Even if it's my first book by the author it won't be the last. I am always looking out to see why other readers are liking or disliking some books or authors and Linwood Barclay is a well-known name that i needed to read. I must admit that i am not a fan of the elevators and this book was a bit of a trigger for me but from the first page i just couldn't put it down. In all the big cities, there are accidents and murders to be solved, people can get into a panic from anything and there's no wonder why everything in this book seemed so real and that could or have been happening in real life already. I enjoyed the story overall, the characters and the journalist, the way they tried to get the truth out from everyone and how they wanted to keep the city safe. Looking forward to more books by the author.

I am a huge Linwood Barclay fan, in fact it was this author that made me change my reading habits from predictable and cosy chic-lit to thriller. I love his writing style especially his characterisation. Bit by bit we find out what is going on in New York, with a cast of deliciously horrible characters interacting with a few more sympathetic ones.
If you have a fear of something, then reading about situations which bring your fear to life makes the story that wee bit more powerful. I have a fear of heights and of enclosed spaces, and once the story gets going it took me well out of my comfort zone. Some of the scenes had me closing my eyes in horror!
Excellent book, I loved it.

I have read almost all of Linwood Barclay's novels. Whilst this one did not in the end disappoint I felt it had a very different feel to the other novels. It is difficult when you have loved an author's work so much and then they write something which whilst good is not in the same league as previous books.

It started and ended well but the middle just hung there. There were eventually the usual twists I expect from Linwood, but just not throughout the book. At one point I felt like it was just a normal police procedural thriller. With a lot of back story about the one of the Detectives and also a journalist, some of which added to the story, but a lot of it didn't. When the elevator catastrophes happened, they were quite graphic in their descriptions, along with a scene of crime, which I wasn't expecting.

Some of the plot line I thought was a little unrealistic, especially for New York City, to say what it was would be a spoiler.

Certainly towards the end of the book my pulse was racing as I wondered what the outcome would be. I maybe won't be stepping onto an elevator for a while either.

I'm giving this book 4 out of 5 stars. My thanks to Netgalley and Harper Collins for the ARC to review.

This was an excellent premise for a story. I cannot go in a lift now without thinking about this book! I always enjoy reading Linwood Barclay and this was no exception. Fast, pacy and exciting. My usual criterion is, “Would I recommend this to a friend?” and yes, I would definitely recommend this book to my friends - unless they have a phobia of elevators.
Thank you Linwood Barclay, Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read Elevator Pitch and give my unbiased opinion.

Another cracking novel from the pen of Linwood Barclay. As usual, he grabs the reader's attention from the start and never lets go! Someone is sabotaging the elevators of New York City and the police must find out who, and how. Equally as fascinating are the back stories of the main protagonists, and the denouement is surprising. LB never lets you down, unlike elevators!

Elevator Pitch by Linwood Barclay
Having read and enjoyed No Time for Goodbye, Trust Your Eyes and many other Linwood Barclay books I was interested to see whether this book lived up to those or whether it would fall slightly short as I felt The Twenty Three had done. I am pleased to report that this is a return to form.
The premise of the story is that the elevators in New York have been taken over by a malign force intent on causing death and destruction. The story opens with four people boarding an elevator in a Manhattan office block. The elevator starts to take on a life of its own and we are wondering what forces are at work here. This is followed by further elevator incidents and we are gripped and wanting to find out what is going on.
Linwood Barclay describes the panic which a disruption to the elevators can cause in a high rise city like New York. People are left stranded unable to get out to buy food, paramedic teams are powerless to reach medical emergencies and people, unused to walking upstairs, suffer heart attacks.
Alongside this story is that of the Mayor Richard Headley and his ongoing dispute with a journalist who spends her time questioning his methods and suggesting he is not averse to double dealing. Then another storyline emerges which suggests that New York may be under threat from a home grown terrorist attack.
Two detectives are meanwhile investigating the death of an elevator technician and they begin to wonder how these events are linked. Through the use of short chapters from different perspectives we are led in various different directions. We think we have solved the mystery only to be led in a different direction.
This is a thrilling read which keeps you entertained as you try to solve the various threads of the story. Many thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

I love Linwood Barclay. This is no secret. If you ask me for reading recommendations, I am likely to whittle off a few Barclay titles. He was my first real introduction to thrillers when I was a teenager, when I read No Time for Goodbyes, which is still a firm favourite of mine many years later. He was my favourite author for a long time, and he’s still up there at the top. The only book of his that I was somewhat disappointed by was Never Saw it Coming, which I found a little underwhelming, but it didn’t put me off reading more of his works.

