Sunday, January 2, 2011

Sunday's media madness...

Yesterday I mentioned that I am taking a Mystery & Suspense book challenge over on Book Chick City's blog.  Well today I would like to let you know about the first book I choose to read.  Its called Deadly Reunion by Ron Handberg.  Mr. Handberg went to the University of Minnesota and my mom remembered him from when she was going there.  When she found out he had made the leap from broadcast journalism to mystery author she was thrilled and read his first book, Savage Justice in a weekend.  While he was in broadcast journalism in Minnesota he started the I-team or Investigative Team which now is prevalent in almost all markets doing in-depth pieces on everything from tainted food at grocery stores to bad politicians.  For his outstanding work he was inducted to the Museum of Broadcasting on October 11, 2008.

His most recent book in the News Room series, Deadly Reunion, is the story of a young girl who was raped and murdered on her way home in 1992.  Believed to be one of three girls killed by a serial killer, the case was never solved.  Now, over 15 years later at his class reunion News Director George Barclay finds out about her death and starts asking questions and dredging up the past.  This book has a great news room sub context with the possible sale of the the TV station to a huge corporation that is threatening to remake the station in the image they want.  Drawing on his past experience in the field Mr. Handberg really makes you really feel like you are in the studio with the characters.  This book will leave you guessing until the end.  If you enjoy reading John Sandford's "Prey" books or are a fan of Brian Freeman you will enjoy this and all the books in this series.

Here is the Synopsis from Fantastic Fiction: "George Barclay would be the first to tell you that he is an unlikely hero, that he has never done anything remotely courageous in his entire life. A talented, respected television journalist, yes, but in most other ways an ordinary man, something of a social misfit at that: overweight, single, shy, ill-at-ease almost everywhere except in his newsroom.

So how does he become the center of an intriguing mystery surrounding the rape and murder of a high school classmate almost twenty years before?

A mystery that puts Barclay and those around him in the sights of a psychotic killer who has been hiding in the shadows of time. It is a story of teenage obsession, of a long-lost first love, and of Barclay's efforts to find justice for a woman he hardly knew, justice that has eluded police for decades. All in the face of a professional crisis that could cost him and his colleagues their jobs, and their city the loss of a great television station."

I was able to find the book through DeepDiscount for $13.45 with free shipping. Remember to order through Ebates to get an additional 2.5% cash back on your purchase.  If you have a Borders near you and would like to pick it up today for an even better price you can find it for $14.95, but with the Borders in store coupon for 1/2 off any one item your total cost would be $7.48 plus your local tax.

If you decide to read this I would be interested to know what you think.  If you are interested in taking the reading challenge just click the button along the side of my blog.

Have a great Sunday everyone!

C.Q.

Shibley Smiles Sunday Blog Hop

3 comments:

  1. Good for you for getting one under your belt. I still need to get over there and sign up. I'm going to be interested in seeing your picks for the year.

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  2. Very informative post and it seems a nice book to read!
    I've just read two books by Tracy Chevalier (The girl with the Pearl and Innocence) and loved them!
    Thanks for visiting and taking the time to comment;o)

    ***
    All my best wishes for the new year****

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  3. I'll definitely check out Ron Handberg's books as I'm a fan of John Sandford and Brian Freeman. Plus, I review books for Minnesota Moments magazine and am always seeking Minnesota-related titles. Thanks for the tip.

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I love to read your comments, but due to spamming I have had to turn on the word verification again. Sorry for the extra step.