I so love this series and was so excited when I saw there was info about Chad in this one. To clarify, Chad is Detective Kate Scott’s fiancé that went missing with little clue earlier in the series. It is an ongoing storyline on the personal side of things for our main character. This book can be read as a stand alone. The author does a good job of catching you up on what you need to know. It’s just I was so hooked on her fiancé disappearing so long ago, and I’ve been not so patiently waiting to see if there would ever be any more of it. For those familiar with the storyline, I won’t mention what, but you definitely need to pick this one up.

But on to the main storyline. While investigating a cold case, things become personal for Kate as she has a feeling someone is watching her, someone tries to run her off the road and shoots at her and McGaven. I love her dog Cisco, though he plays only a small part in this one. I am such a fan of this series, but was especially impressed with this one as it really was complex with a lot of moving parts that fit really well in the big picture. I really like McGaven in this one as you get to see a little of his backstory and his heart. The two of them are a great team.

I was swept into this fast paced installment and finished reading it in a day. More than once I was surprised at the twists.

I was drawn into the case of this missing girl and the farm in addition to Kate and Chad. To me this series is always a reliable great read.

The latest cold case for Katie Scott and her partner McGaven is the disappearance of a young woman and her dog. Abigail's car was found but there were no clues and the case was abandoned. Now Katie and Gav take on the investigation but it puts their own lives in danger...
The First Girl is the 11th book in the Katie Scott series. The parts of the plot surrounding Chad's disappearance continue directly from the previous book Her Dying Kiss.
A cold case of a missing woman and dog. A saved suicide. Chad's disappearance. There is a lot going on for Katie in this book! She is ably assisted by her partner Gav and her K9 dog Cisco but they all face danger as a result of their investigations. Katie begins to feel unsafe at home and someone is determined to keep the past hidden by using a gun to silence the detectives.
On the personal side of the plot, Katie is still bereft after the disappearance of her fiance Chad. He is still missing but finally there is news although this brings more heartache. Meanwhile she and Gav prevent a suicide in the opening chapters and it is someone he knows, leading to a personal interest in her wellbeing as well as a different angle to their investigations.
The prologue describes an event in the past and then I was trying to figure out how it relates to developments in the present day. The plot threads interweave and I enjoyed watching how the cases progressed. There are plenty of action scenes and moments of drama as the plot unfolds. I always feel a little guilty that I worry more about Cisco than other characters!
The First GIrl is a tense, dramatic and action-packed detective thriller.

I’ve been following Detective Katie Scott series for a while and most of them I found enjoyable and gripping, but sadly this new book doesn’t feel the same for me.

Detective Katie Scott and her partner (McGaven) as well as her K9 dog (Cisco) is investigating another mysterious cold case that hasn’t been solved for 20 years.
I really like the characters and their interaction especially Scott and McGaven partnership, they’re one of the best duo detectives.

The case of this missing girl is interesting to follow but, the progress of solving the case is slower compare to the previous books. It felt like it’s missing the gripping element in trying to catch this clever serial killer.

While it seems the case regarding Chad (Scott’s fiancee) is over, the last few chapters proves otherwise. It seems the mystery of Chad’s case is far from over and it will continue in the next book but we’ll see….

While this one is not my favorite out of all the books I’ve read in this series, I would still wait for the next book to come out and hope it’ll have a more exciting mystery to solve!

⚠️ 𝐓𝐖: murder, body horror, suicide attempt, mental illness, brief mention of confinement and domestic abuse.

I received an advanced review copy for free through Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Huge thank you to the author and publisher!

Although Detective Katie Scott is working hard on her current cold case, her thoughts do not stray hard from worrying about her fiancé Chad. He had been missing for quite some time. However, Katie, along with her partner McGaven, as well as her canine partner Cisco, throws herself into her latest case.

This case presents a lot of danger for Katie and McGaven, especially as Katie draws ever closer to solving the case. Katie is really drawn in, especially when the case takes a surprising turn. Meanwhile, McGaven is facing a challenging situation that requires much of his time and attention.

What a story! Multi-faceted, with its very personal edge when it comes to Katie as well as McGaven, this 11th book in a compelling and thrilling series kept me reading late into the night. Jennifer Chase definitely kept me on the edge of my seat and has left me wanting for more.

Many thanks Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

The First Girl by Jennifer Chase is the eleventh book 11 in the Detective Katie Scott series.  The previous book, Her Dying Kiss, left readers with unanswered questions regarding Katie's missing fiancée. This instalment not only provided answers to that mystery, but it also gave readers the chance to experience another nail-biting tale. Katie and her partner while trying to solve a cold case involving a missing person finds themselves on the trial of a diabolical serial killer. Can Katie and her partner find the killer before he claims another victim? A must-read for fans of police procedurals.
Cold Cases are the speciality of Detective Katie Scott and her partner, Sean McGaven. Known for their 100% solve rate, complex cold cases are the assigned to them.  Their latest case has them puzzled, threatening their 100% solve rate.  This latest case involves a young woman, named Abigail Andrews, who went missing fifteen years ago. They found her car, however, no trace of her or her dog.  Meanwhile, Katie struggles with the fact that her fiancée is still missing without a trace.  Despite her struggle, she knows she needs to focus on solving this latest case.

