Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Off The Air by Christina Estes Published by Minotaur Books on March 26, 2024
Genres: Thriller
Pages: 320
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
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olene Garcia is a local TV reporter in Phoenix, Arizona, splitting her time between covering general assignments—anything from a monsoon storm to a newborn giraffe at the zoo—and special projects. Stories that take more time to research and produce. Stories that Jolene wants to tell.
When word gets out about a death at a radio station, Jolene and other journalists swarm the scene, intent on reporting the facts first. The body is soon identified as Larry Lemmon, a controversial talk show host, who died under suspicious circumstances. Jolene conducted his final interview, giving her and her station an advantage. But not for long.
As the story heats up, so does the competition. Jolene is determined to solve this murder. It’s an investigation that could make or break her career—if it doesn't break her first.
Our main point of view is Jolene Garcia, who is a news reporter. She does on air reporting for her special segments. Jolene works very hard to develop contacts, find breaking stories and report new angles. She is under a lot of pressure as the station moves to more digital reporting in real time with social media teases.
Jolene has developed good sources by being fair and releasing information only when they approve. She doesn’t seem to have much of a life outside of her focus on her work. She’s always on call for breaking stories. With the current death of a man she recently interviewed, she’s under even more pressure since she has his last interview.
I didn’t like the pressure she was under or how she rationalized some of her choices, or constantly after people to provide her with more information to report. Some of her “friends” criticized some of those choices and I would too, but Jolene is the one who would be unemployed or Off the Air if she didn’t push and get the story. It was a lose – lose situation. Jolene gets her story at great personal risk and angers some of her sources.
I found the story interesting but it was hard to like the characters. The tension made it less enjoyable to me.
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 24-COYER
I had a feeling this wouldn’t work for me, either. Sorry this wasn’t a more satisfying reading experience, Anne.
Well even something difficult can be worth reading to gain an understanding.
I’m sorry this one didn’t work for you as much as you’d hoped. I love that cover though.
I liked the book I just didn’t enjoy the plot or characters as much as I hoped.
This is one I have on my wish list, but it seems to be getting lukewarm reviews so it won’t be rising to the top very fast. It sounds like it does have some good aspects though and I’m glad you at least liked it even if you didn’t love it.
You might like it more than me. I hated the situation the main character was in and she really tried to do the right things.
I was offered this one, but didn’t have time to fit it in. Looks like that was a good thing.
It was interesting but the main character was under terrible pressure. I don’t like the sensationalism of the news.
I dont think this one is for me. I like the premise but this is the kind of book where I have to like the characters. Great review!
Thank you Katherine. The character was mostly likable; it was her career and situation I really hated. Being pushed to always sensationalize irritated me.
It’s hard when you struggle liking a single character.
Yes. I couldn’t really like any of them. I did understand them and their reasons for things but they didn’t make me comfortable.
Judging by the cover, lol, I’d pick it up to check it out. But it would probably not be my type of read, and based on your review I’d definitely skip. Thanks for sharing!
The blurb sounded really interesting. And it was a good read just not a great one.