A series of elevator "accidents" paralyze NYC in the days leading up to the grand opening of a new high rise. I enjoyed the book and would absolutely recommend it to others as an engaging thriller. I do think the author over explained a lot of things, which I found myself skimming past after a while since it did not interfere with the plot of the book. Overall, however, it's a solid story.

This is the first book I've read by Linwood Barclay and if the rest are anywhere near as compelling, I need to read them all now! Elevator Pitch is a fantastic, edge-of-your-seat thriller, that will make you think twice about ever getting on another elevator. I don't want to say too much more because I don't want to risk spoiling anything for other readers. I think the less you know about the book going in, the better. I will say that I did not see the end coming, and really enjoyed the various plot twists, and the way Barclay wove various narrative strands together. Some of the characters were more caricature than believable "people", but that's really my only criticism. This was a fun read, full of excitement and terror, and seriously - I don't want to get on an elevator ever again.

I have read a number of this author’s books and enjoyed each and every one. They are all quite different and involve something sort of weird. This time it’s elevators. Elevator Pitch is to tall buildings what Jaws was to the beach; not sure I want to live in a high rise in NYC. For those who are familiar with the city of New York you will find lots of familiar places here. I was not familiar with any of them but still enjoyed this book, although it seemed a little slow at the start. I felt there were several stories being uncovered as I went along, all with a purpose.
Here’s this from the book: Actions have consequences. Maybe not overnight. Maybe not in a week, or a month, or even a decade. But the things we do, the decisions we make, the way we treat other people, it all becomes part of the equation. Eventually, things have a way of balancing out.”
Barclay is a fine writer and there is some pretty comical dialogue here to lighten the story(ies). Whether or not you have read any Linwood Barclay novels it won’t matter if you start with this one. I hope you do and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

My thanks to Net Galley for the ARC via the publisher.

I will review this on Amazon on Sept 17, 2019

I received an ARC of Elevator Pitch from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my fair and honest review.

Wow, I don't think I want to be riding around on elevator's anytime in the near future. This was my first time reading a book by Linwood Barclay, and I would have to say it was well written, action packed and had me turning the pages to see what was going to happen next. I truly disliked the Mayor in this book, but he did try to redeem himself some by the end of the book. I don't enjoy elevators in the first place nor esclators so after this book I like them even less. I would definitely recommend this book to those that enjoy thrillers.

Ok hear me out I loved previous Linwood Barclay books. This was a lot slower and sometimes I felt like it was dragging at times. Now I’m not saying the whole book was horrible the beginning had me completely hooked then I felt like the middle just had way to much information and I found myself bored . The book opens with four people getting into an elevator in an Manhattan office. All eager to get to their offices they press the buttons for each floor. Soon the elevator stops and begins to plummet and hit the bottom floor. Everyone assumes it’s just a horrible accident until the next day the same thing happens again in another high rise. Soon the city is in chaos and when a mans body is found in the park missing his fingers the police wonder how everything is connected. Whose behind everything and why? There were plenty parts in the books that hooked me and drew me in and I don’t want my review to be completely negative, I love Linwood Barclays writing so I can understand why others may give this book a higher rating but this book wasn’t for me. I found myself getting lost in my own thoughts while reading which is a sure sign I was bored. So anyways I give this three stars! A big thank you to the publisher for sending this book my way!

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to preview Elevator Pitch by one of my favorite authors Linwood Barkley.
New York City has alot of elevators - what if there were several incidents in a cluster of time - would you walk 60 flights of stairs instead of riding one?
There are several plot lines going on in his newest stand alone book - the politians, the police, and the press are all stumped by recent tragedies that surround accidents involving elevators. The storylines weave together to create a WHO DUN IT that will keep you guessing until the end.
Barclay doesn't disappoiint the reader as he allows you into the minds and lives of several key characters while creating a scenerio of mystery and suspense. Very good - 4 stars - Recommend!

I really enjoyed Barclay’s last book A NOISE DOWNSTAIRS and he did not disappoint with his newest one ELEVATOR PITCH. You may never look at elevators the same way again.

New York City, a truly “vertical city”, is paralyzed when random elevators inexplicably plummet to the ground. But are they truly random? And are these elevator “mishaps” connected to the recent bombings in public places?

I was kept guessing as to who was behind these plots to terrorize the city. The story revolves around a mayor seeking reelection, two New York City detectives, and a journalist who pulls no punches.

This book was definitely hard to put down. With many chapters ending with cliff hangers I had to read just one more chapter…just one more…just one more. Suspenseful. Tense. Fast paced. Excellently written.

Thank you to William Morrow Books for an advance e-copy. Opinions are my own.

