Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

No Time Left

3.4 of 5 stars 3.40 · rating details · 715 ratings · 92 reviews

An original short story by New York Times bestselling author David Baldacci.

Frank Becker is a highly sought after, expert assassin. When Becker takes a mysterious job, he has no idea that it will force him to delve deeply into his own past. Undeterred by obstacles he is determined to complete his assignment. But he may realize too late that his success will permanently alt...more

ebook, 21 pages

Published May 2nd 2011 by Grand Central Publishing (first published December 13th 2010)

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

This book is not yet featured on Listopia. Add this book to your favorite list »

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 1,817)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Jan 09, 2013 Eric rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: short-stories, crime

I've never read David Baldacci before, but had heard he is mystery/thriller writer in the vein of Nelson DeMille, James Patterson or Lee Child. I erroneously thought this Kindle Single would be a good entry point to the author. I was mistaken.

Let's set aside that this is a work of speculative fiction featuring one of the hardest aspects to do correctly (view spoiler), and not a mystery/thriller. This was okay with me because I love speculative fiction, when it is done...more I've never read David Baldacci before, but had heard he is mystery/thriller writer in the vein of Nelson DeMille, James Patterson or Lee Child. I erroneously thought this Kindle Single would be a good entry point to the author. I was mistaken.

Let's set aside that this is a work of speculative fiction featuring one of the hardest aspects to do correctly (view spoiler), and not a mystery/thriller. This was okay with me because I love speculative fiction, when it is done well. And that is what I cannot set aside. This is just not done well.

In the beginning of the short story, the protagonist, assassin Frank Becker is described: "It was very much in Becker’s interests to sweat the details, to obsess over them in fact." Then we are shown how methodically he stalks his target, how well he knows his target's routine, and how expertly he picks the time and place to strike him.

With this background information established, Becker is then given a new assignment, and he notes that something about it seems off. But despite flying to and from his previous assignment, he takes a ticket given to him from this new, peculiar client, and takes a train there. I want to stop here and point out that, while I am no expert on assassins,I am guessing no assassin would leave himself so exposed to a double cross from an unknown client. So we have this issue occurring before the speculative fiction twist.

After the train ride, and the ensuing twist, instead of Becker being cautious, diligent, obsessive, or just having any common sense, he immediately walks to the location of his hit, which leaves him no vehicle for a quick escape, and enters the house without doing any surveillance of the target whatsoever.

I won't say anything more than that, for fear of spoiling the story, but needless to say, I had figured out the conclusion ahead of time, and doubt I will be in the minority, as Becker's actions seemed forced to provide that conclusion, and not what the character, from what little is given about him, would do.

I have a deal for Mr. Baldacci: I won't judge his catalog of works based on this short story, which is clearly not the type of fiction he normally writes, but he has to forgive me for this one-star review.(less)

4 likes · like · see review

Jun 26, 2011 Maydayeve rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: david-baldacci

This is a freebie book on my ipad.
I've read almost all of David Baldacci's books since his Absolute Power debut book. This is my first time reading a short story by him, about a hired killer's life with a time travel twist at the end. Tight and well written.

3 likes · like · see review

Mar 19, 2013 Eric Townsend rated it 1 of 5 stars

My first experience with Baldacci’s work, No Time Left is a very short story that I am sure is aimed to shock and amaze the reader quickly and without remorse. Unfortunately, for me this was not the case. I knew what was going to happen to Becker before the midway point of the short piece and while I am usually pretty quick at figuring these sort of things out in books, I think this was more about the obvious setup leading to the ending being responsible.

While I certainly wasn’t looking for a to...more

like · see review

Jan 17, 2013 Pam rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: supense-novel

