Scan barcode
babs_reviews's review
4.0
This is my first time reading R.G. Belsky, and I really enjoyed it.
I loved the main character, Clare Carlson, she was refreshing, witty and quick with the banter. I enjoyed her inner emotions and thought process.
Now, the plot was suspenseful and driven. There were a few places where things were either repeated too many times or some information was interchanged somehow. This may just be editing issue that will be resolved with the final release, however it did pull me away a tiny bit in those places.
The mystery and intrigue was all very tight rope balancing act, and while I can usually pin down the culprit - this one kept me guessing the whole time.
Also, I loved the information we were able to glean about the Vietnam War.
On another plus side, the inner working of media, a glimpse into the world was nice to see.
Thank you netgalley for providing an eARC.
I loved the main character, Clare Carlson, she was refreshing, witty and quick with the banter. I enjoyed her inner emotions and thought process.
Now, the plot was suspenseful and driven. There were a few places where things were either repeated too many times or some information was interchanged somehow. This may just be editing issue that will be resolved with the final release, however it did pull me away a tiny bit in those places.
The mystery and intrigue was all very tight rope balancing act, and while I can usually pin down the culprit - this one kept me guessing the whole time.
Also, I loved the information we were able to glean about the Vietnam War.
On another plus side, the inner working of media, a glimpse into the world was nice to see.
Thank you netgalley for providing an eARC.
annieb123's review
4.0
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Beyond the Headlines is the fourth investigative procedural mystery featuring reporter Clare Carlson by R.G. Belsky. Released 4th May 2021 by Oceanview, it's 336 pages and available in hardcover and ebook formats.
Writing realistic gritty procedurals is an art. It's all too easy for that realism to shade (unironically) over into self-parody. So I'm always on the lookout for series and authors to follow. This is a very well written and engaging procedural with a gutsy and intelligent female protagonist which is cleverly plotted and written and with believable characters who aren't perfect cookie cutter archetypes and who have realistic internal motivations and interactions.
I was unfamiliar with the series before reading the fourth book and although it works perfectly well as a standalone; I was intrigued and impressed enough to seek out the first three books in the series before finishing this one. It's not necessary though, but they're worth a look as well.
I'm also slightly wary of male authors who write strongly female dominant character driven books. There are some wonderful authors who nevertheless still make me cringe when reading their female characters (John D. MacDonald, I'm looking at you). This wasn't a problem here. He writes Clare with wry and sarcastic wit, unapologetic appetites (physical and sexual), and a sharply cynical worldview.
Four stars. Worth a look for fans of modern procedurals.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Beyond the Headlines is the fourth investigative procedural mystery featuring reporter Clare Carlson by R.G. Belsky. Released 4th May 2021 by Oceanview, it's 336 pages and available in hardcover and ebook formats.
Writing realistic gritty procedurals is an art. It's all too easy for that realism to shade (unironically) over into self-parody. So I'm always on the lookout for series and authors to follow. This is a very well written and engaging procedural with a gutsy and intelligent female protagonist which is cleverly plotted and written and with believable characters who aren't perfect cookie cutter archetypes and who have realistic internal motivations and interactions.
I was unfamiliar with the series before reading the fourth book and although it works perfectly well as a standalone; I was intrigued and impressed enough to seek out the first three books in the series before finishing this one. It's not necessary though, but they're worth a look as well.
I'm also slightly wary of male authors who write strongly female dominant character driven books. There are some wonderful authors who nevertheless still make me cringe when reading their female characters (John D. MacDonald, I'm looking at you). This wasn't a problem here. He writes Clare with wry and sarcastic wit, unapologetic appetites (physical and sexual), and a sharply cynical worldview.
Four stars. Worth a look for fans of modern procedurals.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
3no7's review
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
“Beyond The Headlines” is part of the “Clare Carlson Mystery” series, but new readers will be able to understand the characters and the story immediately. Any needed background details are included as part of the narrative. Clare Carlson, forty-seven, is the news director at New York City’s Channel 10. She is a seasoned reporter with an attitude. She has professional prestige, self-confidence, and a sixth sense about news. “Carlson’s my name, exclusives are my game.” The story unfolds in her first person narrative; these are her hunches, her investigations, and her story. Carlson has a “Channel 10 Exclusive Report,” in the works -- the tragic story of Laurie Bateman, top model, successful actress wife of one of the country’s top corporate deal makers, a fairy tale life gone wrong. Bateman promises to “reveal all” about her impending divorce, but something else trumps that story – a murder. A detailed investigation is needed; Carlson cannot make a mistake in this high-stakes story. However, Laurie Bateman is an accomplished actress. Is she telling the truth or playing a part?
Belsky gives readers an inside look at a big city newsroom and the journalists who work in it -- what they are like when they are chasing a sensational story and rushing to get it on the air. The narrative transitions smoothly and easily from scene to scene and includes both the everyday activities inside the newsroom and the detailed pursuit of a story.
“Beyond The Headlines” is quick to read, and the narrative is suspenseful, dramatic, and humorous because, well, Clare Carlson is just funny. I received a review copy of “Beyond The Headlines” from R.G. Belsky, and Ocanview Publishing.
More...