The tale that unfolds was twisty, addictive, and entertaining. The story was well-paced and fascinating, with a complex mystery that possessed many moving parts. At first, they seemed unconnected, but the deeper into the story one goes, the connections become clear. It was a pleasure reconnecting with Katie and Sean, as well as their colleagues. Now, the killer in this case has been a very busy bee.  His ability to stay one step ahead of law enforcement shows his astuteness. However, his arrogance would be his downfall.

There were instances in the story where one feared for the main characters. These chilling scenes gave way to many nail-biting moments. The suspense increased with every page turn. This was not an easy book to set aside, be prepared for a single sitting read. Fans of police procedural and thrillers will want to grab themselves a copy of The First Girl. I look forward to more cases with this dynamic duo. The author kept me guessing from start to finish while delivering a well-developed tale

Favorite Quote:

This place reminds me of a horror film where the protagonist’s car breaks down… and then you know the rest.

My Review:

This one was cringe-worthy, well-contrived, and kept me guessing throughout the entirety, and I just love it when that happens. I’m a bit late to the party as this is my first time reading this clever scribe’s twisty tales, but I never felt at a loss jumping into the series at book number 11 as it had strong legs and danced well on its own.

Will their new cold case lead Detective Katie Scott and her partner Detective Sean McGaven into a fight for their lives? Shortly after Interviewing the mother of missing Abigail Andrews, they begin to piece together the evidence that was left behind. Katie is thrilled when she receives new information about her fiancé Chad Ferguson who has been missing for the past six months. As they search a property with her K9 Cisco, they discover shallow graves and unfortunately Abigail’s body. Knowing the owners name and finding him lead them on quite a chase, as it seems he is a ghost. A long-ago classmate of Sean’s is afraid for her life, but is she involved and if so, how? Katie is known for being able to “see” things at a crime scene that others might miss. Will she find a clue that will lead them to the killer? They realize that finding him doesn’t mean that he has stopped killing. An exciting race to stop the killer before he claims more lives! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

**THE FIRST GIRL BOOKS ON TOUR**

When you think you have it all figured out and the BOOM.... you're smacked in the face with another twist in the tail!

Book #10 left us all on a major cliffhanger so first off I would suggest that not only do you read #10 but start from the very beginning.. if you haven't started this series already... why not?

Since the disappearance of her fiance Chad, Detective Katie Scott has been left feeling utterly lost. With no new leads on his whereabouts and no contact from Chad, Katie has had no choice but to carry on, even though reluctantly, she knows that being back at work is the best place for her.

On the cold case of a missing girl who has never been found, Katie and her partner Gav are on the way to a new lead when across their radio they hear there is a 'jumper' on a nearby bridge. Taking the call they head straight there. Katie takes the lead and after some persuasion the woman manages to grab the woman and bring her to safety. When Gav approaches, the woman, Lara, turns and recognises him, they used to go to school together. Lara is taken to hospital with the expectation that she will be admitted to a psychiatric unit.

All seems forgotten about until Katie and Gav realise that Lara may actually have information relating to the missing child case they are on. When she was a young girl herself she witnessed something harrowing that has lead to her mental health issues now.

Digging deeper into the missing child they come to realise that she was not the only one. More and more girls have gone missing in similar circumstances... do they have a serial killer in their midst?

Investigations lead them to a farm where things take a turn, more 'coffins' are found but how did they get there and who killed them?

As things progress, Katie starts feeling uneasy and registers that someone is following her. She never sees them but her K-9 Cisco is on high alert, warning Katie. Has she got to close to the truth?

On top of a high octane case, Katie recieves a call from her uncle who also happens to be the Sheriff. He has news on Chad. 6 months have passed since his disappearance. Is he alive and if he is, is he ok? Katie is desperate for answers and when she finally gets them, it's not at all what she was expecting.

Each and every time I manage to get my hands on a Jennifer Case book my heart skips faster. I KNOW I'm in for a full on adrenalin rollercoaster ride that satisfies my soul. The characterisation just gets better and better the more we learn about them with each book.

I loved the overall setting of this story and the in depth descriptions of the crime scenes just bring the intense narrative to the forefront and leaves the picture in your head so clear you feel like you're living it whilst reading it.

I was completely engaged from start to finish. The story was paced amazingly with no dips at all so you're giving no choice but to keep turning the pages.

I could not recommend not only this book but the entire series any higher.

