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Jolene Garcia Mysteries #1
Off the Air
Equal parts thought-provoking and entertaining, Emmy Award winning reporter Christina Estes introduces Jolene Garcia in her Tony Hillerman Prize winning debut, Off the Air .
Jolene 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.
Jolene 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.
311 pages, Hardcover
First published March 26, 2024
78 people are currently reading
23930 people want to read
About the author
Christina Estes
3 books190 followersEmmy Award-winning reporter Christina Estes uses her career for inspiration for her mysteries.
During 20-plus years in Phoenix, Christina covered crime, public policy and business. Her stories ranged from the whimsical - like a fish visiting a dentist - to the weighty - such as witnessing an execution by lethal injection.
Christina received the Tony Hillerman Prize for Best First Mystery Set in the Southwest for Off the Air. Good Morning America selected Off the Air as a Buzz Pick.
The sequel, which can be read as a standalone, is The Story That Wouldn’t Die.
Join the News Crew to get the inside scoop at www.christinaestes.com
@reporterestes on Instagram, X, Threads
https://www.facebook.com/ChristinaEst...
https://linktr.ee/reporterestes
A Conversation With Author Christina Estes
Tell us about The Story That Wouldn’t Die
When a beloved small business owner dies, reporter Jolene Garcia is convinced there’s more to the story than an unfortunate accident. He’d been raising questions about who kept getting lucrative deals at city hall. The deeper Jolene digs, the more suspicious things she uncovers. But someone is determined to kill the story—and maybe her—for good.
How did your reporting experience influence the novel?
For many years, my reporting beat focused on local government. I attended countless neighborhood and city meetings where I learned about policies and passions. Real life conversations and conflicts inspired the story thread about developments and displacement.
On a lighter note, the novel opens with an elevator incident that actually happened at City Hall. However, the mayor and all other characters are made up.
Why is your novel set in Phoenix, Arizona?
When I moved to Phoenix for a job as a local TV reporter, I never expected to stay past my initial three-year contract. That was more than twenty years ago. Phoenix is home. I’ve read many mysteries set in other big cities and want to read more based in Phoenix. I love coming across references or landmarks in books that relate to my hometown.
Your novel includes many real businesses.
Why did you choose them?
Every restaurant and coffee shop mentioned has special meaning. I was introduced to most of the restaurants by photographers I worked with in TV news. I often think of them when I visit. The owners of the local, independent coffee shops are truly invested in their communities and I wanted to acknowledge them.
Your main character is a local TV reporter. How much of Jolene is you?
Like me, Jolene moved from the Midwest to Phoenix. I remember how strange it felt leaving green grass and autumn leaves for the desert. As for Jolene’s personal background as a child who experienced foster care before moving in with her maternal grandmother, I relied on my experiences as a former foster parent. I needed a main character that I care deeply about and that’s Jolene.
What do you hope readers take away?
In addition to entertainment, I hope readers appreciate Jolene’s determination and evolution as a reporter and person
The Story That Wouldn't Die
Discussion Guide
1. Could you relate to Jolene’s frustration in wanting to investigate Carlos’s death while her manager pushed other assignments? Have you experienced anything similar at a job?
2. Social media plays a big role in reporters’ jobs. The consultant hired by Jolene’s TV station encourages reporters to share personal information on social media as a way to connect with audiences. How do you feel about reporters’ sharing their personal lives on public platforms?
3. Jolene is afraid of her family background being exposed. Do you think her fear is reasonable or understandable?
4. Jolene feels a special connection to Carlos. Have you ever met someone briefly and felt an instant connection?
5. Jolene’s news director wants her to attend counseling. What did you think about her reaction?
6. Di
During 20-plus years in Phoenix, Christina covered crime, public policy and business. Her stories ranged from the whimsical - like a fish visiting a dentist - to the weighty - such as witnessing an execution by lethal injection.
Christina received the Tony Hillerman Prize for Best First Mystery Set in the Southwest for Off the Air. Good Morning America selected Off the Air as a Buzz Pick.
The sequel, which can be read as a standalone, is The Story That Wouldn’t Die.
Join the News Crew to get the inside scoop at www.christinaestes.com
@reporterestes on Instagram, X, Threads
https://www.facebook.com/ChristinaEst...
https://linktr.ee/reporterestes
A Conversation With Author Christina Estes
Tell us about The Story That Wouldn’t Die
When a beloved small business owner dies, reporter Jolene Garcia is convinced there’s more to the story than an unfortunate accident. He’d been raising questions about who kept getting lucrative deals at city hall. The deeper Jolene digs, the more suspicious things she uncovers. But someone is determined to kill the story—and maybe her—for good.
How did your reporting experience influence the novel?
For many years, my reporting beat focused on local government. I attended countless neighborhood and city meetings where I learned about policies and passions. Real life conversations and conflicts inspired the story thread about developments and displacement.
On a lighter note, the novel opens with an elevator incident that actually happened at City Hall. However, the mayor and all other characters are made up.
