First Kill

Ā· A Layla Caine Mystery Book 1 Ā· Ava Strong
130 reviews
Ebook
213
Pages
Eligible

About this ebook

"This is a chilling, suspenseful page turner that just might leave you scared at night!"

—Reader review for Not Like Us

Former actress Layla Caine is an invaluable Profiler for the LAPD, with her unique ability to see through people and her deep knowledge of Hollywood. But when an elusive killer terrorizes Los Angeles, Layla finds herself in a game of cat and mouse with a killer always one step ahead...

A killer claims victims in a macabre tribute to their cinematic triumphs, and Layla must channel her past to unmask the murderer who stages each crime scene with eerie perfection—before the final curtain call.

"The plot has many twists and turns, but it is the ending, which I did not see coming at all, that totally defines this book as one of the most riveting that I have read in years."

—Reader review for Not Like Us

FIRST KILL is BOOK #1 in a long-anticipated new series by #1 bestseller Ava Strong, whose bestseller NOT LIKE US (a free download) has received over 1,000 five star ratings and reviews.

A gripping mystery series featuring the compelling and intricate protagonist Layla Caine, this crime thriller delivers relentless action, tension, and surprising narrative turns that promise to hold your attention and keep you enthralled long past bedtime. Fans of Mary Burton, Kendra Elliot, and Lisa Regan are sure to fall in love.

Future books in the series are also available!

"Very intriguing, kept me turning page after page... Lots of twists and turns and a very unexpected ending. Cannot wait for the next in this series!"

—Reader review for Not Like Us

"A roller coaster ride of events... Can't put down until you finish it!"

—Reader review for Not Like Us

"Excellent read with very realistic characters that you become emotionally invested in... Couldn't put it down!"

—Reader review for The Death Code

"An excellent read, lots of twists and turns, with a surprising ending, leaving you wanting to read the next book in the series! Well done!"

—Reader review for The Death Code

"Well worth the read. Cannot wait to see what happens in the next book!"

—Reader review for The Death Code

"Quickly became a story I couldn't put down! I highly recommend this book!"

—Reader review for His Other Wife

"I really enjoyed the fast-paced action, plot design and characterization... I didn't want to put the book down and the ending was a total surprise."

—Reader review for His Other Wife

"The characters are extremely well developed... There are twists and turns in the plot that kept me guessing. An extremely well written story."

—Reader review for His Other Wife

"One of the best books I have ever read... The ending was perfect and surprising. Ava Strong is an amazing writer."

—Reader review for His Other Wife

"Holy cow, what a rollercoaster... Many times I absolutely KNEW who the killer was—only to be proven wrong each time. I was completely surprised by the ending. I have to say, I am thrilled that this is the first in a series. My only complaint is that the next one isn't out yet. I need it!"

—Reader review for His Other Wife

"An incredible, intense, spellbinding, enjoyable story. It will keep you captivated until the end."

—Reader review for His Other Wife

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"This is a chilling, suspenseful page turner that just might leave you scared at night!" —Reader review for Not Like Us Former actress Layla Caine is an invaluable Profiler for the LAPD, with her unique ability to see through people and her deep knowledge of Hollywood. But when an elusive killer...

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Ratings and reviews

130 reviews
Claudete Takahashi
September 2, 2024
Layla was a movie star who became a Police profiler/Detective and keeps on being haunted by her past. She is paired with Mike, a hands-on Detective, and although they are totally different, they learned to work well together. They are searching for a killer that poses the victims as in a movie set and who is getting bolder every time he kills. Good plot, in spite of the posing of victims being widely used in other series. The story ends in a cliffhanger which makes me wonder what“ll happen next.
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Jean gardenhire Carpenter
January 28, 2026
Would have been 5 if not for the terrible ending. What a let down!
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Vern Hesse
August 24, 2025
almost a good book good story line too wordy I almost stopped reading and deleted it several times .
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About the author

Ava Strong is author of the REMI LAURENT mystery series, comprising six books (and counting); of the ILSE BECK mystery series, comprising seven books (and counting); of the STELLA FALL psychological suspense thriller series, comprising six books (and counting); of the DAKOTA STEELE FBI suspense thriller series, comprising six books (and counting); of the LILY DAWN suspense thriller series, comprising five books (and counting); the MEGAN YORK FBI suspense thriller series, comprising five books (and counting); the SOFIA BLAKE FBI suspense thriller series, comprising five books (and counting); the AMY RUSH FBI suspense thriller series, comprising five books (and counting); the ELLE KEEN FBI suspense thriller series, comprising five books (and counting); and the LEXI COLE suspense thriller series, comprising five books (and counting). An avid reader and lifelong fan of the mystery and thriller genres, Ava loves to hear from you, so please feel free to visit www.avastrongauthor.com to learn more and stay in touch.
Ava Strong is author of the REMI LAURENT mystery series, comprising six books (and counting); of the ILSE BECK mystery series, comprising seven books (and counting); of the STELLA FALL psychological suspense thriller series, comprising six books (and counting); of the DAKOTA STEELE FBI suspense t...

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