The Two Deaths of Daniel Hayes

A tremendous story from an author who is among the young masters

THE TWO DEATHS OF DANIEL HAYES has already met with a great deal of critical acclaim, and rightly so. Marcus Sakey is simply a gifted author, and this layered, complicated, intricately detailed story is not one bit self-indulgent (unlike a certain tale of a tattooed young woman that I could mention, but won't).

But here's the rub: If you're looking for an easy read, this isn't it. THE TWO DEATHS OF DANIEL HAYES will raise your heart rate and blood pressure. It will keep you up past your bedtime. It will frustrate you because just when you think you have it all figured out.you don't. Trust me, you really don't.

So what's it about? No easy answer to this. It's about a guy who has amnesia. It's about good and evil. But it also includes subplots that shine a light on love and marriage, the criminal justice system, celebrity culture, American geography, and more. THE TWO DEATHS OF DANIEL HAYES starts with a bang on a cold and deserted beach in Maine, and takes a wild and gloriously twisted road from there.

If you're looking for a book in which you can lose yourself, THE TWO DEATHS OF DANIEL HAYES fits the bill. It's a standalone novel, and you need not have read Sakey's previous novels to appreciate it.

One of my most common complaints about booksis that some novels have too many characters. Authors can occasionally throw in characters that don't serve a real purpose, or there are just so many that keeping track of who's done what to whom is cumbersome. While THE TWO DEATHS OF DANIEL HAYES has a large cast for sure, Sakey gives the right amount of attention to each. He gets the balance just right. I never had to flip back to a character's last appearance to remember his or her role.

5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

A great read for summer!

The Two Death's of Daniel Hayes is a fast paced, suspense thriller. The writing is intelligent and Marcus Sakey stays one step of his readers as he takes on a roller coaster ride. This book will be perfect for you to read as you are sitting at the beach.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

A top-notch, read-all-night thriller

Ever since Marcus Sakey exploded onto the scene with "The Blade Itself," he's put out book after book that have refused to hold back on some of the most genuine thrills I've ever experienced. And "The Two Deaths of Daniel Hayes" is by no means any different. In fact, it may be his best yet. Filled with interesting, likeable characters (even one in particular you LOVE to hate), a tight, labyrinthine plot, and a captivating mystery that won't let you go until the very (and I mean it: VERY) end, "The Two Deaths of Daniel Hayes" will have you reading long into the night because you just HAVE to know the truth, much like the amnesic protagonist. Easily 5/5 stars.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

The Two Deaths of Daniel Hayes

The Two Deaths of Daniel Hayes is like gorging yourself on ribs and beans with an ice cold beer and feeling fat and sassy but wanting more.As the man wakes up naked and cold, half-drowned on an abandoned beach. The only sign of life for miles is an empty BMW. Inside the expensive car he finds clothes that fit perfectly, shoes for his tattered feet, a Rolex, and a bank envelope stuffed with cash and an auto registration in the name of Daniel Hayes, resident of Malibu, California.Sakey realisticly draws you into the story using simple physiological examination of his characters.You are insatiated with the character , questioning every aspect of his action until the climatic end.It is not your regular thriller. It's serious drama with a dash of Alfred Hitchcocks spinetingling methodology.....

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Another winner from a fine writer!

Another terrific novel of people and why they do the things they do by a master of the form. Imho, Marcus has taken a quantum leap forward in this story of life and death, love and loathing, secrets held and memories lost. The plot line is intriguing, the characters crisply presented; a nice blend of intrigue, twists and turns, unfolding mystery, and clever exposition. A very satisfying denouement, in multiple layers, completes a most enjoyable reading experience. I had great anticipation for this book and was not disappointed! Bravo, Marcus! Well done!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Twists and Turns!

