Member Reviews

This book was good. The book had short chapters. It had me on the edge of my seat for some chapters and there were some intense moments. I think my favorite part of the book was at the end during the river scene, my heart was racing the whole time. My least favorite was that the book was in 3rd person. Personally I’m not a fan of 3rd person POVs but there are others who love 3rd person POV.

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I speed through this because I really needed to now how it ended. Thrilling and captivating. Recommend! Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

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An absorbing story- fast-paced and well written! I like the palpable tension all through the book. The characters were crafted with care which made the story more credible. Since it is a ARC, I have not published a post on my blog. Will definitely do us once the book is published in Jan 2025.

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Gripping, thrilling plot. There’s a trigger warning for a reason — this would be a difficult read for anyone who lost someone they loved in 9/11 or have trouble reading about the event or other acts of terrorism. Fairly well-written and fast-paced. I will admit, it felt like it was written for a movie to be made off the book.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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Click here to see my review on Goodreads (same as posted below): https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6988776349?book_show_action=false

Thank you to NetGalley and Raconteur 888 Press for providing me with an early copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Overall, I give this book a 3.75/5 stars.

The beginning was super fast-paced and engaging which left me wondering how I still had roughly 6 hours of reading left. I feel as though there were concepts and characters introduced within the first couple of pages that should have been introduced further within the book. We barely got to know about Madison before she made her VERY important connection at the beginning of the book. We never really got to know about Will or how he knew about the oh-so-secret databases the FBI uses as well.
There were a few issues within the text as well. There was a part of the book that, I believe, was missing an entire word and parts where "Marcus" was used instead of "Markus" when Agent Niles was being addressed.
What was important to me, as usual, is whether or not a crime-related book is accurate when it involves policing and OF COURSE forensics. Overall, I'd say "Yeah! It was decently accurate." as far as forensics go (still some highly glamoured analyses and technology, though), and the policing side/military side of the book was a lot more cinematic.
Upon reading that the author is a screenwriter, the layout of the action made so much sense. I remember reading the last 25% of the book and thinking it was almost like reading a movie. I quite enjoyed that because it made visualizing the scene super easy.
I would recommend the book be reviewed by sensitivity readers. Especially after knowing the book is written by a white male, I would take a look into all of the racial comments and foreign spy comments. Some seemed to err on the side of racial and conspiratorial. There also should be a trigger warning for self-harm after the trigger warning for 9/11.

I recommend checking this book out if you are looking for a quick read and supporting debut authors. At the time of this review, the book is set to be published on January 28, 2025.

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I loved the premise of this book, but I didn't connect with the writing style, Maddie's constant internal monologue wasn't for me, and while I normally love when a plot throws the reader right in, Maddie's immediate obsession with the murder felt a bit rushed. All in all, not the right fit for me, but there's a strong voice that I think will resonate with others readers.

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Nine minutes and eleven seconds keeps you on the edge of your seat. I kept wondering what was going to happen next and made time whenever I could to read a few more pages. I didn’t expect the impacts of 9/11 to impact the characters or all the conspiracies.

I really enjoyed the debut book by L.V. Pederson and will definitely check out future books by this author.

Thank you to NetGalley & Raconteur 888 Press for letting me read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

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A terrifying thriller, action packed and fast paced. The book starts quickly and never lets up. Lots of twists and turns, highs and lows. A great read for all those who like thrillers involving conspiracy and terrorists.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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When Madison thinks her boss may have been involved in the 9/11 attacks on the United States the story becomes intense., Lies secrets and murder, abound in this tale about 9/11 and its aftermath.., The story is long. But it moves, quickly with plenty of twists and turns..A must read for any one who likes crime thrillers based on true events

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This is a great story that starts with one little girl… From the start I was pulled into Maddie’s world
and I was completely absorbed by the entire ‘movie like’ story~everything is larger than life, and
by the conclusion, Maddie has been through even more than she had been through as a small
child~and she has emerged strong and largely healed of her childhood trauma~and with a man.
This book has a lot of ‘almost’ evil and a fair amount of actual evil, but it’s just full of excitement
and hope that the 9-11 terrorist that Maddie discovered and the government agencies that asked
for her help, will come to a satisfactory conclusion. This book aims for that end.
I highly recommend this to suspense/thriller fans.
My thanks to Raconteur 888 via NetGalley for the download copy of this book for review purposes.

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L.V. Pederson’s debut novel, “Nine Minutes Eleven Seconds,” offers a fast-paced and suspenseful thriller set against the backdrop of Silicon Valley and a potential terrorist plot. The novel is praised for its engaging plot, which keeps readers guessing and on the edge of their seats throughout the story. The idea of a 9/11 mastermind resurfacing and hiding in plain sight is a captivating concept that grabs the reader’s attention.

Additionally, some readers appreciated the character development, finding the protagonist, Madison, relatable and determined, while others enjoyed the flawed nature of the characters, making them more realistic. However, the book has also received criticism for its reliance on “telling” rather than “showing” details and emotions, hindering a deeper connection with the characters. Some readers found certain plot elements predictable or relying on overused tropes, and a few felt certain plot twists or character actions were implausible or stretched the boundaries of believability.

Overall, “Nine Minutes Eleven Seconds” is a debut thriller that offers an exciting and suspenseful read. While some readers appreciated the fast pace and engaging plot, others found aspects of the story to be predictable or lacking in depth. If you’re looking for a thrilling page-turner, this might be a good choice. However, if you prefer character-driven stories with a focus on realism, you might find other thrillers more satisfying.

