Clare Carlson: Book 5
Publication Date: October 4, 2022
Dashed dreams: she wanted to run for president one day, now she’s dead at 20
When Riley Hunt—a beautiful, smart, popular student at Easton College in Manhattan—is brutally murdered, it becomes a big story for TV newswoman Clare Carlson.
After days of intense media coverage, a suspect is caught: a troubled Afghanistan war veteran with a history of violent and unstable behavior. The suspect’s mother, however, comes to Clare with new evidence that might prove her son’s innocence.
As Clare digs deeper into the puzzling case, she learns new information: Riley had complained about being stalked in the days before her murder, she was romantically involved with two different men—the son of a top police official and the son of a prominent underworld boss—and she had posted her picture on an escort service’s website offering paid dates with wealthy men.
Soon, Clare becomes convinced that Riley Hunt’s death is more than just a simple murder case—and that more lives, including her own, are now in danger until she uncovers the true story.
When an author drops a quote from Anchorman’s Ron Burgundy alongside one from William Shakespeare, it’s an indication of a great sense of humor. It turns out that author R.G. Belsky takes it a step further by creating a strong, engaging female lead character as part of the Clare Carlson series.
In the fifth installment of the series, It’s News to Me, Clare lands a big story featuring the murder of a female college student. As a television newswoman, Clare demonstrates a solid understanding of the hard work required in digging for exclusive angles. This investigation gets the media worked up in a frenzy until a suspect is caught. However, Clare isn’t convinced the war veteran is the culprit.
As she flexes her investigative skills, she learns more about the murdered woman and uncovers some interesting leads. In trying to get the scoop, Clare finds herself in danger. Full of suspense and intrigue, the storyline flows seamlessly. Bits of humor, typically delivered via Clare’s dialog, livens up the story and offers a solid balance against the more serious aspects.
Although part of a series, this installment can easily be read as a standalone. As a former newspaper reporter, I was impressed with how well the author established an authentic newsroom experience. Of course, that is to be expected, given the author’s own journalistic background.
It’s News to Me delivers a punchy storyline with a well-developed female lead who is perfectly imperfect. Clare may have her weaknesses when it comes to relationships, but she has a nose for news.
R.G. Belsky is an award-winning author of crime fiction and a journalist in New York City. His new mystery, It’s News to Me, will be published on October 4 by Oceanview. It is the fifth in a series featuring Clare Carlson, the news director for a New York City TV station. Belsky has published 19 novels—all set in the New York city media world where he has had a long career as a top editor at the New York Post, New York Daily News, Star magazine and NBC News. He also writes thrillers under the name Dana Perry. He lives in New York City and is a contributing writer to The Big Thrill magazine.
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Thanks so much for the great review, Amy. Especially glad you like the newsroom stuff!
R.G. Belsky
Thanks so much for the awesome review! I have read a few in this series and loved every one.
I didn’t have time in my schedule to read this one now, but it will go on my wish list!