The Death Factory: A Penn Cage Novella

Written by Greg Iles

Narrated by David LeDoux

Don’t miss the latest Natchez Burning novel, SOUTHERN MAN

Death is the end, and if a man doesn't speak before it silences him, then his deepest secrets go with him.

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Greg Iles comes an e-original novella featuring former prosecutor Penn Cage, a story of family secrets and justice denied, plus an excerpt from his new novel,Natchez Burning.

When a heart attack sends Penn's father, Tom Cage, to the ER, Tom begs that his son be brought to his side to hear a dying declaration. But when Penn arrives, Tom denies ever making the request—keeping his secrets for another day.

The emergency hurls Penn back to a chilling case in Houston, where he worked in a DA's office known as the ""death factory,"" which sent more killers to death row than any other in America. While Penn cares for his ailing wife, a tormented forensic technician brings him evidence of a crime lab in chaos, throwing past convictions into doubt and begging Penn to prevent an imminent travesty of justice. With the desperation of a man fighting death in his own home, Penn must find a way to bring the machinery of the death factory to a halt.

Included here is an extended sneak preview of Natchez Burning, the first installment in an epic trilogy featuring Penn Cage.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperAudio
• Release date: Jun 17, 2014
• ISBN: 9780062365293

Greg Iles

Greg Iles has spent most of his life in Natchez, Mississippi. His first novel, Spandau Phoenix, was the first of many New York Times bestsellers. His Natchez Burning trilogy continued the story of Penn Cage, the protagonist of The Quiet Game, Turning Angel, and #1 New York Times bestseller The Devil’s Punchbowl. Iles’s novels have been made into films and published in more than thirty-five countries. He is a member of the lit-rock group The Rock Bottom Remainders, lives in Natchez with his wife, and his three children.

Reviews for The Death Factory

[cathyskye · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I don't think anyone could be a real crime fiction lover and not be aware of Greg Iles. Until now, that's all I was-- aware-- and since Iles tends to write quite weighty tomes, I decided to read this novella to see if I wanted to read more. What I found was a well-told tale with lyrical descriptive passages and a main character I quickly grew to like. The storytelling flowed well, and the plot certainly kept my attention, especially with its emotional elements concerning Penn's father and wife. All my reactions were positive but for some strange reason, Penn didn't set my world on fire. As much as I liked him, I have no real burning desire to read more (although I may very well do so). This is a reaction I very seldom have so I'll have to ponder it a bit more. I may yet become a Penn Cage fan. Only time will tell.

[Brenda Shealey Steele · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Now I know more about Sara! I am so glad I discovered Greg Iles!

[andrew1theqm · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I don't usually like or read the Novellas within series but read this one as the library had a copy. Have to say I loved this one, which I think has set it up nicely for the next book & linked in very well with the previous book. Great emotions were exposed in this book about events around the death of Penn's wife (which happened before the first book in the series) and sone of the reasons Penn went back to Natchez other than his wife's death.

[jan dry · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

After listening to the first few books in the series, I just wanted this one to be over! It was soooooo boring, and the narrator was pretty bad. Appreciate that it’s a novella.

[mmoj_2 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Even in a short story Iles shines. Terrific book had me involved from the first age.

[twink_2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

You may remember me raving about Greg Iles' new book Natchez Burning - the first in a planned trilogy. I only discovered after reading the book that Iles had penned an 'in-between' Penn Cage novella called The Death Factory that is set just before the beginning of Natchez Burning. Before returning to Natchez, Penn worked in a DA's office that became known as The Death Factory - that office sent more people to death row than any other. But when an evidence tech still working there becomes concerned that sloppy evidence handling has put an innocent man behind bars, it is Penn he turns to - not his current employer. For those that haven't yet read Natchez Burning, this is a great 'opening' chapter for that book, setting the scene in so many ways. We learn of Tom Cage's illness, and wonder what it is he wanted to tell Penn, see more of Penn's brother Jack and get the full story of Penn's wife's illness and death. And for those new to this series (!!) it's a great introduction to this fantastic character and series. And, there's a great case to boot! Iles's stories are simply a joy to read or listen to. The Death Factory will only whet your appetite for the main course - Natchez Burning. However, that being said, I listened to The Death Factory after reading Natchez Burning, and still hugely enjoyed it. More like dessert for me. As I said, I did choose to listen. The reader is David LeDoux. He has a great voice with a lovely gravely undertone that just resonates. His southern accent is not overdone or affected, but is understated and just right.

[nx74defiant · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Penn's father has had a heart attack and wants to see him. As his father recovers Penn goes with his uncle and the two talk. Penn relates the story of a case that happened while his wife was dying. Penn discusses his actions and feelings at the time.

[hemlokgang · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This Penn Cage novella is a fine example of the bittersweet and tenuous nature of life. Iles is able to somehow fit themes of corruption, loss, determination, and survival into a very short literary space. It isn't my favorite by this author, primarily because the length left me disappointed, wanting the depth and complexity he usually brings to his writing. It was meaty, nonetheles

[judithdcollins · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

After reading Greg Iles’ Natchez Burning (Penn Cage #4, which I loved, a 5 Star!), was unaware there was a novella,THE DEATH FACTORY Penn Cage #3.5, so decided to buy the audiobook, as did not want to miss a thing. I am playing catch up, as usual, I start with the newest releases and work my way backwards. Now have to go back to read 1-3.

Penn Cage, a former prosecutor is back with a family of dark secrets, when Tom (Penn’s dad-physician) is taken to the hospital with a scare, and has a dying wish, or so he thinks but says he cannot recall and has no secret. Cage had returned previously to his native home town, Natchez, Mississippi and became the city's mayor.

Tom's brother Jack arrives in town and Penn goes back to his time in Houston, TX, Sarah’s death (cancer), and coping with their daughter, and previous case in Houston known as the Death Factory (sending a ton of killers to death row), on the basis of evidence, some of which may have been tainted.

A great teaser for Natchez Burning and highly recommend the audiobook with narrator, David Ledoux, as he keeps the suspense high with a pleasant voice (listened to the audio version of both)! Love Penn Cage’s character and Tom!

Looking forward to reading Bone Tree #5 (2015) and Unwritten Laws #6 (2016).