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Cause of Death
Jon Talbot is a history professor who makes sense of the past by examining facts. He also knows how to speculate about the what-ifs. Jon’s doing both following the death of his wife, Pax. Driving home late from a volunteer assignment, she plunged off a mountain highway and died. The police find nothing suspicious about the facts: a deer in the road, a blown tire, a broken neck. But the what-ifs are leading Jon down a twisting trail of secrets. After five years of marriage, he is finally getting to know his wife.
91 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 29, 2021
2351 people are currently reading
1102 people want to read
About the author
Jeffery Deaver
512 books11.8k 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 488 reviews
November 17, 2021
Cause of Death by Jeffery Deaver
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
Joe Talbot's wife has just died in a single car accident. He seems numb but then we find that he's always seemed numb to others when faced with death in the family. He quickly decides that his wife's death was murder rather than an accident so he sets off to investigate her death.
I love character studies and short stories can be short on allowing us to get to know the characters. There isn't time to develop the character of Joe, in this story, so it was hard to relate to how he jumps to the murder conclusion so easily, Yes, we see him do it and we know because he's a historian, he sees things a certain way, but I couldn't connect to this person and his quick moves from point A to B to C. As often happens, I end up thinking short stories aren't for me, even if they are good, unless they are attached to a series that I'm already reading.
This was a Kindle Unlimited audio selection.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
Joe Talbot's wife has just died in a single car accident. He seems numb but then we find that he's always seemed numb to others when faced with death in the family. He quickly decides that his wife's death was murder rather than an accident so he sets off to investigate her death.
I love character studies and short stories can be short on allowing us to get to know the characters. There isn't time to develop the character of Joe, in this story, so it was hard to relate to how he jumps to the murder conclusion so easily, Yes, we see him do it and we know because he's a historian, he sees things a certain way, but I couldn't connect to this person and his quick moves from point A to B to C. As often happens, I end up thinking short stories aren't for me, even if they are good, unless they are attached to a series that I'm already reading.
This was a Kindle Unlimited audio selection.
July 16, 2021
This is a short story from Jeffery Deaver set in Martinsville County, Massachusetts, where History Professor Jon Talbot is grieving the recent accidental death of his wife, Patience 'Pax' Susan Addison, a charity worker and volunteer. Intent on driving home, Pax died after hitting a deer on the road, in what appeared a straightforward RTA. This all changes when a Detective Roland Briggs visits Jon at home, hoping to get his hands on Pax's mobile phone, but it is not amongst the items returned to him, and neither is her laptop. Becoming deeply suspicious as to why a detective is involved in a road accident, Jon talks to Deputy Terry Garner about what he begins to suspect is the murder of his wife.
Initially Deputy Garner, a friend, is far from convinced that there are any grounds for thinking that this is a case of murder, but evidence at the site of the accident and another murder has him warning Jon to be very careful. Jon becomes historian as detective as he slowly begins to learn that there is far more to Pax than he ever knew, knowing he must find out who killed her. This is to bring him far more danger than he ever could have imagined. This is a great short story from Deaver, entertaining, twisty, tense, and intriguing, one that will appeal to his many crime fiction fans and other readers too. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
Initially Deputy Garner, a friend, is far from convinced that there are any grounds for thinking that this is a case of murder, but evidence at the site of the accident and another murder has him warning Jon to be very careful. Jon becomes historian as detective as he slowly begins to learn that there is far more to Pax than he ever knew, knowing he must find out who killed her. This is to bring him far more danger than he ever could have imagined. This is a great short story from Deaver, entertaining, twisty, tense, and intriguing, one that will appeal to his many crime fiction fans and other readers too. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
July 19, 2021
How well do you really know your spouse?
Jon thought he knew his wife Patience. (Or his pet name for her – Pax). But he is soon to discover that there may be pieces of her last that she kept from him.
Jon heard the news that his wife Pax was killed in an accident on a mountain road. Her car drove off the shoulder and tumbled down the embankment. The police are quick to say it was an accident. But Jon believes there must be something more. He thinks she may have been murdered! But who would kill his wife? And why?
This was a super quick short story that I read in only a sitting. I was intrigued right from the start what secrets would unfold.
This would have made for a great full length book with the characters given more time to develop. But Jeffrey Deaver provides enough depth to give you the connection you need.
I’ve read most every book written by this author and he never disappoints!
Posted to: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories.
Jon thought he knew his wife Patience. (Or his pet name for her – Pax). But he is soon to discover that there may be pieces of her last that she kept from him.
Jon heard the news that his wife Pax was killed in an accident on a mountain road. Her car drove off the shoulder and tumbled down the embankment. The police are quick to say it was an accident. But Jon believes there must be something more. He thinks she may have been murdered! But who would kill his wife? And why?
This was a super quick short story that I read in only a sitting. I was intrigued right from the start what secrets would unfold.
This would have made for a great full length book with the characters given more time to develop. But Jeffrey Deaver provides enough depth to give you the connection you need.
I’ve read most every book written by this author and he never disappoints!
Posted to: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories.
July 30, 2021
Jon Talbot, a history professor arrives at a medical examiner's office to identify a body. His wife Pax was killed in an automobile accident after going off a mountain slope at high speed. After the funeral, her possessions are returned to Jon, but he notices that her phone and computer are missing. Jon and a deputy went to the scene to see if they can locate her belongings, but what they saw lead to more questions.
This is one of the best short stories I've read in a long time! I don't know how Deaver does it, but this little gem is filled with suspense, a good twist, and has a strong lead character. Fans of James Patterson Book Shots will enjoy this one. I hope to read more like this, highly recommend it!
Thank you Amazon Original Stories and Netgalley for this ARC.
Available July 29, 2021.
This is one of the best short stories I've read in a long time! I don't know how Deaver does it, but this little gem is filled with suspense, a good twist, and has a strong lead character. Fans of James Patterson Book Shots will enjoy this one. I hope to read more like this, highly recommend it!
Thank you Amazon Original Stories and Netgalley for this ARC.