Huge thanks to netgalley and Bookouture for the invite to participate in THE FIRST GIRL - BOOKS ON TOUR.

4.5⭐

Detective Katie Scott is back with another puzzling cold case. That sees her and partner McGaven try to find missing Abigail Andrews.

But before the pair can speak with Abigail's mother, they are called to the scene of a jumper and its someone McGaven knows.

And when the investigation does finally get under way Katie and McGaven are drawn to a derelict farm near where Abigail's car was found abandoned. 

But danger is close behind. As someone has followed the pair and will do anything to stop them looking around.

However, a body is soon discovered and so is evidence that something very sinister has been taking place. 

Yet, Katie has much more to contend with than just this disturbing cold case. As her fiancee Chad is still missing and she's beginning to give up hope of ever seeing him again. And the case seems to be getting colder by the day.

Or is it?

And with big twists and turns. Not to mention an intriguing cold case mystery. This was a brilliant addition to the series. But there were a few loose ends and questions left unanswered. Which is why I've not given it five stars.

I have only just started reading this series and it doesn't disappoint. If you haven't read all of the other books you can still enjoy it as a stand alone book to read.
Detective Katie and her work partner Gav have their hands full trying to catch a serial killer before he strikes again.
It is a book that you won't want to put down.

This is the newest addition in the Detective Katie Scott series by @jenchaseauthor and @bookouture and once again, this author did not disappoint! Katie and 4-legged sidekick, Cisco along with her partner McGaven are once again trying to solve a cold case that turns out not to be so cold anymore. Katie, still reeling from Chad’s disappearance and struggling with her own personal nightmares, knows her cold case is connected to more recent crimes.

This is a fast-paced mystery that keeps you turning pages until you reach the end! Could not put this one down! Can’t wait to see what next cold case adventure is next.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my copy of The First Girl by Jennifer Chase.

This is the eleventh novel to feature Detective Katy Scott and her tracker dog Cisco.
It can be read as a standalone but the series is good it’s worth reading them all.
Katy is working cold cases with her partner Gav and looking into the disappearance 15 years ago of a young woman.
While searching previous places the girl had been they come under gunfire and realise this case may not be quite as cold as they thought.
The pace keeps going all through the book, and is interspaced with personal details of Katy’s life and the problems she is facing.
A good read.

This is the third book in the detective Katie Scott series by Jennifer Chase I've read. Somehow I missed book 10 but I've been lucky enough to read books 8, 9 and 11. Book 11 called The First Girl is out today, the 19th of December. I have received a copy from Bookouture via Netgalley.

Detective Katie Scott makes a horrible discovery on a piece of land. Has she come across the graveyard of a horrible monster luring innocent women to their death? Will she be able to find out what happened and find this monster before it's too late?

Just like the other two books I've read the writing was superb. The characters are well developed and well worked-out because of how they are described in the book. It's quite the gripping storyline and I was glued to the pages as I wanted to know who specific characters were and which character was responsible. I had a bit of difficulties understanding the personal situation of Katie Scott, I assume that it has to do with the fact that I haven't read the previous book.

4,5/5 ⭐

The First Girl by Jennifer Chase
Detective Katie Scott #11

Another cold case and serial killer are up next on Katie and Gaven’s to-do list and once again they will be in harm’s way as they work together to solve past murders.

What I liked:
* Katie: ex-military K-9 trainer & handler, cold case police detective, loves her fiancé, good friend, leader, puzzle solver, works for her uncle the sheriff, loves her K-9 partner, suffers from PTSD, has many who admire and support her, still working to find out what happened to her fiancé Chad
* Cisco: Katie’s black German Shepherd K-9 partner who has been with her to war and was discharged into her arms. He’s there for her no matter what, companion to Katie, skilled at his job, loving and protective, helps ground Katie – loved by all
* Chad: Katie’s fiancé, fireman, diver, was preparing to become a fire investigator. Disappeared mysteriously at the beginning of the last book. Six months later and news is heard
* Gaven: Katie’s work partner, supportive, good sense of humor, able to read Katie, in a committed relationship, loves Cisco, doesn’t like horses
* The supporting characters – new to and already established in the series – still curious about more than one of them
* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing
* The police procedural aspects and how the twists & turns were dealt with
* Being able to dislike the killer and being invested in the taking down of this criminal

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Knowing that there are evil doers in the world as manipulative, cruel, and amoral as the one in this book

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

Another brilliant crime thriller from Jennifer Chase.
Katie and McGaven are working on a cold case and discover the remains of a woman’s body.
This leads them to investigate further but someone is unhappy that they’re getting close and both of them are under attack.
Katie is also targeted when she’s driving alone and with someone close to her being in the spotlight, she’s unsure who is attacking her.
Cisco is on hand to protect her every step of the way and Nick shows up when needed too.
This book has a few different layers but all is revealed when Katie realises the killer’s identity and I loved the nail biting ending.
This is a gripping crime thriller that I’d highly recommend.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

The First Girl is book 11 in the Detective Katie Scott series by Jennifer Chase. We were left with a huge cliffhanger at the end of book 10 so I would recommend reading that one first if you haven't already. Katie has been feeling lost since her fiance' Chad went missing in the last book. She's trying her best to dive into her cases at work to take her mind off her personal life. Her dog, Cisco, and her partner McGavin are helping her to get through each day.

