With a gripping blend of suspense, emotion, and sharp storytelling, Nine Minutes Eleven Seconds by L.V. Pederson had me hooked. Whether you're a fan of psychological thrillers or just love a story that keeps you guessing, there's plenty here to sink your teeth into.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

L.V. Pederson’s Nine Minutes Eleven Seconds is a taut, high-stakes thriller that detonates the boundary between personal grief and global conspiracy. At its core is Madison Maxwell, a young woman still haunted by the death of her father in the 9/11 attacks. When she lands a job at a Silicon Valley tech giant, she hopes for a fresh start—but instead finds herself spiraling into a chilling mystery that suggests her charismatic new boss may be the very man responsible for her father’s death…

Pederson’s debut is a masterclass in narrative misdirection. The pacing is relentless, the twists are gasp-worthy, and the emotional stakes are as sharp as the plot’s razor edges. Madison is no seasoned investigator—she’s an amateur sleuth driven by trauma and intuition, which makes her descent into paranoia and obsession all the more gripping. The novel’s ticking-clock structure mirrors its title, building toward a finale that’s both explosive and emotionally resonant.

What elevates this thriller is its psychological depth. Pederson doesn’t just deliver action—he explores the long shadow of grief, the fragility of memory, and the seductive power of certainty in a world full of ambiguity. It’s a story about what we’re willing to believe when the truth is too painful to face.

Nine Minutes Eleven Seconds is a cinematic, emotionally charged debut that reads like a cross between Homeland and The Girl on the Train. It’s a conspiracy thriller with a beating heart—and it doesn’t let go.

This was a really fast-paced, well-written thriller with a touch of conspiracy theories and a whole lot of suspense. I found this book gripping, and it really felt like I could see everything that was happening, as if I was watching an action movie with the same events. Parts of this book, I would say, were super unsettling, and made me question real-life events that happened surrounding 9/11, but it was definitely a good read, and a suspenseful ride from beginning to end.

Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.

This deserves a 4.5 star rating if I could give it. This is the near perfect psychological thriller and one of the best books I have read in a while. I didn't want to stop reading once I got into the story. I can't wait to read more from Pederson.

EEK, talk about a goosebump-inducing setup! This book had me spiraling with questions—Is Madison right? Is her grief warping her perception? Or is something far more sinister at play? I was hooked from page one and couldn’t flip the pages fast enough.

Madison is starting a new job in Palo Alto, trying to put her life in Boston behind her. Having lost her father in 9/11 Madison can't help but think her new boss looks exactly like one of the hijacker's she's tirelessly researched. The one she has boxes full of information about; the one she did a college research paper on; and the one she believes is still alive.

Thank you NetGalley, L.V. Pederson, and Raconteur 888 for the opportunity to read this in exchange for a review.

This five star read is out already so no excuses; put everything down, as soon as possible, and lose yourself in this thrilling read!

This book kept me intrigued to the very last page.
Madison has secured a job with a large tech company and can't believe her luck. The CEO is very charismatic and extremely confident during meetings and manages to rally all his employees to give their very best.
When Madison first meets her boss, she has a feeling she has seen him before. When Madison was just a child, her father was killed in a plane crash and that loss has always stayed with her. Now she has started a new beginning in her life and wants to impress her boss, but there is just something that lurks in the background - a strange feeling.
I thank the author, publisher and Netgalley for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.

NINE MINUTES ELEVEN SECONDS is a novel that is going to stay with me for quite a while because it kept me on edge the entire time.

This action crime thriller will leave you wondering what happens next in a twisty, high-stakes ride that feels cinematic.

The characters are brilliant- I found myself rooting for Madison the entire time. The pacing is strong, only slowing down a few times, but nothing that will take you out of the story.

Nine Minutes Eleven Seconds by L.V. Pedersen
This book had me hooked from the start—fast-paced, intense, and full of twists that had me hooked. It reads like a high-stakes action thriller, and I could totally see it as a movie.

Madison has spent her life carrying grief and guilt—her father was killed in 9/11, and she’s never shaken the feeling that it was somehow her fault. Now, she’s starting fresh in California with a new job at a tech company. When she meets her boss, something feels off. He reminds her of someone—a memory she just can't reach—and the more she digs, the more dangerous things get.

🔥 If you love action-packed thrillers with corporate secrets, conspiracies, and an ordinary person caught in extraordinary danger, this one’s for you. Think Jack Ryan meets The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo—high tension, nonstop action, and a lead you have to root for.

📚 Genres:
Action Thriller
Crime Fiction
Political Suspense

Themes:
High-stakes conspiracy
A past that won’t stay buried
Everyday person vs. a global threat
Fast-paced, action forward

Would I Recommend It?
Absolutely! If you love books that feel like blockbuster thrillers, Nine Minutes Eleven Seconds is a must-read. Buckle up—it’s a wild ride. 🚀🔥

Thank you to Raconteur 888 and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.

Wasn’t able to read this one digitally but I did order a copy of the book so will be reviewing it after I’ve read it. I’m really excited for it as I’ve only heard great things about it.