So, onto Elevator Pitch. As someone who is scared of elevators, I was super excited for the premise of the novel. It was scary and intriguing, and I could really imagine myself in the story; the terror I would feel as the elevator plunged downwards; how I might try and hold desperately to the handles inside; how, in the moments it was falling, the strangers around me would be the last people I would see. So yeah, all in all, a pretty compelling hook. As dark as it sounds, I found myself wondering what might happen next – how might the next bunch of elevator riders meet their ends? – and this compelled me to read on until I found out!

As well as the premise, I also liked the way the narrative was told, as it was spoken through a variety of different POV characters and using fairly short chapters. This kept the pace racing, which I liked, and the variety of different character voices kept everything interesting. I still felt close to the characters, even though they got less ‘screen time’, which shows just how expertly Barclay has weaved the plot and fleshed out every aspect of the characters.

The climax was great in terms of situation and stakes, and there seemed to be a natural lead up to the ending. The one small criticism I do have is that I feel the motivation for the ‘villain’ isn’t as strong as I would have liked. I can’t say an awful lot without spoilers, but I feel like this could have worked slightly better if there was more exploration of the backstory, and I was a little like ‘oh, is that it?’ when I finished reading it.

All in all, a thrilling read, which is what I have come to expect from the master of thrillers!

Just like Spielberg did for sharks, Barclay does the same for elevators! Just when you thought it was safe to step into an empty elevator, or even an elevator packed with fellow passengers, think again!

A terrific read from beginning to end, Elevator Pitch will leave you breathless throughout and the ending will surprise and delight. As with all of his previous books, Linwood Barclay crafts a thriller like few others. The books flow effortlessly and the various plots all tied up satisfactorily at the book's conclusion.

I really enjoyed the characters, I don't think there was one I didn't like, which is unusual. There's always one you don't like but this time around I was happy with all of the main protagonists and bit players.

Well worth a read.

I really enjoyed this author's early books, but haven't read the more recent series. I loved the sound of this premise and I felt the book started well, but then there was just too many points of view, storylines which didn't really go anywhere and details that I didn't need to know - all of which slowed the story. It is a terrifying premise, but at the halfway point, when we knew what was going on, the ending was inevitable. It felt bitty and parts were wonderful, while other parts were more pedestrian.

I have never read anything by Linwood Barclay before, but, as I enjoy thrillers, I thought I would give this a try. It is certainly fast paced and exciting, but there are also some excellent characters; including Detective Jerry Bourque, who is struggling with guilt, following the aftermath of a crime, and journalist, Barbara Matheson, who has a constant feud with Mayor Richard Wilson Headley.

Of course, the premise of this novel is a brilliant one. Set in New York, that most vertical of cities, there are a sudden spate of elevator accidents. Can they, though, be a coincidence? What do you do if, suddenly, you are unable to take the elevator without thinking you will plunge to your death? I must admit that, once, in a hotel, I was in an elevator (or lift, as they are known in the UK) when it plunged several floors, before stopping, and it was a heart plunging moment – I recall everyone fell out into the reception area, rather like something in a movie. However, like the characters in this novel, as the elevator suddenly starts to misbehave, you realise that there is nothing you can do to stop things and, in this realisation, the true thrill lays. How little we can, suddenly, find ourselves in control of events…

As well as the story with the mayor and how he tries to manage an escalating situation, there is also a political group called The Flyovers (apparently, those disgruntled voters in Middle America, who are ‘flown over’ by those on the Coast). There are lots of possible suspects, twists and turns and an exciting finale. I really enjoyed this and will certainly reading more by Barclay in the future. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.

The story takes place in Manhattan. An elevator drops from a high height to the basement killing all but one of the passengers. That happened on the Monday. On Tuesday, another high-rise elevator crashes. The city is in chaos. It's thought to be the act of terrorism. A body, has also been found with his fingertips removed. The mayor calls for all elevators to be shut down until the reason behind the elevator crashes can be found..

I like Linwood Barclay for several reasons. I like his style in writing, how he builds up the tension and he always has a mixed bunch of characters. This is a thrilling read that I did not want to put down. I also like the way he connects one event to the other and all the loose ends tie up. The pace is fast and the plot is thrilling. I loved it from beginning to end. I do recommend this book.

