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No One Has Time For That
Grady Sachs is a mild-mannered, unsuspecting, everyman. In fact, Grady Sachs has spent most of his life slipping through the cracks. Forgettable and painfully average, but that's they way he'd like it. He was used to it. Nothing ever happens to Grady Sachs.
Until one day...
Until one day...
88 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 31, 2024
1 person is currently reading
5 people want to read
About the author
M. von Lindenberg
6 books6 followersWriter, producer, musician, cinematographer, director, painter...
There are a lot of things I have called myself over the years. Many of them still hold true, even though some of those boxes are sitting on shelves waiting to be cracked open again.
I began playing music around age 9 and always enjoyed writing when prompted with an idea. Even as a kid, short stories were something I could whip up and dump onto a page. I'd never thought myself a writer in any official capacity, not any more than I'd thought myself a "professional" musician. Alas, some 25 years after recording my first tracks, I have quite a few works in my discography.
In 2024, I endeavored to write a short story that turned into the multi-part series "No One's Time" after a conversation with a buddy. Early 2025, I released the first part to the public and the rest are to follow.
Feel free to follow the bouncing ball and see what happens next in this newest chapter (pun intended).
There are a lot of things I have called myself over the years. Many of them still hold true, even though some of those boxes are sitting on shelves waiting to be cracked open again.
I began playing music around age 9 and always enjoyed writing when prompted with an idea. Even as a kid, short stories were something I could whip up and dump onto a page. I'd never thought myself a writer in any official capacity, not any more than I'd thought myself a "professional" musician. Alas, some 25 years after recording my first tracks, I have quite a few works in my discography.
In 2024, I endeavored to write a short story that turned into the multi-part series "No One's Time" after a conversation with a buddy. Early 2025, I released the first part to the public and the rest are to follow.
Feel free to follow the bouncing ball and see what happens next in this newest chapter (pun intended).
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 11, 2025
A very impressive debut!
I am very impressed with this debut novella. Witty, sharp, and almost constantly unexpected, I read this entirely in one sitting.
Were there some sticking points? Sure, but quickly my attention was back in the fast-paced story. I really enjoyed the subtle transformation of the main character into someone nearly unrecognizable - which was very clever given the circumstances of the plot.
In fact, I thought Grady's character and subsequent character development were very well flushed-out. I could see Grady the entire time. We all know a Grady, at least who he is at the beginning, and that made the rest of the story even more gripping.
The writing is what really shines. So smart in so many places, I'd liken this author's style to Drew Hayes and John le Carré.
I wish the ending had been a little less abrupt, but I can't wait to read the next in the series. Very well executed - give it a read!
I am very impressed with this debut novella. Witty, sharp, and almost constantly unexpected, I read this entirely in one sitting.
Were there some sticking points? Sure, but quickly my attention was back in the fast-paced story. I really enjoyed the subtle transformation of the main character into someone nearly unrecognizable - which was very clever given the circumstances of the plot.
In fact, I thought Grady's character and subsequent character development were very well flushed-out. I could see Grady the entire time. We all know a Grady, at least who he is at the beginning, and that made the rest of the story even more gripping.
The writing is what really shines. So smart in so many places, I'd liken this author's style to Drew Hayes and John le Carré.
I wish the ending had been a little less abrupt, but I can't wait to read the next in the series. Very well executed - give it a read!
January 8, 2025
This book is an extra special one to me since it was written by a friend.
I genuinely did not see the twist (or should I say Twists) coming. As someone who reads a lot of thrillers and can usually see the ending a mile away this one got me good.
Grady is reliable, literal, a creature of habit, and relatable-ly normal. He was giving Ove vibes from A Man Called Ove.
I really recommend this book if you are looking for something short, that will keep you on your toes, and have you questioning everything all while having a chuckle.
I genuinely did not see the twist (or should I say Twists) coming. As someone who reads a lot of thrillers and can usually see the ending a mile away this one got me good.
Grady is reliable, literal, a creature of habit, and relatable-ly normal. He was giving Ove vibes from A Man Called Ove.
I really recommend this book if you are looking for something short, that will keep you on your toes, and have you questioning everything all while having a chuckle.