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

like · see review

Jan 18, 2012 Lakis Fourouklas rated it 2 of 5 stars

I never thought that there would ever come a day, when I’d have to say that David Baldacci has written something not worth reading, but here you go. Thankfully, this is but a short story, which only came out as an eBook, because if it were a novel I’d feel really disappointed.
The protagonist in this story is a man called Frank Becker, a professional assassin, who likes to undertake the most complicated, or rather challenging missions. When it comes to killing he is a man full of surprises. We f...more I never thought that there would ever come a day, when I’d have to say that David Baldacci has written something not worth reading, but here you go. Thankfully, this is but a short story, which only came out as an eBook, because if it were a novel I’d feel really disappointed.
The protagonist in this story is a man called Frank Becker, a professional assassin, who likes to undertake the most complicated, or rather challenging missions. When it comes to killing he is a man full of surprises. We first meet him as he shadows a man, in the crowded streets of an unnamed city, whom he ends up killing with a lethal injection. That takes place on the 5th of May of the year 2000, and so far so good.
In the pages that follow the author talks about the personal history of the assassin, his complicated background and his unhappy childhood. He’s been abused as a child not only by his father, but also by his evil stepmother, a fact that left him scarred for life and created a dangerous void in his psyche.
Becker, who’s spend the last twenty years killing people, is now ready to undertake a new, exciting, but extremely unorthodox mission: he is to assassinate a woman, whom he has never met, for which he knows nothing about, and whose whereabouts are completely unknown to him. The man who hires him though tells him not to worry about a thing and that when the time comes everything will be illuminated. And he’s proven right. And that’s exactly when the reader finds all of a sudden him/herself reading a fantasy story, which is bound to dissolve all and any expectations for a great ending. That doesn’t come to pass because the narration changes genre, but alas because the end of the story seems rushed and, honestly, badly written. As it seems the good author has decided, in his effort to surprise the reader, to walk into Stephen King territory. However, as great as he may be in writing action-packed thrillers, the fantasy game doesn’t seem to suit him. And thus he disappoints.
(less)

like · see review

Oct 14, 2011 Jennifer Hampton rated it 4 of 5 stars

I love Amazon’s Kindle Singles. I think the short story is a dying art but a really necessary one. I bought David Baldacci’s “No Time Left” because I enjoyed some of his novels. The story is fast paced and interesting, especially in his handling of the hit man main character Frank Becker. He manages to make the way the man exhales cigarette smoke an interesting comment on his personality. That kind of characterization is missing from a great deal of work today.

The principle goal of Becker’s life...more

like · see review

Jun 18, 2011 Michelle R. rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: kindle-single, rar

(Originally published at Red Adept Reviews)

Overall: 4 stars

Plot/Storyline: 3 stars

Almost all the reviews I've read have been pretty negative, and so I had no idea how I would feel about the story. Some of this seems to have to do with the reviewers possibly being fans of the author, or at least knowing his name, but not particularly fans of short stories. Some of these reviewers dinged the story for not making it clear "why" the events happened, the motives of the character that set the plot on...more (Originally published at Red Adept Reviews)

Overall: 4 stars

Plot/Storyline: 3 stars

Almost all the reviews I've read have been pretty negative, and so I had no idea how I would feel about the story. Some of this seems to have to do with the reviewers possibly being fans of the author, or at least knowing his name, but not particularly fans of short stories. Some of these reviewers dinged the story for not making it clear "why" the events happened, the motives of the character that set the plot on motion; I didn't think it was necessary or even expected in a story of this size. (These details can be up to the reader to supply. I don't think there are a shortage of people with motive.) What I do agree with is that, after a certain point, about mid-way, most people will know exactly how the story will end. From that moment on, the reader can only enjoy the other charms of the story, and continue on it order to confirm what he or she already knows.

No Time Left had the feel of an old Twilight Zone episode. Perhaps this is another reason why I didn't need to know the exact why - because this tradition has always played on the reader's sense that there are forces at work, agents who usually dole out some form of poetic justice - with a twist. (Sometimes the tradition is about feeding on our worst paranoid fears, but that's another topic.) I felt like Frank Becker could have walked past Rod Serling at any moment. Of course, this leads me back to how old Twilight Zone episodes also have resolutions that are obvious from a mile away.

Still, the story was pleasing to me. I think potential readers are more apt to enjoy this if they are fans of short stories. If the appeal is the author based on his longer works then there is a chance that they might be at least slightly disappointed. This is a simple story with few events and only one twist.

Characters: 4 1/2 stars

The only character who matters here is Frank Becker. Again, some might mind that we never find out more about his newest client, but I find it to be a non-issue. Baldacci presents a very interesting character study and, in few words, hints at why Becker is the way he is - not the nicest or most popular guy.

I do have to take something off since the first portion of the story is about Becker leaving nothing to chance and being brilliant, but he failed to ask questions at a key moment, failed - after we're told about his patience - to take a few minutes to make sense of things. Baldacci wanted us to see this guy as brilliant, but allowed him to miss important details. He sacrificed character for plot. This is a valid choice, but it's not one that he can make without it dinging characterization.

