The First Cut

by: Dianne Emley

Published by: Ballantine Books

Reviewed by Andrea Sisco

It's been a year since Pasadena homicide detective Nan Vining survived a vicious attack while on duty. Her attacker has never been caught and she lives each day with the physical and psychological reminders of the event. Vining's attack took place in a residential home and her personal horrors are so close to the surface that she finds it difficult to enter unfamiliar houses.

On Vining's first day back on the job, she is assigned to find the brutal killer of a beautiful Los Angeles woman police officer whose body was found under a bridge. The evidence suggests the murder may be linked to Vining's own attack.

As the investigation progresses, Vining is haunted by visions surrounding the victim. They seem to be telling her a part of the story of the police officer's death. They also seem to be a warning to Vining herself.

Vining pieces together bits of information and slowly and methodically follows the trail of a killer who is determined, depraved and enjoys what he does. Vining must find the butcher before she also becomes his victims.

Dianne Emley's The First Cut is breathtaking. From the first page she lures the reader into the story and holds us hostage until the very end. And even when the last page is read, you won't be able to shake the feeling that someone, somewhere, may be targeting you as their next victim. The First Cut is like a highway accident; you don't want to look, but you can't help yourself.

Emley leaves some unanswered questions about a criminal she's ready to 'take on.' I'm excitedly waiting for the next book and some answers.

Armchair Interviews says: Expect the sequel to be as breathtaking.