Elevator Pitch: A Novel

Recipe for an Intriguing Crime Thriller

1 New York City

1 (or 2 or 3) elevator accident(s), fatalities included

1 image-conscious NYC Mayor, focussed on re-election

1 hard-boiled female journalist, intent on keeping said mayor accountable

1 Russian-born elevator serviceman, murdered, face mutilated, fingers removed

1 PTSD-affected NYPD detective

1 Russian scientist considering defection

1 domestic extremist organisation, right-wing flavoured

4 or 5 red herrings, as needed

1 or 2 clever twists

1 nail-biting climax

Mix lightly the first eight ingredients, then allow to stand and ferment for 48-72 hours. Gradually add the remaining ingredients. If liked, stir in vigorously: 1 mayor's son, craving paternal approval; 1 right-wing leader's acolyte, desperate to please; 1 mayoral aide, apparently discovering an actual conscience; 1 journalist's daughter with a grudge; the Department of Homeland Security; the FBI; a few indignant mayoral election campaign contributors; and a nervous public. Note that, if sufficiently agitated, this mix may boil over or explode.

Preparation time: 5 days. Serves: any number of crime thriller fans.

Elevator Pitch is the eleventh stand-alone novel by best-selling Canadian author, Linwood Barclay. The author gives his readers a clever plot with, plenty of page-turning action. His characters may start out looking a little stereotypical, but they soon develop into multi-faceted, believable individuals with very human flaws and quirks and strengths. Brilliant crime fiction with one drawback: you might be reluctant to get into an elevator after reading it.

This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Harlequin Australia.