First to Kill

By: Andrew Peterson

Narrated by: Dick Hill

Length: 12 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

When you're the best at what you do, it's not always easy to walk away. Nathan McBride was retired. The trained Marine sniper and covert CIA operative had put the violence of his former life behind him. But not anymore. A deep-cover FBI agent has disappeared along with one ton of powerful Semtex explosive, enough to unleash a disaster of international proportions.

The U.S. government has no choice but to coax Nathan out of retirement. He's the only man with the skills necessary to get the job done. But almost as soon as Nathan reluctantly accepts the assignment, he finds himself caught in the middle. On the one side is a ruthless adversary with a blood-chilling plan - and on the other are agents who will stop at nothing to see their own brand of justice done.

Also listen to the sequel, Forced to Kill.

©2008 Andrew Peterson (P)2009 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"A high-powered thriller from a magnum-force writer." (David Dun, author of The Black Silent)

Great listen!Nobody paints pictures like Dick Hill

Good introduction to Nathan McBride. I was visibly rooting for him. Dick Hill GREAT as always

Terrible narration

The story is good but the reading is terrible. I'm sorry if this sounds harsh but after hearing Duma Key read by John Slattery I can't help but compare. The intonation is forced and the main female character is extremely weak when in fact she is a strong character. After listening to the preview I thought I could put up with it because of all the good reviews but I'm really struggling.

An exceptional first book by Andrew Peterson

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes because it is a good story and it well read by Dick Hill

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Yes I enjoyed the plot with all its twists and turns.

Have you listened to any of Dick Hill’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes I have listened to Dick Hill before and I thought his performance improved as the story progressed.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

The odds are so great that the FBI seeks help from retired spooks.

Any additional comments?

A pacy novel which kept me listening.

If you like Jack Reacher you will love this book!

What did you love best about First to Kill?

I love the characters Nathan and Harvey and they are a great team! The action is non stop and there are lots of twists and turns that you do not expect which I like, nothing predictable in this book!

What was one of the most memorable moments of First to Kill?

Never a dull moment and of course they always get the job done! The relationship between Nathan and his father was very touching and real. Nathan and Harvey were like an old married couple (which I loved) and could finish each others sentences...this to me is the true symbol of this working relationship which encompasses so much trust and strength.

Have you listened to any of Dick Hill’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

One of the reasons that I gave this author a first try was because of Dick Hill. I love his narration of the Jack Reacher series and I knew I would enjoy listening to him with a new story and I am certainly glad I did! I will start looking for more books by Andrew Peterson.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I almost had tears during the last exchange between Nathan and his father. Nathan reaching out to his father and his father giving back what a son needs from his father.

Easy one of my top 10

Maybe top 5 , I've listened to it 4 times. If you like Reacher or Harry Bosh you'll love it too !

Absolutely Outstanding Debut Novel

If you're looking for a series to fill the Mitch Rapp void, you've just found one. Highly recommended to Mourning Vince Flynn fans.

Jack Reachers distant, richer, connected cousin

What other book might you compare First to Kill to and why?

It's not fair to say that Andrew Peterson is a Lee Child copycat. However this sure seems like Jack Reacher had a distant, richer, better connected cousin who at least has a pang of conscience when he pulls the trigger.

What does Dick Hill bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Dick Hill IS the master of military cadence. His mastery of the pregnant pause and story telling ability is superb.

Any additional comments?

I'm a Dick Hill acolyte and he made this book live for me - but I'm thinking that maybe they should have picked someone else to give Andrew Peterson a chance. I thought it was a new Lee Child character who got his own spin-off TV series. Probably because Dick Hill IS the voice of Jack Reacher.

A hokier Jack Reacher

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I wolld not recommend this book because although fast paces, it was predictable and cliched. Nathan McBride too perfect to believe.

What do you think your next listen will be?

no

What about Dick Hill’s performance did you like?

Everything. Dick Hill is the master of all readers.

Could you see First to Kill being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

Nothing, Dick Hill is the best.

Nathan McBride a great character

Would you listen to First to Kill again? Why?

Yes. This was my introduction to Nathan McBride and I listened to all three books in the series in short order. I enjoyed the plots and the characters. The author's character development makes them both interesting and sympathetic and compelling.

What other book might you compare First to Kill to and why?

Option to Kill and Forced to Kill, for obvious reasons. I haven't found another character that is reminiscent of Nathan but the narrative reminds me of Lee Child's Reacher series.

What does Dick Hill bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Love Dick Hill's delivery...he brings color and depth to the character.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Learning about the torture Nathan underwent and the compassion he feels for the victims he saves

Didn't want to turn it off

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Would recommend because it was suspenseful and kept a good pace.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes.

Any additional comments?

Think Dick Hill is a terrific narrator and adds something to the story with his ability. Just wish he was still doing the Jack Reacher series. Am quite turned off by the person now doing them to the point I can't enjoy any more of the Reacher books.