A very fast paced and suspenseful thriller by one of my favorite authors. Based in NYC, this book describes the fear and chaos that erupts in the city after one elevator incident after another happens. Are they coincidences or something more sinister.? Barclay lays out a fast paced thriller that kept me turning the pages to see who was responsible.. Never thought I would develop a phobia about riding in an elevator but after reading this book, I just might!

2.5 stars

Someone is messing with the elevators in New York City buildings and killing people, but who? and why would they do such a thing?

Having been a big fan of Linwood Barclay in the past, I was quite excited about Elevator Pitch. Unfortunately, I found this one to be quite convoluted and unrealistic and unfortunately lost me along the way to the (disappointing) resolution. With political issues and family tension, this one seemed a little unsure of what kind of thriller exactly this was aiming to be and maybe could have been cut down by 75-100 pages.

There are plenty of glowing reviews for this one so I seem to be in the minority here so please if you are on the other side of the coin, let me know so I can share some alternate viewpoints!

As I previously mentioned, having been a fan in the past, I will continue to read his novels in the future and chalk this one up to a one-off.

2.5 STARS rounded to 3

I'm keeping this brief, because it's obvious from my rating that this one just wasn't for me, and I think it's because I was expecting something a bit more fast paced with more elevator scenes. I will say that I appreciate so much that the author put a lot of time and effort into proper research of local NYC haunts that my friends who live in the city said meant so much to them. I'll always be a huge fan of Barclay's, and not every book by an author will appeal to every reader. I say pick this one up for yourself and see what you think!

“Sharp-witted, ingenious, frantically suspenseful and compelling...

Thriller fans will eagerly turn the pages to see what happens next with heart-pounding anticipation—while recalling the book every time they step into an elevator or stairway. (I do) A stunner. I devoured it!" —@JudithDCollins #JDCMustReadBooks ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thriller fans get ready for the ride of your life!

The Elevator May Be There, But You Better #TakeTheStairs

From his spine-chilling trilogy, Promise Falls, Top books of 2017 with more twists than we could imagine to A Noise Downstairs My Top books of 2018 a haunting psychological thriller with a man haunted by mysterious sounds from a typewriter. His latest:

Brilliantly crafted with dynamic characters, ELEVATOR PITCH, is an action-packed, high octane adrenaline-fueled psychological thriller with a “Stephen Kingish" revenge plot that is award-winning. Top Books of 2019

I cannot wait for everyone to read ELEVATOR PITCH—😍 both fascinating and frightening! Diabolically clever and full of spellbinding menace—told in Barclay's signature suspenseful style.

NYC is being terrorized by someone who is sabotaging elevators. Barclay unfurls a shocking saga of murder, deception, and revenge, over the course of a week, from Monday-Friday until the killer is revealed in an explosive ending.

Set in Manhattan, one of the most vertical cities in the world — and the nation’s capital of media, finance, and entertainment. There seems to have a serial killer. A terrorist? Or an Elevator Executioner?

The elevator is to vertical movement as the automobile is to horizontal movement.

The book opens on a busy Monday morning in an elevator in a busy office tower. As the people enter, the respective buttons are pushed; however, the elevator proceeds non-stop to the top. Then DROPS. To the bottom of the shaft.

Everyone is shocked by this tragedy. Was it an elevator malfunction, or someone more sinister?

Then on Tuesday and Wednesday, it occurs in another building. Another catastrophe. What was thought of as an isolated elevator malfunction, has turned into concern for a terrorist?

Is someone or another country targeting NYC? How can someone control the elevators? What is the motive? How are the buildings chosen?

Mayor Headley will have no other choice but to shut down all of the elevators until this situation has been addressed. However, there is a huge event on Friday evening and they must have the elevators working since it will be on the 98th floor and Top of the Park or the event will be canceled.

Then a body is found on the High Line and the fingers have been removed. Why? There is also a taxi cab bombing and a group called the Flyovers. Do all of these relate to one another or just a way to sidetrack them from the elevator killer?

Friday is the big event for the elite and Manhattan’s finest at Top of the Park which turns into a horror. A nightmare. Nothing can prepare you for the events which will unfold. Someone is controlling every move including the elevators. Who will wind up dead and will anyone make it out alive? All the players will be in attendance, but nothing is at is appears up until the gripping explosive ending where all is revealed.

A deadly precisely planned revenge plot. Many years in the making. Karma is a bitch.

“Actions have consequences. Maybe not in a week, or a month, or even a decade. But all the things we do, the decisions we make, the way we treat people, it all becomes part of the equation. Eventually, things have a way of balancing out.”

