Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

Elevator Pitch is a thrilling novel by Linwood Barclay that will have you gripping the edge of your seat from beginning to end. The story takes place in a New York City where elevators start to malfunction and cause deadly accidents. The premise of the book is intriguing and sets the stage for a fast-paced and suspenseful ride.

Barclay does a great job of building tension throughout the book, with plenty of twists and turns that will keep readers guessing. The characters are well-developed and relatable, each with their own motivations and secrets. The way in which the storylines of the various characters intersect is masterfully done, creating a complex and compelling narrative.

One of the strengths of this book is the vivid and immersive descriptions of the cityscape, which bring the setting to life and add to the tension of the story. However, at times the plot can feel a bit convoluted, with too many characters and subplots to keep track of.

Overall, Elevator Pitch is a solid thriller that will keep you engaged until the very end. While it may not be perfect, it is definitely worth a read for fans of the genre.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Linwood Barclay's Elevator Pitch is an edge-of-your-seat thriller that will keep you turning the pages until the final thrilling climax. Barclay masterfully builds tension as the story unravels, leaving readers on the edge of their seats. He explores a mystery in a high stakes, high-rise setting with complex characters that captivate and thrill. From two seasoned detectives, to a straight-shooting journalist, the plot follows them as they race to discover who is behind the string of elevator catastrophes. Every plot twist leaves readers in a whirlwind of questions that they can’t help but answer as they race through the novel. The ending leaves a chilling impact, making it a perfect fit for any fan of psychological suspense. Whether you're an experienced reader of suspense or a newcomer to the genre, Elevator Pitch is definitely one to add to your must-read list!

Love this book. Kept me gripped and wanting more. Didn’t disappoint in the slightest! Amazing! Edge of the seat

Being a big fan of the Promise Falls series I was hoping for more of the same from the prolific Linwood Barclay but unfortunately for me I found a thriller that really fails to hit the mark.

Expecting a suspense filled thrill fest it really wasn’t.

The characters are very much cardboard cut outs and the whole thing feels just written to shift numerous copies to an American Audience.

Not for me

I mean wow! What a book! One thing for sure I don’t think I’ve ever gonna go in a lift ever ever ever again!

When I first started listening I had no idea what was going to happen. I didn’t read the blurb, I followed the hype for this book and boy am I glad! What an adventure!!!

From the opening scene, I felt nervous, but I think that’s mainly because of the book title, however, I had every frigging right to be nervous – jeez. I didn’t expect that to come.

But then straight away we are meshed between two detectives trying to solve a murder and a reporter trying to get a scoop. Again, still none the wiser on the journey.

Every chapter, Barclay amped up the intensity. Each time a lift was mentioned, I had to pause and shout at the characters to take the stairs, to run, go home, anything just don’t go in that lift!!!! I did love that Barclay did tease us a lot! One scene when the paramedics needed the lift, and the old lady tried to joyride the lift my heart was in my throat. I couldn’t listen anymore….just in case!!

It is funny how a book can play on your mind so much. I had to get in a lift the other day and for the first time, I was petrified!!

Every description and dialogue was necessary, even if it was a distraction, leading up to the shocking finale. Wow wow wow! That was not a finale I was expecting but it was blinking epic!! Barclay is not afraid to go against the grain here and he proved it because no one is safe.

So many different aspects I want to talk about but I don’t and won’t spoil the enjoyment and surprise for you. I devoured this audiobook as quickly as I could. I was hooked and kept wanting peace just to get back to it. It had everything i wanted in a book.

I had so many emotions with this book and heartbreak was one of them. I didn’t expect to feel that, but I did. My heart broke, my heart raced and my heart thudded with joy when it was over because you know it meant people were safe again!

I enjoyed the narrator, he is up there with my favourites of Dick Hill and Jeff Harding. Although there was a scene with Delgado and Burke and I felt when Delgado was delivering some really important news, Burke just seemed flat and there wasn’t the oomph or shock I was expecting. Apart from that, I would happily listen to Johnathan McClain anytime! An added touch with the audiobook is that you get to listen to a Q and A with Linwood Barclay at the end and that was fascinating.

So yes, go read or listen to it. Just maybe not in a lift…..

Elevator Pitch is an utterly gripping thriller. Someone is sabotaging high rise lifts causing them to plummet from the top of office buildings to the bottom…..but why?

This is not a fast read at 400 pages; it's an in-depth thriller with some truly terrifying moments. A few characters and told from several points of view it takes a little while to get them straight in your head but it soon has you gripped as you feel the tension rise. Overall a gripping, tension packed thriller……terrifying if you dislike lifts!

Was really looking forward to this one as the premise sounded brilliant. However when I read it I found it slow and not gripping. Disappointing.