Writing Style: 5 stars

I found the writing to be interesting and crisp. I can see why the author is popular. I felt Mr. Baldacci told this story the best that he could, given the above issue of predictability and needed moment of character inconsistency. Within the structure and limitations of a short story, the author got across a good amount of information, both through direct exposition and implication. (less)

1 like · like · see review

Aug 28, 2011 Vicky rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporains

Very good short story! It's the first thing I read from this author. I'm not going to talk about the story because I don't want to give it away. The story itself is original and works as long as you reader agree to suspend your belief and go along without asking too many questions. The high point, for me, in this story is the narration! There is a very close relation between the narration and the main character. They are alike, similar in so many ways, a reflection of one another; uninvolved, di...more

like · see review

Dec 17, 2011 Bernie Charbonneau rated it 3 of 5 stars

Mr. Baldacci is one of my fav authors so when I saw this little ditty of a story I gave it a read while in the john, ok, not really, but that's how long it took to read. I prefer to get involved in a story so this was much to short for me. It was different from the plots you have come to know from this author, I theorize that Mr. Baldacci was himself doing his morning constitution, reading a short Stephen King plot when he said to himself, "I can do better than this", and that is what we have he...more

like · see review

May 13, 2011 Geoffrey Summer rated it 1 of 5 stars

This was a huge disappointment and I'm a huge Baldacci fan. I read almost everything he puts out as soon as it's released and I dont understand this one. It was even short for a short story. I figured out the inexplicable ending about halfway through. It reads like he wrote it in high school and then decided to dust it off so he could have a 99 cent offering to compete with what a lot of other big name authors are trying and with the Amazon shorts. If you love Baldacci go ahead but at your own r...more

like · see review

Jan 02, 2012 Kimberly rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: suspense

I am somewhat disappointed. I knew it was a short story, but I bought it so I could get a feel for David Baldacci's style. I have heard many good reports about him. I wish the story was a little longer and that it wrapped up a little more. I was expecting the victim to be the person she turned out to be, but who was the man who ordered the hit? And what was his story? Do all of David Baldacci's end similarly? If so, I am not sure I will read anymore.

like · see review

May 19, 2011 Kerry rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: mystery, audible-library-kerry, audio-listened

I got suckered in to buying this audio "short story" for a buck. Glad I only wasted a dollar on it :)! It was more like a 1st chapter than a short story. I'm not sure exactly what the point was to be honest. It was an interesting concept - but it really needed an ending to tie it all together and clue me in to what it was all about. Or, perhaps I just missed the point. Who knows? I'm not sure it was really even worth a dollar.

1 like · like · see review

Jul 30, 2011 Matt rated it 3 of 5 stars

With such a short short-story, it is hard not to offer any spoilers. Baldacci is usually quite good, bringing the story along with narration and character interaction. This was not as 'Baldaccian' as I usually expect, but still told an interesting tale of sorts.

I was not all that impressed with the premise, as this is not Baldacci's style, but the plot and the ending did have my eyebrows raising a few times.

1 like · like · see review

Oct 31, 2012 Forrest rated it 3 of 5 stars

This is an entertain short story. I am not a critic of short stories and normally don't read them. I was waiting for the new John Grisham book to come out, so I downloaded this on my Kindle. I actually read it in one sitting, much to my surprise. This is an ok book an does not add or detract from me being an avid fan of Baldacci's books.

like · see review

Dec 13, 2012 Tomisvick rated it 4 of 5 stars

It's okay and had me wondering at times. There is always a problem when you play with the concept of going backward and forward in time and it always leaves the readers with questions. I haven't read any of his novels, but I'm sure glad he put this in a story and not try it out full length. We could have another Looper on our hands.

like · see review

Sep 07, 2011 Ruds rated it 1 of 5 stars

Very short short story. Took me less than thirty minutes. I don't see the point in writing this book-you can't even call it that, except, perhaps, to make a quick buck from those loyal followers who would promptly snap up any work from this author. Even I can do better than this. Bad. Bad. bad. I want my thirty minutes back.

