Dead Money was a twisty read from the start! If you didn't know that this was Kerr's debut novel, you'd have no clue. This book was incredibly well written. Although I did find it a bit long, I still greatly enjoyed it. This novel takes you into the tech startup world and taught me a lot of things that I didn't know, all the while, it didn't go over my head. 4 stars!

Where do I even start? The non-linear timeline? The chef's kiss ending? This was a ride.

This isn't my typical read, but I'm so glad I picked it up. Mackenzie is a well written character. At first she seems very single track minded, and angry but as the story unravels we get a lot of backstory / depth. I'm not going to say there was character growth, but she comes into her own as you see her progression from high school to where she is career wise at the end of the book. Which life goals wise, is a journey.

Getting to see how all the people are connected, and the lives of tech giants is also neat in itself. I enjoyed following the case for multiple reasons, but each deep dive took us to a new unique rich person, and well, they are arrogant weirdos. While there is a lot of tech talk in this book, the FBI agent works as a great 'we need to explain this to the non-tech person' character.

The way flashbacks are layered in, and the use of Trevor's death as the anchor really set up the ending perfectly. It all works together to create tension, and build up to a big reveal. Very well plotted, and I enjoyed reading every chapter.

I did think there was going to be a romance between Mackenzie and the FBI agent, but I was sooo thankful that never became a plot line. It would have ruined the book. I absolutely loved that this book had nothing to do with Mackenzie's love life. It was refreshing.

If you enjoyed Ocean's 11 (the movie) you're going to love this book. It has that vibe, but you're the FBI trying to figure it out for most of the book. It's not until the last few chapters that you become Danny Ocean, laying out the entire mastermind.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Mackenzie Clyde serves as the unofficial “problem solver” for a ruthless Silicon Valley venture capitalist. When Trevor Canon, the controversial CEO of a leading tech startup, is murdered, his last will and rites freezes billions in assets, jeopardizing her boss’s substantial investments. Tasked with resolving the crisis, Mackenzie—a lawyer by training—partners with the FBI to navigate a complex web of suspects among the Valley’s elite. As she delves deeper, Mackenzie sees the investigation as more than just a problem to solve; she views it as a pivotal opportunity, one she’s determined to seize by any means necessary.

This novel was very well written. The plot and story was easy to follow and the characters were both likeable as well as unlikeable, but I actually love an unlikeable character, especially if it is the main character, no spoilers here just saying in general that’s a favorite trope of mine. I would have liked a bit more background for some characters, but I suppose it would have ruined the story, however, the ending was a little extraordinary if not complicated as it didn’t seem very realistic. I understand it is a thriller fiction novel, but one can only suspend their disbelief for so much. I will say that I loved the hints of feminism throughout and the twist was a bit predictable, but I really enjoyed the ride. The twist, although a bit predictable, did not hit me until much later in the book and when it was revealed, I was very satisfied. Beyond any small details that made me go “now how did that work out the way they wanted?” I still enjoyed the ride! The ending seemed like a setup for a sequel too and that’s exciting!

A great debut novel set in the tech world. Multi layered with some twist and turns. Started a little slow but did allow you to build the back stories of the characters.

This story reminded me of Succession, Silicon Valley CEO is murdered, leaving behind billions of dollars up for inheritance. Mackenzie is the FMC, a lawyer who is trying to narrow down who could be responsible. A murder mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat!

I was hooked on this book from the first chapter. It’s been a while since I’ve read a good mystery thriller. The plot is thought out, the pacing is excellent, and the story keeps you hooked until the last page.

A CEO is found dead in his office. Many stand to gain with his loss. No one can will claim anything until the person responsible for the death is found due to the Dead Money clause in the will. This begins the hunt for the killer.

