I just finished reading 9-1-1 by D J Maughan. It’s available now in hardback and will be available later this month in other formats. This is my second novel by this writer. I previously read Idaho Falls by this same author. 9-1-1 takes place on September 11, 2001. In the book, Scott Lyons has been involved in some shady business practices. When the planes hit the Twin Towers, he’s in the South Tower, and he fakes his death to avoid facing responsibility.
Sensitive Topic Warning
Because this does involve the terrorist attacks of September 11th, specifically the attack on the World Trade Center Twin Towers, this could be a difficult and sensitive topic for some readers. I feel like it was handled sensitively, but some readers may find it too hard to handle.
My Thoughts
I hadn’t realized until I was done with this novel that it’s the fifth book in a series. I haven’t read any of the other books in the series, and it made sense on its own. This book drew me in from the beginning. While I lived on the other side of the country when it happened, I can remember the September 11th attacks and the aftereffects of it. I feel like the author did a good job capturing the mood of the time as well as focusing on the technology of the time.
Multiple Points of View
This story is told from multiple points of view. It says at the beginning of each chapter whose story we are following. I found it easy to transition between characters, but I think it would have been harder if I’d been listening to an audiobook version where it might not have been as clear when we switched characters.
Twists and Turns
I liked that there were a few twists in the story. In the beginning, things felt a little straightforward, but as the story progressed, it was clear that not everyone was exactly who they appeared.
Death and Other Issues
There’s no swearing (although there is a guy who uses his own “invented swear words”). There are a few scenes where they talk about characters having an affair, and there are some scenes where we know that the characters have had sex, but that’s not described in detail. While there are scenes where people are shot at or stabbed, these are not described in graphic detail. Scott’s fake death is not the only death in the story. Some people die in the terrorist attacks. Then there are others killed later in the story.
Final Thoughts
I enjoyed this story. I will say that it felt a bit farfetched at points. Events fit together just a little too well at times. Still, it’s a book, so it gets some leeway when it comes to being farfetched.
