Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this.

I read this, unaware that it was part of a series. Despite this, it was quite easy to follow. However, in my opinion, previous books will still need to be read. As a result of this, I found myself not able to get into the book. I would probably need to read the previous books to get a better feel of the series as a whole, which would change my opinion later on.

For those who have yet to read this book, and haven't read the previous books in the series, I would say read the previous books first.

I didn’t realize this was book 6 in a series but it was easy to follow despite that. Other than that it didn’t really hook me and I found myself putting it down often

When a private investigator and former police officer is murdered, her clients are considered suspects, while police are quick to trot out platitudes and generic laudatory statements about an officer with a fractious past with the force. The dead PI was known to take on high-profile cases involving cheating spouses of New York City's wealthy, while police officers she'd tussled with moved up through the ranks.

Investigative TV journalist and news director Clare Carlson sees this as a fantastic story and knows that her contact in the police (her former husband) and in the FBI (a former lover) can get her great inside information to put her, her story, and her news station at the forefront. This is particularly important considering the owner of the news station has brought in a business manager whom Clare butts heads with, and he has also put the station up for sale.

Clare is feeling vulnerable as her 50th birthday is fast coming up, and she could be out of a job once a buyer is found; she’s got a tendency to say what she feels, which can be received poorly, as with Susan the station’s business manager.

Despite her worries, Clare uses her contacts, and follows down anything that might flesh out what she knows about the dead woman and the one clue she left behind, pointing to one of New York City’s ultra wealthy residents. Her snooping takes her to police brass, who tell her that the dead woman was brave and a good officer. And she had a temper and a string of flags in her HR file from altercations, and even an attack, with some of the higher ups, painting a contradictory picture of the woman, but also intriguing Clare. More leads begin hinting at links to an upcoming gubernatorial election and corruption in the police, which just makes the whole investigation juicier and likely to be more shocking and attractive to viewers.

I have never read any of the previous Clare Carlson stories, but I did not feel that I was at a loss while reading this sixth instalment. Author R.G. Belsky filled in any gaps in Clare 's history when necessary, and she’s sufficiently well characterized for me to understand how driven she is as a investigative reporter, and how critical breaking stories is to her professionally and personally.

She’s at a crux in her life, and understands that she’s placed personal relationships second to her work. This leads her to some interesting reflections on her life, even while she is following leads.

I enjoyed this fast-paced story, and appreciated the insight the author provided into the work that goes into producing a daily news program and how changing tastes, technology and public expectations have also skewed reporting into sometimes more sensational directions.

I liked the many twists and suspects in this story, and it made for a suspense-filled and entertaining story.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Oceanview Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my review.

Broadcast Blues by R. G. Belsky is part of a series featuring TV newswoman Clare Carlson. I think this book can be read as a standalone novel, which is what I did. However, I think it would have been so much better if I had read the rest of the series first. Clare begins to follow a horrific murder just as she turns 50. Clare is quite a quirky character and this adds to the story overall. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

There are milestones, and then there are...well, milestones.

Most of us likely share the same ones—no matter what order they actually occur.

First kiss. Losing our virginity. Getting a driver’s license. Graduating. Getting our own place. Getting married (or entering some type of long-term relationship).

And then, there are birthdays. Perhaps the biggest milestones, of all... despite the meaninglessness one day actually makes, of course. From 29 to 30... 39 to 40... 49 to 50 (etc.).

For whatever reason(s), we’ve somehow arbitrarily agreed that the beginning of a new decade signals a new Big Scary Awful.

And it’s with that looming in her mind—the impossible idea of turning 50(!!)—that TV newswoman Clare Carlson happens upon an equally-explosive story, in R.G. Belsky’s latest entry in the series, Broadcast Blues.


When Clare hears that some sort of explosive detonated in a car in Manhattan—killing Wendy Kyle, a female private detective (and formerly an NYPD officer), in spectacularly-horrific form, in the process—she knows it’ll be a huge story.

Several years earlier, Wendy had been involved in a #metoo-type scandal while on the force, making sexual harassment charges against some of her male coworkers. Then, when things were settled/swept under the rug, she’d gone off on her own, setting up her own P.I. business, where she catered to other women who were being mistreated (cheating spouses, harassment, etc.).

