No Rest for the Dead

By: David Baldacci - introduction, Laurie H. Armstrong, Sandra Brown, Jeffery Deaver, Robert Dugoni, Brian Gruley, J. A. Jance

Narrated by: James Colby, Richard Ferrone, Carol Monda

Length: 9 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's summary

More than 20 New York Times best-selling authors team up to create a first-rate serial novel - a collaboration that combines the skills of America's greatest storytellers to produce a gripping, spellbinding mystery.

"The lineup of writers who have contributed to this mystery is akin to the Murderers' Row of the 1927 New York Yankees. There is not a weak spot in the bunch."
—David Baldacci, from the Introduction

Alexander McCall Smith. Sandra Brown. Faye Kellerman. J.A. Jance. Jeffery Deaver. Kathy Reichs. Lisa Scottoline. Jeff Lindsay. These are only a handful of the names that make up the all-star lineup of authors behind No Rest for the Dead, a tale of vengeance, greed, and love that flows seamlessly, in the words of David Baldacci, "as it passes from one creator's mind to the next."

When Christopher Thomas, a ruthless curator at San Francisco's McFall Art Museum, is murdered and his decaying body is found in an iron maiden in a Berlin museum, his wife, Rosemary, is the primary suspect, and she is tried, convicted and executed. Ten years later, Jon Nunn, the detective who cracked the case, is convinced that the wrong person was put to death. In the years since the case was closed, he's discovered a web of deceit and betrayal surrounding the Thomases that could implicate any number of people in the crime. With the help of the dead woman's friend, he plans to gather everyone who was there the night Christopher died and finally uncover the truth, suspect by suspect. Solving this case may be Nunn's last chance for redemption… but the shadowy forces behind Christopher's death will stop at nothing to silence the past forever.

In this innovative storytelling approach, each of 25 best-selling writers brings their distinctive voice to a chapter of the narrative, building the tension to a shocking, explosive finale.

With contributions from David Baldacci (Introduction), Jeff Lindsay, Alexander McCall Smith, Jonathan Santlofer, Sandra Brown, Faye Kellerman, Kathy Reichs, Benjamin Kelly, John Lescroart, T. Jefferson Parker, Gayle Lynds, Matthew Pearl, J. A. Jance, Michael Palmer, Marcia Talley, P. D. James, Diana Gabaldon, Philip Margolin, Tess Gerritsen, Katherine Neville, Lisa Scottoline, R. L. Stine, Jeffery Deaver, Laurie H. Armstrong, Brian Gruley, Robert Dugoni.

©2011 Sandra Brown, David Baldacci, R.L. Stine, Lisa Scottoline, Jeffery Deaver, David Baldacci (P)2011 Simon & Schuster

Critic reviews

"Twenty-six fantastic writers + one good cause = irresistible mystery nirvana." (Lee Child)

"Brilliant…. If you like your mysteries smart, with a great twist, then you must read this book.” (Linda Fairstein)

"Wow, what a line up! You can't go wrong here." (Michael Connelly)

Wonderful, suspenseful!

Great listen! Enjoyed all the chapters. Story woven well together. Never figured out the ending.

A story with lots of turns. Great story. Baldacci did it again.

Baldacci did it again! Story with lots of turns. Not your average ‘who did it’ story.

An innocent woman executed?

What did you love best about No Rest for the Dead?

The great line up of crime writers and narrators that have teamed up to create the book and audio book ensure that this is an excellent read. With many twists and turns and everyone a suspect with a strong motive. A very enjoyable read and listen.

What did you like best about this story?

The mystery and the plot and the great ending with a little dark humour thrown in for good measure. I also loved the way the story comes together in the end. This is an excellent collaboration.

Any additional comments?

This is a brilliant collaborative work written by some of the best crime and mystery writers around today. It is also well read by a great team of narrators. I loved the concept and the storyline, a must read and listen for mystery enthusiasts.

Disjointed

I thought it would be better. Storyline was weak. Different readers made it a bit confusing.

Great Listen!

This was such a fun departure from the usual one writer, one narrator book. So many brilliant storytellers all in one book! More of this, PLEASE!

You must think the readers are stupid.

In California getting executed in less than 25 years impossible. Not returning body 4autopsy defenseless.

Love Tess Gerritsen

If you could sum up No Rest for the Dead in three words, what would they be?

The Iron Maiden (I want one)

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

More, more, more - couldn't stop walking!!!

Which scene was your favorite?

When they found husband in his torture chamber. Hopefully he was alive when they put him in it!!!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Who's sitting while they listen!! I'm walking my dog for miles.

Any additional comments?

It's a good thing I don't listen to comments. I read them, and laugh at all the negative comments. There hasn't been a Tess Gerritsen book I haven't liked. I've liked them all, particularly the "Rizzoli & Isles" series. (Of course I've Also watched the "Rizzoli &Isles" TV series - every one of them!!) I read all the "Rizzoli & Isles" first, and while waiting for the next "R & I", I listened to all her others.

totally enjoyable "Who done it?"

Enjoyed very much trying to keep all the characters straight, everyone has the "big 3". Fun story which you cannot tell was written by several writers.

An Author for Each Chapter-What An Idea & It Works

Would you listen to No Rest for the Dead again? Why?

Yes. I'm sure it would be even better and that I would hear bits that I glossed over in the first listen. It is a complex story but very well done.

What was one of the most memorable moments of No Rest for the Dead?

When it was revealed who was actually murdered. I had an inkling that the dead guy might be a surprise but I had no idea.

What about the narrators’s performance did you like?

All the narrators were terrific. I bought the book because of the authors. I've read all of them before and every one of their books by others. It was surprising to see them join up for this book. Might be a new way to write a novel without taking a year out of their lives.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I always want to listen to a book in one sitting but know it can't be done. One has to sleep.

Happily surprised!!

First ever joint authorship. Really enjoyed the technique as well as the story line and the wonderful readers. Hope they bring us more.