The Two Deaths of Daniel Hayes is the first book by Marcus Sakey that I have read, but research tells me that several of his books have been optioned for movies and I should probably read them all. This book is a page turner from the start. A man wakes up naked and cold on a beach with no idea who he is or where he is. He finds an empty car that he figures out must be his car and soon enough discovers that he is in Maine. He stumbles upon the realization that he is being sought by the police, but he does not know why. What follows is a cross country trip focusing on police evasion and a man with amnesia trying to figure out what drove him to leave Los Angeles and end up in the cold waters of Maine. What is not clear from book blurbs - I don't think I am spoiling anything - is that the plot centers quite a bit around Hollywood and celebrity type personalities. Interspersed with the normal narrative, the story is sometimes told in the form of a television or movie script. This is the book equivalent of a popcorn movie. The story is exciting with twists and turns that keep you turning the pages. Then the end throws the reader for a loop. I can definitely see why some of Sakey's books have been optioned for movies. If The Two Deaths of Daniel Hayes were a movie, it would be just the kind of movie I would want to sit down and lose myself in on a Sunday afternoon. Many thanks to the publisher, Dutton Books, for providing me with an e-Galley for review, via NetGalley.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

VERY good book!

The Two Deaths of Marcus Sakey
by Daniel Hayes
Crime/Mystery
Content Rating: PG-13 (mild sex)
Spoiler Alert: Are you kidding me??? Heck no!
Coffee Bean Rating: A strong 4/5
Release Date: June 9, 2011

The Two Deaths of Daniel Hayes by Marcus Sakey is quite simply, a brilliant book. And while I'm at it, Sakey is a brilliant author. I'm not much into crime/who-done-it books, but this has made me a believer; there's something to them! At least there is to Sakey's.

Daniel Hays wakes up naked and near death on a Maine beach. He has no idea who he is or how he got where he is, but he's determined to find out. He finds a car with clothes his size, an insurance card with a California address, and a gun inside the glove box, but other than that, Daniel has nothing to go on. Sakey takes us though Daniels journey of retracing his steps back to California, towards the magnetic pull of a female star on a fictional TV drama. What I love most, is that Daniel knows nothing of what's happening, and as a result, neither does the reader; and it feels very authentic and refreshing that way.

The story is told from three different points of view. Largely from Daniel's, but there are two other's whose take on what's going on is both valuable and widely entertaining. Sakey's way of writing is unique (quick, intense descriptions, short choppy sentences) and it's quickly addictive. It adds so much to the novel and almost immediately, I was drawn into Daniel's character.

Here's a description that particularly caught my attention:

"And finally, Malibu, nestled like a jewel in the warm bosom of the other coast. More beautiful than any place had a right to be. Golden sunlight, salt tang in the air, bungalows in faded shades of mint and turquoise next to multimillion-dollar wonders of glass and stone, waves rolling surfers to shore in long, slow breaks. Twenty-seven miles of beach and canyon, of palm trees and skies that promised never to cloud-except from wildfire smoke or mudslide rain. Celebrities huddled behind security gates while homeless philosophers dispensed wisdom outside organic cafés."

There are several flashbacks in the book, as Daniel is hit with bits and pieces of his memory, and I LOVE the say Sakey shows them to us. Since Daniel is a screenwriter, it only makes sense that his memories come back to him, and thus to us, in screenplay form. The impact these scenes have is wonderful. The story and plot is expertly woven together with great "didn't see that comin'" twists.

As I don't read this genre very much, I knew nothing about Sakey, other than Lee Child (a name I am familiar with because my mom loves him) made a connection between Sakey and Harlan Coben (another familiar name thanks to my mom) in a blurb for the book. So I was tickled pink when I saw that Sakey has 4 other books (all best sellers) and three of those four books are in development as films.

Why the PG-13 rating, if it was such a GREAT book? There are some vulgar subjects sporadically throughout the book-granted it's through the unsavory character we get this info, so it has to be done-and a brief, non-detailed sex scene.

With action, twists and turns like the PCH, and SUPERB storytelling, The Two Deaths of Daniel Hayes is a book you will not regret buying. Now go read it!

Happy Monday, my friends!

-Me

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Entertaining, Thrilling Crime Drama...Must Read!!!

