First Cut is a work of suspenseful detective fiction penned by author J. T. Bishop. Forming the opening novel to the Detectives Daniels and Remalla Series, this enticing work is suitable for readers from mid-teens upwards due to some mild but not graphic content. The plot follows the terrifying circumstances when a serial killer returns to find the woman who was once hunting him down. This is former detective Jill Jacobs, whose obsession with the Makeup Artist killer returns in full force when she begins to work with detectives Gordon Daniels and Aaron Remalla. As new love blossoms and old grudges rear their heads, there will be new blood spilled if our trio is not careful.

Author J. T. Bishop has created a wonderful combination of different characters and shared, tangled pasts that come together to form a truly suspenseful and enjoyable crime mystery tale. Daniels and Remalla make a great duo for investigation, action, and adventure, and the chemistry with Jill when she falls for one of them (no spoilers!) really sets an emotional journey in motion that is wonderful to see. Amongst these layers of emotional intrigue is the sinister presentation of the Makeup Artist killer himself, who is exceedingly well developed and enticing to read as a fan of deep psychological mysteries. All of these ingredients together produce a rich novel with plenty of detail, drama, chills, and thrills which are sure to satisfy any mystery fan. Overall, First Cut is a highly addictive and recommended suspense read.

First Cut, the first of a new series based on two detectives, Daniels and Remalla, sees them and the police forces of both Seattle and their own city trying to nail down a vicious, psychopathic killer. As the body count mounts, Daniels and Remalla approach a former female Seattle cop, JJ, for help. She is reluctant, haunted by nightmares about the same killer, and trying to get her life back together. When the deadly killer realizes she is back on his trail, he is happy. He looks at it as an intellectual game, and he is hell-bent on proving he’s the smartest one of them all. He is sure they will never get him...but JJ and the two detectives are equally sure that this time he will be caught. Their only problem is catching him before too many others are killed, including quite possibly themselves and JJ. As readers join them in trying to decide which of several suspects is the killer, tension mounts and First Cut comes to a bloody and thrilling finish.

J.T. Bishop, the author of First Cut, knows how to construct an engaging, suspenseful plot, filled with realistic and likable characters, and uses well-written dialogue to move everything along quickly and bring it all to an exciting finish. One of the best things about Bishop’s novel is not just the sheer malevolence of the perp...and what’s a good psychological thriller without a dastardly villain...but the author’s ability to show, in the midst of the horror, warm friendships like that enjoyed by Daniels and Remalla. As much as these two detectives jokingly belittle each other, they really have each other's back. That relationship, coupled with a romantic angle developing, keeps the story very real. First Cut is enjoyable reading in so many ways. If you like this book, keep your eyes open for Second Slice, book two in the series.

"The body stared up with vacant eyes, the garish lipstick smeared across the lips, and the cheeks streaked with harsh red. Blood pooled on the carpet and stained the walls. Large drips dried as they slid down the walls." In First Cut by J. T. Bishop, Detective Aaron Remalla and his partner Gordon Daniels are trying their best to stop a psychopath dubbed the Makeup Artist from piling up more dead bodies in their small town. Their best hope of catching him is former detective Jill Jacobs, who's now isolated herself from society. She's been hiding and running away from the serial killer, who strangely has a psychic connection to her. Helping Remalla and Daniels means confronting her greatest fear once again. Will she do it?

With a premise that will easily attract fans of the genre, J. T. Bishop's First Cut is a mixture of crime, horror, and romance, including a paranormal element that adds an excellent layer of intrigue to the plot. It's fast-paced and the tension is always there to give the story its constant nail-biting moments. Despite the gruesome murder scenes and the detrimental psychological hazards to cops, I had fun trying to draw my own conclusion on the killer’s identity. The brotherly bond between Remalla and Daniels made them perfect partners for each other despite their opposite personalities, and Jill Jacobs has excellent character depth, making her easily relatable. As the protagonists try to catch the perpetrator, a number of clever red herrings will challenge even the most seasoned mystery crime enthusiasts. Simply put, this is a compelling read from Bishop and I look forward to the story's continuation.

In First Cut by J. T. Bishop, when Detective Aaron Remallo and his partner Gordon Daniels are called to the scene of a brutal murder of a young girl, they fear the notorious serial killer, The Makeup Artist, has returned after a two-year absence. The one person that seems to be able to see inside the killer's mind is ex-policewoman Jill Jacobs. Unfortunately, Jacobs, once the hunter, has become the hunted and is now a target for the psychopath's sickening mind games. Jacobs is persuaded to help catch the killer before he strikes again, but Jacobs is not sure how much more her fragile mind can take. Remallo and Daniels have no idea that the killer is now not only stalking Jacobs but them as well. As The Makeup Artist's taunts become more daring, will he make the one vital mistake that leads to his capture? The detectives are unaware that the killer has chosen his next three victims, and time is running out to solve the case.

First Cut by J. T. Bishop is an action-packed thriller. The characters have depth and their dialogue perfectly showcases their personalities. The narrative is descriptive and sets a very dark, chilling atmosphere. I loved how each chapter ended with a cliff hanger that kept you on the edge of your seat. The twists and turns in the plot were spectacularly written as were the areas of conflict. The plot constantly moves forward with a well-balanced mix of suspense and lighthearted dialogue between the characters. I thought the relationship between Jacobs and Remallo was very realistic; it developed gradually and the dialogue between them was perfect considering their flawed characters. The last few chapters were explosive and the ending gave the reader yet another plot twist. I personally cannot wait to read the next book, Second Slice.