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Nine Minutes Eleven Seconds is a fictional story that is terrifyingly real. A story about terrorism in the United States and people dealing with survivors guilt. The book was so real it was disturbing but I could NOT put it down! L.V. Pederson did an outstanding job of navigating and guiding the reader through a very detailed, fact intensive story. Highly recommend.

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I can not say enough about this book! I gave it the full 5 stars. It was the perfect psychological thriller. Pederson is an amazing storyteller! This was a book that once I started I did not want to put down!

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Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. I can already tell that 2025 is going to start off strong with the new releases!

I don't want to give too much away since it hasn't been released but this was intense. VERY intense. The book kept me on the edge of my seat. I'm going to update my review once its released, but I can say I was pleasantly surprised at the character development and how much I sympathized with them.

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Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of Nine Minutes Eleven Seconds.

If I had known the narrative was related to the 9/11 terror attacks, I would have skipped this.

First, I despise books about terrorism and politics and this is chockfull of that.

Second, the premise is beyond unbelievable and I've read some pretty ridiculous storylines but this one really takes the proverbial cake.

Third, the writing isn't great and the characters one-dimensional stereotypes.

I couldn't stand Maddie, OMG, but I called it quits with this book when one of the federal agents called Maddie gorgeous, like "Grace Kelly.'

Uh...no.

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Nine Minutes and Eleven Seconds is an action packed adrenaline rush. From the first page to the last - I was locked in. Honestly, I think LV Pederson put crack in this book. I am definitely going to be reading more books by this author. Thank you so much to NetGalley, the author and publishers for the pre-release. I had a great time reading it.

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I am getting better with not forcing myself to read something I don't like so with that DNF @ 14%.

I cannot get into this book. The assumption that a terrorist survived 9/11 is out right wild. However I can't even stand the main character..

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Nine Minutes Eleven Seconds by L.V. Pederson is a riveting thriller that expertly weaves together suspense, mystery, and emotional depth. This gripping tale is perfect for anyone from Generation X to young adult fiction readers, and it pulls you in from the very first page.

Main Characters

Maddie: At first, Maddie can be challenging to connect with, but her quirky personality and past struggles quickly draw you in. Her journey toward healing is compelling, showcasing her resilience as she confronts her past while navigating new challenges. The fact that she actively seeks help is a powerful testament to her character's strength.

Niles: A complex antagonist, Niles is driven by his obsession with solving a case that has haunted him for years. His morally ambiguous choices and willingness to use others make him a formidable opponent, especially for the vulnerable Maddie and Will.

Khan: Shrouded in mystery, Khan's true intentions remain uncertain throughout the book. Is he a puppet master or merely a pawn in a larger game? His enigmatic presence adds to the intrigue and leaves you wanting to uncover more in future installments.

Will: Serving as Maddie's grounding force, Will has his own demons to battle, making him a relatable and multi-layered character. Their partnership is vital to the narrative, balancing chaos with moments of connection and support.

Who Should or Should Not Read the Book

Nine Minutes Eleven Seconds is tailor-made for thriller enthusiasts and anyone fascinated by conspiracy theories. If you enjoy fast-paced narratives with unexpected twists and emotionally resonant characters, this book is for you. However, if you prefer lighter reads or find conspiracy themes unsettling, this might not be your cup of tea.

Plot Summary

Set against the backdrop of a new job and a new city, Maddie’s life takes a dark turn when she becomes entangled in a chilling conspiracy linked to her past. After the death of a coworker and a series of unsettling events, Maddie becomes convinced that her boss, T.J. Kahn, may be connected to the infamous 9/11 terrorist, Mohamed Attar. As Maddie delves deeper into her investigation with the help of Will, the stakes escalate, drawing the attention of the FBI, CIA, and NSA.

The narrative expertly captures Maddie’s paranoia and emotional turmoil as she grapples with her past and seeks the truth. L.V. Pederson's writing immerses you in Maddie’s journey, making her fears and triumphs feel incredibly real.

My Opinion

L.V. Pederson has crafted a thought-provoking exploration of resilience and trauma through Maddie and Will’s journeys. The action is relentless, and the moral complexities of good versus evil keep you engaged throughout. The tension builds to a climactic conclusion, leaving readers eager for what’s next. This book has all the makings of a thrilling series, and I can’t wait to see where Pederson takes these characters next.

Thank you to NetGalley and Raconteur 888 for providing me with an advance copy of this exceptional novel. If you're looking for a thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat and challenge your perceptions, Nine Minutes Eleven Seconds is a must-read! Highly recommended!

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I enjoyed reading this book. It was my first from LV Pederson and won't be last last. Thank you for the ARC.

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Unfortunately this one has to be a DNF for me. I’ve tried multiple times to pick it up and get through it but ultimately it just ended up feeling like I was forcing myself and that made it even less enjoyable for me. It’s just one of those things I think that boils down to personal preference and taste, and Nine Minutes Eleven Seconds by L. V. Pederson just wasn’t holding my attention. It isn’t a matter of writing or even writing style, I think it comes down to the fact that I just could not connect to the main character and the story/mystery was just feeling redundant for me in the 20% I did read, not really providing enough of a hook to have me interested enough to continue on and desperate to know more. It kind of just ended up feeling like a conspiracy theory on the characters end and perhaps was just a bit too wildly unrealistic for me.

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