Member Reviews

This was a thriller novel by an author I have not read a book yet. It revolves around Maddie who has had a difficult past. It almost feels like it is movie. It was slow going at first, then picked. I am not really sure if I loved it. I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC for an honest review. It was a decent read but it was just okay. Others might love this book

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Life begins where fear ends

Madison's life was forever changed on the day before her sixth birthday, the day that her father got on a plane for a business trip and never came back. For years she has blamed herself for not having insisted that he stay home that day, and has struggled to move on from that trauma and live a normal life. Trying to put the past behind her, she has moved from Boston to California and is starting a new job as an executive assistant at a large tech firm. It seems like a dream job but there are things that make her uneasy. A co-worker turns up dead, her new boss seems strangely familiar (and just, well, strange), and she feels like she is being followed, part of the anxiety she had hoped to shake. Is Maddie the problem, or is something truly wrong at Know Inc? She soon finds herself caught up in conspiracies, government investigations, and connections she could never have imagined to the tragedy that altered the course of her life along with those of so many others, Can she find the strength to help prevent a new, even more atrocious tragedy?
A (mostly) fast paced thriller that uses a violent attack that rocked the Unites States as a jumping off point (the numbers in the title are a clue), Nine Minutes Eleven Seconds has a highly imaginative plot and a group of flawed characters who are working to prevent a major attack even as others in the story work to deliver a devastating blow. I found some of the elements of the storyline to stretch credulity and the pace of the story inconsistent at times; as others have mentioned in their reviews, some additional editing vis á vis punctuation would be a help as well. It was generally easy to root for Maddie, Will (her romantic interest), and Niles (the investigator who has been working the case his whole career), and hard to find the bad guy anything but repulsive. All in all it was a quick read full of action, not particularly ground breaking but enjoyable, a 3.5 rounded up to 4. Readers of Darby Kane, Jessie Garcia and Alafair Burke might find this of appeal, as could fans of Nelson DeMille or John Nance. My thanks to NetGalley and Raconteur 888 for allowing me access to an early copy in exchange for my honest review.

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Thank you for the opportunity to read this arc.
I love a good police procedural book but when you throw in some suspense and thriller vibes, I am sold. This book is really good. The characters are well-written, the plot was great, the pace was fantastic and the story flowed well.

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This book is quite unexpected, quite unique. In a good way.

The only thing I felt, like almost every 4 star mystery/thriller book I have ever read, the plot is eventful but rushed towards the end. The last few chapters also felt dragged. I mean it could have been ended at a really good suspense point and the rest could have been a different book/novella but then that's just my personal opinion. Moreover, I hated the fact that Mohamed Atta's interactions with Madison are all aggressively inappropriate as well as many other incidents, which makes this retelling quite disrespectful.

The story started off quite slow so it was a bit difficult to get into, but once the storybuilding was done, I loved how the plot picks up its pace. I love how its giving movie vibes, like the story is in third person but we get to see it from different characters' POV. I also loved how the author created such multi layered characters but the only problem is that I couldn't connect to Madison. She was quite unlikeable at the start and that kind of ruined the experience for me. But it is important to address the suspense factor in this book - it keeps the reader on the edge of their seats and isn't really that predictable at all! I was truly moved by the ending of this book as well.

In short, I believe this book will resonate with many, as it touches on a tragic event that affected so many lives. The author's clever writing and attention to detail made this a truly gripping read. Yes, there are some parts I didn't like, but at the end of the day, it's just my personal opinion and reading taste. I really enjoyed this book a lot and thank you NetGalley providing me with an opportunity to read this book by a new author!

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Overall I enjoyed the book and ended up giving it four stars. I didn’t realize it was going to be connected with 911 relatives to victims that died. This could be a trigger for some people so I hope it’s will be included as a trigger warning. I enjoyed the fast pace and character development and growth for the FMC Madison. I thought the plot was interesting and her involvement with the fBI to help was a great storyline. I was a bit confused initially regarding her relationship with fellow 911 hacker was odd at first but it did pull together fairly well at the end. Overall I’d recommend to others that like this type of book.

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Thai was such a great read! Such a standout in the genre. Very suspenseful!! Appreciate the topic and content being very related to the inner workings of our top FBI inner workings. Very cool to think about. The subject matter was very interesting and would definitely appeal to males and females alike. I would definitely recommend.

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Nine Minutes Eleven Seconds by L. V. Pederson was a fast-paced thriller. I did find the abundance of exclamation marks to be a bit distracting, as well as the character profiling.

Thank you NetGalley and Raconteur 888 for the opportunity to be an ARC reader in exchange for an honest review.

