of a drama unfolding. An incredibly well thought out, very original plotline and one I had not foreseen. I turned ever quicker and devoured this- the sign of a gripping, well written read. A captivating, rollercoaster of a book. Loved it.

Thank you Penzler Publishers and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. IYKYK, my reviews are always honest.

3.5 stars rounded UP.

Writing: 4.5/5 | Plot 3.5/5 | Ending: nah bruv 2/5
THE PLOT

Alice is the presiding judge on a rape/murder case dealing with a lot of issues at home. Throughout the case, she starts experiencing painful flashbacks and paranoia. Why? Read it and find out!!

MY OPINION

Yes, my plot summary was very short, but I didn't want to give to much away. Ok, some quick facts:

1. This would make a BOMBBBBBBB movie. Netflix, where ya at? I can literally see it now.

2. Alice's 29-year-old daughter Alexis was annoying. She literally acted like she was 16. I wish the author had just either made her 22 OR made her more mature. But the fact she was the same age as me living in her parents house with her room covered in posters talking about "she didn't have to read about that to know it's not bad for the baby" (in reference to not drinking while pregnant) c'mon girl......

3. The last couple of chapters were too repetitive. The same flashback again and again and again. Could've been much shorter. Ending was OD... too Criminal Minds-y. Could've done without the whole Teddy plot line as well TBH.

4. It's not a shocker of all shockers because the "twist" is very early. But I liked how things unfolded and when Alice was tryna get into the serial rapist's mindset.

5. The writing quality was great. Unique. Short sentences. Quick chapters. Little useless dialogue.

6. The ARC formatting was WHACK. I'm confused how the formatting is always so off, when the publishers know this will be mostly picked up on Kindle??? Wagwan?

7. Angel was a pregnant stripper? How far along? Was she showing? huh?

8. Idk if it was intentional, but the first mentions of Charles made it sound like he was a baby but he was actually some 60+ yr old dude with Alzheimer's. I LOVED LOVED LOVED his POV. I've never read a POV from a character with Alzheimer's. It was cool to get inside his brain (even if it's not accurate... it was still interesting). Some of my fave excerpts from his POV:

"He's worried about her. Afraid she's going down the slipper slope. Slope? He sees himself skiing down the mountain, the sun reflecting off the snow blinding him. Not a ski slope, you idiot!"

"Then he hands him the newspaper. Charles nods as he takes it from him... He likes the neat, orderly way the black symbols march across the white page. When he has finished counting them, he turns to the next page."

A great example of SHOWING mans is confused due to his Alzheimer's instead of saying "Charles was confused because his brain was being a mush mush."

9. I repeat: THIS WOULD MAKE A FIRE FLAME MOVIE.

I'm surprised at the low ratings tbh... This was head and shoulders above other "novels" raking in 4/5 star reviews.

Have my standards lowered? Or am I escaping my slump?????

PROS AND CONS

Pros: well written, well paced, loved Charles' POV

Cons: Felt some characters were unnecessary and contrived, like Connie, Teddy, the weird waitress girl (WTF was that about????), the Sheriff, etc. Ending was doing entirely too much. A little repetitive at the end.

An intense psychological legal murder thriller by an author new to me. The setting is mostly Manhattan and a small town in northern upstate NY. It was a quick and easy read but does contain some dark, disturbing adult material.
Judge, Alice D. McKerrity is presiding over the trial of William Henry Young for first degree murder and other heinous crimes. She will have to make critical rulings and judgment calls throughout the trial. The defendant discharges the court appointed attorney and represents himself pro se.
Alice has a grown daughter, Alexis, still living at home. Alexis doesn't know who her father is and this is a source of distress. Alice's husband, Charles, has early onset Alzheimer’s. The stress of his worsening condition is overwhelming her. She isn't sleeping much and her hidden past secrets make her paranoid. She feels watched and sees shadowy figures.
Mr. Young is a dangerous killer. He delights in getting under Judge McKerrity's skin. He's arrogant, cunning and creepy. The authors character portrayal still haunts me. Despite excellent clues, I did not figure out the plot as quickly as I usually do.
The story asks us if we believe in coincidence, fate, destiny, or a preordained plan like karma. The characters will decide the consequences, mete out justice or maybe revenge. The reader must decide if those actions are warranted.
Thanks to NetGalley, Debbie Babitt, and Penzler Publishers, Scarlet for the advance digital copy of "First Victim". These are all my personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily.