DEAD MONEY by Jakob Kerr is an exciting mystery set amongst the risks, potential corruption, and infighting which surround venture capital funding for innovation and technology firms. Kerr is an insider, having worked as a lawyer and communications executive in the tech industry, including nearly a decade at Airbnb after starting as one of its first employees. And he does a remarkable job of conveying the excesses of that business culture which sets the tone for Mackenzie Clyde, a young lawyer-turned-investigator for a key rainmaker named Roger Hammersmith. Hammersmith has invested billions in Journy (a transport firm with scooters, buggies and soon-to-come autonomous vehicles) whose CEO and founder is murdered. Eventually, the FBI gets involved and Mackenzie joins the investigative team. Current Journy employees, including key executives, are quickly suspect. Utilizing flashbacks to provide background and motivation, Kerr also weaves in organized international thuggery and numerous surprises. DEAD MONEY received starred reviews from Kirkus ("[this] twisty, propulsive debut explores Silicon Valley's dark side through the eyes of a wily outsider heroine") and Publishers Weekly ("Impressively unpredictable.").

4.5 stars overall

Dead Money by Jakob Kerr was a fantastic readl!! This book kept me captivated and I didn’t want to put it down!!

Kerr had me hooked from beginning to end. I was taken into a world of tech, suspense, power, money, and with characters that were so well written. I learned about dead money a term I knew nothing about before. I feel like I got a front row seat into the high stakes of the tech industry, the deceit, and the greed. I learned I am not built for that world lol. It’s hard to believe that this is Kerr’s debut novel I was so blown away. I can’t wait to see what he writes next. Thank you to Random House, Bantam Books, and NetGalley for letting me read this book in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions.

It was so nice to have some originality and relevance in this thriller. You will enjoy this if you’ve ever wondered about the enormity of the sums involved in tech valuations and venture capital and thought about where all the money originated. Well done.

Mackenzie Clyde is in over her head. She needs to solve a murder to free up billions in "dead money" that is held up in the will. As she tries to keep her job, keep her boss happy, & solve the murder, she has to dig deep within & get everything done.

Dead Money by Jakob Kerr is not something I would normally read and suffice to say, it ended up being an incredible read! Fully automated cars make me think of Waymo's and I couldn’t help but think of those and other things as I went on this adventure ride of a book. It seriously blows my mind that this is a debut, and it is so complex and expertly plotted! I was also in awe that Kerr was one of the first employees at Airbnb, and it’s clear that he brought his tech company startup knowledge to this story. The pacing is nonstop, and the combination of present day mixed with Mackenzie’s past just upped the ante even more.

I say audiobook all the way for this one, and Rachel Music slayed the narration. I had to listen to this at a 2x speed and didn’t hate it so that is definitely saying something. Music’s pacing was on point the entire way through and she made me feel every bit of tension in the storyline. This would make an incredible movie or miniseries, and I would love it if someone decided to put it onscreen. I haven’t read very much fiction set in Silicon Valley and this look at the dirty side of it was impeccable. I had never heard the term dead money prior to reading it and it was an eye opener to say the least. I loved Mackenzie and you can’t tell me otherwise.

Read this if you are looking for a seriously suspenseful storyline, secrets and dirty deeds aplenty, and unique plots!

Audiobook Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The only reason this was not a 5 star for me is because towards the end I felt a few scenes just lacked or weren't needed. But the twist and turns within this book were great! I loved how it was written with one part at the end. It was not something I expected. Pretty much two stories in one. Great read.

This debut novel is a twisty, thrilling ride. I was hooked immediately by Kerr’s propulsive writing and could easily imagine the Silicon Valley culture he created. The characters were complex puzzles with lots of secrets and I loved how he slowly revealed all their pieces. If you like a tech thriller or white collar crime story, you’ll love this cinematic story!

I love to read a book that I hope turns into a movie. With its twists throughout the story, Dead Money by Jakob Kerr keeps you guessing throughout the book.

My Thoughts on Dead Money:
I enjoyed this mystery adventure that took me on a ride through the tech industry. I have toured the Google building in Denver, and I pictured the story taking place in a building just like it. I had to keep guessing who killed Trevor Canon, the CEO, and I love that in a story. I was right, but I kept second-guessing myself as Kerr slipped in clues along the way.

I loved the character of Mackenzie. Kerr did a great job of creating her character, showing the strengths and weaknesses of Mackenzie’s personality. She wanted to succeed so badly, and she was willing to do what it takes to try to find the murderer.

