I grabbed The Third to Die by Allison Brennan, the first audiobook in the Quinn & Costa crime thriller, after reading a review from a fellow blogger. She listened to a book later in the series. While Costa isn’t Italian, we share the same last name. The tale involves a serial killer who has plagued the Mobile Response Team lead by FBI special agent Mathias Costa.
by Allison Brennan
Series: Quinn & Costa #1
Narrator: Suzanne T. Fortin
Length: 11 hours and 52 minutes
Genres: Mystery, Suspense Thriller
Source: Library
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Heat Level:
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.5x
An edgy female police detective....An ambitious FBI special agent....
Together they are at the heart of the ticking-clock investigation for a psychopathic serial killer. The bond they forge in this crucible sets the stage for high-stakes suspense.
Detective Kara Quinn, on leave from the LAPD, is on an early morning jog in her hometown of Liberty Lake when she comes upon the body of a young nurse. The manner of death shows a pattern of highly controlled rage.
Meanwhile in DC, FBI special agent Mathias Costa is staffing his newly minted Mobile Response Team. Word reaches Matt that the Liberty Lake murder fits the profile of the compulsive Triple Killer. It will be the first case for the MRT. This time they have a chance to stop this zealous, if elusive, killer before he strikes again. But only if they can figure out who he is and where he is hiding before he disappears for another three years. The stakes are higher than ever before, because if they fail, one of their own will be next....
FBI special agent Mathias Costa is called to the scene of a Liberty Lake murder when it fits the profile of the compulsive Triple Killer. He learns that Detective Kara Quinn found the body while on a jog. Quinn is on leave from the LAPD and works primarily undercover.
Of course Quinn cannot help but get involved, and soon Costa and Quinn are chasing down clues. We learn the killer has been traveling the country methodically killing. He kills in threes and then disappears. Costa enlists the help of Dr. Catherine Jones, the FBI profiler who profiled the Triple Killer three years ago before he went dark.
This is Costa’s first case leading the Mobile Response Team, a division of the FBI and a lot is riding on their success. The killer and his methods and motives were both fascinating and terrifying. I enjoyed watching this unit piece things together as they worked with local law enforcement.
The author fleshed out Quinn and Costa giving us some background, and sharing why the undercover detective was on leave. The two work well together and had some chemistry that they tested. While the romantic aspect was physical, there was something there and I look forward to them exploring the possibilities. Both have powerful instincts for catching a killer.
The story was told from multiple perspectives. We get that of Quinn, Costa, the serial killer and a few others. The story was narrated by Suzanne T. Fortin, who did a stellar job giving voice to the characters and setting the tone for the story that unfolded.
The case and story have a Criminal Minds vibe. It was fast-paced, holding my attention. I finished listening in just a few sittings and look forward to the next audiobook.
About Allison Brennan
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Allison Brennan believes that life is too short to be bored, so she had five children and writes three books a year. 40 books and numerous short stories later, Allison relocated in 2019 from Northern California to Arizona with her husband and two youngest children. RT Book Reviews called Allison “a master of suspense” and her books “haunting,” “mesmerizing,” “pulse-pounding” and “emotionally complex.” She's been nominated for many awards, and is a three time winner of the Reviewer's Choice award winner for RT Book Reviews as well as the Daphne du Maurier award. Most recently, she was nominated for Best Paperback Original by International Thriller Writers.
About Suzanne T. Fortin
Suzanne has a deep love of magic, mystery and snark, and specializes in narrating Sassy Redheads-- particularly in the Urban Fantasy, Thriller, and Romance genres. Suzanne received her MFA in acting from the University of Montana, and performed as a touring and summerstock actor across the Northwest US. She is a member of SAG-AFTRA, PANA, and the Audio Publishers Association. When not recording, she can also be found drinking tea, wrangling a pile of elderly cats, and reading tarot cards in Los Angeles.
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Rolé @ Hooked By That Book
I like this series for the crimes and the suspense of solving them. But I would’ve wanted a bit more from Costa and Quinn relationship-wise. It doesn’t detract from the quality of the story, it’s just my preference.
Kimberly
Agreed. I am hoping we see more develop as the series progresses.
Lover of Romance
You definitely have me intrigued by this one. I will definitely have to try this one out when I am in the mood for a romantic thriller. I don’t mind the physical connection as long as we see a relationship being built as well.
Kimberly
We do, I have a feeling it will be a slow-burn over the series.
Rachel @Waves of Fiction
I’m thrilled you enjoyed the story! I didn’t listen to this installment, but I listened to the last two (same narrator) and really enjoyed her performance, too! I didn’t think of it, but you’re right there is a definite Criminal Minds vibe in this series!
Kimberly
I think it was your review that got me to grab the first one.
Katherine
I haven’t read anything by this author but I’ve been wanting too. I do like the sound of a thriller with a Criminal Minds vibe. Definitely good summer reading!
Kimberly
I hope you grab them Katherine
Sophia Rose
Glad to see you enjoyed it. I got this far in the series and plan to keep going at some point. I liked the way she developed the characters right along with the story.
Kimberly
LOL, that is my plan as well 🙂
Anne - Books of My Heart
I LOVED this one and the series is great. All the layers of the case and personal growth.
Kimberly
Good to know you enjoyed it as well Anne
Felicity Grace Terry
What sounds like promising characters though I’m yet to be convinced as to the plot which for some reason leaves me with a sense of de ja vu. Whilst I wouldn’t rule this out entirely, at the same time I wouldn’t be overly disappointed to find out it wasn’t available as a paper copy.
Kimberly
Good to know.
Nadene
I loved this one too. You will enjoy the other books too.
Kimberly
Yay, so glad you enjoyed it Nadene.