Synopsis

In her job solving problems for Silicon Valley’s most ruthless venture capitalist, Mackenzie Clyde’s used to playing for high stakes. Even if none of the jaw-dropping sums in play ever seem to make it into her hands.

But her new assignment is something else entirely. The lightning-rod CEO of tech’s hottest startup has just been murdered, leaving behind billions in “dead money” frozen in his will–and as the company’s chief investor, Mackenzie’s boss has a fortune on the line. Which means that solving this impossible crime has just become her problem.

Mackenzie’s a lawyer, not a detective. But suddenly, she finds herself riding shotgun with the FBI, guiding the agent in charge through Silicon Valley’s halls of power. And as secrets are revealed and the true stakes of the case come to light, it seems that she’s just getting in deeper and deeper over her head.

But Mackenzie’s used to being underestimated. In fact, she’s counting on it.

Because the way she sees it, this isn’t just an investigation. It’s an opportunity. And she’ll do anything it takes to seize it.

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Review

Just when I thought I had everything figured out, I was thrown another curve ball.

This is a debut novel. Sometimes debut novels hit it out of the park, and other times, not so much. This one hits it out of the park in my mind. It pulls in intricacies of the Tech world, California, Burning Man, and so much more. It is like a thread is pulled and everything starts to unravel.

I enjoyed Mackenzie’s character. We learn her back story in bits and pieces, which enhances the story and keeps the reader guessing. I appreciated her determination to get what she wants from life despite what other people think. She is smart and savvy and is not to be underestimated.

Danner is the son of a congressman who is trying to forge his own path in the FBI. Working with Mackenzie could make or break his career. But is he being truthful with her? What is his angle?

I enjoy a good thriller, and this novel has it in spades. While others might be able to figure out what will happen next, it was always a surprise for me. As I drew closer to the end, I did suspect a few things, but not many. I learned that you can’t trust anyone but yourself.

If you enjoy psychological thrillers, you will want to pick up this book at your earliest opportunity.

We give it 5 paws up.

About the Author

Jakob Kerr is a writer and the author of Dead Money, coming soon from Bantam Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House. His work is represented by Verve Talent.

In addition to his work as an author, Jakob is a lawyer and communications executive in San Francisco’s tech industry. He was one of the first employees at Airbnb and spent a decade shepherding the company from a tiny startup to a global phenomenon. Jakob has also been a bartender, sportswriter, and—for one disastrous afternoon—the driver of an ice cream truck.

After fifteen years in San Francisco, he recently returned to his native Pacific Northwest, where he now lives with his wife and children. Dead Money is his first novel.

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