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Dead Ends

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A devious collection of short stories from the master of misdirection, featuring appearances from Lincoln Rhyme and Colter Shaw.Amongst the dead ends …

A murder at a crime writers' conference. The method is entirely literary, the motive seems obvious – but can the detective who was first on scene puzzle out what's between the lines?

Amongst the misdirections …

An intelligence analyst has the chance to get out from behind the desk and do some real spy work. But as he enters the field, he begins to realise just how out of his depth he is …

Somewhere lies the truth.

A brilliant sleuth, obsessed with Sherlock Holmes’s mysteries, turns his attention to a serial killer targeting women in New York's Central Park. But as his deductions bring him closer to his prey he starts to wonder who is doing the hunting …

456 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2024

About the author

Jeffery Deaver

374 books10.8k followers
#1 international bestselling author of over thirty novels and three collections of short stories. His books are sold in 150 countries and translated into 25 languages. His first novel featuring Lincoln Rhyme, The Bone Collector, was made into a major motion picture starring Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie. He's received or been shortlisted for a number of awards around the world.

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5 stars
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36 (44%)
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15 (18%)
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6 (7%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for SVETLANA.
328 reviews52 followers
September 5, 2024
I like Jeffery Deaver's books and short stories. In the past, I read "Ninth and Nowhere" from this collection, but it was good to reread it.

It is a remarkable talent to write a short story in a way that makes it very intriguing and with an unexpected end and Jeffery Deaver is the master of such a thing.
Profile Image for Kelly.
609 reviews78 followers
September 23, 2024
Jeffrey Deaver is a favorite author of mine. I chose this because I am a fan of his earlier collection, Twisted. This one is also a collection of short stories all written with Deaver's usual flair. There will be something for everyone in these pages.
Profile Image for Val Wheeler.
282 reviews32 followers
August 13, 2024
Dead Ends is an interesting set of short stories from master storyteller Jeffery Deaver. I'm not usually a big fan of short stories, but some of these were really good.

I'd only read the Colter Shaw story before as previously published as Forgotten 2,5 in the Colter Shaw series.
There's a good Lincoln Rhyme short story too and some other great short stories amongst. If you have read some of his short stories and enjoyed them, you should check this out and it does tell you at the back where they have been published previously (if this is the case).

A big thanks to HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction for the advance copy of this ebook.
Profile Image for Sue Plant.
1,973 reviews25 followers
September 16, 2024
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book

its full of short stories and novellas from this author and though i am not a lover of them this one isnt so bad...there are a few goods one in there....

happy reading
411 reviews2 followers
July 25, 2024
Reviewing short story collections is tricky, because the usual synoptic approach can’t be done, so headlines only here to give a flavour of the range:
A babysitter is the target of a hitman; Colter Shaw is hired to save a prisoner’s life; CIA desk-jockey gets the chance to go undercover; Californian Deputy Sheriff assigned to a Crime Writer’s Conference; Another solution to the mystery of Jack The Ripper; Suspected Mexican cartel boss is target for a hit; Genius level New Yorker performs ‘Holmesian’ deduction; Husband and wife team search for French archaeological site; Lincoln Rhyme has to solve a crime with no forensics; Hunt for serial killer in Milan; Seven characters in search of a Quick Mart; Attempted assassination of Presidential candidate; Man strives to save his girlfriend from a murderer.
The first eleven have been previously published individually, the last is new. The only thing they have in common is that they are Deaverishly constructed. The art of the short story is to lead the reader towards a conclusion and then pull off a twist they couldn’t foresee. The art here is to mislead the reader towards at least two conclusions, then twist them at least a couple of times. The writing is strong and consistent, with the author’s stylistic language always evident, which includes a tendency towards literary references (and a possible fondness for Starbuck’s). They are all at least 4/5, at least half – based on the surprise level of the final twist – are 5/5 star. That gives an average of 4.5 stars, rounding to 5 overall.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.
Profile Image for Laura.
550 reviews1 follower
August 1, 2024
A collection of devious short stories from Jeffrey Deaver, including appearances by Lincoln Rhyme and Colter Shaw. Amongst the mysteries we have a murder at a crime writer's convention, an intelligence analyst sent out to do some on the ground spy work, and a Sherlock Holmes super fan turning his deductions to helping police find a serial killer.

I traditionally avoid short story collections because I find they can often be hit and miss with a few dud stories in the mix. This one was definitely not like that though, I enjoyed all of the stories in the book, with some of them being stand outs.

I haven't read any of Deaver's Colter Shaw series as yet, but enjoyed Forgotten so much that I now want to read the full series - I've already got the audiobooks queued up ready to go.

Ninth and Nowhere was another favourite. I particularly liked the style of this one, with us seeing several characters seemingly on their own trajectories all come together for the key event. There was a lot of misdirection in this one and many of the characters didn't turn out to be who you initially thought.