To say that Wendy had a few people who might well wish her ill, well... that would be quite an understatement. In life, she was polarizing. Someone—a woman, more specifically—determined to damned well take her rightful place in the world.

Clare is intrigued, on so many levels. Wendy was clearly a take-no-BS sorta gal... but Clare wonders if anger—a need to get back at men who used or abused women—was the main reason behind Wendy’s change of career... or if other factors she’s unaware of, played even more important roles.

Whatever the case, Clare isn’t about to be deterred in her quest to uncover the truth behind Wendy’s untimely death... no matter how many Very Important People attempt to get in her way and keep her from doing just that.


This—surprisingly!—was my first time out with Clare Carlson, and I’ve gotta say, I one-hundred-percent wanna hang out with her again.

Ballsy, cheeky, whip-smart, and witty, she’s a fun character to hang around with on her exploits around Manhattan... while still being an entirely relatable presence. (She’s midlife—apparently, with a formerly-long-estranged daughter she’s only recently reconnected with, as well as numerous exes that hang about in the periphery—and her struggles at work, with relationships (or “whatever-ships”), and, well... pretty much everything—ring oh-so-true.)

Does she figure out the “5 Ws and an H” of journalism 101 (who-what-when-where-why-and-how)... keep her job (always a thing, once you’re a woman “of a certain age”, in the news business)... get her story on the nightly news... AND enjoy a celebratory cocktail (or three)?

Well, yeah... but my advice is to pick up and tune in to Belsky’s Broadcast Blues to see exactly how it all shakes out, folks.

Broadcast Blues is a humdinger... and you don’t wanna miss it.
~GlamKitty

I did not realise this was part of a series when I started reading it and yes to a point it can be read as a standalone book but would be better if you knew more of the story from past books.

It is an okay book but I somehow just couldn't get into it. I did read it all and found some parts more interesting than others but I don't think I will go out in search of the previous books.

Thank you NetGalley and Oceanview Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

Broadcast Blues is the sixth book in the Clare Carlson series by R.G. Belsky. Clare is a journalist who has worked on several high profile investigations. In Broadcast Blues, Clare covers the death of a former police officer turned private investigator.

Clare is an intelligent, yet flawed character. She makes some questionable decisions, but does have good investigative skills and the determination to find truth.

This is an enjoyable series with interesting mysteries. Broadcast Blues can be read as a stand-alone, but I recommend reading the earlier books too.

Broadcast Blues is a complex and intriguing mystery. Recommended for readers who enjoy mysteries from a journalists point of view.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book loks like a great read. Unfornately I did not get a chance to read this book online. I am sorryi missed the opertunity to read the book. I will now have to purchase this book.

Thank you to the publisher for providing me an advanced reader copy of this book through netgalley. This book is number six of a series featuring Clare Carlson and journalist turned television broadcaster but can be read a standalone. Overall I enjoyed the story line involving Clare investigating what happened to Wendy Kyle the former policewoman turned private investigator that was killed. Some of the pieces felt that they fell into place a bit too conveniently and the hyper focus on Clare turning 50 soon felt kind of stale and superficial in a lot of the statements relating to it. I enjoyed the characters overall and plan to read the previous 5 books to learn more of the back story of Clare and those in the newsroom with her. The newsroom scenes felt authentic and behind the scenes and tie in with the authors true life experience in the newsroom.

Wendy Kyle took secrets to her grave—now, Clare Carlson is digging them up

New York City has no shortage of crime, making for a busy schedule for TV newswoman Clare Carlson. But not all crimes are created equal, and when an explosive planted in a car detonates and kills a woman, Clare knows it’ll be a huge story for her.

But it’s not only about the story—Clare also wants justice for the victim, Wendy Kyle. Wendy had sparked controversy as an NYPD officer, ultimately getting kicked off the force after making sexual harassment allegations and getting into a physical altercation with her boss. Then, she started a private investigations business, catering to women who suspected their husbands of cheating. Undoubtedly, Wendy had angered many people with her work, so the list of her suspected murderers is seemingly endless.

