'Off the Air’ by Christina Estes
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Publication: March 26, 2024
Special thanks to Netgalley and Minotaur Books for the Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for my honest opinions.

Another classic example of marketing gone wrong. This book was marketed as a mystery which is really a stretch. More of a ‘behind the scenes’ look at journalism where there just happens to be a murder under investigation. I hate to leave a low rating as I’m sure some will enjoy this book, but I am not the intended audience.

Jolene is a local news reporter in the Phoenix area. She is itching to make more of a name for herself as she currently splits her time between fluff pieces and investigative work. When a local (political pundit) radio star is found dead and revealed to be murdered it is all Jolene can do to be the first to ‘solve’ the murder.
For me this book highlights the destructive role the media can have in criminal investigations. Chasing down their own leads, putting out facts that can’t necessarily be verified, and pressuring police for answers when there just aren’t any yet.

I was unsurprised to find in the author bio at the end that her background is in journalism, she is clearly passionate about the subject and writing what she knows. But poor marketing, genre classification really did this book no favors. If it wasn’t an ARC I would not have finished, but do my best to give a complete and honest review of all ARCs I receive.

This is the debut novel for this author who is also a journalist.

This story is a whodonnit involving the death of a controversial radio host in Phoenix, Arizona. Jolene Garcia is a TV journalist. The author gives readers a murder investigation from a reporter’s perspective. We witness veteran reporters working with or against younger reporters. The use of police sources that help both the police and the journalists. Reporters working to get the scoop. The pressure placed on journalists to get that scoop. We see how the murder is solved through this unique viewpoint.

Our current political climate is reflected throughout this story. This is a must read for news junkies!

“Getting it right is more important than getting it first.”

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed all the current real life events that were mentioned in this book along with how it showed how cut throat the journalism world is. This was a cozy mystery and I really enjoyed it.

I agree we have to suspend our disbelief to read fiction, sometimes more than others. This book asks too much. Beginning with the notion that two minor radio news reporters from Phoenix would vie for Emmy awards in the same year is bad enough, but to then think that they might be nominated the following year is absurd. Then we have a police officer who just recites the details of a case to our reporter without a thought is nuts. They supposedly have "an arrangement" but no cops in novels behave like that. We want our investigators to investigate. This blabbermouth cop is an effortless way for the author to give us info. I didn't finish.

Jolene Garcia wants out of Phoenix. Being a news reporter there is a good job, but she has her eye on larger markets. Or she did, until an embarrassing mistake led to a cancelled interview. Now she’s upset with herself, looking for a big story that she can ride out of town, and really hungry for an exclusive. That’s how she showed up outside of the building that housed radio station KFRK, where Larry Lemmon recorded his talk show.

Larry Lemmon liked to stir the pot with his controversial opinions, and he encouraged his followers, called Freaks for the station call letters, to voice their opinions as well. He was very much in favor of a wall to stop immigration and he wasn’t about to take the side of anyone who believed in climate science, global warming, vegetarianism, or being woke. He drove a Hummer, refused to recycle, and loved to stir up the liberals. So when a call came in for an unresponsive male at the address of the radio station, Jolene was one of the first reporters on the scene.

Jolene had just recorded an interview with Lemmon days before, so when it turns out that Lemmon was indeed the man found unresponsive, Jolene already had an exclusive on everyone else. But with other hungry local reporters sniffing around, will that be enough to get her noticed? Jolene has a source inside the police department, but she can’t get much information out of him, and nothing she can use on the air. So she starts making calls herself, trying to find an exclusive interview with those who knew Larry best, some who had loved him and others who did not. But Larry Lemmon was national news, as is his death, and soon national news crews are crowding Jolene out in her own town.

As the talk turns from accidental death to murder, Jolene is busy trying to arrange interviews with anyone she can get to talk to her. In speaking with those who knew Larry best, she could be putting herself in danger of talking to a killer. And when she stats getting threatening notes, Jolene has to figure out how far she’s willing to go for an exclusive. Fighting against her boss who wants more social media content, trying to stay true to her journalistic ethics, struggling to get interviews when people would rather talk to CNN, Jolene is determined to get her story.

But instead of reporting the news, will Jolene find herself the subject of the news instead?

Off the Air is the first book in a new mystery series that examines the news business from an Emmy-award winning journalist. Author Christina Estes brings her insider knowledge of the business to this smart, funny, insightful murder mystery set in Arizona amid a political firestorm.

I really enjoyed Off the Air. I thought the characters brought intelligence and snark to the story, as well as a bevy of trashy grocery store snacks. I’m not sure this is the book for everyone, though, as the politics are central. Readers who are fans of right wing talk radio might be offended by the left-leaning sensibilities of the story, so I would keep that in mind if you’re buying the book as a gift or your own political leanings might be ruffled by the strong opinions on both sides of the Congressional aisle. I think it took a lot of courage for Estes to write about current political hot potatoes in the current climate, and I look forward to seeing what she decides to report on next.

Egalleys for Off the Air were provided by Minotaur Books through NetGalley, with many thanks.

