The First Thread
- Judith D Collins
- 10 hours ago
- 4 min read
FBI Agent Daisy Adams #1
By: Nadija Mujagic
Narrators: Matt Godfrey, Jennifer Pickens
ISBN: 9798318531545
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Publication Date: 12/23/2025
Format: Audio
My Rating: 5 Stars (ALC)
The 1980s: a decade when thousands of children vanished—and most were never found.
When six-year-old Charlotte Mercer disappears from her front yard in Silver Spring, Maryland, rookie FBI Agent Daisy Adams is thrust into a case that feels more like a haunting. There are no witnesses. No clues.
Daisy has seen horror before—but nothing like this. As the investigation deepens, so does her fear. Because every missing child reminds her of her own daughter, Lila. And the more she digs into Charlotte's disappearance, the more she's forced to confront the question she's spent years avoiding:
What if one day, it's Lila who vanishes?
Inspired by real events, The First Thread is a chilling psychological thriller about the monsters hiding in plain sight—and the parents who live in fear of hearing the words: your child is missing.
FBI Agent Daily Adams
THE FIRST THREAD #1 Dec 23, 2025
THE CRIMSON KNOT #2 Feb 17, 2026
THE FINAL STITCH #3 Mar 03, 2026
My Review
Drawing inspiration from harrowing real events, THE FIRST THREAD by Nadija Mujagic unfolds as a gripping psychological thriller and marks the inaugural entry in the FBI Agent Daisy Adams series.
Set against the haunting backdrop of the 1980s, this novel immerses readers in the unsettling mystery surrounding the disappearance of a six-year-old girl. As rookie FBI agent Daisy Adams delves into the case, she is not only driven by her professional duty but also beset by her own personal anxieties regarding the safety of her daughter.
This powerful narrative intertwines the professional and the deeply personal, creating a tension that keeps readers on edge. With its masterful storytelling and intricate plot twists, THE FIRST THREAD promises to be the first thrilling chapter in an exciting trilogy, leaving audiences eager for the next heart-pounding installment.
About...
Six-year-old Charlotte Mercer disappears from her front yard in Silver Spring, Maryland, with no witnesses and no clues.
Rookie FBI Agent Daisy Adams is called to the case, which quickly becomes a haunting investigation. As Daisy races against time to find Charlotte, she begins to see similarities to other missing children's cold cases and suspects a serial killer is involved. The case shatters her personal control as a single mother, forcing her to confront the creeping fear that her own daughter, Lila, could just as easily disappear one day.
My thoughts...
THE FIRST THREAD delves deep into the visceral fear and terror associated with the unknown, exploring the psychological and emotional toll that investigative work takes on agents who are also parents. The narrative underscores the theme of "monsters hiding in plain sight," presenting a chilling examination of how danger often lurks where least expected.
At the heart of the story is Daisy, a remarkably relatable FBI agent and a devoted single mother. Her character is crafted with depth, embodying the internal conflict between her professional duties and her maternal instincts. As she grapples with the harrowing realities of her job, Daisy's worries for her daughter, Lila, amplify the emotional intensity of the plot, drawing readers in with a rich tapestry of love, fear, and resilience.
Haunting and chilling, the book culminates in a suspenseful cliffhanger that leaves readers craving more, setting the stage for the subsequent novels in the series. The Crimson Knot: An FBI Agent Daisy Adams Thriller (Book #2 -audio Feb 17, 2026) and The Final Stitch: An FBI Agent Daisy Adams Thriller (Book #3- audio Mar 03, 2026) promises to unravel the complexities of Daisy's world, intertwining personal and professional challenges in gripping adventures that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
My first by the author, and I look forward to more!
The audiobook...
The audiobook is a mesmerizing experience, brought to life by the talented duo of Matt Godfrey and Jennifer Pickens. Their dynamic narration infused each character with vivid personality, weaving an enchanting tapestry of voice that perfectly captured the rich setting, deep emotions, and palpable suspense. Every word they spoke resonated with intensity, drawing listeners into the heart of the story and making it impossible to turn away.
Recs...
If you enjoyed the fast-paced, 1980s-set investigation and the high-stakes perspective of a mother in law enforcement found in The First Thread, you will enjoy books by authors who share similar themes, such as Jessica Knoll, Robin Mahle, Jess Lourey, Jennifer Hillier, and Willow Rose.
A special thank you to Tantor Audio and NetGalley for sharing an advanced listening copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: Dec 23, 2025
About the Author
Nadija Mujagic is an indie author of several psychological thrillers, where she weaves dark twists with emotionally layered characters. A longtime storyteller, she’s finally putting to use the creative writing skills she honed during her college years. When she’s not plotting her next twist, you’ll find her on long walks or jamming on her bass guitar. She lives with her husband, son, and their remarkably clever standard poodle, Koko. She has a website--it's her full name dot com--go check it out! WEBSITE