I really like the sound of this book, but for me it didn’t fully deliver. It started off strong and really grabbed my attention, but I felt like it lost direction along the way and didn’t give me that “can’t put down” feeling.

It is a good story, the writing just want for me and that’s ok.

I enjoyed this book! This was a page turner and kept me guessing throughout! I would definitely recommend this book and am excited to read more by this author.

This book was exhilarating and fast-paced, set against the backdrop of 9-11, narrates the story of a young girl's adventure through a chance encounter, showcasing her determination, grit, and tenacity as she endeavors to unravel the conspiracy, she becomes entangled in. An excellent read!

Thanks to Raconteur 888 and NetGalley for this ARC. I really enjoyed this book, being written by an unknown author, it's always a gamble! I am happy I took the chance to read this, as I did enjoy it. I'm sure this book will strike a chord with many as it touches on such an epic and tragic event that affected so many lives. I always enjoy a story with multiple POV's. The characters are well developed and the story line would make a great movie!

L. V. Pederson’s Nine Minutes Eleven Seconds is a taut, high-octane thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seat from the very first page. With its fast-paced plot, intense action sequences, and a compelling central mystery, this novel is a must-read for fans of pulse-pounding suspense and psychological tension.

The story follows a protagonist who finds themselves entangled in a high-stakes, life-or-death situation, with only nine minutes and eleven seconds to solve a critical problem before disaster strikes. Pederson does an excellent job of crafting a sense of urgency and tension, with each moment feeling fraught with danger. The short, sharp chapters keep the pacing tight, making the novel feel like a non-stop ride filled with twists and turns.

The central premise is intriguing, and Pederson uses the countdown mechanism effectively, drawing the reader into the ticking clock of the narrative. As the story unfolds, the protagonist is forced to confront not just external threats but also internal struggles and dilemmas that add depth to their character. The stakes feel incredibly high, and the tension builds steadily as the clock ticks down.

The characters are engaging and multifaceted, with the protagonist’s vulnerability and determination making them relatable and easy to root for. The supporting characters also contribute to the intensity of the story, although some of their motivations and backgrounds could have been explored in more detail. Still, the emotional stakes of the narrative are solid, and the characters' responses to the unfolding crisis make them feel authentic.

While the pacing is generally strong, there are moments when the plot feels a bit predictable, especially for seasoned thriller readers who are familiar with similar high-stakes scenarios. Some of the twists are not entirely unexpected, but Pederson’s writing keeps the tension high, making these moments enjoyable despite their predictability.

In conclusion, Nine Minutes Eleven Seconds is an engaging, fast-paced thriller that delivers plenty of action, suspense, and emotional depth. L. V. Pederson’s ability to create a sense of urgency and tension makes this a gripping read, even if some twists may feel familiar. Overall, it’s a solid choice for readers who enjoy intense thrillers with a ticking clock, dramatic stakes, and well-executed suspense.

Firstly, thank you to the publisher for the review copy. I had DNFed this book and will not be finishing.

Definitely an interesting POV. You think it's the main character then nope it's a third person. The story draws you in in Maddie going crazy or are strangely dressed people really following her.
It's a different style of thriller but pulls you in from the start. I'd say more YA based on characters. Pretty good story over all.

Nine Minutes Eleven Seconds was an adrenaline packed read full of drama, intrigue, and suspense.

I enjoyed L.V. Pederson's writing style, it was easy to read. It had my interest from the very first chapter.
At times, I feel it could have been more condensed. It went on a bit longer than it maybe should have.

It was a solid read, I enjoyed it, but I don't think I'll remember it for too long.

3 stars from me. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Netgalley, Recontier 888, and íL.V. Pederson for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was so intrigued by the first half of this book. I couldn’t put it down! I did start to feel like it got dramatic and drawn out, particularly the last 25%. It seemed like the writing was better suited for an action script.

I really enjoyed reading this book! It was an interesting twist on a pretty generic plot! My husband and i don’t read a ton of the same books but i think this one will be enjoyed by readers of many genres!

Nine Minutes Eleven Seconds, the story starts out small. A young woman is killed in a deliberate hit and run. Then shortly after, Madison gets the opportunity to replace the victim, working in a tech firm. Madison has never gotten over her father dying in one of the flights on 9/11, and sees this cross country move as a fresh start.

The first third of the book is Madison having suspicions about her intense boss, Khan. The second third is about the chase to understand, and the last third is the chase. The story picked up steam as it moved ahead, and was flying with action by the end.

The plot aims large, with a villain that has meticulously and patiently played the long game to mastermind a plot to rival the carnage of the original 9/11 terrorist act.

I read that the author has a background in film, and it shows, with crisp short chapters, and in the end, action that I could almost hear someone saying "Cut!" at the end. This is not a criticism at all. I just mean that it was easy to visualize this being played out on a screen because of the manner in which it was written, and his background explained that to my mind.

This was a relentlessly tense and action-packed read with a big storyline and a brave heroine. I really enjoyed it!

Thank you to NetGalley, L.V.Pederson, and Raconteur Press 888 for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.