Despite the daunting investigation, Clare dives in headfirst. As she digs deeper, she attracts the attention of many rich and powerful people who will stop at nothing to keep her from breaking the truth about the death of Wendy Kyle—and exposing their personal secrets that Wendy took to her grave.
From start to finish, I was hooked on this story. This was my first and certainly not my last book by R.G. Belsky. I need to read the other books by them.

What fun! Broadcast News has zany, unforgettable characters and non stop action. I did not see the ending coming! Although this is the 6th book in a series, it is a great stand alone read. I haven't read the other Clare Carlson books (yet!), but I never once felt like I was missing anything or struggling to catch up.

I ended up dnfing. I wasn't aware this book had more too it when I wanted to read it and that's my own fault. I should of done more research, what I did read of it though was really nice.

Clare is a News Director and Investigative Reporter for a major TV station. Her reputation for ferreting out the mainline story and solving the crime in the bargain is solid. She is, however in an antagonistic relationship with her Executive Producer. The station is up for sale and her position may be eliminated unless she enters into a pact with this dragon lady. I had an enjoyable evening reading her discovery of the evening headline story-a car bombing. It was fun to follow her dogged determintion to solve the mystery of who wanted a P.I. murdered. My thanks to the author and NetGalley for a complimentary advanced copy of this book.

This is my first Clare Carlson book in the series. Although it is book #6, it is can be a stand alone. It was enjoyable, a quick read. The plot twist was unexpected. Thank you, Netgalley, Oceanview Publishing, and author R.G. Belsky for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I found the story gripping and fast paced. Clare Carlson was an engaging character that I was rooting for from the beginning. All happening in the city that never sleeps, this was an action packed story that I have recommended to all of my reader friends.

I hadn’t read the first 5 books in this series before reading this. Yes, it can be read as a stand-alone. She has a tendency to repeat herself in some areas. Overall, it was a very quick read, light and yet was a murder mystery. The wrap-up almost worked but it felt like she messed up a couple of names/details. Overall, I really enjoyed it. I would definitely read about Claire again, her ex’s, and her reporting of the news.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy. I’d rank this at 3.5 stars rounded down. 3⭐️

I haven't read any of the other novels in the Broadcast Blues series and doubt that I will. I read the noel a few weeks ago and found when writing this review that I hardly remember what I read. If a novel doesn't stick with me, it's just entertainment, and one could pass on that and be none the worse.
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC.

I liked the strangely engaging, light voice (in light of fatalities and betrayals) .. but it all seems to build up slowly until last chapters when journalist finally meets Ortiz who haS been the 'enemy' throughout in this political crime story.. loads of explanations and then surprise twist, leaving me incredulous. Good try, though ...

Lots of red herrings that keep you fixed to read more, love the main character and the way she goes about things make her very real. Interesting story with surprises that I was not expecting.

There's a big news story for veteran reporter Clare Carlson to break, and she's all in trying to discover who murdered private investigator Wendy Kyle. Was it someone whom Wendy worked with on the police force years ago? Had someone found out Wendy had been investigating them and retaliated? Or is there more to the story?

Broadcast Blues is R.G. Belsky's sixth Clare Carlson book, and if you haven't read the previous ones (as I hadn't), don't worry! There's enough backstory thrown in (and sometimes repeated numerous times) to get you up to speed. This thrilling novel easily stands on its own.

I really enjoyed reading about the newsroom antics where Clare works, most of which was inspired by Belsky's own experiences working as a journalist in New York City. But what I really enjoyed was how the story unfolded. I couldn't figure out who was the bad guy and who was the good guy, who was dead and who would soon turn up dead! Clare Carlson doesn't know who to trust! But she knows she's onto something, and like any good journalist, she doesn't back down from the truth.

If you're looking for a fast-paced crime novel for your next book club pick, then this would be a good one. There are even discussion questions in the back of the book to get your discussion started!

Broadcast Blues is published by Oceanview Publishing and is available now to purchase. I received a free e-ARC in exchange for this review.