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Thanks to NetGalley and Raconteur 888 Press For this ARC. This is a great thriller. It picked up about 15/20% of the way through but after that it was pretty intense through until the end. Great story, great and exciting read

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I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and all opinions expressed are mine.

This book was unexpected and it had twists and turns. Nine minutes eleven seconds tells the story of Madison 2ho has started her fmdream job at a Silicon valley tech company but things go wild when she finds out she succeeded someone who was killed. What would you do if you discover your boss is hiding a terrible secret. It started strong and it did have parts where it dragged on but it was an overall good read.

Actual rating:3.5

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Nine Minutes Eleven Seconds is a fun debut thriller from author L. V. Pederson. At just 330 pages, it’s a fast-paced, action-packed read that’s easy to finish in one or two sittings. While I had to suspend disbelief throughout most of the story, Pederson skillfully incorporates secrets, deception, and relentless action to keep the story gripping until the very end. This book feels much like watching an action movie, and though not my usual type of thriller, it was very entertaining.

The story revolves around a group of Al Qaeda operatives planning another presumed attack decades after 9/11. It’s told through multiple perspectives, including agents, civilians, and operatives, as the chase unfolds to prevent the attack. The premise of involving civilians to help stop a terrorist plot felt far-fetched, but if you take the story for what it is, a fast-paced action thriller, it delivers on excitement. While the plot is somewhat predictable and implausible, the high-stakes chase and likeable characters keeps the momentum going.

This book is perfect for readers seeking quick, adrenaline-fueled entertainment. It’s an excellent choice for an airport or beach read, with its straightforward and easy-to-follow storyline. While the believability of the plot might falter, and the story isn’t particularly memorable, it’s still an entertaining way to spend an afternoon.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Raconteur Press, and L. V. Pederson for an advance copy to review. All opinions are my own.

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This was really good! Normally I don’t like police and police-adjacent procedurals but this one was great. It reimagines if the main mastermind of the 9/12 attacks didn’t die in the terrorist attacks. It has him getting lots of plastic surgery and becoming a completely different w. It was clever and definitely well thought out. I read until 4am because I wanted to see what the ending was. Oh wow, I’m so happy I did! It was done wonderfully. The author makes you feel like you’re a fly on the wall. Fantastic, nuanced characters and the plot was incredible. Definitely recommend, even if you don’t like the genre. It definitely rocked!

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Fast paced and action packed, you will LOVE this book! This was crazy and delicious! There were unexpected twists and turns and the storyline is utterly captivating! This was my first book by this author, but I think I am going to have to check out some more!

Everyone has secrets, some are just lore dangerous than others. Madison gets a job at Silicon Valley. She hopes to leave her troubled life in Boston behind. Then a woman from her work ends up dead. Her boss leaves her feeling unsettled and paranoid. When she uncovers his secret, she is thrust into a high stakes conspiracy the FBI is determined to crack.

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Gripping and Emotional

Nine Minutes Eleven Seconds by L.V. Pedersen is one of those books that pulls you in and doesn’t let go. Set during 9/11 and present day, it dives deep into the chaos, fear, and heartbreak of that day while focusing on the lives it forever changed. The plot twists had me wanting more. The way Pedersen blends suspense with emotion is incredible—just when you think you’ve figured out what’s going to happen, something catches you off guard.

The characters are likeable, and their stories are packed with tension and emotion. You’re rooting for them, fearing for them, and feeling every twist alongside them. The title couldn’t be more fitting—it perfectly reflects how just a few seconds can completely alter everything. Solid 7 out of 10

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I usually am not really into books that involve police or FBI but this one was definitely an exception. This book was suspenseful and hooks you from the start. Also as someone who lived in NY during 9/11.. I felt a connection to the story. This is the first book I have read from this author and I really enjoyed the writing, I will definitely be reading more from them.

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L.V. Pederson’s Nine Minutes Eleven Seconds is a gripping thriller that delivers a high-octane narrative packed with crime, intrigue, and the relentless pursuit of justice. This fast-paced story plunges readers into a dangerous game of cat and mouse, as the characters race against time to track a terrorist who has been hiding in plain sight since the events of 9/11.

What stands out most in this novel is its ability to weave a complex yet accessible plot. Pederson’s writing captures the intensity of the stakes, with each twist and turn keeping the reader on edge. The story’s pacing is impeccable, never letting up as it delves into themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and moral ambiguity in the face of global terror.

The characters are equally compelling. Each is richly developed, with motivations and personalities that feel authentic and multidimensional. They’re not just pawns in the action—they’re people navigating a chaotic and dangerous world, grappling with the weight of their decisions. Their depth adds emotional stakes to the story, making it more than just an adrenaline-filled ride.