Jolene's tired of doing puff pieces for the Phoenix news. She wants a story she can sink her teeth into. Then, Larry Lemmon, the city's most outrageous talk show host, dies and it's discovered that he was killed. Jolene smells a career-making story a mile away. As she feels like she misses scoop after scoop, she dives headfirst into the investigation, blurring the lines between reporter and detective.

It got a little dicey but turns out well for Joelene. This fast-paced mystery takes you behind the scenes of local news and keeps you guessing until the end. I was rooting for Jolene the whole time.

When Larry Lemmon, a blustering conservative talk show host, dies on air, local reporter Jolene Garcia is on the case. As she tracks Lemmon's killer, she has to grapple with her faltering ethics and the relentless drive of her local news bosses.

Ultimately, the book has an excellent plot but falters in pacing and execution. The mystery at the heart of the story, which could be both interesting and timely, takes a backstage to a lot of unnecessary factoids and explanations. In other words, you learn a lot about the geography, economy, and culture of Phoenix, and what is like to be a local TV news reporter, but not much about the mystery at the core of the book.

In a way, I see that as a failure of editing. Some of that background is necessary, but when we get lost in the minutiae, the story drags and it is slow going.

* Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for my honest review! *

A reporter out to prove she can handle a big story gets mixed up in a murder mystery when a local celebrity is killed. She discovers following her instincts isn’t getting her the scoop she wants and decides to get information by any means necessary—even if it means getting in trouble. Author Christina Estes leans into her experience as a reporter to great effect in her wholly entertaining debut, Off the Air.

Phoenix reporter Jolene Garcia is tired of covering fluff. Even if viewers of her local news station might enjoy learning about which dry cleaner is the best at getting out stains, Jolene wants to do more. She knows she’s up to the task, because she has what every good reporter does: stubbornness and the ability to work her sources when the really good stories happen.

That’s why she’s frustrated when local right-wing radio personality Larry Lemmon collapses and her cop friend, Jim Miranda, clams up. Surely, Jolene reasons, Jim can give her something. But Jim was burned once by another reporter, and even though Jolene has always treated him with respect and protected his identity as a source Jim isn’t talking much on Larry’s death.

Other reporters don’t have the same problem, or, if they do, they don’t seem to care about using questionable methods to get answers. Never mind that the last full interview Larry did was with Jolene herself. Even though that gives her an edge in terms of street cred, it doesn’t do much to give her a scoop now.

As information starts to emerge that Larry was poisoned, Jolene knows she has to find a new angle. With everyone working social media and their own sources, Jolene is desperate to set herself apart from the other reporters. Which leads to a few questionable decisions of her own.

She tries to lean on Jim for information and accidentally lets something slip to a person of interest in the case. Then she approaches another person of interest at the worst time, only to be called out by her favorite photographer. Jolene is a little shocked at herself, but she’s desperate to prove she can handle a hard news story and is having a hard time keeping her head on straight.

Jolene wants to prove she has what it takes to report on the most important stories in and around Phoenix. But between the dribble of information that seems to be coming her way and mysterious messages that have begun popping up at home and at work, Jolene doesn’t know if she’ll be able to handle the stress of it all.

Author Christina Estes is a former reporter, and her knowledge of and continued research into that world shines. Estes writes with confidence and ease about her previous profession, highlighting both the humorous moments as well as the real struggles faced by members of the media today. Anyone who has, in particular, worked in the news media will fully relate to Jolene’s excitement and despair as her day goes from highs to lows.

Jolene herself is an immensely likeable character. Readers will have no trouble rooting for her to get the scoop on the death of Larry Lemmon, and they will wince as Jolene makes mistakes that hurt her professional relationships. The added charm of the mystery makes this a fun read.

There are times where the book’s pacing drags; the narrative feels compelled to follow Jolene’s every move. Sometimes that helps illuminate the immense challenges of news reporting in our current times; sometimes it makes the plot feel like it’s being stretched a little too much. A few red herrings also feel extraneous, added simply for distraction’s sake. Their obvious inclusion makes it easy to know they aren’t connected to the main mystery.

In many places, Jolene also shares an excess of information about a variety of historical and pop culture topics. These pauses for material emphasize how deeply a reporter must go to do their job well, but at times they also feel a little too much like an info dump.

For the most part, however, the book is a fun read and gives its target audience an up-close-and-personal look at Phoenix from the inside out. Those who enjoy a lighthearted mystery while also picking up party trivia will want to check this out.

I really did want to like this book but just could not. The writing was fine but it was more the subject matter I couldn’t get into. I did like the MC but there was a lot of politics and news jargon that I didn’t really understand, so if that’s your thing than you will like this one.


Thank you NetGalley and St martins press for and advanced copy of this book in exchange for a honest review

Thank you so much to Net Galley, St. Martin’s Press, and Christina Estes for allowing me to review this book. I really had a good time reading this mystery debut. This revolves around the newsroom and journalism industry. It’s very entertaining and kept me guessing the entire time. If you love mysteries then this is the book for you! I look forward to reading more from this author. Thank you again for allowing me to review this book.