Others that stood out were The Writer's Conference, Unlikely Partners and Selfie, but as I said all of the stories in this collection were enjoyable.

If you are a fan of Jeffery Deaver then you will definitely appreciate this short story collection. If you are new to his writing, but enjoy well constructed crime thrillers then this would be a great starting point to get a taste of his style before you dive in to one of his full lengh books. Either way it's worth adding to your reading list.

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jen.
1,488 reviews62 followers
August 27, 2024
There are, what could be considered to be, an unlucky thirteen short stories in this collection from HarperCollins. Unlucky, I think, only for the various victims in the stories. Certainly not for us as readers as we are treated to the real breadth of mysteries that Mr Deaver is capable of delivering. From short stories featuring series favourites Lincoln Rhyme and Colter Shaw, to historical fiction and a story set in a world that Mr D knows very well - the competitive landscape of a 'Writer's Conference", there really is a little bit of something for everyone, whether you are a fan of brain teasing puzzles, or more intense action. Heck, there is even a case where the good guy comes goo more by luck than judgment, a story that really did make me smile by it's conclusion, even if at one stage I thought our poor hero was toast.

I loved how Jeffery Deaver is always capable of delivering the unexpected. Even in the world of short stories he can switch up the story, so much so that the bad guy, or gal, is often hidden in plain sight. A good example of this would be The Babysitter, a story which grows in intensity and threat as quickly as you turn each page but which, by its conclusion, had me smiling and nodding in appreciation. Not what I was expecting, but absolutely the ending I never knew I wanted. And in both The Writer's Conference and A Woman of Mystery he proves that the pen is mightier than the sword - at least when it comes as an inspiration for murder.

Many of the stories i could easily see being turned into a series of TV mini specials, a kind of murder mystery collective, because the author is so adept at scene setting that whether in New York or Milan, you feel you are there with the characters in the heart of teh action. Not an easy thing to do in a fraction of the words of a longer length novel without losing the impetus of the story, but barely seeming a challenge for this particular author. There is a good reason he sells so many books.

This is the perfect collection to fit in around work lunch breaks, or even where you have a few moments to kill of an evening or weekend. Of varying length, some take a little longer to finish than others but none really longer than an hour, with some of the longer ones being broken down into mini chapters or scenes making it easy to leave and pick up where you left off. If you like short stories and love a varied collection of crimes, this will be the perfect book for you. Definitely recommended.
Profile Image for Mags.
2,828 reviews31 followers
July 26, 2024
4.5⭐

Dead Ends is a collection of short stories by the master crime writer Jeffery Deaver and a great way to be introduced to a new author. Especially one as prolific as JD. Who has written over forty novels including the long running Lincoln Rhyme series as well as the Colter Shaw and brilliant Kathryn Dance series.

And this collection offers a little bit of everything with appearances from the aforementioned Lincoln Rhyme and Colter Shaw. As well as hitmen, bodyguards, serial killers and stalkers.

And whilst only two of the stories are new new. All of the stories were new to me, and I enjoyed them immensely. As they offered a lot of variety and I can clearly see where JD drew his inspiration from Jack the Ripper and one of my favourite detectives Sherlock Holmes. And honestly there wasn't one story I didn't enjoy. Although some were certainly more compelling than others.

But overall this is a cracking collection from a cracking crime writer. Who really knows how to deliver a series of short stories.

I would happily recommend to all. 😊

My thanks to HarperCollins and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of Dead Ends. 😊
486 reviews22 followers
July 8, 2024
I read and loved The Bone Collector, I went on to read most of the Lincoln Rhyme series. I tried other books by Jeffery Deaver but was still chasing that Bone Collector buzz.

Thirteen short stories, 400 pages, two are brand new and the others have been previously published in a variety of anthologies and publications. This collection came at exactly the right time to reconnect with Jeffery Denver’s writing.

There’s a huge variety of themes, hitmen, bodyguards, serial kill*rs, stalkers and much much more, so many original plot ideas that I’ve never read before. The writing is precise and sharp, set the scene, build the characters, start the rollercoaster, watch out for those twists! There’s rarely a dull moment.

I won’t pick favourites, too many to mention, and only two didn’t quite hit for me.

Probably the best single author short thriller anthology I’ve ever read. Very highly recommended and an absolute must for fans of Jeffery Deaver.

Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, Harper Fiction
Profile Image for John MacLeod.
19 reviews1 follower
August 9, 2024
As a fan of crime fiction I’ve been pretty amiss until recently in omitting to read any of Jeffery Deaver's work.My only previous experience of his writing had been through enjoying the feature film ‘The Bone Collector’,from back in 1999,and then the recent television series ‘Tracker’.
In this new short story collection ‘Dead Ends’ both of the main characters from these adaptations feature in tales.Namely Lincoln Rhyme and Colter Shaw ,for those wanting to picture the leads in their mind's eye.
Only a short while ago I enjoyed reading Deavers ‘The Broken Doll’ collection of short stories by Amazon Original Stories , so I felt it was time to check out this newly published batch.

For me the standouts in this book were ‘The Babysitter’,’Hard to Get’,‘The Writers’ Conference’,and ‘A Matter of Blood’.’Ninth and Nowhere’ was an incredibly compelling interwoven story that is simply stunning, and in my opinion the
best of the lot.

As in most collections some tales fail to hit the peak thrills of some personal favourites,due probably to individual taste,but overall a more than worthy way of spending some twisting hours in the company of a superb storyteller
Profile Image for Kath.
2,763 reviews
July 30, 2024
Well... I'm not usually a fan of short stories, but I am a big fan of Jeffrey Deaver, especially his Lincoln Rhyme and Colter Shaw series - both of which have shorts included in this book - so it was a no brainer that I would jump all over this...
And I have to say that I was incredibly impressed. I enjoyed every single story contained herein. The twists were sublime, the characters real and well created. Containing everything I'd want from a full length story but contained in just a few pages...
Obviously my favourites included the Shaw and Rhyme stories, but I must also single out the Writers' Conference, the one set around the Quick Mart, the Presidential Candidate Assassination Attempt, and his own take on Jack the Ripper...
If you are into shorts, get this collection. If you are into Deaver, get this collection. If neither then download the sample... worth a look at least!
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
Profile Image for Paromjit.
3,060 reviews25.6k followers
July 23, 2024
This is a collection of short stories from the established and popular crime and mystery writer, Jeffery Deaver, some of which you may already have read previously as they have been published before. It features his specialist, Colter Shaw, with his mobile home, and Lincoln Rhymes, operating outside of his home territory. There is a baby sitter, tales that draw inspiration from Jack the Ripper, and Sherlock Holmes. There are murderous goings on at a writer's conference, a book lover in Mexico, and a Sunday serial killer in Milan. My favourites included complicated, longer, and multiple character stories that grip and where nothing is as it first appears. As might be expected with a short story collection, some stories are likely to appeal more than others. However, this is Deaver, so a collection that I recommend! Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
28 reviews1 follower
August 5, 2024
Dead Ends is a collection of Thirteen short stories from Jeffery Deaver and,as you'd expect,there's not a dull one amongst them. Deaver exercises his imagination with a very diverse collection , from his take on Jack the Ripper to a lowly Intelligence Operative who finds himself an accidental hero ,an inquisitive Baysitter who finds herself in peril and many more,every one is a gem, As usual with Jeffery Deaver readers will be looking for the inevitable twist,and as always he completely wrong-foots those who are smugly thinking, " Ah,I've worked it out,obvious really".

This is a great collection, including appearances by Colter Shaw and an extremely cerebral piece of detection by Lincoln Rhyme ,many of which have been published before in various publications but as an avid Deaver reader all new to me. The stories are often funny,always original and very clever.
Profile Image for Gary.
2,807 reviews403 followers
September 8, 2024
A collection of short stories by author Jeffery Deaver.

Jeffery Deaver is one of the best at writing short stories, a great storyteller who manages to fit so much detail and substance into fewer pages. This book contains thirteen stories with some featuring familiar characters from the authors other novels. In my opinion it was quite a mixed bag, some very clever, some interesting and others just ok. I tend to read a book in one or two sittings so I found it difficult to engage in this book for a large amount of time so dipped in and out. Well written as you would expect from Jeffery Deaver and plenty of twists.

I much prefer full length novels so perhaps I am not the best to judge this book. An entertaining read in small bite size chunks.

I would like to thank both Netgalley and Harper Collins UK for supplying a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Natalie M.
1,228 reviews59 followers
September 19, 2024
Some were good, some great, and some were not so memorable.

A collection of short stories from popular crime and mystery writer Jeffery Deaver, some of which you have been published before. The anthology features his specialist, Colter Shaw, with his mobile home and a Deaver stalwart, Lincoln Rhymes. Some of the stories draw inspiration from Jack the Ripper and Sherlock Holmes, and others allude to literary characters I didn't know as well. From murder at a writer's conference to a serial killer in Milan, the settings were varied and vast.

I loved the more complex, multiple-character stories with unexpected twists (but then that is my preferred genre). Hats off to anyone who can write short stories—they must be the most complex of all storytelling genres, and Deaver is outstanding.

Like any short story collection, some stories are likely to appeal more than others.
Profile Image for Vanessa.
2,499 reviews23 followers
August 21, 2024
Dead Ends by Jeffery Deaver is a brilliant collection of thirteen short stories from the master of misdirection, and featuring appearances from Lincoln Rhyme and Colter Shaw. This book was just what I needed to a long train journey - Brilliant short stories with great twists and turn in each one that will keep me entertained and a great start to my holiday back to my home town.