A super line up of dynamic characters:

. NYPD detectives Jerry Bourque and Lois Delgado detectives are on the case. Love these two together and another storyline with Jerry, traumatized by a recent event, PTSD, panic attacks, and his inhaler.

. Lois is his partner and she is a riot. Linwood really brings out the humor with these two. (hope to see them again in future books).

. Mayor Richard Headley has a lot of enemies and a past. He has run over a lot of people to get to the top. Of course, now his city is in havoc and he is not in control. Richard dislikes Barbara, the journalist but respects her in many ways.

. Mayor’s Assistant Chris Vallins which is warming up to Barbara a little appears to be loyal to his boss.

. A mysterious elevator tech.

. Glover, Headley’s estranged son who works for him and a bit of a mystery.

. Barbara Matheson (loved her). Smart and kick-ass. A columnist for Manhattan Today. She does not trust Mayor Richard Headley. She is self-confident; however, she does feel guilty about not raising her daughter and trying to make some peace with their relationship.

. Arla, Barbara’s daughter which was raised by her grandmother. Now Arla is taking a job working with the Mayor which Barbara thinks is a way to get back at her. Glover and Arla become friends.

Twisty and surprising, as entertaining as it is heartrending with plenty of action for thriller fans. You will never look at elevators or the stairs in the same way after reading ELEVATOR PITCH.

The author skillfully keeps readers guessing with his unreliable narrators and its many shocking, jaw-dropping, twists and turns. In addition to the suspense, thrills, action, sabotage, manipulation, and the “killer” revenge plot, the author combines his signature humor, plus some strong human emotions, crossing moral lines.

One theme, in particular, “Parenting dynamics.” Relationships are explored in-depth between mother-daughter, father-son, and mother-son, providing a superb balance.

Readers: You "must" get the print version as well as e-book and audio. Set in Manhattan, starting with Day One Monday's elevator tragedy, thru Friday's explosive finale at the Top of the Park: Each section draws you in with a striking elevator image similar, to the one I use for my interviews. It WOWs. 🙌

If you have followed my book blog the past six years, you are aware Linwood is one of my favorite male thriller authors (an avid fan). Linwood Barclay, Michael Robotham, and Michael Connelly are "tops" in my book. I read everything they write. Ironically, they come from a newspaper background and in my age range.

Linwood continues to be on my "Top Books of the Year" 📚 list, year after year, and he never fails to impress. Delivering unique, highly entertaining, intelligent, suspense-filled, and jaw-dropping creative stories. What a vivid and wild imagination!

Elevators have always been a mystery to many. Each time you step into one, you are giving them control. Some people have fears, dreams, phobias, feel claustrophobic, and panic about a mishap or tragedy. We all dread the many stops in today’s busy world and having to interact with others and the out-of-order days. I have read that working on elevators is more dangerous than riding them.

I highly recommend ELEVATOR PITCH for fans of the movie “Elevator” (2011) and the hit series (2019) “Pearson” (love this show; a spin-off, of “Suits”). After reading, you will see why. Can't say much more without spoilers.

(Linwood's Elevator Pitch's) NYC Mayor Richard Headley and Assistant Chris Vallins meet (Pearson's) Chicago Mayor Bobby Novak and driver Nick D’Amato.

If I may dream here for a second—it's a girl thing: Powerhouse (Pearson's) Jessica Pearson meets (Linwood's Elevator Pitch) Manhattan Today's Barbara Matheson. I picture these two classy, intelligent, and chic ladies having martinis together.

Now add to the mix (The Good Fight's) Diane Lockhart, and (Suits') Samantha Wheeler —and you have four "killer" powerhouse career women (plus to die for designer clothes, shoes, and hair). I can already envision this, so get ready for the big screen. Right? I guess you can tell I enjoy powerful women and legal/political dramas.

Harlan Coben fans and readers who enjoyed Megan Goldin’s “The Escape Room” (view my Q&A here), will consume this one. Linwood's ELEVATOR PITCH (black box) is to Ruth Ware's "Turn of the Key" (smart house). Both spine-chilling.

Trust me, once you start reading, you will not be able to put it down. Be prepared to call in sick. This is one wild and dangerous ride of greed, obsession, and revenge— with a surprisingly twisty conclusion you do not see coming. Binge-read and movie-worthy.

Readers, highly recommend all Barclay's books. I have read them all with the exception of his memoir (check out the video). I purchased Last Resort and sitting on my iPad ready to read next! I have pre-ordered both his kid's books for my grandson. These make great gifts.

I am still trying to figure out how to watch his movie "Never Saw It Coming" starring two of my favorites: The fabulous Eric Roberts and "Schitt's Creek" Emily Hampshire. If anyone has this answer, let me know.

Stay tuned: Very excited: Coming 9/17 A Q&A Elevator Ride with the Author.
The "master of manipulation and suspense” will be sharing share more about his exciting “knock-out” thriller, ELEVATOR PITCH with some behind-the-scenes exclusives. We also have a fun (safe) and thrilling elevator ride (we promise not to throw you down an elevator shaft). Also, some "fun facts" about the acclaimed author, US tour dates, and high praise from the King. In the meantime, check out the fabulous book trailer video to get you in the mood.

#JDCMustReadBooks @JudithDCollins

A special thank you to HarperCollins and NetGalley for an ARC. Also pre-ordered the audiobook and the hardcover.

I am not going to lie, this book scared me. It made me look at elevators in a whole new way and I didn't like it. I thought the book was good and the premise was scary and thrilling and compelling, but it didn't like the lasting feeling I had when I finished the book, therefore, it did it's job and it was fabulous thriller.

Elevator Pitch by Linwood Barclay will ensure that you never step on an elevator again without thinking twice about it. NYC residents are quite dependent on elevators and might not even realize how much so until they learn that someone appears to be hacking into them and causing them to plunge. A quick-paced plot that will leave you wishing you could read it all in one sitting. Read and enjoy!

I love Linwood Barclay! This author always keeps me at the edge of my seat. I can not flip the pages fast enough. I love to introduce this author to my library patrons. This book was very fast paced and had many characters. The idea of elevators going haywire is troubling to me and I am sure I will think of this book the next time I get into an elevator.

This was a fun and entertaining read full of twists and turns. Taking place amidst the wealth and politics in NYC, Linwood Barclay has written another good thriller. I read it very quickly to find out what happened and who did it. A fun weekend or beach read! 3.5 stars

Elevator Pitch begins with four individuals plunging to their death in an elevator accident. Or is it? The next day another elevator accident decapitates a rider trying to escape a stopped car. Doubts arise. On the third day two individuals plunge to their death when the elevator doors open to an empty shaft they fall into while focused on their devices. New York City Mayor Richard Headley meets with Homeland Security, the head of the City’s department for overseeing elevator safety and local police to determine what is going on.

While the elevator accidents are the primary mystery, Linwood Barclay skillfully weaves fascinating subplots throughout the narrative. Reporter Barbara Matheson, a well read critic of the Mayor, figures out the locations of the elevator accidents are related to the Mayor. After the Mayor offers Barbara an opportunity to ghost his biography, that she turns down, he assigns his fixer, Chris Vallins to get something with which to threaten her. Two NYC detectives, Jerry & Lois, are investigating the murder of an unidentified man who turns out to be an elevator maintenance expert.
An added element is the presence of the head of Flyovers, a group of domestic terrorists suspected of planting bombs in “elite coastal cities”. He is visiting NYC when a bomb explodes in in a taxi just 10 minutes before the third elevator incident.

With media speculation everywhere that New York City’s elevators are unsafe, the Mayor is forced to shut down elevators in all NYC buildings resulting in consequences that create more troubling news than the deaths by elevator mishaps.

Using perspectives from different characters, Barclay skillfully fabricates a complex thriller that moves quickly and presents an unexpected culprit and resolution. A compelling read that involves interesting characters in challenging situations.

It was no Promise Falls, but still a good book. The whole premise of elevators being taken over, just makes you realize how many other things could be "hijacked" in this day and age.

The premise of this book really intrigued me and I was quite captivated by the beginning. Love the title! I did find as the book went on it didn't keep my interest because there were so many characters and different threads that I had trouble keeping track. On the one hand, I blame myself because I read it in such short snippets that I kept forgetting what had happened or who was who, but on the other hand, if the book had really captured me I probably would have made more time to read it more continuously. My initial enthusiasm combined with some of the other reviews makes me think I should give it another chance when I'm not as distracted, but at this point I felt it didn't quite live up to its promise. 3 1/2 stars, rounded up to 4.

I usually have difficulty reading multi-character point-of-view stories but the author did such a good job of switching perspectives that after the first couple of chapters I stopped noticing. I read this book in one sitting, trying to get to the end to figure out whodunit. Well worth the wait!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my copy of Elevator Pitchy by Linwood Barclay. I was recently turned on to Barclay's books, and I was really excited to receive a copy of his newest. This book kept me on the edge of my seat from the very first page. Barclay has a way with words and really sucks you in from the very beginning. The plot of this book was also fantastic as it plays into a very common fear that a lot of people suffer from- elevators. I had to get on an elevator at work today and found myself thinking about this book and wanted to take the stairs instead. I was a little disappointed in the ending as it was a little too unrealistic for my liking, but this was overall a great read!