This novel had my full attention from the first page and never lost it. It is one of the best crime drama/thrillers I've read this year so far. The book opens with Daniel Hayes struggling for life in the ocean off Maine. He has no idea where he is or who he is...he has amnesia.

I don't want to give too much away or just rehash the plot line here. Since Daniel has amnesia, the reader discovers things when Daniel does. There are so many twists and turns and surprises that the reader becomes completely immersed in the story and you really cannot stop reading...you have to know what is going to happen next. The characters, the plot, the settings...everything works perfectly to move the narrative along at a breakneck pace that does not detract from the story telling. I love the introspection where Daniel explores himself and his world throughout the novel. Who are we really? Do others really know us? Do we really know other people? The amnesia prompts Daniel to really delve into himself and to ponder those who have been around him. Does he really know his wife? Issues of trust and issues of identity flow through this wonderful tale.

I highly recommend this entertaining, intriguing, fast-paced crime drama/thriller. So thrilled to have discovered this amazing new-to-me author. If you are like me you won't be able to put it down. 5 Stars

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Great read!

Was checkin out the new arrivals at Barnes & Noble and read the reveiws on the back of this book...spot on! Picked it up a couple days ago and couldn't put it down. Hadn't read any Sakey before but will be pickin' up his 4 previous books tommorrow. For what it's worth I highly recomend this fun read, lots of twist and turns early and all the way to the final pages!

Great Read

Have just finished and would like to thank those that recommended this title. It was a good book and kept me interested til the end.

Grab on and hold. Keep your hands inside the vehicle at all times.

Book Review: otherwise known as "How to tell your friends about a great book, without giving away the ending". I'm sitting at home, on Facebook, minding my own business, when my eye is drawn to one of those interminable (and usually inane) adverts on the right side of the screen. You know the ones, right? Well, this one says something to the effect of "Want to appear in my next book?" How could I resist? People keep telling me I'm a character. So... Off I go, my girls in tow, to the local B&N to get said book. Now you might be saying, "Wait, you could have gotten it used on Amazon!" or "Wait a couple of weeks and pick up one at the used bookstore!" Well, my answer is, I am too intrigued, by the title alone, to wait. We do belong to nation of people who stand in front of the microwave and yell "HURRY UP!" Instant gratification, that is the thing. We got back in the car and (I want an autograph, Mr. Sakey. We had to drive 14 miles round-trip with no a/c in 104 temp.) I told my oldest to open to page one and read the first sentence. I am a strong believer in the "grab them at the first sentence" school of writing. Excerpt: "He was naked and cold, stiff with it, his veins ice and frost." Okay...he got my attention. I was not disappointed with the start and couldn't wait to get home (aside from escaping the sun) to dig into the book. I am the type of reader that likes to savor every word, lingering over it like a ripe wine. Mr. Sakey makes this very difficult to do. This story grabs hold of you by the nearest appendage (careful there) and takes you on a wild ride through one week in the life of Daniel Hayes. Beginning with him waking up, freezing cold, bucknaked, and on the wrong coast. More than this, I will not reveal. The Two Deaths of Daniel Hayes has so many plot twists, it will keep you dizzy. Then, just like a lover, when you think you have finally figured it all out and can get comfy... BAM... off you go again, 'round another corner, into the dark. Okay, I said I wouldn't say anymore but...one thing to watch for, dear reader, is the jaw-dropping bit at the end of Act Two, Part 1 (don't you DARE cheat and flip to that page!) and of course, the ending, which Mr. Sakey pulls off very nicely. He, like a magician, has you looking in one direction and then shakes it up and you are left saying "Uh...what just happened?". I once watched a DVD on "How to Write a Great Screenplay", it advises that one needs to have a certain number of Oh! A-ha, Oh No and the big one, lots of DAMN, moments built in, to make the ebb and flow of your film keep the viewer glued to the edge of the seat. The Two Deaths of Daniel Hayes has at least one of these on almost every page. I kid you not. I was glued to the pages of this book despite having other things I had to get done. They would just have to wait....kids hungry - a wave of the hand and "You can cook"; laundry - "What laundry? It's summer. What do you need clothes for?". Lucky for my husband that he was in Canada all this time or he would have had to pick up the slack. The Two Deaths of Daniel Hayes is much more than a "page turner" or any other cliched review pap. The Two Deaths of Daniel Hayes by Marcus Sakey is unbelievably believable. A joy ride of intrigue, blackmail, undying love and revenge. Get it. Read it. You won't regret it. But you might regret it if you do

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Not worth the effort less than 1/2 star!