I loved it. Jeffery Deaver's books never disappoint.

Big thank you to HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction for the advance copy of this ebook.
21 reviews13 followers
August 24, 2024
I like "Jack the Ripper" most. The language in that story sounds really nostalgic. The pacing is also well balanced, unlike most other pieces in the book. Next favorite is the one on Moriarty, only that I wish it didn't just stop there. I would love to see him outsmart himself and got caught in the end. The one about the Quick Mart is interesting too, having a nice buildup before the climax. The rest stories are either too dramatic/convenient thus unbelievable in the making or too rushed to the end. Maybe short stories is not my cup of tea...
Profile Image for Alison Eden.
500 reviews10 followers
September 19, 2024
#DeadEnds #NetGalley I love Jeffrey Deaver books so was excited to read this collection of short stories by him. I loved the stories featuring Lincoln Rhyme and Colter Shaw but the others not as much. Maybe because I knew so much of the background to the Rhyme and Shaw stories, it made them more enjoyable, because, for me, there was too much description and not enough action in the other stories ,although I do appreciate the need to give a decent explanation as to what is happening! Nevertheless a good read and I look forward to more by this author.
Profile Image for Christine Rennie.
2,544 reviews37 followers
July 6, 2024
Dead Ends by Jeffery Deaver is a collection of short stories by the master of storytelling. All of the stories are excellent and some are very clever and devious.
Even as a short story all of the collection are of a very high calibre and are stories which are all completely different.
I have enjoyed reading this collection of stories from the master storyteller that is Jeffery Deaver.
Highly recommended
86 reviews1 follower
July 28, 2024
Nice collection of short stories from Jeffrey Deaver, couple of stories including his most popular characters - Lincoln Rhyme and Colter Shaw. All the stories had different themes and were very well written, as can be expected from Jeffrey Deaver. Overall I enjoyed reading this book and would definitely recommend it,
Thank you HarperCollins UK for an advanced copy of this ebook and giving me a chance to review this book!
141 reviews5 followers
August 5, 2024
I enjoyed this really varied collection of stories from Jeffery Deaver and found it ideal holiday reading. Featuring a Lincoln Rhyme story and a new take on the Whitechapel murders, each individual story contains entertaining twists. Each story has its own satisfying ending which left me eager to read the next one and sad when I had finished the book. Thank you NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read such an entertaining book.
Profile Image for Kieran McAndrew.
2,405 reviews15 followers
August 1, 2024
Deaver's short stories are darkly humorous and incredibly well plotted. The twists at the end should, by all logic, detract from the enjoyment but I definitely enjoyed rereading the stories I've already encountered.

If you're a fan of Jeffery Deaver, then this is an excellent book. If you've never read Daver before, this is a great place to start.
9 reviews3 followers
September 1, 2024
"Dead Ends" by Jeffery Deaver is a great book. It's about solving puzzles and stopping a killer. The main character, Colter Shaw, is smart and brave. He helps the police find the killer by following clues. The story is exciting and keeps you guessing what will happen after. Each chapter has new twists and many turns which make it hard to stop reading. It is well-written and very engaging.
163 reviews
September 13, 2024
Book contains a number of very interesting and varied short stories. They show Jeffery Deaver's story telling expertise and his knowledge on a wide range of subjects and locations. Particularly enjoyed the Colter Shaw, Lincoln Rhyme and retelling of Jack the Ripper tales. All the stories contain the normal Deaver twist at the end.
184 reviews3 followers
July 9, 2024
A good collection of short stories that are great if you’re short of time but still want to get through an entire story. I knocked a star off as I love getting into all the intricacies of a full length Deaver story.
474 reviews2 followers
August 8, 2024
Jeffery Deaver never lets you down and this collection of stories is no exception. Coulter Shaw, Rhyme and Sachs makes an appearance. I can't pick out a favourite story they're all good. Pick up this book you won't be disappointed. Thanks to HarperCollins UK and Netgalley for this review ARC
Profile Image for Holly Reynolds.
413 reviews14 followers
August 6, 2024
The master does it again! I love Jeffery Deaver's books because they always include a wonderful amount of detail and meticulous research, and I am pleased to say that even though this book contains short stories, there is still the same level of attention paid to all elements of the story.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading through each story and trying to see if I could figure out the twist; usually without success, unfortunately!

I broke this down into reading a single story in a setting so that I could savour the tales and really take my time over enjoying them.

A wonderful collection!
290 reviews8 followers
September 5, 2024
Plenty of thrills and chills in this gripping collection of 13 short crime stories. Each tense tale has an unexpected twist. I could not stop reading.
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