The First Murder

A Detective Willoughby Series

By: Michelle Powers

Narrated by: Rickel Hayes

A killer is stalking the women of Woodlake. And Detective Riley Willoughby just became his obsession.

When the body of a young woman is found in the quiet town of Woodlake, no one expects it to be the start of a murder spree. But as the bodies begin to pile up, each victim more gruesome than the last, Detective Riley Willoughby knows this is no ordinary case.

The killer is leaving notes—taunting, personal, and meant for her.

With her partner Jake Maxwell at her side, Riley races to track down a monster hiding in plain sight. But the closer she gets, the more it becomes clear: this isn’t just about murder. This is about her.

In a town where everyone has secrets, Riley must confront her own past... before the killer makes her his next message.

©2022 Michelle Powers (P)2025 Michelle Powers

short story murder mystery

First time author for me. I always try and research the authors I listen to, at least a little bit. Finding out anything on this author has proven tough. In this book she mentions a 'city a couple towns over, Davenport' which one might assume is the one i n Iowa. Then on her Facebook page I found a couple Iowa references so until I learn otherwise, I'm going with Iowa. Why? Well, I'm a native Iowan myself, a book lover, a University of Iowa alum wondering if she might have some contact with the Iowa Writers Workshop there in Iowa City. Maybe, just maybe but I'll have to learn more.

For a two-hour short story, this was action packed. Dead bodies were flying all over the place. You can't do much character development in a book this short but there was some.

This is the debut book for the author.

It was a short but fun listen. I'll have to check out some of her other books.