I would like to thank NetGalley, HQ and the author Linwood Barclay for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a great read and I never guessed the villain of the piece! Which is always the start of a good review from me.
It was well written with characters you loved to hate as well as those you felt some empathy for; and enough central characters to confuse you.
There was the Mayor; his son; his two aides; the journalist; her daughter; and two cps to keep you interested. Their actions and interactions and links proved fascinating and often unexpected which keep the story moving along at quite a fast pace.
Ps Saudi Arabia is currently going for the building height record - the Jeddah Tower opening in 2020 will be 3,280 foot high.
Currently, Burjkhalifa in Dubai is the highest at 2.722 feet.
The New York Trade Center for comparison is 1,776 feet.

Wow! What a spectacular, breathtaking, terrifying and thrilling ride! As I’m writing this, it's been over a day since I finished reading this book and I’m yet to pick up my jaw from the floor.

Chaos. Panic. Fear. Sabotage. Murder. The ingredients are all there for an electrifying thriller and Linwood Barclay has delivered his best yet. I’ve never had a problem with elevators, my health problems mean I need to use them and the last few years it’s been a fun game finding which ones bear my nephew’s name - Otis. But now I will never look at one the same and whenever I get in one I know I will be apprehensive, thinking of this book and wishing I could take the stairs…

On Monday office tower in Manhattan is the scene of a terrible accident. Four people are killed when an elevator seems to malfunction and plummets to the ground. On Tuesday another elevator loses control leaving one person dead. Officials are concerned. Elevator deaths are rare and two in two days seems like more than a coincidence. On Wednesday two more are killed in another elevator incident and it’s now obvious that someone is deliberately sabotaging them. With no idea where they might strike next, New York is in chaos as officials search for the culprit and the reason for the attacks. Also looking for answers is reporter Barbara Matheson. What does the perpetrator want, what will it take to stop them, and how many will have died before someone does?

With a multifaceted plot and numerous characters, a lot of the first part of the book was a little slower paced as they were introduced and the scene was set. As the tension ramped up the pieces slowly began to fit together and the picture began to emerge. My mind was a whirl of questions as I tried to figure out who was terrorising the city and why. In the jarring prologue he sets the tone for what he will make you will feel. It was like I was there with the characters and I felt every bit of the crushing panic and terror as they realise they’re trapped, the desperate hope of rescue, the horror and dread as they accept there’s no way out and, finally, the hope to simply survive.

Masterfully plotted, gripping, taut and twisty, this had me on the edge of my seat. As we got closer to the finale I couldn’t read fast enough, the suspense almost painful as I waited for the perpetrator to be unveiled. I was sure I knew who it was only to be blindsided when the identity was revealed.

It was the little things that I enjoyed most reading this book.I loved the depth he brought to his characters, especially those who play a larger role. They each had a complex honesty about them that made them feel real and I even cared about the fate of those I didn’t like. That’s how good he is! The author has a talent for being able to connect you with a minor character instantly that was used to perfection. We would be given little snapshots of their lives and watch as those everyday, mundane decisions you think nothing of, were leading them unawares to catastrophe. As the crisis spread we followed people affected in different ways, saw people fleeing landmarks fearing they’d be targeted next, and watched as some heard the word ‘terrorist’ and used it as an excuse for racism. These short stories were some of the most poignant moments of the book and brought home that the victims aren’t nobodies but people with full lives that will be mourned. Another thing I loved was the imagery of New York. While it’s familiar from pictures, movies and TV, it’s somewhere I’ve never visited. Yet the author paints such a vivid picture of life in the city, I felt like I was there.

Elevator Pitch is, in two words, bloody brilliant! It could easily be the plot of a blockbuster film and showcases why Linwood Barclay is an internationally best-selling author. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys suspense, as long as you don’t mind a few grisly crime scenes thrown in. Just make sure you’ve got lots of time to spare and no plans to ride an elevator in the near future.

Thank you to HQ, NetGalley and Linwood Barclay for my copy of this book in exchange for an honest review and to HQBloggers for the invitation to be part of the blog tour.

An exciting story that will probably put you off riding in a lift ever again if you possess a nervous disposition! Seemingly unconnected accidents with elevators in NY city along with a terrorist subplot keep the tension racing along. A journalist with a connection to the villainous mayor of the city eventually gets to the core of the yarn while two detectives busy on a seemingly disconnected case arrive just in time at the denouement. A storyline that's made for a movie script this is an action packed thriller that confirms the author's continuing good form.