April 10, 2025
After spending a weekend with M. von Lindenberg’s “No One Has Time For That,” I’m left scratching my head–and not in the good way that makes you want to reread a book to uncover its mysteries. The novella follows Gray Sachs, an unremarkable average man whose life is as mundane as it gets. The book starts with this and soon loses its way into a maze of its own making.
Let me start by saying that the early chapters started well enough. There is something interesting about how vividly the author sees the unremarkable life of Gray Sachs. The humor lands effectively in the early chapters, like observations about his office life and daily struggles to understand the quiet struggle of an average person.
But then…as the story progresses, the plot takes several abstracts and sudden leaps between events like a cat on a hot tin roof. One minute Gray is dealing with office politics and the next he is caught up in corporate espionage (I think!) and then some identity crisis is thrown into the mix for the readers, which I am yet to understand. This story gets weird (and not in the “Dark mirror” way weird) making me struggle to connect the dots.
Instead of building a cohesive storyline, the narrative transitions from one scene to another, creating chaos that distracts from the suspenseful element expected from a thriller. The book did have some glimpses of what could have been a great thriller.
Towards the end of the book, the thrill does provide some spark, but these are marred by the disjoined packing and lack of clarity. It’s like watching a movie where someone’s randomly cut out crucial scenes. I kept flipping back pages, thinking I’d missed something important, only to realize that’s just how the story unfolds. The ending leaves a lot to interpretation, which may work for some, but for me, it felt more like a forced twist rather than a cleverly constructed conclusion.
The book had some technical errors like punctuation mistakes and a few typos. While the issues do not overshadow the storyline, the book could use a cursory glance for some polishing.
I get what von Lindenberg was trying to do with the experimental narrative style, but sometimes experiments fail. This one feels like a scientist mixed some promising ingredients but forgot to follow any kind of formula. The result is a messy concoction that occasionally bubbles with brilliance, but mostly just leaves you wondering what went wrong. I understand the story is a fast-paced suspense thriller with sequels in the future, but I did not feel the connection (in my opinion).
2 out of 5 stars five seems generous but fair. There’s enough good writing and interesting ideas here to keep it from being a complete miss, but honestly, if someone asked me what actually happens in this book, I’d have a hard time telling them. And maybe that’s the most damning criticism of all!
Let me start by saying that the early chapters started well enough. There is something interesting about how vividly the author sees the unremarkable life of Gray Sachs. The humor lands effectively in the early chapters, like observations about his office life and daily struggles to understand the quiet struggle of an average person.
But then…as the story progresses, the plot takes several abstracts and sudden leaps between events like a cat on a hot tin roof. One minute Gray is dealing with office politics and the next he is caught up in corporate espionage (I think!) and then some identity crisis is thrown into the mix for the readers, which I am yet to understand. This story gets weird (and not in the “Dark mirror” way weird) making me struggle to connect the dots.
Instead of building a cohesive storyline, the narrative transitions from one scene to another, creating chaos that distracts from the suspenseful element expected from a thriller. The book did have some glimpses of what could have been a great thriller.
Towards the end of the book, the thrill does provide some spark, but these are marred by the disjoined packing and lack of clarity. It’s like watching a movie where someone’s randomly cut out crucial scenes. I kept flipping back pages, thinking I’d missed something important, only to realize that’s just how the story unfolds. The ending leaves a lot to interpretation, which may work for some, but for me, it felt more like a forced twist rather than a cleverly constructed conclusion.
The book had some technical errors like punctuation mistakes and a few typos. While the issues do not overshadow the storyline, the book could use a cursory glance for some polishing.
I get what von Lindenberg was trying to do with the experimental narrative style, but sometimes experiments fail. This one feels like a scientist mixed some promising ingredients but forgot to follow any kind of formula. The result is a messy concoction that occasionally bubbles with brilliance, but mostly just leaves you wondering what went wrong. I understand the story is a fast-paced suspense thriller with sequels in the future, but I did not feel the connection (in my opinion).
2 out of 5 stars five seems generous but fair. There’s enough good writing and interesting ideas here to keep it from being a complete miss, but honestly, if someone asked me what actually happens in this book, I’d have a hard time telling them. And maybe that’s the most damning criticism of all!
May 28, 2025
Smart, sharply funny, and quietly profound No One Has Time For That is a sleeper hit waiting to happen.
