I was thrilled to be asked to participate in a serial mystery novel alongside some of my favorite authors. A serial novel is where there is a singular plot for a book, but multiple authors tell the story. So we each got an overview of the plot and then only the chapter preceding ours, before we were unleashed to write our contribution.
Talk about fun.
Not only that, the brother-and-sister editing team, Andrew and Lamia Gulli of The STRAND magazine have arranged to donate all proceeds from NO REST FOR THE DEAD (excluding contributor expenses) to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
More than twenty New York Times bestselling authors team up to create a first-rate serial novel — a collaboration that combines the skills of America’s greatest storytellers to produce a gripping, spellbinding mystery. The all-star lineup of authors behind No Rest for the Dead, a tale of vengeance, greed and love that flows seamlessly, in the words of David Baldacci, “as it passes from one creator’s mind to the next.”
Check out the list of contributors!
Jeff Abbott , Lori Armstrong, Sandra Brown, Thomas Cook, Jeffery Deaver, Diana Gabaldon, Tess Gerritsen, Andrew F. Gulli, Peter James, J.A. Jance, Faye Kellerman, Raymond Khoury, John Lescroart, Jeff Lindsay, Gayle Lynds, Phillip Margolin, Alexander McCall Smith, Michael Palmer, T. Jefferson Parker, Matthew Pearl, Kathy Reichs, Marcus Sakey, Jonathan Santlofer, Lisa Scottoline, R.L. Sine, Marcia, Talley — with an introduction by David Baldacci
Here’s the jacket copy:
When the dead body of Christopher Thomas, a ruthless curator at San Francisco’s McFall Art Museum, is found bloodied and decaying in an iron maiden in a museum in Berlin, his wife is the primary suspect. Rosemary Thomas is tried, convicted, and executed, but ten years later, Detective Jon Nunn remains convinced that the wrong person was put to death. In the years since he closed the case, Nunn has discovered a web of deceit and betrayal surrounding the Thomases that could implicate any number of people in the crime. With the help of the dead woman’s friend, Nunn makes plans to gather everyone who was at the McFall Museum the night Christopher was murdered in an attempt to finally uncover the truth, suspect by suspect. Solving this case may be Nunn’s last chance for redemption … but the shadowy forces behind Christopher’s death will stop at nothing to silence the past forever.
amazon.com buy link for NO REST FOR THE DEAD
barnesandnoble.com buy link for NO REST FOR THE DEAD
I’ll give away a copy of this book in hard cover or digital to some lucky commenter!




















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I never read a serial mistery (or serial novel for that matter), but the concept seems intriguing and I’m pretty sure some amaing things came from all theses hands.
Is the contest open internationally? (I really hope so
Yes, Ana, it’s open internationally
I’ve never read nor had I even heard of a serial novel untill recently, I have to admit I’m very intrigued by the idea so much so that I’ve added No Rest For The Dead to my Amazon wishlist.I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I win a copy here but if not I’m definitely gonna buy a copy.Thanks for the heads up Lorelei on this new to me concept!!!
It sounds like an interesting concept and the premise sounds good. I’ll definitely look into getting a copy (if I don’t win one here). Thanks for the heads-up, Lori.
You’re welcome, B.E.
A very unique concept. I assume readers would have to read them in order to follow the plot. What is the publishing schedule? Will these come out in one year or over an extended time period?
All the authors are in this one book, and the story reads just like any other mystery, we all just wrote one chapter.
Hope that clears things up for you!
Oh! What an incredible concept and the names?!? OMG! Oh, yes, put me down for wanting one whther I win or not! I fear I’ll have to go hardbound on this one so I can share it with Lawyer Guy. There are names on that list that he loves to read, too!
Congrats on being asked to participate, Lori, but we all know you rock as a mystery writer. One question, is the author given credit for his/her chapter so we know who wrote which one?
Yes, Silver, each chapter lists who wrote it.
PS- I have your dreamcatcher and I’ll hit the PO tomorrow
What an idea. Did everyone know who was the bad guy? With this many writers the story could change focus with each chapter. Sounds like quite a challenge. Were you given a certain amount of pages/words for each writer. I’d love to win a copy!.
Trish, I had NO idea ahead of time who the bad guy was. I had the chapter ahead of mine and a guideline of what plot point I needed to include in my chapter…and that’s it. I loved the challenge and we were each limited on the amount of words to write.
Hi Lori, this sounds really cool!!! Love the concept…it’s like a upgraded version of telephone.
I remember playing a game in elementary and junior high school. We passed around a paper in class. We were supposed to write a story, and each person had a write a sentence. There was a first line and we folded the paper, then someone had to add a second sentence, fold, pass…etc. To make it even more interesting, we sometimes added a rule…the first sentence begins with A, the second with B, then C…etc. The stories were hilarious when we finally got to the last person in the circle.
It will be interesting reading a book written in the way you described. There are so many different voices that will come through. So many threads that need to be woven in seamlessly. Awesome!!! I can’t wait.
Peace and love,
Paula R.
Paula, that sounds like fun and a great way to trigger ideas
Wow, what an amazing group of authors! And a terrific cause. Hopping over to order…
I fixed the buy link, Laura, thanks for the heads up!
Awesome cover, awesome group of authors!
I was thrilled to be asked, Deb, and still am a little stunned to see my name with all those authors!
[...] Murder She Writes Blog Post and Contest [...]
WOW Lor,
You are in with some heavy hitters. What a wonderful compliment to your writing to be included + that whole you are a woman mystery writer who doesn’t write cozies.
Heading to Amazon to buy and then read.
Now stop reading this and go Make Mercy punch something
Thanks Barb!
Mercy is more of a shooter than a puncher
Huge congrats on being part of it and what a great cause. May it hit the bestseller lists and stay there for a looong time.
Thanks, Holly, it is for a great cause, and we hope it sells many copies!
A Serial Novel, never read one. Will have to add this to my list of reads and see what I think.
Shelly
It was a novel concept, Shelly — no pun intended!
this sounds so great, i cant wait to read it
Thanks for commenting, Regina.
What a fun concept! I’m so glad you got to participate in the project. It sounds fantastic!!
I was thrilled to get asked, Janel.
Wow – awesome idea. I cen’t wait to see how the different writing styles mesh!
I seen a couple with 2 or 3 authors, but never this many.
Can’t wait to read it!
Shannon, surprisingly all the voices stayed true to the author, which made it even more fun to read
Thanks Na!
I learned something new today, I love mystery thrillers but have never thought of the idea of a serial mystery with one plot but with multiple authors telling the story. I think that’s a great idea. Sometimes when I read a book I find it too formulaic, and even distinct to an author’s voice. With my favourite authors, my qualms are small but I can find it on the predictable side. I think it’s great to see authors collaborating and seeing the result of that work. Not to mention the fun and challenges of the work.
Sounds great
I’ve read a serial book before and really enjoyed it. With the group of authors writing this one I know it will be a great read.
And we had a fun prelaunch party too!
A serial murder novel…I am fascinated by the idea of it. And I love the phrase of description by David Baldacci.
I think his blurb makes it even more intriguing too
I’m intrigued! A cool idea and a very important cause! I’m off to check it out!
That it benefits a great cause is icing on the cake, Jen!
What a fun idea…and all my favorite mystery writers are included…this is one book I am putting on my list to buy for my summer reading.
I hope you do, Jackie!
Thanks for the info…I love blogs for the reason they give me such good information on books I might otherwise have overlooked. Not this one though.
We love to spread the reading love, Joye
Sounds like a great book. I love mysteries of any type and when it’s for a good cause it’s even better! I love your RR books and look forward to reading all you’ve written as Lori. Thanks for all your creativity and hard work!
Thanks Donna
And I also just noticed that one of my other favorite writers wrote a chapter as well. Looks like I’ll be spending my vacation coming up in a week reading both you and Diana Gabaldon. This book, plus your other mysteries are on the agenda for me!
Read about No Rest for the Dead on Lesa’s Book Critiques — http://lesasbookcritiques.blogspot.com/2011/07/no-rest-for-dead.html
Awesome.
That was a good review, thanks for sharing it Liz!
I’ve only just noticed that Lesa says “proceeds from the book benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.”
I am so excited. I can’t wait to read this!
ella
artsyoil @ yahoo.com
Thanks for stopping by, Ella
I’ve never read a book with multiple authors telling the whole story, sounds like a great concept. It is also wonderful the proceeds are going to a good cause. I’m heading over to B&N now to download. Have a great day Lori!!
Thanks Sharon!
I have never read serial book this sounds very interesting and I love mystery/thrillers well just about anything you can read I love
Loving reading is music to our ears here at MSW, Christy!
Sounds like a really interesting concept and a great read.
I hope readers like it, Karen
What a great idea, sounds awesome! Will have to look for it.
Thanks, QL
Sounds wonderful. Great idea. Like the book.
It does have a great cover too, Anne.
I love this concept. As soon as you mentioned it on the Yahoo! loop I added it to my wish list. There are some really great authors on the list. And, quite a few I have never heard of. The best part, I get to read a little Lori Armstrong mystery while I wait for the next Mercy book (are you tired of me asking about Mercy yet?). Thanks for the giveaway.
jepebATverizonDOTnet
I don’t mind the nagging, Jen
— I have a Mercy short story coming out in an antho next year!
Sounds good! Would love to read it!
Hey Barb!
I think it is a great concept and as I’ve read, a lot of fun for you to be asked to contribute! The fact that the book proceeds are going to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is awesome. Hope it sells many copies!
Hoping this raises a lot of money, Angie!
these types of books are so much fun….I love all the different twists and turns
I’ve only ever read one other book like this one…I think because it’s hard to pull off.
Lori, what a great line-up to be a part of. Congratulations!! Looks like an awesome book.
Thanks Jill!
wow,this sounds amazing and what a fantastic group of authors. i can’t wait to read this book.
Thanks Tammy
Having all the different authors would make for one fabulous read. Great idea.
I don’t know who’s idea it was initially, Mary, but it was a good one.
What an interesting idea that was. Congratulations on being part of this project.
Thanks Maureen!
I’ve never read a serial novel, but it sounds interesting!! From a writing perspective it seems challenging. I can’t wait to see how it all works out.
Savonna, girl, where you been? Nice to hear from you!
What a cool idea!! And that’s some rarified air you’re breathing, Lori! Congrats and can’t wait to read this one ~ xo
Thanks Rocki, I still can’t believe my name is included with all those others!
The book got a write up in today’s Chicago Tribune, pgs. 1 & 2 of the A&E section. It’s about the idea behind it, the contributors, but you’re not mentioned
,and the charity. You can probably read it at chicagotribune.com. If not, and you’d like a copy, I can scan it and e-mail it. Just reply if so.
I’ve never read a serial mystery, but it sounds extremely intriguing. I would love to win a copy. Thanks for the chance.
There are a lot of great authors in that book. I would love to read it.
Congratulations on being in the lineup, Lori – sounds like a fabulous book!