A gripping read
The concept of lift hacking is highly original and feels very plausible. Against a backdrop of New York skyscapers it brings home a powerful terrorist tool. A thoroughly enjoyable read that keeps you guessing. My only quibble was the ending could have been a little more dramatic

One elevator accident is a tragedy, two is something more sinister…

So it’s been a few years since I’ve picked up a Linwood Barclay novel and I can’t tell you how excited I was to get approval for this on NetGalley.

Elevator Pitch is a realistic and riveting thriller. I’ve never been a huge fan of lifts, I’ve been stuck in them once too often, and I think I dislike them even more now!

There are a number of interesting characters through out the story but Barbara Matheson is a stand out. She’s a journalist with a fearsome reputation and seems hell bent on taking down the mayor but she’s a woman with secrets and a contentious relationship with her daughter.

A little heads up too, for a thriller it is over four hundred and fifty pages, I think, so it is on the longer side but there are plenty of suspense and shocks to keep you hooked.

My issue was the fact there were quite a few different points of view and for the first half of the book it took a little bit of time to get them all straight in my head which slowed my reading down quite a bit.

Elevator Pitch is an intricately plotted thriller that will both terrify and enthral you.

Linwood Barclay is not an author I would normally be drawn to, simply because of the genre he writes in. However I like to read widely, I love New York City (the setting for Elevator Pitch) and I was intrigued by the title, so I thought I'd give this one a go.

And I'm delighted to say I thoroughly enjoyed my first Linwood Barclay book! It might be a stretch to call it Dickensian, but the impressive cast of characters representing a full social strata, authentic evocation of place (I felt like I was in NYC) and at times omniscient narration certainly recalled a dusty memory of reading Great Expectations. With killer-elevators.

The storytelling is excellent, with wonderful plotting and pace. I'm not surprised that Stephen King is a fan of Barclay: Elevator Pitch reads like a perfect example of the lessons available in King's 'On Writing', the bible for so many writers.

Barclays' characters are almost all well-developed, with layers of backstory and conflict. I loved that the female characters are given their own strengths and don't conform to cliche.

The premise of Elevator Pitch - elevators across a major, vertical city are being sabotaged, resulting in death and chaos - is clever and, I think, original (can't be certain, being unfamiliar with the genre). The sub-plot of the 'Flyovers' group, representing the mass of Trump's America between the oceans, is topical and worthy of deeper exploration - it could have been a separate book.

Even the title, a tongue-in-cheek reference to the publishing industry, made me smile.

All in all, there's little not to love about this fast-paced read. My only hesitation in giving it 5 stars is that I thought the ending was surprisingly weak. After such strong writing all the way through, I expected my mind to be fully blown by the denouement but actually it felt a little... pedestrian. But maybe that's simply because it is, after all, a denouement; the major dramas had already taken place.

Overall, I highly recommend Elevator Pitch. It's original, fun, feisty and thought-provoking. A gripping-good yarn!

New York is described as a vertical city. It therefore relies on it's thousands of elevators, so imagine if someone was sabotaging them.
3 days in a row there is an incident, each one leading to deaths of innocent passengers.

The city is in turmoil and the under pressure the mayor is forced to make the ultimate call, "close down every elevator in the city."

Then a Taxi just blew up outside a downtown hotel.

A chaotic situation suddenly just got worse.

This is a fast paced and at times very tense thriller.

The main characters in the story are fully realised and engrossing, great backstories and development.
I could certainly spend some more time with them.

All in all a great thriller, however I may be using the stairs for a while.

When a lift suddenly malfunctions and someone dies it's thought as a tragic accident, but when a couple more lifts do the same there's panic. Is it a terrorist attack or what? Mayor Richard Headley decides to shut the lifts down in all the high rise buildings until they can find out what's going on.

I'm not a fan of lifts but after reading the blurb of this book I decided to give it a go. The way it's written you could picture the scene and I could actually feel my heart pounding at times at the thought of this happening in real life. There is so much more to this thriller but I don't want to give away any spoilers. I've not read any books by this author before but I shall be keeping a look out for more of his work

Would I recommend this book...100% and it gets five stars from me. My grateful thanks to NetGalley for my copy.

I have read and enjoyed most of Linwood Barclay's books, especially his earlier ones and therefore was looking forward to the Elevator Pitch. To be honest, it was a struggle to finish. There were too many perspectives and issues touched upon but not fully developed; the characters were uninteresting and one dimensional; some of the plot lines quite bizarre. Unlike other books by the author, this story wasn't gripping.
Many thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins publishers for the ARC.