Story just flip flopped around; making the first 200 pages boring and just as the plot was winding up the author just couldn't pull even the end together. I really thought I stumbled on to a new author....

0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Who IS Daniel Hayes?

"You are who you choose to be. Be sure you can live with the decisions you make." Daniel Hayes The dilemma is that Hayes begins his journey in a haze (a play on words, Mr. Sakey?). dripping wet, naked, confused and with no memory of how he got where he is.and worse.not even knowing WHO he is.his identity an enigma! What decisions has he made? What has happened to him? Where exactly is he.what ocean did he just drag his body out of? "Calm, don't panic.Retrace your steps.Focus.Don't force it. Tease it. Coax it out." Sakey continues to hone his fine skills in writing thrillers that keep you guessing until the very end. His novels should come with seat-belts.the plot twists toss the reader with plenty of turbulence in this newest offering, THE TWO DEATHS OF DANIEL HAYES. Just when you think you've had an 'AHA' moment, the plot loops around and you find yourself clutching at the proverbial straws all over again. You regain your footing as Daniel slowly retraces his and clues are revealed. However, all is not as it appears and trust ebbs and flows like the tide from which Daniel first sprung. It's difficult to say much more without adding a spoiler alert. Just know that once you pick this fast-paced novel up.you'll speed along with Daniel from Maine to California with petals of memories slowly unveiling a past that begs to atone and surprises itself in both dreams and reality. I was very impressed with the author's sharp images of Los Angeles and how well he portrayed the city as if he had lived there himself!...but, I'm pretty sure he hails from Chicago. I am a native "Angelina" and so Sakey brought back vivid pictures of places like Griffith Park, Hollywood, the unique culture of Southern California and a whole lot more!.even the Avocado tree that I, too, had in my back yard! .but without the pulsating adrenaline rush!

Great summer read! Great read period. You'll want to take it everywhere with you

Frankly, I've read all of his fiction .... The Two Deaths of Daniel Hayes is in my opinion one of his all time best stories .... period! This book is a real page turner infused with Sakey's innate humor, particularly evident in one major subplot. The main plot will keep you guessing. There are few current fiction writers, with which I am familiar, whose works possess an element of believability from start to finish. Sakey never disappoints on this level. May he live long and keep his pencil sharpened to write more books as enjoyable as The Two Deaths of Daniel Hayes.

This dark thriller grips the reader from the moment the amnesia victim awakens

He awakens on a beach with no one around wearing no clothing. The man realizes he has no idea who he is though he knows he nearly drowned. Nearby he finds a car. Inside is a California license for a Daniel Hayes with his picture on it. He wonders how he who apparently lives in Los Angeles ended up in coastal Maine.

Daniel knows the truth lies in Southern California though he feels a niggling of remorse that he cannot fathom why. He heads across the continent as glimpses of his pre-amnesia life flash by in his mind. Soon Daniel learns he is a screenwriter whose TV star soap opera wife died in a vehicular homicide. The cops believe he killed his spouse while someone is stalking him.

This dark thriller grips the reader from the moment the amnesia victim awakens on a deserted New England beach and never slows down until the final exhilarating climax. Daniel is terrific as he evades police and a hunter while trying to rewire his brain as the replay button is too slowly coming into focus. Set aside time, readers will find it difficult to put aside The Two Deaths of Daniel Hayes as Marcus Sakey provides a fresh exhilarating spin to the amnesiac in peril theme.

Harriet Klausner

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