Available July 29, 2021.
July 22, 2021
5★
“I glance over the heads of the mourners and see him. A man in the woods.
. . .
And he’s staring directly at me. I am in sunglasses too, Ray-Bans, and can keep my face pointed at the harpist while watching him.”
I do love a good story, short or long, and this is a good one! The narrator is at a funeral. The Goodreads blurb tells you his wife has just died when her car hit a deer and went flying down a steep hillside. He’s a professor of history, someone who likes to research the details, not just cherry-pick a few facts and fabricate the rest.
Yes, she was a bit of a lead-foot and adrenalin junkie. She’d worked in some dangerous places overseas, but now she’s a wife and charity worker. Still, she did like speed.
“Detective Bragg had been right about her driving “pretty fast.” When she plowed off the highway on Palmer Mountain she’d been doing close to seventy. In a fifty-five zone.”
He drags the detective out to the site to have a look. He’s not happy about a few of the details – or rather, the missing details. He knows he may be grasping at straws, but he does have his own history with this sort of thing.
“I step across the road and climb the brush-covered hill. Grassy knoll, I think. I wrote a dissertation on the Kennedy assassination.”
The style of the first part of the story is choppy but keeps things moving. It gets more and more complicated and interesting and is a terrific investigation. I can’t begin to tell you how much Deaver manages to fit into a story that could have been developed into a novel.
Loved it! Thanks NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for the preview copy. I’m so glad Amazon is promoting short stories.
“I glance over the heads of the mourners and see him. A man in the woods.
. . .
And he’s staring directly at me. I am in sunglasses too, Ray-Bans, and can keep my face pointed at the harpist while watching him.”
I do love a good story, short or long, and this is a good one! The narrator is at a funeral. The Goodreads blurb tells you his wife has just died when her car hit a deer and went flying down a steep hillside. He’s a professor of history, someone who likes to research the details, not just cherry-pick a few facts and fabricate the rest.
Yes, she was a bit of a lead-foot and adrenalin junkie. She’d worked in some dangerous places overseas, but now she’s a wife and charity worker. Still, she did like speed.
“Detective Bragg had been right about her driving “pretty fast.” When she plowed off the highway on Palmer Mountain she’d been doing close to seventy. In a fifty-five zone.”
He drags the detective out to the site to have a look. He’s not happy about a few of the details – or rather, the missing details. He knows he may be grasping at straws, but he does have his own history with this sort of thing.
“I step across the road and climb the brush-covered hill. Grassy knoll, I think. I wrote a dissertation on the Kennedy assassination.”
The style of the first part of the story is choppy but keeps things moving. It gets more and more complicated and interesting and is a terrific investigation. I can’t begin to tell you how much Deaver manages to fit into a story that could have been developed into a novel.
Loved it! Thanks NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for the preview copy. I’m so glad Amazon is promoting short stories.
August 7, 2021
3.5 rounded up!
Jon Talbot’s wife died when she drove off a cliff side, presumably to avoid hitting a deer. But, he doesn’t think it was an accident and he sets out to prove that it was murder.
He covers a lot of ground in just 77 pages.
I was POSITIVE that I had this one figured out.
I was WRONG! 😳
Included with your Amazon Prime membership if you have one, and available now.
Jon Talbot’s wife died when she drove off a cliff side, presumably to avoid hitting a deer. But, he doesn’t think it was an accident and he sets out to prove that it was murder.
He covers a lot of ground in just 77 pages.
I was POSITIVE that I had this one figured out.
I was WRONG! 😳
Included with your Amazon Prime membership if you have one, and available now.
August 4, 2021
EXCERPT: The man identifies himself as the county medical examiner. After we sit, he assumes the same forward-leaning angle as the counsellor. He withdraws two photographs from a file folder, asking me if they are of my wife, Patience Susan Addison. Here, in Martinsville County, Massachusetts, one doesn't identify the corpse itself by looking at the body in a file cabinet tray, the way it works in TV shows and perhaps other jurisdictions.
The pictures are color printouts, four-by-fives. Maybe they've discovered that larger pictures are more likely to ignite hysteria.
I look at the heart-shaped face, her eyes closed, complexion understandably paler than when she was among the living. There are no scars or bruises. She died of a broken neck. A different camera angle would have revealed that, I know.
I regard a second photograph. The tattoo of a ginkgo leaf on her ankle.
'Yes. That's her.'
ABOUT 'CAUSE OF DEATH': Jon Talbot is a history professor who makes sense of the past by examining facts. He also knows how to speculate about the what-ifs. Jon’s doing both following the death of his wife, Pax. Driving home late from a volunteer assignment, she plunged off a mountain highway and died. The police find nothing suspicious about the facts: a deer in the road, a blown tire, a broken neck. But the what-ifs are leading Jon down a twisting trail of secrets. After five years of marriage, he is finally getting to know his wife.
MY THOUGHTS: Jeffery Deaver has written a gripping short story about a history professor investigating his wife's death. Unusually for a short story, the main characters are really well fleshed out. Jon Talbot deals with life the same way he teaches history: in microscopic pieces. And he uses the same method to investigate the death of his wife, even though the police have ruled it accidental, when he discovers a few inconsistencies, such as a burner phone. Why would an aid worker need a burner phone?
Cause of Death is gripping, exciting, entertaining and tense. I enjoyed getting to know Jon, and through him, his wife.
A highly recommended one-sitting read.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.4
#CauseofDeath #NetGalley
I: @officialjefferydeaver #amazonoriginalstories
T: @JefferyDeaver #AmazonOriginalStories
#contemporaryfiction #crime #domesticdrama #mystery #shortstory
THE AUTHOR: Jeffery Deaver is an international number-one bestselling author. His novels have appeared on bestseller lists around the world. His books are sold in 150 countries and translated into twenty-five languages. He has served two terms as president of Mystery Writers of America, and was recently named a Grand Master of MWA, whose ranks include Agatha Christie, Ellery Queen, Mary Higgins Clark and Walter Mosely.
The author of more than forty novels, three collections of short stories and a nonfiction law book, and a lyricist of a country-western album, he’s received or been shortlisted for dozens of awards.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Amazon Original Stories via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of Cause of Death by Jeffery Deaver for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Instagram, Amazon and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
The pictures are color printouts, four-by-fives. Maybe they've discovered that larger pictures are more likely to ignite hysteria.
I look at the heart-shaped face, her eyes closed, complexion understandably paler than when she was among the living. There are no scars or bruises. She died of a broken neck. A different camera angle would have revealed that, I know.
I regard a second photograph. The tattoo of a ginkgo leaf on her ankle.
'Yes. That's her.'
ABOUT 'CAUSE OF DEATH': Jon Talbot is a history professor who makes sense of the past by examining facts. He also knows how to speculate about the what-ifs. Jon’s doing both following the death of his wife, Pax. Driving home late from a volunteer assignment, she plunged off a mountain highway and died. The police find nothing suspicious about the facts: a deer in the road, a blown tire, a broken neck. But the what-ifs are leading Jon down a twisting trail of secrets. After five years of marriage, he is finally getting to know his wife.
MY THOUGHTS: Jeffery Deaver has written a gripping short story about a history professor investigating his wife's death. Unusually for a short story, the main characters are really well fleshed out. Jon Talbot deals with life the same way he teaches history: in microscopic pieces. And he uses the same method to investigate the death of his wife, even though the police have ruled it accidental, when he discovers a few inconsistencies, such as a burner phone. Why would an aid worker need a burner phone?
Cause of Death is gripping, exciting, entertaining and tense. I enjoyed getting to know Jon, and through him, his wife.
A highly recommended one-sitting read.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.4
#CauseofDeath #NetGalley
I: @officialjefferydeaver #amazonoriginalstories
T: @JefferyDeaver #AmazonOriginalStories
#contemporaryfiction #crime #domesticdrama #mystery #shortstory
THE AUTHOR: Jeffery Deaver is an international number-one bestselling author. His novels have appeared on bestseller lists around the world. His books are sold in 150 countries and translated into twenty-five languages. He has served two terms as president of Mystery Writers of America, and was recently named a Grand Master of MWA, whose ranks include Agatha Christie, Ellery Queen, Mary Higgins Clark and Walter Mosely.
The author of more than forty novels, three collections of short stories and a nonfiction law book, and a lyricist of a country-western album, he’s received or been shortlisted for dozens of awards.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Amazon Original Stories via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of Cause of Death by Jeffery Deaver for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Instagram, Amazon and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
August 10, 2021
Renowned international bestselling author, Jeffery Deaver, manages to pack more mystery, intrigue, and danger into this 77-page short story than is found in many full-length novels. He is a master storyteller, using carefully crafted wording with no unnecessary fillers, he keeps the reader engaged and in suspense. The characters have depth. The plot is complex, but the short story never feels too dense or bloated. I would never have predicted the twists at the conclusion of this puzzling tale.
Jon Talbot, a history professor, has just lost his wife, Pax, after five years of marriage. She died in a tragic car accident while driving home from her duties as a volunteer charity aid. There were signs that she hit a deer, there was evidence of a blown tire, and her vehicle went over a cliff.
Detective Roland Briggs visits Jon's home wanting her cell phone, but both her mobile and laptop were missing from the accident scene. Jon is becoming suspicious. Why is a detective investigating a routine traffic accident? He talks with an old friend, Deputy Garner, and has begun to believe his wife may have been murdered, but why? Garner is sympathetic but not convinced. The historian becomes a detective as he discovers inconsistencies in the case.
John is learning that Pax had a secret life, mostly unknown to him. Why would a charity worker have a password-protected burner phone? Who is the mysterious man he saw from a distance observing Pax's burial? Why is he following him in a black vehicle? He discovers that the man and Pax had been together in an old photograph and recently seen together. All evidence points to a longstanding affair that was still going on. Was this man, of violent reputation, involved in her death? Does he want to kill Jon? Two more bodies are discovered in this usually peaceful town. Jon is warned to be very careful, but Briggs suspects Jon for at least one of the murders.
Jon's determination to find out more about his wife's life and the manner of her death leads him into a situation where he is captured and at risk of being killed. This is an exciting, suspenseful story to keep the reader puzzled and guessing.
Jon Talbot, a history professor, has just lost his wife, Pax, after five years of marriage. She died in a tragic car accident while driving home from her duties as a volunteer charity aid. There were signs that she hit a deer, there was evidence of a blown tire, and her vehicle went over a cliff.
Detective Roland Briggs visits Jon's home wanting her cell phone, but both her mobile and laptop were missing from the accident scene. Jon is becoming suspicious. Why is a detective investigating a routine traffic accident? He talks with an old friend, Deputy Garner, and has begun to believe his wife may have been murdered, but why? Garner is sympathetic but not convinced. The historian becomes a detective as he discovers inconsistencies in the case.
John is learning that Pax had a secret life, mostly unknown to him. Why would a charity worker have a password-protected burner phone? Who is the mysterious man he saw from a distance observing Pax's burial? Why is he following him in a black vehicle? He discovers that the man and Pax had been together in an old photograph and recently seen together. All evidence points to a longstanding affair that was still going on. Was this man, of violent reputation, involved in her death? Does he want to kill Jon? Two more bodies are discovered in this usually peaceful town. Jon is warned to be very careful, but Briggs suspects Jon for at least one of the murders.
Jon's determination to find out more about his wife's life and the manner of her death leads him into a situation where he is captured and at risk of being killed. This is an exciting, suspenseful story to keep the reader puzzled and guessing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2021
One of the biggest problems with short stories is that there is never enough time to really develop the characters and I really felt that with this one. Deaver is obviously a popular author and skilled at writing in the crime genre, but, despite the fact that he masterfully develops a story where the reader does not know if the MC is the murderer or not, because I had no feelings for him, I did not care.
My lack of attachment, plus the fact that the story veers into the unreal at the end, diminished it for me and I can only say I liked it but did not love it. Worth reading but I probably will not remember it.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this story.
My lack of attachment, plus the fact that the story veers into the unreal at the end, diminished it for me and I can only say I liked it but did not love it. Worth reading but I probably will not remember it.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this story.
July 27, 2021
This novella, available July 29, 2021, was Read Now on Netgalley so thank you to them and to the publisher, Amazon Original Stories. This was an okay story but, although the beginning piqued my interest, the overall theme isn't one I'd normally gravitate to and so I didn't enjoy it as much as some readers. The reveals at the end of the book seemed a bit implausible to me but, as I said, this isn't my usual type of read and I'm no expert.
July 28, 2021
A short suspensful story.
Deaver is known for his surprising twists. And of course they are in this short story too. Jon decides to investigate his wife's fatal car accident. He soon finds out that the whole thing is more suspicious than it initially seemed. To make matters worse, a mysterious man follows him. Was he the one who murdered Jon's wife? And if so, why?
Deaver is great at writing a good short stories. Nothing is missing here. Not only do we have an interesting mystery, but the author also managed to create a three-dimensional main character - Jon, in a few efficient and simple scenes. He is perfect for leading us through this story, in which we reveal the layers of this mystery with him.
Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Deaver is known for his surprising twists. And of course they are in this short story too. Jon decides to investigate his wife's fatal car accident. He soon finds out that the whole thing is more suspicious than it initially seemed. To make matters worse, a mysterious man follows him. Was he the one who murdered Jon's wife? And if so, why?
Deaver is great at writing a good short stories. Nothing is missing here. Not only do we have an interesting mystery, but the author also managed to create a three-dimensional main character - Jon, in a few efficient and simple scenes. He is perfect for leading us through this story, in which we reveal the layers of this mystery with him.
Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 1, 2021
The master of twists & turns dishes up a neat little short story about a historian who turns detective when his wife is killed in a car crash & he suspects foul play.
Instead of trying to cram in too many twists, as Deaver occasionally does, he just racks up the tension beautifully. A good thriller to read & enjoy before Deaver's new Lincoln Rhyme novel, The Midnight Lock, is puiblished in November.
Instead of trying to cram in too many twists, as Deaver occasionally does, he just racks up the tension beautifully. A good thriller to read & enjoy before Deaver's new Lincoln Rhyme novel, The Midnight Lock, is puiblished in November.
July 24, 2021
History professor Jon Talbot's wife Patience is killed in an automobile accident. When he discovers that her phone and computer are missing from her personal effects, he goes to the scene with a police friend and more things don't add up. So he starts his own investigation, which leads him to question who Patoence really was.
This was a quick, enjoyable read. Deaver excels at building suspense and a good mystery in such a short amount of pages. I enjoyed the fact that Jon shared his logic in how he investigates his wife's death. A solid short story that you can tackle in a little over an hour!
Thank you to Amazon Original Stories, Jeffery Deaver, and NetGalley for gifting me a digital copy of this short story in exchange for my honest review.
This was a quick, enjoyable read. Deaver excels at building suspense and a good mystery in such a short amount of pages. I enjoyed the fact that Jon shared his logic in how he investigates his wife's death. A solid short story that you can tackle in a little over an hour!
Thank you to Amazon Original Stories, Jeffery Deaver, and NetGalley for gifting me a digital copy of this short story in exchange for my honest review.
August 3, 2021
Cause of Death is a short story mystery about Jon Talbot’s search for answers concerning his wife’s whereabouts in the preceding weeks before her suspicious death.
The first half of the story was my favorite. The narrator played an amateur sleuth game while looking for clues surrounding his wife’s suspicious death. I wasn’t quite sure if Jon was an unreliable narrator, had underlying psychological issues, or was simply suffering from grief. It kept me guessing.
Unfortunately, the last 25%, veered off the path I suspected the story was on into a forced, mediocre ending. With the early foreshadowing about his wife’s past (like how well you know your wife), and Jon’s mental digression on history and battle tactics (given his history professor status), I was sure to find a shocking psychological thriller-like conclusion. However, it was like riding a roller coaster and instead of the feel of going over a huge hill, it was like coasting into the exit. What was the point about the memories of his uncle? Other parts were ridiculously contrived, especially about the thing his wife did weekly and what that meant for Jon’s future (in the epilogue).
Overall, what began strong turned out as lackluster. I am just glad the story was short.
The first half of the story was my favorite. The narrator played an amateur sleuth game while looking for clues surrounding his wife’s suspicious death. I wasn’t quite sure if Jon was an unreliable narrator, had underlying psychological issues, or was simply suffering from grief. It kept me guessing.
Unfortunately, the last 25%, veered off the path I suspected the story was on into a forced, mediocre ending. With the early foreshadowing about his wife’s past (like how well you know your wife), and Jon’s mental digression on history and battle tactics (given his history professor status), I was sure to find a shocking psychological thriller-like conclusion. However, it was like riding a roller coaster and instead of the feel of going over a huge hill, it was like coasting into the exit. What was the point about the memories of his uncle? Other parts were ridiculously contrived, especially about the thing his wife did weekly and what that meant for Jon’s future (in the epilogue).
Overall, what began strong turned out as lackluster. I am just glad the story was short.
October 17, 2021
This 77 page short story by author Jeffery Deaver is a very entertaining read, well written, decent plot and full of detail. Quite often short stories fail for me because they lack plot detail and the characters don’t have enough meat on them to fully satisfy me. Jeffery Deaver and Jeffrey Archer are two authors who manage to overcome those obstacles and both write very good shorter stories and novellas.
Jon Talbot is a history professor who is grieving following the death of his wife Pax. She was driving home late from a volunteer assignment when she plunged off a mountain highway and died. The police reported no suspicious circumstances surrounding her death, they found a dead deer in the road and a blown tyre. But Jon is naturally inquisitive and questions the facts surrounding her death. His digging and questions uncover a twisting trail of secrets and deceit. What he learns that after five years of marriage, he is finally getting to know his wife.
A quick enjoyable read that somehow offers everything that a full length novel does.
Jon Talbot is a history professor who is grieving following the death of his wife Pax. She was driving home late from a volunteer assignment when she plunged off a mountain highway and died. The police reported no suspicious circumstances surrounding her death, they found a dead deer in the road and a blown tyre. But Jon is naturally inquisitive and questions the facts surrounding her death. His digging and questions uncover a twisting trail of secrets and deceit. What he learns that after five years of marriage, he is finally getting to know his wife.
A quick enjoyable read that somehow offers everything that a full length novel does.
June 26, 2025
Jeffrey Deaver again shows that he is the "King of Twists" with this short novella. It begins with History Professor Jon Talbot grieving the death of his beloved wife, Pax, in an automobile accident that occurred when she was driving too fast on a winding road, hit a deer, and tumbled down a sharp cliff.
During this initial grieving period, the sentence structure is short and choppy, mirroring the depression Jon was feeling. Initially, I thought this was simply mediocre writing, but as the story progressed, the sentence structure changed, again mirroring Jon's thought processes, as he switched from grief into investigative mode.
The story begins to shift when Jon notices a man at Pax's funeral who piques his interest. Then Detective Roland Briggs visits Jon at home, requesting Pax's mobile phone, which is missing. These two events set off Jon's research predilection, and he begins looking a bit deeper into the accident, and more thoroughly into Pax's recent activities.
Any more said would get me into spoiler territory. There is twist, after twist, after twist, all occurring in a 77 page novella. The solution to the mystery isn't revealed until the end, which for me, at least, came as a surprise.
This is an exciting, suspenseful short story that should please many readers.
During this initial grieving period, the sentence structure is short and choppy, mirroring the depression Jon was feeling. Initially, I thought this was simply mediocre writing, but as the story progressed, the sentence structure changed, again mirroring Jon's thought processes, as he switched from grief into investigative mode.
The story begins to shift when Jon notices a man at Pax's funeral who piques his interest. Then Detective Roland Briggs visits Jon at home, requesting Pax's mobile phone, which is missing. These two events set off Jon's research predilection, and he begins looking a bit deeper into the accident, and more thoroughly into Pax's recent activities.
Any more said would get me into spoiler territory. There is twist, after twist, after twist, all occurring in a 77 page novella. The solution to the mystery isn't revealed until the end, which for me, at least, came as a surprise.
This is an exciting, suspenseful short story that should please many readers.
August 26, 2021
A short story by Jeffrey Deaver, Cause of Death is akin to car vrooming and zooming at a breakneck speed at the end after having maintained a slow and steady pace for almost 100kms. The end is as explosive as it could get with a sudden twist of plot that I had no way of foreseeing, coz the author very nicely manages to weave the reader’s attention to various other sub-plots rather than that climax. Well, no surprise there, it is Jeffrey Deaver and he surely knows to create a gripping story.
A simple road accident is what led to Jon Talbot’s wife's death. But the sight of the accident reveals more than what Jon had bargained for and he is forced to use his skills as a historian in unearthing the secrets hidden by his wife. It is admirable that the author provides a peculiar narrative to the protagonist and the fact that he comes across as cold and unaffected by the death of his wife was so brilliantly conveyed. There’s a sense of detachment that is clearly evident to the reader.
A story that is guaranteed to give a jolt to your senses, Cause of Death is a must-read for fans of mysteries.
This review is published in my blog https://rainnbooks.com/, Goodreads, Amazon India, Book Bub, Medium.com, Facebook, and Twitter.
A simple road accident is what led to Jon Talbot’s wife's death. But the sight of the accident reveals more than what Jon had bargained for and he is forced to use his skills as a historian in unearthing the secrets hidden by his wife. It is admirable that the author provides a peculiar narrative to the protagonist and the fact that he comes across as cold and unaffected by the death of his wife was so brilliantly conveyed. There’s a sense of detachment that is clearly evident to the reader.
A story that is guaranteed to give a jolt to your senses, Cause of Death is a must-read for fans of mysteries.
This review is published in my blog https://rainnbooks.com/, Goodreads, Amazon India, Book Bub, Medium.com, Facebook, and Twitter.
November 6, 2021
A great short mystery.
July 18, 2021
A quick-paced story about a history professor who decides to investigate his wife’s accident.
Story:
Jon Talbot, married for five years, is unable to explain his emotions after his wife’s sudden death in a car accident. Using his training as a historian and researcher, he goes down the path of what-ifs, and soon discovers that things aren’t as clear-cut as the police believed. As Talbot says, “Historians are, at heart, detectives.” So this is quite an unusual experience of seeing a historian dig out information about a possibly shady accident.
The 77 pages story goes by very briskly. Deaver knows how to keep his pulse on the narrative and makes sure that the reader is hooked right from the beginning. The story is written from the first person view of Jon Talbot, thereby making the reader an unwilling insider in Talbot’s mind. To add to this, the narrative comes to us in staccato sentences written in the present tense. So with its intriguing beginning and pacey scene transitions, the entire experience is pretty good. I just wish the ending were a little smoother. It’s too cluttered with information.
Regardless, it is an interesting tale and worth a read. A 4.25 from me.
Thank you, NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories, for the ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.
***********************
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Story:
Jon Talbot, married for five years, is unable to explain his emotions after his wife’s sudden death in a car accident. Using his training as a historian and researcher, he goes down the path of what-ifs, and soon discovers that things aren’t as clear-cut as the police believed. As Talbot says, “Historians are, at heart, detectives.” So this is quite an unusual experience of seeing a historian dig out information about a possibly shady accident.
The 77 pages story goes by very briskly. Deaver knows how to keep his pulse on the narrative and makes sure that the reader is hooked right from the beginning. The story is written from the first person view of Jon Talbot, thereby making the reader an unwilling insider in Talbot’s mind. To add to this, the narrative comes to us in staccato sentences written in the present tense. So with its intriguing beginning and pacey scene transitions, the entire experience is pretty good. I just wish the ending were a little smoother. It’s too cluttered with information.
Regardless, it is an interesting tale and worth a read. A 4.25 from me.
Thank you, NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories, for the ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
Follow me on Instagram: RoshReviews
August 26, 2021
Jeffery Deaver's 2021 release novella Cause of Death is an entertaining read.
While the shorter form necessitates a more concentrated plot and less opportunity for developing characters and setting, Deaver skilfully draws his readers into the world of the protagonist and delivers a fitting, if rather eye-popping, conclusion to an intriguing mystery.
We meet history professor Jon Talbot as he attends the mortuary in Martinsville County, Massachusetts to identify the body of his late wife, Patience, known as Pax. She's been killed in a road accident, having apparently swerved to avoid a deer on the road at night. Jon's suffering from the dislocation of sudden and unexpected bereavement, but soon senses that things don't really add up. An unfamiliar man lurks in the background at Pax's funeral and a police visit to his home reveals that Pax's phone and laptop have gone missing in the aftermath of her accident. Or was it an accident at all?
We follow Jon as he teases apart the many threads of Pax's hidden past and her secretive behaviour in the months prior to her death. His amateur investigations lead him to uncover indications of infidelity and involvement in some sort of covert activity, culminating in an unexpectedly violent confrontation as he finally uncovers the truth behind Pax's death.
I found myself becoming invested in Jon's search for answers as the truth behind his wife's death is gradually revealed, but must admit that I found the story's conclusion quite jarring and not completely satisfying. I certainly don't expect contemporary thrillers to follow "the rules" of detective fiction by any means, but (without wishing to drop spoilers) the conclusion to Cause of Death felt just a little too much out of left field to me.
Especially in light of the shorter format, Deaver's considerable skills as a writer of thrillers are evident in Cause of Death. His prose is sparse but punchy, the dialogue convincing and the characters multi-dimensional and well conceived. Both existing followers of Jeffery Deaver's oeuvre and newcomers are sure to find this a stimulating and rewarding read.
My thanks to the author, Jeffery Deaver, publisher Amazon Original Stories and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this novella.
While the shorter form necessitates a more concentrated plot and less opportunity for developing characters and setting, Deaver skilfully draws his readers into the world of the protagonist and delivers a fitting, if rather eye-popping, conclusion to an intriguing mystery.
We meet history professor Jon Talbot as he attends the mortuary in Martinsville County, Massachusetts to identify the body of his late wife, Patience, known as Pax. She's been killed in a road accident, having apparently swerved to avoid a deer on the road at night. Jon's suffering from the dislocation of sudden and unexpected bereavement, but soon senses that things don't really add up. An unfamiliar man lurks in the background at Pax's funeral and a police visit to his home reveals that Pax's phone and laptop have gone missing in the aftermath of her accident. Or was it an accident at all?
We follow Jon as he teases apart the many threads of Pax's hidden past and her secretive behaviour in the months prior to her death. His amateur investigations lead him to uncover indications of infidelity and involvement in some sort of covert activity, culminating in an unexpectedly violent confrontation as he finally uncovers the truth behind Pax's death.
I found myself becoming invested in Jon's search for answers as the truth behind his wife's death is gradually revealed, but must admit that I found the story's conclusion quite jarring and not completely satisfying. I certainly don't expect contemporary thrillers to follow "the rules" of detective fiction by any means, but (without wishing to drop spoilers) the conclusion to Cause of Death felt just a little too much out of left field to me.
Especially in light of the shorter format, Deaver's considerable skills as a writer of thrillers are evident in Cause of Death. His prose is sparse but punchy, the dialogue convincing and the characters multi-dimensional and well conceived. Both existing followers of Jeffery Deaver's oeuvre and newcomers are sure to find this a stimulating and rewarding read.
My thanks to the author, Jeffery Deaver, publisher Amazon Original Stories and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this novella.
August 4, 2021
I am always amazed by the complexity of plot and characterization that Jeffrey Deaver packs into a short story.His recent offering,”Cause of Death,” reaffirms his mastery of this genre.
Jon Talbot is a history professor at a college In Massachusetts. He has recently been widowed. His wife,”Pax”Addison,had been driving home and hit a deer on the road, plunging her car down an incline. The incident was termed an unfortunate accident. Jon, though is a professor of historical analysis and military tactics. He notices a few niggling discrepancies that cause him to wonder if his wife’s death was truly accidental.
Deaver dangles conflicting information and shifting points of view that engage us ,casting doubts about which recounting of events is trustworthy. We are constantly are reevaluating the threads of the story and are wondering how well we really know the people we love best.This story is well crafted and satisfies on the level of a fully developed novel. 4.5 stars
Jon Talbot is a history professor at a college In Massachusetts. He has recently been widowed. His wife,”Pax”Addison,had been driving home and hit a deer on the road, plunging her car down an incline. The incident was termed an unfortunate accident. Jon, though is a professor of historical analysis and military tactics. He notices a few niggling discrepancies that cause him to wonder if his wife’s death was truly accidental.
Deaver dangles conflicting information and shifting points of view that engage us ,casting doubts about which recounting of events is trustworthy. We are constantly are reevaluating the threads of the story and are wondering how well we really know the people we love best.This story is well crafted and satisfies on the level of a fully developed novel. 4.5 stars
July 21, 2021
4.5★s
Cause Of Death is an Amazon Original short story by American author, Jeffery Deaver. When Pax Addison’s car runs off Route 420 on Palmer Mountain, it looks like an unfortunate accident. But for her husband, history professor Jon Talbot, a few things don’t add up: her cell phone and laptop are missing; the scene of the accident doesn’t look quite right; and there was a stranger lurking in the background at her funeral.
Deputy Terry Garner at Martinsville County Public Safety explains to Jon that it’s natural to want to discover a cause for an accidental death but, before long he, too, is convinced there may have been foul play. As more anomalies emerge, further investigation reveals another body. Now there really is a case to investigate.
The County cops also have a drowning that looks suspicious on their hands, while Jon is busy following up with personal papers in Pax’s study, searching for a clue to that stranger at the funeral: was she having an affair? Does he really want to know?