Why is your novel set in Phoenix, Arizona?
When I moved to Phoenix for a job as a local TV reporter, I never expected to stay past my initial three-year contract. That was more than twenty years ago. Phoenix is home. I’ve read many mysteries set in other big cities and want to read more based in Phoenix. I love coming across references or landmarks in books that relate to my hometown.
Your novel includes many real businesses.
Why did you choose them?
Every restaurant and coffee shop mentioned has special meaning. I was introduced to most of the restaurants by photographers I worked with in TV news. I often think of them when I visit. The owners of the local, independent coffee shops are truly invested in their communities and I wanted to acknowledge them.
Your main character is a local TV reporter. How much of Jolene is you?
Like me, Jolene moved from the Midwest to Phoenix. I remember how strange it felt leaving green grass and autumn leaves for the desert. As for Jolene’s personal background as a child who experienced foster care before moving in with her maternal grandmother, I relied on my experiences as a former foster parent. I needed a main character that I care deeply about and that’s Jolene.
What do you hope readers take away?
In addition to entertainment, I hope readers appreciate Jolene’s determination and evolution as a reporter and person
The Story That Wouldn't Die
Discussion Guide
1. Could you relate to Jolene’s frustration in wanting to investigate Carlos’s death while her manager pushed other assignments? Have you experienced anything similar at a job?
2. Social media plays a big role in reporters’ jobs. The consultant hired by Jolene’s TV station encourages reporters to share personal information on social media as a way to connect with audiences. How do you feel about reporters’ sharing their personal lives on public platforms?
3. Jolene is afraid of her family background being exposed. Do you think her fear is reasonable or understandable?
4. Jolene feels a special connection to Carlos. Have you ever met someone briefly and felt an instant connection?
5. Jolene’s news director wants her to attend counseling. What did you think about her reaction?
6. Di
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 994 reviews
March 26, 2024
Jolene Garcia is a local TV reporter in Phoenix, Arizona, who splits her time between covering general interest assignments and working on special projects. Her most recent interview was with Larry Lemmon, “America’s true conservative voice”- and a controversial radio talk show host who was best known for his stance on pushing for a border wall, even before Trump did.
When word gets out about a death at Lemmon’s radio station, KFRK, Jolene and Nate Thompson, her photographer, rush to the scene-hoping to be able to report the facts first.
This could be a career-making story.
When the body is identified as Larry Lemmon, Jolene hopes that because she conducted his final interview, it would give her and her station an advantage. But as she chases the story, she finds herself always one step behind her nemesis, JJ, who reports for a rival station.
Colleagues and those with different political views, were just a few of the people who might want Lemmon dead. But who actually followed through with his murder?
Emmy Award winning reporter Cristina Estes is a Tony Hillerman Prize winner for this debut in the “Best First Mystery set in the Southwest” category-but I had a few problems with it.
It is chock full of facts past and present about my home State- Arizona, highlighting the good, the bad, and the ugly. (Mostly the last two, but I guess that is what reporters see more of)
It is also so loaded with facts about how reporting has changed over the years from just reporting a story and competing for ratings, to competing for clicks on Social Media, and racing to be the first to “tweet” a breaking story.
So much so, that the story often reads more like an expose on the “cut throat day in the life of a journalist”- than as fiction-and the over abundance of facts took me out of the story, and slowed down the pace. Maybe those interested in this career might enjoy this more?
Also, a negative for me-that POLITICS played a big role in the narrative.
One thing I can say- when I found out what Lemmon did to get himself killed-I agreed with the PERP who declared that Lemmon got what was coming to him. 😉
TRIGGER WARNINGS thoughtfully provided by the author in alphabetical order: References to abandonment, ageism, animal cruelty, child neglect, classism, homelessness, racism, sexism, sexual coercion, and substance abuse.
A buddy read with DeAnn. Did she enjoy this one more? Be sure to watch for her review for additional insight.
Available Now
Thank You to Minotaur books for mailing me a gifted copy. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review.
When word gets out about a death at Lemmon’s radio station, KFRK, Jolene and Nate Thompson, her photographer, rush to the scene-hoping to be able to report the facts first.
This could be a career-making story.
When the body is identified as Larry Lemmon, Jolene hopes that because she conducted his final interview, it would give her and her station an advantage. But as she chases the story, she finds herself always one step behind her nemesis, JJ, who reports for a rival station.
Colleagues and those with different political views, were just a few of the people who might want Lemmon dead. But who actually followed through with his murder?
Emmy Award winning reporter Cristina Estes is a Tony Hillerman Prize winner for this debut in the “Best First Mystery set in the Southwest” category-but I had a few problems with it.
It is chock full of facts past and present about my home State- Arizona, highlighting the good, the bad, and the ugly. (Mostly the last two, but I guess that is what reporters see more of)
It is also so loaded with facts about how reporting has changed over the years from just reporting a story and competing for ratings, to competing for clicks on Social Media, and racing to be the first to “tweet” a breaking story.
