Book Spotlight: First Cut: A Serial Killer Murder Mystery Thriller by J.T. Bishop
(The Family or Foe Saga with Detectives Daniels and Remalla – Book 1)
Synopsis
He stole everything from her. But when he lines up his pieces for a rematch, he’ll be surprised at how well she’s learned to play the game. (Barnes & Noble, 2025)
In a gripping tale of obsession and revenge, former detective Jill Jacobs must confront her darkest nightmare: the Makeup Artist, a twisted serial killer whose gruesome crimes and disturbing fixation on Jill nearly destroyed her.
Now, with the psychopath striking again, Jill’s uncanny telepathic bond with the killer becomes the only hope for Detectives Daniels and Remalla to end the carnage. But to catch him, Jill must re-enter the chilling mindset that once connected them—a connection he still craves.
As Jill grows closer to one of the detectives, the killer’s obsession reignites, and the danger escalates. Will she find the strength to stop the sadistic murderer who shattered her world—or will this deadly game claim more innocent lives, including her own?
“First Cut” is the thrilling opener of the Family or Foe Saga, blending psychological suspense with paranormal crime fiction. It’s an electrifying read that probes the darkest corners of justice and the human psyche.
Series Titles in the Family or Foe Saga
- “Second Slice: A Murder Mystery Suspense Thriller“
- “Third Blow: A Murder Mystery Paranormal Thriller“
- “Fourth Strike: A Murder Mystery Paranormal Thriller“
Review
“First Cut” is a chilling and fast-paced thriller that immerses readers in a nightmare of obsession, trauma, and vengeance.
The story centers around Jill Jacobs, a former Seattle detective who reluctantly returns from indefinite leave to assist Detectives Aaron Remalla and Gordon Daniels in stopping the Makeup Artist before he kills again. Bishop wastes no time, opening with a disturbing crime scene:
“The body stared up with vacant eyes, the garish lipstick smeared across the lips, and the cheeks streaked with harsh red.”
Bishop excels at psychological tension. Jill is a layered, compelling protagonist—haunted but resilient—while the killer’s eerie presence and grisly calling card are nightmare fuel. As the investigation deepens, so does the emotional complexity. With language that is easy to follow, the action flows naturally through the pages. The story explores themes of fear, identity, justice, and trauma, and the bond Jill shares with the killer adds a chilling supernatural twist.
Bishop’s prose is crisp and evocative:
“Peering around the corner, he looked inside. It was quiet and the only things moving were the tiny dust particles in the air that caught the light.”
This is a dark, engrossing tale of survival and reckoning. Fans of gritty crime thrillers and psychological suspense will enjoy this book—and eagerly await Detective Daniels and Remalla’s, as well as Jill Jacobs’ next harrowing journey.
“At that moment, her protective wall disintegrated. Images assaulted her. Screams of rage and fear bubbled up, and she could see it in her mind’s eye. Vicky’s terror.”
About the Author: J.T. Bishop
J.T. Bishop is an award-winning author known for writing mystery thrillers with a supernatural twist. She loves weaving tangled relationships, unexpected plot turns, and heart-stopping love stories—sometimes with a dose of paranormal fun.
Her works include:
- The Red-Line Trilogy
- The Fletcher Family Saga
- The Family or Foe Saga, starring the charismatic Detectives Daniels and Remalla
- A crossover series featuring a gifted paranormal P.I. and his spunky sister
Her evil plan? To hook readers with suspense, thrills, and just the right touch of the unknown.
Have you read “First Cut“? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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SA Examiner 