Unsure how i feel about this book to be fair. I wouldn't say it was boring but nor was i gripped. Having never read a book by this author but heard nothing but good things i think i expected more but it didn't deliver for me and no rush to read more from this author because of this.

Elevator Pitch is yet another fantastic psychological thriller by Linwood Barclay. This stand alone novel is set in New York a metropolitan city filled with sky scrapers and high rise apartment block. One Monday morning a group of people get into an elevator as they do every week day and ride it all the way up to their respective floors to begin their day. Only this time it doesn’t stop, but plummets the bottom at high speed killing its occupants. Within a blink of an eye another seemingly separate elevator accident happens. Why are these happening and why is the Mayor of New York, Richard Headley, not doing more to reassure the people of New York. This story is told through several different characters, the Mayor and his son Glover, whom is demeaned on a daily basis by his father. In addition we meet a journalist, Barbara Matheson , who spends her days trying to undermine the devious political machinations the Mayor is entangled in.
This fabulous read is yet another example of the great writing we have come to expect from Linwood Barclay and this novel does not disappoint. The thrilling pace and sheer suspense of the writing only serve to up the blood pressure and add to the enjoyment. A book not to be missed.

I have to admit that it has been a few years since I read a book by Linwood Barclay. After reading this I am left questioning myself WHY!

I flipping love this book. Which I actually listened to audio, giving it a whole movie feel about it. I really did feel like I was watching this at the cinema! The narrators are awesome.

I am scared to death of elevators and this story will tell you why! The thought of one breaking down while I am in it feels me with dread and anxiety and so does this story.

It is fast paced, action packed and will certainly keep you on the edge of your seat. It is filled with various characters but Barbara and the mayor being the main ones.

The Elevator Pitch is a truly electrifying read that will give you hours of entertainment. I cannot recommend it enough.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Whilst this book is full of the standard Linwood Barclay charm, the thrills and the twists, and the storyline did captivate me, all in all it fell a bit flat for me.
I think the appeal of Barclays previous works (at least the ones i've read) is the situations are relatable, that's the biggest aspect of the psychological thriller, knowing this could happen to you, or someone you know.
The whole hijacking of an elevator system just seemed a bit much for me, then there was the plot with the 'Flyovers' that just seemed to be an unnecessarily fleshed out red herring.

I enjoyed the book, i enjoyed the thrills and the twists, it just didn't grip me the way Linwood Barclay books have done in the past.

Good story overall. I really liked the premise of elevators plunging seemingly randomly in a city which is so reliant on them but sadly the story struggled to hold my interest. I didn't find it particularly gripping and while there was a part of me that wanted to find out what happened there was an equally strong part that wanted to put the book down and walk away, hence the rating.

As with many of Linwood Barclay's books I was gripped from beginning to end and struggled to put it down.

The thought of being in an elevator that is plummeting to the ground is truly terrifying and this is captured brilliantly in the book. The first time it happens it seems like a random but tragic accident, however it soon becomes apparent that this is something more sinister.

I had an inkling of who the culprit was, however I was still left doubting myself right up to the last minute.

Absolutely amazing. Unique plot idea that kept Me guessing until the end. Didn’t want to put it down

A gripping, if implausible romp. Feeds into many peoples irrational fear of lifts too, even if what happens is impossible!

I received an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley, HQ, and the author Linwood Barclay.
This novel started well, with a gripping and interesting premise, but I was very let down by the ending which felt rushed and illogical. The reveal just didn't add up, and there were too many loose ends that weren't tied up. These were introduced throughout the novel to keep readers unsure of the guilty party, and the lack of explanation around these left everything feeling unfinished.
2.5 stars rounded up to 3.

One of my favourite authors and have read all the books.
I am not keen on lifts as the best of times but this just emphasises why I do not like them.
At times a little far fetched - but why not.
I can never put his books down until done and my husband and I fight over who will read the book first

DNF'd - unfortunately this book just wasn't a good fit for me, and I can easily say that that's a matter of personal taste as Linwood Barclay is an absolute favourite in my household. Just not for me, unfortunately. I will actually still probably pick up a finished copy of this for my partner as they will enjoy this a great deal more than I did.

Elevator Pitch by Linwood Barclay
Rating 4.4/5
An unusual subject but one I don’t think will ever leave me. Thankfully I seldom take elevators; I live in a house with stairs.
Very slow starting but wow when it picked up pace, it was action, action, action. Lots of twists and a surprising ending.
Linwood Barclay delivered again, getting right into his characters, making them come alive. Loved Barbara, a feisty reporter but with a conscience.
Recommended.
Thank you to Linwood Barclay, HarperCollins and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book. I have given an honest and unbiased review.