This was my first time reading this author and I really enjoyed this book. The premise of the book caught my attention. I love legal thrillers, courtroom dramas, and books where the secrets and twists from the past collide with the present. At first, I wasn’t sure about the writing BUT as I read on and could not put the book down, I realized the writing was a reason why I was enjoying the book so much.

The author did a great job with the story and keeping me wanting to learning all of Alice’s secrets and more. Debbie Babbitt did such a great job painting Alice’s stress and pressure at work and at home, that Alice’s stress felt like my own. I felt like I was in it with her.

I definitely recommend First Victim to anyone who enjoys legal courtroom dramas but also I recommend this for anyone who likes a good suspenseful thrilling story that goes beyond the courtroom where the characters’ past collide with their present and redefine their future.

Thank your to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest opinion and review.

I have posted this review on Goodreads and I will also post on Amazon when the book is released.

4+ stars

The People v. William Henry Young. The charge is 1st degree murder of a pregnant woman with the honourable Alice D McKerrity presiding who runs a tight court.

This is a novel about secrets and the choices we make, it’s about guilt, revenge and atonement as Alice’s past and present collide in the most horrifying of ways. It’s told from three points of view, by Alice, her daughter Alexis and Alice childhood friend Connie which works and flows very well.

Gosh, this is one powerful novel from the talented Debbie Babbitt as you witness the immense pressure on Alice both at home and in the courtroom with her emotional turmoil being palpable. You witness her carefully constructed world imploding as she’s unravelling and is a mess. You feel the fact that she is utterly spooked, at times she is terrified as her fears grow in intensity to panic, paranoia and claustrophobia and you sense the growing dread. This part is exceptionally well written as are the courtroom scenes which are riveting. You can feel Young‘s presence and he makes your flesh crawl. You have no idea what game he is playing except you know that he’s playing one. Alexis’s part in the drama is well done as is Connie's and you appreciate a huge can of worms has been opened. The author very effectively uses places and weather conditions to create tension and escalate the unfolding events. It’s gripping, intense and fast paced though times inevitably it’s an uneasy and uncomfortable read.

There are however a couple of reservations that prevent the awarding of the full five stars. The ending is a bit confusing as it has memories that fuse with recent events and you sort of have to pick your way through it although I totally get what the author is trying to achieve. There is one chapter from the perspective of Alice‘s husband Charles which seems a bit odd and out of place .

Overall though this is a compelling and powerful book.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Penzler Publishing, Scarlet for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

A great story line with interesting characters. 4/5 stars for me because the ending was given away too soon and I felt the ending dragged after the reveal. Good for readers who enjoy suspense, law, and stalking.

When I get super excited, I sing . Not well, but I sing . The best part ? It’s random and I make up my own words . These are my sudden bursts of self proclaimed creative talent .

Well, I’m singing .

I like big books and I can not lie
You other sisters can’t deny
When a book is before me with a big ole spine
I get sprung …

See? Zero talent . I’ll stick to my day job .

Anyway , I’m singing bc I just finished another incredible book, my instajail sentence is over and well it’s Monday? I love Mondays just not as much as I love peanut butter .

Ok, the book
Drumroll please …….

First Victim by Debbie Babitt .

Oh, you haven’t heard of her yet ? Well now you have and I promise you, you are going to want to get to know her because this book is destined for success .

These characters come alive and jump right off the page . You feel as though you are watching this story take place right before your eyes . There is no shortage of twists and turns ! This book is oozing with suspense

Do you know the feeling when you hold your breath and your chest gets tighter and tighter ? That is the best way to describe how I felt while reading First Victim.

Spoiler : The Honorable Alice D. McKerrity is no stranger to violence. From the bench at Manhattan Supreme, she has seen the most hardened killers pass through her courtroom. But there’s something about this trial―a defendant charged with the murder of a pregnant woman―that affects her as no other case ever has. Her chaotic, stressful home life only adds to her mounting feelings of panic and fear. She’s also harboring a secret that if exposed could have far-reaching ramifications both personally and professionally. And now, unbeknownst to Alice, her daughter has begun a search for her biological father.

I really enjoyed 'First Victim'. Not everybody can do multiple POV's well but Debbie did a good job but at times though I felt my mind wonder off and lose concentration. I still would recommend buying this novel come June 14th, 2022. Thank you to NetGalley and Penzler Publishers for this advance copy

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author, for an ARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
"First Victim" by Debbie Babitt
was an intriguing & addictive legal thriller with twists that you will never see coming. 
The multiple perspectives & timelines that Ms. Babitt used to tell the story worked well together.
I will definitely be on the lookout for more books by her.

Oh my gosh this book was such a good read. It was fast paced, full of tension and completely gripping. It was well written with well developed characters and a good storyline that was brimming full of mystery, suspense and unpredictability. I loved the dual narrative that was between several of the characters as this really added more to the story and the tension in the plot.
This book will not be for everyone as it involves some triggering events such as domestic violence, sexual abuse/assualt/rape and other assualt. Although handled very sensitively, people who are triggered by these, may not want to read this one.

trigger warnings for this book include rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment, abuse, and mentions of domestic violence.

plot!
When Judge Alice McKerrity’s newest criminal trial begins, elements of the case begin to not only remind her of her past, but deeply affect many areas of her life. With an unwell husband and a daughter, Alexis, who is intent on discovering who her biological father is, the pressure of both Alice’s home and work life become almost unbearable. As the trial continues to progress and intensify, Alice must face her past in an effort to protect her and her family’s future.

i don’t usually read suspense and thriller novels but seeing that this was set in a courtroom, i was instantly attracted to it.

this was a brilliant book. with such ease, i can imagine this being adapted into a movie or tv miniseries. it just has that type of plot, setting, and characters.

i liked that this book was split into three different POVs; Alice, Alexis, and Connie. however, there was like one random chapter that was from Charles’ perspective which just came out of nowhere??

the plot twists in this book were also extremely interesting. i felt like the last 15% of the novel, however, was very dragged out and the constant shift between teenage memories, present moment, and memories from the previous weeks became slightly confusing.

overall, a really enjoyable read. thank you to NetGalley & W. W. Norton & Company for giving me an ARC of this book!

Something is very wrong with Alice McKerrity. She is a judge and is quite used to seeing the worst side of people. But as she starts to preside over William Henry Young's case, it is apparent that even though this requires her full attention, her mind is elsewhere.
You might think that it is because her home life is so stressful, and you might be right. Her husband Charles is fading away, suffering from a disease that is slowly but surely taking away the man she loves. Her daughter Alexis has also changed quite a bit. Alice can hardly recognize her, as she has lost interest in things she loved and just seems to be coasting through life. Both of these issues are causing her concern, but it is the nightmares that invade her sleep that is becoming harder and harder to ignore.
Alice has been living with a traumatic event for many years, seeming to have successfully left it in the past. But there is something about the defendant and this trial that is making her paranoid and fearful. Two more things to add to her growing list of concerns.
Alexis is hiding a secret that will change her life forever. She has become curious about her mother's past and the identity of her birth father. She has no idea that the town of Lowood where her mother grew up holds devastating secrets. A simple search to find out something, anything about her father will end with more pain than she ever could have imagined.
Now comes the point when I realize that everything, I want to say would put me squarely in spoiler territory. What I can say is that I went back and forth trying to decide if Alice was an unreliable narrator, someone with just too much on her plate, or a woman who has been through so much, and it isn't over yet. The multiple perspectives and timelines worked well together, and the more I read, the more I was pulled into this twisted tale. Bonus points for characters I loved and one's that I loved to hate.

As the Honorable Judge Alice D. McKerrit, she hears some of the worst crimes pass through her courtroom.
She is dealing with a lot personally as her daughter who has graduated college, has lost her way and Alice’s husband is dealing with a life altering disease. It is hard keeping it all together, and her stress level is bringing back painful memories from her past.
On trial is a ruthless man who is convicted of brutal rape and murder, and Alice feels like somehow she is connected with the defendant, who has decided to be defend himself. The banter between them is frightening. Alice begins to have nightmares, as the case runs too close to home.
I love the book is narrated by three women. Alice, her daughter and Alice’s childhood friend Connie, and they are all connected with a tragic event. This trial has Alice questioning her decisions about everything. Her daughter is acting out. Alice’s daughter has never known her biological dad and is searching for answers, and she knows her mother is not being forthcoming. A twist of fate brings them all together.
This book is due out June 14, 2022. Thank you NetGalley, Scarlet publishing and Debbie Babitt for this advanced copy. Cannot wait to read more by this author.

This is the story of a sitting judge with an ill husband and a daughter that one can't describe. This judge's life is a mess, and she tries to discern what is going on during a murder case, with a defendant who can't be described. The horrors in this book could be real, and the author writes this story like a true crime...This book was sent to me by Netgalley for review electronically, and it is difficult to put down...it keeps drawing the reader back and back and back...to see what happens...Read this one and try to figure out the conclusion before it happens. Surprises...family dynamics...a daughter who...a husband who...a judge who...surprises...that word translates into what this book is all about. I am eager to read more books by this author.