I was surprised to read that this is Jacob Kerr’s debut novel. As an English teacher, I know strong writing when I read it, and I know this is just the beginning of Kerr’s writing career. As I said, I hope that this book is turned into a movie. I would definitely pay to see it.

I gave this book four out of five stars. I read it quickly and enjoyed the story line.

In DEAD MONEY, by Jakob Kerr, a tech CEO has been murdered and Mackenzie Clyde, a lawyer and "fixer" for a prominent venture capitalist, has been sent by her boss to investigate the murder and the stability of the company after this devastating news. Mackenzie finds more questions every step of the way and roadblocks that seem to come with each question. As secrets are revealed, will the whole truth come out before something else catastrophic happens?
What makes the novel so fun to read is the Kerr leaves breadcrumbs everywhere. The reader often knows they are breadcrumbs as they come across them, but don't know what they mean until later. As a reader, when you remember that breadcrumb when it's important later, it can be a dopamine hit of happiness that you have figured something out and while reading this book that happened to me often. Load of trust. deceit. regret, posturing, espionage, misdirection, and hidden agendas. Kerr writes most of his characters with a guarded and initial unwillingness to cooperate. So the rare exception is all the more entertaining. The main character, Mackenzie, presents as a fairly open book, but as the plot progresses and the reader is taken through some flashbacks, we learn so much more about Mackenzie that what was initially presented. While it is clear that the book in heading for a spectacular finish, it is at the same time a delightful shock to the reader.
Excited mystery/thriller from beginning until the end, DEAD MONEY does everything right: good characters, compelling story, stupendous ending.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced digital copy of this book.

Mackenzie Clyde is NOT a fixer. She is the chief "problem solver" for a ruthless venture capitalist. When the founder and head of one of her boss's investments is murdered in his office, Mackenzie is soon on the case. Especially when the contents of his will are disclosed saying nothing can be disbursed and no one can be named his successor until his murder is solved. Thus his vast fortune and company are dead money.

Mackenzie's boss pulls some strings and gets her assigned to work with the FBI after the San Francisco police are unable to make any headway, but the agent she works with is not happy to have her and doesn't give her much information about the case. . But when her knowledge of how the techies in Silicon Valley work and think proves useful he comes to appreciate she has something to offer. And this knowledge of who the players are becomes vital as the case meanders around California and finally comes to an explosive climax at the Burning Man Festival.

Mackenzie is an interesting new character and I would not mind hearing more about her in the future.

Wow, this book was simply amazing. Authentic is a good word to describe this book. You can tell Jakob knows what he is talking about by the way he describes Silicon Valley in this book. I felt myself rooting for the main character throughout the book and could not wait to read the next page. Awesome job Jakob!

Dead Money makes you feel like you are immersed in a suspenseful, smart, action-packed crime movie. Having no idea what to expect when I started it, I was beyond pleasantly impressed. Set in San Francisco, the techy world is so intriguing to me. The author’s way of describing things with the perfect amount of detail causes you to feel like you are right there with the characters. Mackenzie is such a good character. And brilliant. I thoroughly enjoyed this. And the icing on the cake was a couple of unexpected pages of Steph Curry praise. Anyway, it’s good. Very good. Go get a copy.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bantam Books for the advanced copy.

A deep dive into the high tech world with a little espionage and money laundering to make it even more invigorating. Mackenzie is hired to protect the company…. But what happens when the boss becomes paranoid and then killed? That’s the crux of this high intrigue thriller! Thanks to NetGalley for the read.

Mackenzie works for a very high powered venture capitalist in Silicon Valley. When a client that her boss paid a lot of money to is murdered, he asks her to join in with the FBI on the case. It is beyond her scope of expertise, she is fixer for him, but she joins in. There are a lot of twists and turns. The scenes at Burning Man are really exciting. The ending is a mind bomb! Didn't see that one coming!

I am a Bay Area gal so I love all the descriptions of our beautiful area. I love when I know exactly where they are talking about. A really good read with a great ending.

Thanks to Netgalley and Random House for a copy for review.