His protagonist displays logical, deductive thinking that is satisfying to follow and, while it may be only 77 pages long, Deaver manages to pack this short story full of red herrings and twists that will keep the reader guessing right up to the final pages.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories.
Cause Of Death is an Amazon Original short story by American author, Jeffery Deaver. When Pax Addison’s car runs off Route 420 on Palmer Mountain, it looks like an unfortunate accident. But for her husband, history professor Jon Talbot, a few things don’t add up: her cell phone and laptop are missing; the scene of the accident doesn’t look quite right; and there was a stranger lurking in the background at her funeral.
Deputy Terry Garner at Martinsville County Public Safety explains to Jon that it’s natural to want to discover a cause for an accidental death but, before long he, too, is convinced there may have been foul play. As more anomalies emerge, further investigation reveals another body. Now there really is a case to investigate.
The County cops also have a drowning that looks suspicious on their hands, while Jon is busy following up with personal papers in Pax’s study, searching for a clue to that stranger at the funeral: was she having an affair? Does he really want to know?
His protagonist displays logical, deductive thinking that is satisfying to follow and, while it may be only 77 pages long, Deaver manages to pack this short story full of red herrings and twists that will keep the reader guessing right up to the final pages.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories.
October 24, 2025
Jeffrey Deaver has always interested me with his short stories, though I had never tackled a full-length novel by the author until recently. I find his current writing quite addictive and found this short piece to tide me over before my next large read. Jon Talbot has always loved how facts lay out truths, something on which he relies as a Professor of History. After the death of his wife, Pax, Jon finds himself using these skills, as well as pondering a number of what-if scenarios. Pax apparently died when she drove off the road and broke her neck, but something seems off and Jon is determined to get answers. While the police find nothing out of the ordinary, Jon begins investigating and creates a possible narrative of events. What led Pax to be on that road at that specific time and could Jon's possible ideas be plausible? Jeffrey Deaver delivers a great short piece that adds many other questions!
Jeffery Deaver is a stellar storyteller, as I have come to realise over the last while. This narrative is well-paced and keeps the reader in the middle of the action from the opening pages. What begins as a simple description soon gains momentum and the story is soon racing to conclusions for which there is no stopping the reader's curious mind. As things climax, truths emerge and put the story in its place, while leaving the reader highly impressed.
Characters work well from the outset and pave the way for a great piece. There are a number who grace the pages of this short piece and Deaver knows how to craft them. Jon Talbot does well in the protagonist's seat, though he is never sitting still for long enough. The reader can make connections and find those they prefer, though this story leaves little time to rest on one's laurels. Impact of these characters help to shape the larger story and the reading experience.
Plot points work to surprise the reader from the start and Jeffrey Deaver is able to do so with ease in this quasi-mystery. There is much going on, with surprises, twists, and even a few revelations that come to the surface. I like the sporadic nature of Deaver's reveals and it left me eager to forge onwards to get answers, even when they seemed to be right in my face. This was a wonderful zap to jolt me awake before looking for another longer read!
Kudos, Mr. Deaver, for a great read that left me wondering.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Jeffery Deaver is a stellar storyteller, as I have come to realise over the last while. This narrative is well-paced and keeps the reader in the middle of the action from the opening pages. What begins as a simple description soon gains momentum and the story is soon racing to conclusions for which there is no stopping the reader's curious mind. As things climax, truths emerge and put the story in its place, while leaving the reader highly impressed.
Characters work well from the outset and pave the way for a great piece. There are a number who grace the pages of this short piece and Deaver knows how to craft them. Jon Talbot does well in the protagonist's seat, though he is never sitting still for long enough. The reader can make connections and find those they prefer, though this story leaves little time to rest on one's laurels. Impact of these characters help to shape the larger story and the reading experience.
Plot points work to surprise the reader from the start and Jeffrey Deaver is able to do so with ease in this quasi-mystery. There is much going on, with surprises, twists, and even a few revelations that come to the surface. I like the sporadic nature of Deaver's reveals and it left me eager to forge onwards to get answers, even when they seemed to be right in my face. This was a wonderful zap to jolt me awake before looking for another longer read!
Kudos, Mr. Deaver, for a great read that left me wondering.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
June 25, 2022
Blowout or Murder?
Review of the Amazon Original Stories Kindle eBook (July 29, 2021) released simultaneously with the Audible Original audiobook edition.
[3.5]
This was a strong suspense thriller short story/novella in the 'innocent seeking justice vs. apparent criminal conspiracy' subgenre. History Professor Jon Talbot seeks answers in his wife Patience's (nickname Pax) apparent accidental automobile death.
It perhaps leaned a bit too much on the 'civilian is more observant than the authorities' and the 'unlikely surprise conspiracy reveal' tropes, but regardless of that, it was well constructed and suspenseful with the gradual unveiling of the clues and the follow-ups.
Review of the Amazon Original Stories Kindle eBook (July 29, 2021) released simultaneously with the Audible Original audiobook edition.
[3.5]
This was a strong suspense thriller short story/novella in the 'innocent seeking justice vs. apparent criminal conspiracy' subgenre. History Professor Jon Talbot seeks answers in his wife Patience's (nickname Pax) apparent accidental automobile death.
It perhaps leaned a bit too much on the 'civilian is more observant than the authorities' and the 'unlikely surprise conspiracy reveal' tropes, but regardless of that, it was well constructed and suspenseful with the gradual unveiling of the clues and the follow-ups.
July 29, 2021
The world seems to love Deaver. Amazon certainly does. They are always selecting them for their short story publications. And then I read them, for some reason, mostly because I really like novella formats and because I’m trying to understand the appeal of the author.
Deaver is a pro, he’s had a lot (a lot) of experience. And like most pros he has learned to pander to the general public with the easily digestible slickness of his writing. This story is yet another prime example of it, but it’s actually slightly above average in that it isn’t too dumb down or preposterous.