I don’t think I am the target audience for this book. So that’s on me for picking this. I’m sure that this would be super interesting for others. I however, didn’t really like it. Ugh. I’m sorry!

This was a fun concept of a book and I was excited about it. I have always had an interest in the news and journalism, but I did feel like it was heavy on the journalism and politics. I loved how much action there was, and the story did move quickly. And I of course always love a good mystery that keeps me guessing, which this one did! I just didn't care for a lot of the political references and jabs.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
3.5
This is a crime novel written in the perspective of Jolene Garcia, a TV reporter. I kind of have a love-like feel for this book. I liked the cozy crime element of the book and the cut throatiness of getting the scoop first but it seemed to fall flat. I had a hard time connecting with the characters and it felt like I was learning about what a journalist does. I did like the political aspect of the story but felt it was played up a little too much. I think there was subjects added to the book that didn't have to be.. such as the history lesson on the Native American Schools. Lastly, I really sympathized with the "murderer". I was surprised at the end of who did it and why and I'd probably acquit the person.

I'd like to see a little romance between Jolene and Jim!!

This was just an okay read for me. Larry Lemmon is a controversial radio host when he collapses at the studio. It could be a homicide or a heart attack. Jolene Garcia is trying to get an exclusive. There were a lot of characters but none were developed. I knew little about Jolene except she likes Wheel of Fortune and was raised by her grandmother. Instead of solving a mystery it was more about how reporters are cut throat and doing anything to get ahead of the competition. The setting is Phoenix but there was no atmosphere or a sense of place. The author would at times go off on a tangent that had nothing to do with the advancement of the story but just a thought in her head. For example, Jolene is buying a pain killer and then the author tells about the Tylenol murders. By the time we get to the final takedown instead of being on the edge of my seat I just wanted it done.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with a digital copy.

I usually enjoy crime mysteries but this was not for me. The story is entirely too focused on the inner workings of broadcast journalism and social media for such, and I just don’t care. I understand this comes from the author’s professional experience but I feel like that leans into a really niche audience of readers and at times it really got in the way of the story line, and slowed the pace. This book at times was also a little too political for me. There were so many characters throughout that it was hard to keep track of and it made it harder to stay invested in Jolene herself.

Off the Air is very clearly well researched because not once did I doubt the daily going ons or expectations of reporters. I think where this book needs help is in the plot. There are so many things in the story that go nowhere that it distracts the reader from really focusing on what the book is about and trying to achieve. I also think the author at times was confused herself. I wasn’t really emotionally attached to any of the characters because I didn’t know who they were or why I should be and #SPOILERALERT when the killer was found, I honestly did not remember who he even was.

This story has a lot of potential but there are a lot of weeds that need to be trimmed to get a clearer understanding of what the plot is and what the reader should be caring about.

a good cozy mystery! nothing too crazy or memorable about this one, so I don't think I'll continue on in this series,

I had the pleasure to read this new book by author Christina Estes by the request of the author. Thank you #NetGalley and #Christina Estes for this opportunity.

Jolene Garcia a TV reporter, is trying to make a name for herself. During a time when social media and texting are becoming increasingly popular Jolene is trying to adapt. A popular and controversial radio commentator, Larry Lemmon suddenly dies while on air and Jolene is assigned the story with her photographer/videographer Nate. Police are not releasing any information about this suspicious death, as a throng of reporters try to get interviews with people who were at the scene of the crime. Jolene must use all her resources and informants to solve this crime and get the story of the year. Jolene’s life is put endanger when she thinks she has solved the crime. The twists and turns are well written and constructed. The plot is fully developed and you become invested in the characters in the story. (On sale 3/26/24).

The first in a new cozy series about reporter Jolene who starts to investigate the death of a controversial talk show host.

I love cozies and was really hopeful for this one, but it fell a little flat for me. First, it didn’t really introduce us to Jolene at all. Like normally cozies have asides to the readers who explain a little about the protagonist and setting but I missed that early on here. Additionally, I just didn’t love Jolene as a protagonist. I would give this series another chance but this one wasn’t for me.

Off the Air is a strong debut novel from Christina Estes, drawing from her own experiences as a reporter to provide realism and an insider's viewpoint. Jolene Garcia's life revolves around her job as a Phoenix TV reporter. She wants to cover big stories, and none are bigger than the sudden death of local radio personality, Larry Lemmon, who hosts a controversial and politically-slanted talk show. Lemmon has lots of detractors, but did someone hate him enough to kill him? Jolene has the inside scoop through a source at the local police department, but when protecting her source keep her from being first to report new leads because her competitors don't respect the same rules, will Jolene's ethics slip? The story is fast-paced with lots of action and good character development; some of Jolene's decisions were a bit sketchy, but you understood her motivations and sympathized with the pressure she was under to deliver new content to her bosses. There are lots of viable suspects, and while I had a feeling about who the murderer was, Estes camouflaged their motivation well enough that I was never sure until the reveal. I hope we'll see more of Jolene Garcia soon!