Near Death

A Thriller

By: Glenn Cooper

Narrated by: Oliver Wyman

Length: 11 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

Number-One International Best Seller

New from the internationally best-selling thriller writer Glenn Cooper, whose books have sold more than six million copies worldwide, comes Near Death.

A brilliant neuroscientist, obsessed with death since his own childhood near-death experience, resorts to drastic measures to prove the existence of the afterlife.

Milan, Italy, today. It is the most serious crisis that the world has ever faced. Bewildered, young and old, believers and atheists are asking all the same distressing questions: What will they do now that the greatest dream of humanity has turned into a nightmare? What will happen when the countdown clock winds to zero?

Boston, a few months before. It is the most complex investigation that Cyrus O'Malley has ever faced. The FBI special agent looks at photos of the victims for the umpteenth time and wonders why, after being strangled, the serial killer has drilled a tiny hole through their skull. For Cyrus the case becomes an obsession. To solve it he will be forced to give up everything he holds dear.

England, 1988. It is the most overwhelming feeling that Alex Weller has ever had. In ecstasy, at the pivot point between life and death, the boy sees a river of light flowing in front of him, and on the other side there is his father, joyfully urging him to join him. But Alex cannot move, and suddenly he is back at the site of the terrible car accident that has just killed his parents. Since that time Alex has had only one goal: to understand and relive that experience. Even if he is forced to kill.

Glenn Cooper has a background in archaeology from Harvard and practiced medicine as an infectious diseases specialist. He was the CEO of a biotechnology company for almost 20 years, has written numerous screenplays, and has produced three independent feature films. His novels have sold more than six million copies in 31 languages. He lives in Gilford, New Hampshire.

©2014 Glenn Cooper (P)2015 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Cooper is one of the best new writers of conspiracy thrillers." (David Knights, Keighley News, UK)

"Glenn Cooper proves once again to have beaten Dan Brown in the field of esoteric thrillers." (Luca Crovi, Il Giornale)

"Glenn Cooper writes a masterpiece of suspense." ( Peterborough Evening Telegraph, UK )

Not as good as I'd hoped.

The premise was very interesting, so I gave it a shot. I have enjoyed several of Glenn Cooper's books before so I am a fan of the author. This one had some slow points that were hard to get through, and I was really looking for more of an impactful ending. Overall not bad, but The Tenth Chamber and Secret of the Seventh Son were much better.

Very philosophical

This seemed to me not as much of a thriller or mystery as a philosophical story. The premise is interesting, but I kept waiting for mystery or action.

Not quite dead...yet

What made the experience of listening to Near Death the most enjoyable?

Typical creative writing ( in the horror/scifi vein of course ) by one of the masters, Glenn Cooper. Coopers knowledge of the subject ( and clearly his researchers ) put him in a special class of thriller authors, and this alone makes it a compelling listen.

If you’ve listened to books by Glenn Cooper before, how does this one compare?

For whatever reason I have listened to several books on the subject of the presumed after life/ what lays beyond/ coming back etc. in the relative recent past. This is an area that I am oddly drawn too, and this offering certainly adds to the interest and topic.

What about Oliver Wyman’s performance did you like?

Yes, as always. Cooper is a professional, and his work here reflect this. Wordy and in need of a solid editor , at least in audio format, it still wrings true, and is a fine example of a well researched thriller.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No much. Oliver Wyman is a solid performer, who shows both versatility and creativity in bringing these characters to life. ( pun intended ). Alex is an outstanding character indeed, but all the principals were compelling and interesting. Well done!

Any additional comments?

This is a fine example of the genre, and held my interest and attention the entire time. Highly recommended!

Interesting author

This is my second book from this author. Although not a fast-paced action thriller and in both he takes an almost believable yet slightly bizarre premise and develops it with smatterings of science, psychology,and theology to create an enjoyable read.

Another great listening experience

Once again I am blown away by a Bol from Glenn Cooper. Near Death was for me a very thought provoking listen. One thing I love about his books is that I get the impression I'm able to interpret the endings in my own way and don't have to have everything explained to me. As with his other books I know I wifi go back to listen to this one several more times. Can't wait for the next book.

Interesting Concept but a little too Predictable

Alex makes a drug that takes people to the afterlife but the prices to make the drug isn't ethical and puts the FBI on his movement. The story is fast and interesting. it does have some moments where some very potentially simple remedies are overlooked. Overall it was a fun read and I suggest you give it a try.

Last try to like this author

The subject is gloomy and one I can't relate to or care about. The main characters are hard to care about as well. The writing is very wordy. The author seems to want to combine lofty religious ideas with thriller plots. I have now listened to 4 of his books, but this will be my last. They simply don't provide enjoyment for me and I finish feeling cheated and depressed.

Excellent all around

The narrator was great and the story was wonderful
That little twist of the two paths satisfied my only issue I struggled with throughout the book. With that done it was perfect.
I found myself rooting for the "bad" guys most of the time.
The worst part of this book is that Bliss isn't real...I so miss my grandma :)

Engrossing

Well that was a wild ride, towards the end I could not stop listening. It's a bit scary that something like this could happen with all the drugs around and being synthetically made (without killing people)
What a twist at the end always thought this was the way it was.....

I enjoyed it immensely

I enjoyed it immensely. It kept me involved and touch me deeply. I would definitely recommend this book to a friend