It’s one of those how well do you really know your wife scenarios when a woman dies in a seemingly everyday shafu of a car crash but upon further investigating somewhat mysterious circumstances emerge. Where’s her computer or her phone? Where are the skid tracks on the road? Was it gasp?) a murder? And who would want to murder such a nice woman? And why?
It’s decently written in clipped sentenced of the attention deficit powered neonoir narrative and has a wild (and by wild I mean wildly out there, suspend your credulity) twist, but it’s a fairly decent read overall. It doesn’t insult one’s intelligence quite like most of Deaver’s stories do. And goes by quickly too. Thanks Netgalley.
Deaver is a pro, he’s had a lot (a lot) of experience. And like most pros he has learned to pander to the general public with the easily digestible slickness of his writing. This story is yet another prime example of it, but it’s actually slightly above average in that it isn’t too dumb down or preposterous.
It’s one of those how well do you really know your wife scenarios when a woman dies in a seemingly everyday shafu of a car crash but upon further investigating somewhat mysterious circumstances emerge. Where’s her computer or her phone? Where are the skid tracks on the road? Was it gasp?) a murder? And who would want to murder such a nice woman? And why?
It’s decently written in clipped sentenced of the attention deficit powered neonoir narrative and has a wild (and by wild I mean wildly out there, suspend your credulity) twist, but it’s a fairly decent read overall. It doesn’t insult one’s intelligence quite like most of Deaver’s stories do. And goes by quickly too. Thanks Netgalley.
January 5, 2026
Jeffery Deaver can pack a lot of tension into a short story. "Cause of Death" is a quick read that grabs you right away as a husband tries to uncover the truth behind his wife’s sudden death. I couldn't put it down because the atmosphere is so gripping, the characters are fantastic, and the mystery keeps you on your toes.
If you're in the mood for something exciting and twisty that you can devour in one sitting, this is a great choice from Kindle Unlimited!
If you're in the mood for something exciting and twisty that you can devour in one sitting, this is a great choice from Kindle Unlimited!
July 28, 2021
Cause of Death is a riveting 77-page standalone domestic suspense novella set in Martinsville, Massachusetts and asks the question: how well do you really know your spouse or significant other? History professor Jon Talbot is currently grieving the accidental death of his wife of 5 years, Patience "Pax" Susan Addison, who was a well-known charity employee, philanthropist and volunteer. She had seemingly been driving home in the dark from a placement where she had been volunteering her time when she hit a deer in what has been deemed by all involved as a tragic road traffic collision along Route 420 on Palmer Mountain. But there are too many discrepancies for Jon to believe it was a mere accident; her laptop and mobile phone are missing, the accident scene doesn't mesh with what he had imagined and not to mention the complete stranger who attended her funeral and lurked around behind everyone else looking decidedly uncomfortable. When Detective Roland Briggs calls around the house looking to nab Pax’s missing technology, this is all that is needed to fully convince Jon that there is a rabbit off somewhere and that he was right to be suspicious. Why is a detective on the case if this was as simple and sad as an everyday traffic incident?
Jon sets up a chat with local Deputy Terry Garner of Martinsville County Public Safety hoping he can allay his fears about Pax being murdered, which he tries to at first, but when he considers the details more closely, he too concludes that all is not what it seems. Evidence at the scene of the accident and anomalies don't leave any other option but that of foul play. It then emerges that another body, and likely another murder, has been discovered and Jon finds himself in a perilous situation. As if all that wasn't enough to have on his plate, there is also a suspicious-looking drowning death revealed by the county police. As Jon reads through reams and reams of personal documents and papers in Pax’s old study he comes across aspects of her life he had no idea about. Does he want to know the real truth about his wife? Was she having an affair, or was it something else? This is a compulsive and enthralling short story and despite its brevity, it packs in ample action, drama, danger, secrets, wicked twists and red herrings and plenty of palpable suspense with a surprisingly well-developed cast of engaging characters. It's engrossing, thoroughly entertaining and will keep you guessing from beginning until end. Highly recommended.
Jon sets up a chat with local Deputy Terry Garner of Martinsville County Public Safety hoping he can allay his fears about Pax being murdered, which he tries to at first, but when he considers the details more closely, he too concludes that all is not what it seems. Evidence at the scene of the accident and anomalies don't leave any other option but that of foul play. It then emerges that another body, and likely another murder, has been discovered and Jon finds himself in a perilous situation. As if all that wasn't enough to have on his plate, there is also a suspicious-looking drowning death revealed by the county police. As Jon reads through reams and reams of personal documents and papers in Pax’s old study he comes across aspects of her life he had no idea about. Does he want to know the real truth about his wife? Was she having an affair, or was it something else? This is a compulsive and enthralling short story and despite its brevity, it packs in ample action, drama, danger, secrets, wicked twists and red herrings and plenty of palpable suspense with a surprisingly well-developed cast of engaging characters. It's engrossing, thoroughly entertaining and will keep you guessing from beginning until end. Highly recommended.
August 5, 2021
At the cost of being the odd one out, I'm going to say that this one didn't work for me. Jeffrey Deaver attempts to deliver a short with enough of a back story for the characters along with his trademark twists and turns. But I think this time his attempts didn't land on solid ground.
The first half of the book was seemingly normal, set in a world that's not entirely different from ours, the pages are easy to flip, the curiosity builds and the plot thickens. All good. The second half kills it entirely for me. Some unrealistic explanations coupled with bizarre events from the past round this off. I wouldn't recommend this book.
The first half of the book was seemingly normal, set in a world that's not entirely different from ours, the pages are easy to flip, the curiosity builds and the plot thickens. All good. The second half kills it entirely for me. Some unrealistic explanations coupled with bizarre events from the past round this off. I wouldn't recommend this book.
January 8, 2022
This book is of only 77 pages, yet Jeffrey Deaver manages to pack his customary twists even in this short book. The acutal 'cause of Death' was not really convincing,, though the various scenarios of the cause were interesting.
I can never get used to the narration in present tense that was used throughout the book.
I can never get used to the narration in present tense that was used throughout the book.
January 1, 2022
Another good story from Mr. Deaver.
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