For a reader who might not typically gravitate toward action-packed crime thrillers, Nine Minutes Eleven Seconds has a rare magnetic quality. It’s the kind of book that hooks you from the first page and refuses to let go. The storyline is sharp and cinematic, and the conclusion leaves you wanting more, making it a prime candidate for a potential series.

Pederson has crafted a taut, unforgettable thriller that balances high-stakes action with deeply human moments. Fans of intelligent, character-driven suspense will find this a standout read—and one that begs for a sequel.

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L.V. Pederson is a new author for me, but after reading the blurb for Nine Minutes, Eleven Seconds, I was instantly intrigued and knew I had to read it. Within just one chapter, I was hooked. Pederson's ability to create such multi-dimensional characters turns this story into an absolute page-turning thriller.

Madison's journey pulled me in so completely that I found myself on edge several times as the chapters flew by. Without giving away any spoilers, I can say this book tackles an incredibly emotional and intense subject for a thriller. The tension builds steadily, paragraph by paragraph, keeping you guessing until the final chapters. It’s an utterly addictive read that’s hard to put down.

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing be the opportunity to review this fast paced thriller.

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Madison is excited to have secured a job at a Silicon Valley large tech company, she has a had a rough time recently and is looking for a new start. Her new boss makes her feel uncomfortable as she feels there is something not quite right with him and we should always follow out gut feelings.

A body of a young woman is found and this begins a journey that will affect Madison's life in more ways than she could imagine, is her dream of a fabulous new job now in doubt?

The book is told in multiple POV's and for a fair chunk of the book I was unsure as to where this was going and it took a while for it to hold my full attention but once it did I became invested in the plot. Madison then realises her gut was right and once she works out what is behind his shady behaviour, she knows her new boss is not a man she will think highly of and she is keen to see him brought down. Soon the FBI is involved and Madison will play a large part it the outcome of what is happening.

Quite an enjoyable read the the tension and suspence increasing as the story progresses, and for me the end brings it all to a satisfying conclusion which elevated my star rating.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy, all opinions expressed are my own.

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Wow, I haven't read a book this captivating and suspenseful all year. Never read this author before either but this grabbed me right out of the gate and I couldn't put it down. It was definitely scary as well as it based around what terrorists can do to us as a nation to bring us down and it even made it sound plausible. Us common folk have no idea of just how intelligent and wicked our enemies can be to concoct scenarios that can threaten us as a nation. My hubby read it first and stated "just give the bad guys ideas..."

Disclaimer - this does have some background of the tragic happenings in NY at the Twin Towers on 9/11. The main character Madison, has felt guilt all her life for not insisting that her daddy stay home for her birthday party as he was boarding one of those planes to go on a business trip. She was a small child and wanted him to stay. If she had whined more maybe he would not have boarded that fateful flight and lost his life. At the last minute she did run after him but couldn't catch up with him and she fell on her knees. The man that stumbled over her and picked her up would play a crucial role in this novel come years later when she is an adult.

We found this absolutely un-put-downable and I don't give 5-stars out easily but this one earned it. Such good character development and twisty fast paced action. I could definitely see this as a movie, and it would be a good one. Never a dull moment and a satisfying conclusion.

Get your copy Jan 10, 2025 at your favorite retailer. Hang on to your hat, you're in for a ride.
My thanks to #NetGalley for the e-arc and to the publisher Raconteur and author Pederson for the opportunity to read and review this entertaining novel.

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L.V. Pederson is a new to me author. Nine Minutes Eleven Seconds had me hooked from the start and kept my attention to the very end. It's a gripping thriller that reads like an action movie in your mind. We follow Madison Maxwell. After Samantha Dockett is killed in a hit-and-run accident, Madison takes over her position at Know, Inc. The VP of Know, Inc looks very familiar to Madison. Madison has an interesting past. Her father was on American Airlines Flight 11 that crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center. This trauma has impacted her life deeply and she becomes consumed with trying find Mohamed Atter. He is the terrorist behind the World Trade Center attacks and his body was never found. She's convinced he is still alive. She becomes convinced that her new boss is Mohammed Atter. I really enjoyed this story!

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I really enjoyed this book. Thanks to Net Galley and Raconteur 888 Press for the ARC. A little bit conspiracy, a little bit thriller. Madison’s new job at a tech company takes on an unexpected twist. Her new boss seems familiar. Suddenly, she finds herself involved with the FBI and her whole world unravels. Great page turner.

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