1 like · like · see review

Aug 25, 2011 Paula rated it 5 of 5 stars

Oh yum, yum - a "short" and certainly not a long read, but GREAT for the few minutes it took - good on David Baldacci for writing this short piece - this was another that after I read it, I said to my husband he needed to read this (he is VERY into this type of topic) and he enjoyed it as much as I did!

like · see review

Jan 31, 2013 Huma rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: baldacci, e-book

This was a refreshing story to read. It was a bit boring at the start, but I was hooked once the time travel twist came. Of course, I had guessed the ending the moment the moment I realized the assassin had traveled back 50 years, but I still enjoyed reading it to the end.

like · see review

Jun 03, 2012 Adrienne rated it 2 of 5 stars

I'm not much for short stories and didn't realize that's what this was when I first downloaded it. It wasn't up to Baldacci's usual quality...I figured out the ending early on, which is always a bummer, and not like his books. Not really worth reading in my opinion.

like · see review

Mar 11, 2013 David Tolvay rated it 2 of 5 stars

I was left with many questions. it did not make a lot of sense to me and felt a little to short upon initially reading it. After reflecting on it, I liked it a bit better. Feels like it would be a better intro to a full novel.

like · see review

Jul 25, 2011 Zulma Antepara rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Everyone

Recommended to Zulma by: A friend

This was a short read but I enjoyed it. The story was about an individual who took contracts to kill people. He was very clever in the methods he used, but as the story continues everything catches up to you. I loved it!

like · see review

Feb 20, 2013 Darcy rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2013, audio-book, mystery, short-stories

I was actually a little bored with this one until I got to the end, then my mind was blown away with what was revealed. I think I will have to read again, will be totally different knowing what I know now.

like · see review

May 11, 2012 Dreamcypher rated it 2 of 5 stars

Strange story with a twist at the end, but not something that appealed to me. Was okay, but won't be reading it again. Am willing to try other books by the author, but this was a waste for me.

like · see review

Apr 30, 2012 Marla rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-2012

Even though this was only 99 cents i was very disappointed. I realize it was a short story but only 21 pages. Come on most are a least 50-100. I won't be rushing out to buy others of his books

like · see review

Jan 03, 2012 Miss Mouse rated it 3 of 5 stars

Really liked it. As a short story goes it was captivating. Would be nice to know before ordering just how short a story it is, and that it is a short story (guess the price was the indicator, lol)

like · see review

Jul 12, 2012 Kelly rated it 4 of 5 stars

This an enjoyable quick read. I thought it was very fun. I predicted the ending, but it didn't matter because it was so short any way. This is a fun read! No sex and no swearing.

like · see review

May 27, 2011 Stephen Campbell rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I appreciate the short story form, but this one just didn't do it for me. Characters that were uninteresting and a really heavy handed way of dealing with the story's only plot twist.

like · see review

Aug 25, 2011 Laura rated it 2 of 5 stars

I wish I had noticed that it was only about 15 pages when I purchased it on Barnes and Noble Good Deals for a buck. I like short stories but that was ridiculously short.

like · see review

May 27, 2012 Lorraine rated it 3 of 5 stars

When I downloaded this book I didn't realize that it was a short story. After reading the 42 pages I have to say that it was interesting however not original.

like · see review

Aug 22, 2011 Heidi rated it 1 of 5 stars

I was very disappointed. I Think I was on page 10 when I figured out how the story was going to end. It was very predictable but it was a quick and very easy read.

like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 60 61 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

Recommend it | Stats | Recent status updates

combine
Other Editions (3)

Genres

Mystery

11 users

Thriller

10 users

Short Stories

5 users

Literary Fiction

5 users

Suspense

4 users

Thriller > Mystery Thriller

3 users

Mystery > Crime

2 users

Action

2 users

See top shelves...

Readers also enjoyed similar books

No Rest for the Dead
by Andrew Gulli (Editor)
Life Blood
by Thomas Hoover
Darkness on the Edge of Town
by J. Carson Black
The Balkan Escape: A Cassiopeia Vitt Adventure
by Steve Berry
The Archimedes Effect
by Steve Perry

About David Baldacci

David Baldacci was born in Virginia, in 1960, where he currently resides. He received a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Virginia Commonwealth University and a law degree from the University of Virginia. Mr. Baldacci practiced law for nine years in Washington, D.C., as both a trial and corporate attorney.

David Baldacci has published sixteen novels: Absolute Power, Total Control, The Win...more

More about David Baldacci...

Books by David Baldacci

Split Second (Sean King & Michelle Maxwell, #1)

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About No Time Left

No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »

title link	preview: No Time Left
avg rating	preview: No Time Left Goodreads rating: 3.40 (715 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10390802-no-time-left?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328307795l/10390802.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10390802-no-time-left?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]No Time Left by David Baldacci[/url]

No Time Left

Friend Reviews

Community Reviews

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website