The cold case they're working on is a case in which a missing girl was never found. Katie and Gav are on their way to interview the mom of the missing girl when a call comes over the police radio. A jumper is on the bridge that they're approaching. They radio in that they will respond. Upon arrival they see the young woman up on the side of the bridge and she looks distraught. Katie tells Gav to stay back and she'll try to calm the girl down. After a few minutes Katie is able to grab the woman's wrist and pull her back onto the surface of the bridge. When Gav approaches he is shocked that he knows the woman. Lara and Gav went to high school together. The ambulance arrives and takes Lara to the hospital to be checked out. She will then likely be admitted for psych evaluation. It's not clear what led Lara to take such extreme measures with her life.

During their investigation of the cold case it turns out that Lara has knowledge related to it. What she witnessed as a young girl has really messed with her mind and kept her terrified. As Katie and Gav put the pieces together, the amount of missing young women with similar characteristics continues to build. They're looking for a serial killer. They now know the name he went by when Lara was a child so they start there. Katie and Gav continue to work the case as coffins are found on the large farm owned by the man they're looking for. They also come across a gruesome discovery on that same farm. Where is this man and how can they find him now?

As the investigation progresses, someone starts following Katie. Her house alarm is triggered from an outside alarm. Who is on her land and what do they want? She can't see anyone, but Cisco is also telling her someone was out there. Things heat up as someone tries to run Katie off the road, shoots at her and Gav, and they get in a confrontation with the killer. He wants to tie up loose ends and kill anyone getting too close to the truth. Will Katie and Gav both survive? Will they catch the serial killer? Will they be able to close the cold case and give the families closure?

An important call comes through for Katie when her uncle, who is the sheriff, calls with information relating to Chad. Will they find Chad alive? Will he be physically and mentally okay if he is alive? He's been missing now for 6 months. If he's dead, how will Katie move on? I'm not going to say more here, but I will tell you that you won't be able to put this book down. I have been extremely busy and still read this book in 2 days. This series by Jennifer Chase is one of the best series out there and I can't wait for the next book! I rate The First Girl 5 stars with my highest recommendation. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy of The First Girl in exchange for a fair review. #TheFirstGirl

"The First Girl (Detective Katie Scott Book 11)" by Jennifer Chase is a gripping thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat. Chase weaves a chilling tale of suspense and mystery, seamlessly blending the elements of crime and human drama. The vivid descriptions of the crime scenes and the haunted pasts of the victims create an atmospheric and intense narrative.
Detective Katie Scott is a compelling and relatable protagonist, and her bond with her service dog Cisco adds an extra layer of depth to the story. The plot is masterfully crafted, with unexpected twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end. The author's skillful portrayal of the dark and twisted mind of the killer adds an element of psychological suspense that heightens the tension.
While the narrative is intense and at times disturbing, Chase handles the subject matter with sensitivity and tact. The pacing is excellent, maintaining a steady rhythm that keeps the reader engaged. I recommend if you are new to the series then you start with book 10 as this book picks up 6 month later but the backstory is important. Fans of Melinda Leigh and Kendra Elliot will love this series by Jennifer Chase!

Thanks to Ms Chase, the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Cisco is back!!!
Oh and Katie too.
I have to say I fell deeper into admiration and more for Katie’s partner Gav.
An important part of Katie’s life comes back but is also in question but I had a bad feeling about the outline, which turned out to be wrong, thank goodness.
The crimes were horrific but the culprit kept Katie and Gav guessing and hopping with Cisco involved of course.
Katie has a good support system that comes to her aid several times during the story.
I can’t wait to see what happens with her next adventure.

Once again Detective Katie Scott sets out to solve a cold case that leads to quite a thrilling adventure. I really love this series, with its twists and turns. I found myself not wanting to put the book down! It is an excellent detective novel!

Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for the chance to read an advance copy of The first girl by Jennifer Chase. This is the 11th book in the Detective Katie Scott series, and the series keeps getting better!!! Once I started the book, I couldn't put it down, and the unanswered thread from the previous book is finally exposed, as Katie tries not only to deal with her missing fiance, Chad, but her latest cold case! The connection Katie has with her K-9 Cisco, and her partner, McGaven is one of the reasons I love this series! They totally meld as a team. This is a must read series for those who love police procedurals, and K-9 series!