Grady Sachs may consider himself forgettable, but this story is anything but. M. von Lindenberg crafts an unassuming, delightful novel with the precision of a literary scalpel and the charm of a well timed smirk. Grady, our reluctant everyman, stumbles into the kind of existential chaos that’s both hilarious and oddly moving.
This book is what happens when The Secret Life of Walter Mitty collides with the dry humor of A Man Called Ove. Wry, character driven, and full of perfectly observed moments that linger, it’s a rare read that feels both breezy and brilliant. Grady Sachs doesn’t ask for your attention but trust me, you’ll be giving it to him anyway.
Fredrik Backman meets Nick Hornby in this standout gem of quiet upheaval and reluctant transformation.
Grady Sachs may consider himself forgettable, but this story is anything but. M. von Lindenberg crafts an unassuming, delightful novel with the precision of a literary scalpel and the charm of a well timed smirk. Grady, our reluctant everyman, stumbles into the kind of existential chaos that’s both hilarious and oddly moving.
This book is what happens when The Secret Life of Walter Mitty collides with the dry humor of A Man Called Ove. Wry, character driven, and full of perfectly observed moments that linger, it’s a rare read that feels both breezy and brilliant. Grady Sachs doesn’t ask for your attention but trust me, you’ll be giving it to him anyway.
Fredrik Backman meets Nick Hornby in this standout gem of quiet upheaval and reluctant transformation.
February 19, 2025
Grady Sachs is the kind of protagonist you root for because he’s just like the rest of us until he’s mistaken for a billionaire criminal mastermind. The absurdity of his plight, mixed with the eerily realistic depiction of corporate greed and government cover-ups, makes for a page-turner that stays with you long after you finish. A perfect blend of humor, suspense, and the creeping fear that this could actually happen to anyone.
February 19, 2025
M. von Lindenberg crafts a novel that is as smart as it is entertaining. The balance of wit, satire, and mystery is impeccable. The story explores identity, corporate corruption, and the absurdity of modern bureaucracy, all while maintaining an addictive pace. This book is not just a read it’s an experience!
February 19, 2025
No One Has Time For That is a masterclass in tension and intrigue. From the very first page, the story grips you with its sharp prose, humor, and mind-bending twists. Grady Sachs is an unforgettable protagonist, and his journey from an unremarkable existence to a shocking revelation is both thrilling and heartbreaking. A must-read for fans of dark humor and psychological thrillers!
February 19, 2025
M. von Lindenberg crafts a gripping, darkly comedic tale that lures readers into a Kafkaesque nightmare. Grady Sachs is an everyman, a nobody until he isn’t. With sharp wit and razor-edge suspense, this novella explores identity, corporate corruption, and the eerie ease with which a life can be rewritten. If you love books that make you laugh, think, and gasp in equal measure, this one’s for you.
February 25, 2025
Underneath the action-packed twists and turns, No One Has Time For That is a biting critique of corporate greed, government corruption, and the way the world forgets people who don’t stand out. The writing is brilliantly layered, full of wit and dark humor, and the protagonist is both an everyman and an enigma. A stellar, thought-provoking read that lingers long after the final page.
March 2, 2025
From the moment Grady Sachs is thrust into a conspiracy beyond his comprehension, the tension never lets up. This book grips you with its Kafkaesque nightmare, blending espionage, deception, and a twisted sense of humor. Fans of fast-paced thrillers will find themselves flipping pages deep into the night.
February 19, 2025
This book had me hooked from the very first line! The protagonist, Grady Sachs, is a breath of fresh air quirky, relatable, and completely unforgettable. The mix of humor, intrigue, and suspense made this a truly immersive read. I loved every moment of it!
February 28, 2025
This is absurdist fiction at its finest. Grady’s life is painfully normal until it isn’t, and the way the story spirals into a full-blown nightmare is masterful. The humor makes it digestible, but the deeper themes make it unforgettable.
March 2, 2025
A brilliantly crafted mystery that keeps unraveling in unexpected ways! The layers of deception and mistaken identity make for an exhilarating read. Just when you think you have it figured out, the story takes another sharp turn. Loved every moment!
March 2, 2025
A brilliantly crafted mystery that keeps unraveling in unexpected ways! The layers of deception and mistaken identity make for an exhilarating read. Just when you think you have it figured out, the story takes another sharp turn. Loved every moment!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews