William Morrow | September 2019 | 464 pgs
Source: Publisher via Edelweiss
Elevators are part and parcel of our life given today's many high-rise buildings and the like. In this novel, author Linwood Barclay weaves a riveting tale about the catastrophe of elevators "accidents" and the threats it impose that all deem too frightening and plausible.
It all started when four people boarded an elevator at Lansing Tower in Manhattan. Instead of stopping at their designated floors, the elevator proceeded to the top, in which it paused for a few seconds before it began to descend floor by floor. Just when the four passengers thought the elevator would eventually stop at a floor, it suddenly plummeted. As much as it was a horrific tragedy, it was speculated that it was nothing more than an unfortunate random incident until two more elevator incidents occurred in different locations in three consecutive days. A coincidence? Probably not. At least journalist Barbara Matheson, detectives Jerry Bourque and Lois Delgado think there's something more than meets the eye and each is eager to dig into the mystery which had killed a few people, including a top entertainment industry figure, a lawyer and a renowned Russian scientist.
The NYC mayor, Richard Headley, finds himself in a difficult position as not only he has to find answers to the Russian ambassador but also to fellow New Yorkers, especially those who lives or works at high-rise buildings since they've to rely on elevators and to cease them from operating for investigations would not only cause inconvenience but also creates panic and chaos in this vertical city.
As the story progresses and intensity escalates, it appears that the elevator mishaps aren't the only focus as more elements (a few speculation issues such as politics, terrorism, extremist group, relationships, etc etc), background information and subplots are gradually filled in to form a wider and a more complex perspective. Truth be told, while I appreciate these additions and I think some readers would probably enjoy them, I personally feel they kind of weaken the main storyline - the escalator catastrophe. To be fair, although they still linked to the escalator catastrophe ultimately, they seemed scattered and this more or less had diverted my attention. Nevertheless, it still made a compelling read as it kept me engaged till the end.
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I've had this one on my Kindle for a while, but haven't started it yet. I'd have to be in the mood. Maybe soon. Nice review, Melody.
Kay - Thanks, Kay! I'll be curious of your thoughts when you do read it. :)
This book would probably make me think twice about riding in an elevator for awhile. ;D
I'm with Lark, I think I'm taking the stairs! :)
I have a book by this author on my Kindle but not sure if it's this one.
Lark - It sure gives off that kind of vibes, isn't it? ;p
Iliana - I've another book by this author in my pile so it looks like I'll read it next year. :)
I'm curious about this one!
Jenclair - I'll be curious of your thoughts if you do read it, Jenclair.
Sounds interesting, and every time I get into an elevator I think it's going to get stuck lol. I take the stairs at work.
Naida - I think I'll be most scared if I'm taking the elevator of a building which has more than twenty floors, lol.