Dead Money

A Novel

De: Jakob Kerr

Narrado por: Rachel Music

“Terrific . . . filled with jaw-dropping twists and turns . . . an unpredictable nesting-box of surprises.”—The New York Times Book Review (Best Thrillers of the Year So Far)

“A stone-cold banger of a novel—a twisty journey through Silicon Valley’s dark side, wrapped in a stunning mystery package with some wild surprises along the way.”—Blake Crouch, New York Times bestselling author of Dark Matter

Don’t call me a fixer. This isn’t HBO.

In her job as unofficial “problem solver” for Silicon Valley’s most ruthless venture capitalist, Mackenzie Clyde’s gotten used to playing for high stakes. Even if none of those tech-bro millions she’s so good at wrangling ever make it into her pockets.

But this time, she’s in way over her head—or so it seems.

The lightning-rod CEO of tech’s hottest startup has just been murdered, leaving behind billions in “dead money” frozen in his will. As the company’s chief investor, Mackenzie’s boss has a fortune on the line—and with the police treading water, it’s up to Mackenzie to step up and resolve things, fast.

Mackenzie’s a lawyer, not a detective. Cracking this fiendishly clever killing, with its list of suspects that reads like a who’s-who of Valley power players, should be way out of her league.

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

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

Anything at all.

Featuring jaw-dropping twists and a wily, outsider heroine you can’t help rooting for, Dead Money is a brilliant sleight-of-hand mystery. Written by a longtime insider, it is also a dead-on snapshot of the Valley’s rich and famous—and a glimpse at the darkness lurking behind the tech world’s cheery facade.

©2025 Jakob Kerr (P)2025 Random House Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

“[Jakob] Kerr’s terrific debut . . . appears to be a traditional whodunit but is really an unpredictable nesting-box of surprises. Kerr, who worked at Airbnb for a decade, brings an insider’s knowledge and a satirist’s sensibility to the vanities and delusions of Silicon Valley . . . Mackenzie—6-foot-2, full of secrets, constantly underestimated—is the most interesting character of all.”—The New York Times Book Review

“Fascinating, dark, and full of surprises . . . a twisty, fast-paced, and engrossing look at the world of venture capitalists and the tech industry.”—Mystery & Suspense Magazine

“A fast-paced dissection of modern tech culture and a genuinely thrilling page-turner.”—CrimeReads

Tech crime mystery

Great read! Intriguing tech details. Excellent character development. Enough misdirection to make the reader work for the ending.

I hope to read more from this author!

Phenomenally written /organized Mystery!

This book was a delight! The organization kept you in suspense & then revealed all. Each character was incredibly well developed & realistic. I found myself see so many instances of literary quality. This would be an outstanding, engaging book club selection. Vocabulary, knowledge of tech industry, knowledge of psychology were beguiling.
I read this book because Hanna’s dad recommended it. I remain in awe of style & mystery. Great work! I am looking forward to number two.

unexpected twists and turns

I don't usually read murder mysteries but this one was exceptional. The narration was very good, story was believable and touched on some current issues that made me think. highly recommended.

Character voices are unbearable

It’s almost impossible to rate the actual book because the narrator’s character voices are so affected. It’s really a shame because her regular voice isn’t bad. I am about to give up on the novel because of this.

Too complex

The overall story was well written and the narration was excellent. And, the characters were all well developed.
The plot, however, was convoluted, and I found it confusing.

Great unfolding of events. Kept me thinking. Amazing!

Smart. Intriguing. Even laughed a few times. Clean. Read well. Didn’t want it to end.

I can’t believe this is a debut novel!

Fantastic! You won’t see anything coming! Plus the characters are so engaging and believable. Loved the Silicon Valley satire as well.

good Twists and turns

all good and narration was excellent. wish there was more from this author and the characters in the book

Good but not ideal for audiobook

Overall I enjoyed the story but naming a primary character Stanley Yu and then referring to him as “Yu” the entire book made it impossible to discern who was being discussed, particularly when someone is being spoken to directly. Ie “we thought you did this but then we found out that Yu actually it” - in writing you can tell the difference but in audiobook it’s impossible 90% of the time and it made a huge difference in many of the principal scenes.

Switching the audiobook to refer to him as Stanley in most cases would have made a world of difference in the audible experience.

Fun Tech Mystery

From Reno, Georgetown, San Francisco, Burning Man & Chicago this tech thriller is thrilling. Fast paced storytelling with plenty of plot twists.