So much so, that the story often reads more like an expose on the “cut throat day in the life of a journalist”- than as fiction-and the over abundance of facts took me out of the story, and slowed down the pace. Maybe those interested in this career might enjoy this more?
Also, a negative for me-that POLITICS played a big role in the narrative.
One thing I can say- when I found out what Lemmon did to get himself killed-I agreed with the PERP who declared that Lemmon got what was coming to him. 😉
TRIGGER WARNINGS thoughtfully provided by the author in alphabetical order: References to abandonment, ageism, animal cruelty, child neglect, classism, homelessness, racism, sexism, sexual coercion, and substance abuse.
A buddy read with DeAnn. Did she enjoy this one more? Be sure to watch for her review for additional insight.
Available Now
Thank You to Minotaur books for mailing me a gifted copy. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review.
April 27, 2024
Well, well, well! A debut author catapults readers into the highly competitive and morally charged universe of reporters in this heart-pounding, race-against-time novel. The story unfolds in a realistic fiction setting reminiscent of iconic works like Newsroom meets Morning Show, centering around the mysterious death of controversial talk show host Larry Lemmon. Enter the ambitious reporter, Jolene Garcia, determined to uncover the truth behind Lemmon's demise and secure the coveted Emmy she dreams of.
From the get-go, the narrative maintains a high tempo, building pressure, and delivering ongoing action that immerses readers in the thrilling world of television reporting. The author skillfully portrays the evolving landscape of news reporting, where objectivity gives way to social media voyeurism and unabashed subjectivity under the guise of free speech. This transformation poses a challenge, blurring the lines between news delivery and manipulation, a dangerous road explored within the pages of this engaging mystery.
The debut is a testament to the author's writing prowess, executing the characters' moral dilemmas as they navigate the cutthroat world of journalism. The tension-filled whodunnit mystery will keep readers on the edge of their seats, ensuring an exciting and immersive experience.
The outcome is thoroughly satisfying, marking the arrival of a brilliant new voice in the literary world. I eagerly anticipate delving into the author's future works, as this debut promises a captivating storytelling journey. A heartfelt thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with this captivating and thought-provoking read in exchange for my honest review and for introducing Christina Estes as a promising new author.
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From the get-go, the narrative maintains a high tempo, building pressure, and delivering ongoing action that immerses readers in the thrilling world of television reporting. The author skillfully portrays the evolving landscape of news reporting, where objectivity gives way to social media voyeurism and unabashed subjectivity under the guise of free speech. This transformation poses a challenge, blurring the lines between news delivery and manipulation, a dangerous road explored within the pages of this engaging mystery.
The debut is a testament to the author's writing prowess, executing the characters' moral dilemmas as they navigate the cutthroat world of journalism. The tension-filled whodunnit mystery will keep readers on the edge of their seats, ensuring an exciting and immersive experience.
The outcome is thoroughly satisfying, marking the arrival of a brilliant new voice in the literary world. I eagerly anticipate delving into the author's future works, as this debut promises a captivating storytelling journey. A heartfelt thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with this captivating and thought-provoking read in exchange for my honest review and for introducing Christina Estes as a promising new author.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
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August 14, 2025
A woman wearing a CNN shirt tells a man holding a clipboard to find a way to crop the other crews out of the shot. Adjacent to the riser, CNN has set up the barstool and the table littered with makeup, brushes, and hair products. Lots of hair products. There’s no riser for Entertainment Tonight’s reporter, but there’s a king-sized mirror secured to a step stool. A thick container rests on the top step. It reminds me of the attache case that travels with the president in doomsday movies. A man clacks open the lock, and pulls out the drawer loaded with shadows, blushes, and lipsticks.--------------------------------------
Attention is the drug of choice in local news.And attention will be paid.
Good Evening world. This is Will Byrnes reporting live from my computer. (Well I was live when I wrote that) Our lead (and only) story tonight is breaking news. Phoenix-based TV reporter Christina Estes, has written a whodunit. Set, of course, in The Valley of the Sun.
An odious, Rush Limbaugh-radio-talk-show sort has been cancelled with extreme prejudice. Seems he ingested something toxic and went off-the-air for good. Given that he was such a sweet, charming individual, there is no shortage of people who might have wanted to see him gone.
Christina Estes - Image from her site
Jolene (named for the Dolly Parton song) Garcia is an intrepid TV news reporter looking for the truth and a good story. She is under relentless pressure from her bosses to produce something, anything, that they can put on air. She has an edge, as she had interviewed the happily departed just a few days prior. We follow Jolene as she follows the breadcrumb trail of clues, and comes up against resistance of all sorts, from her competitors, her police contact, and all the suspects.
Payload is the real-world information one gleans from fiction. There are two major pieces of that here. In fact, Phoenix counts as a character in the book, as places often do in mysteries. Estes takes us around the place, offering looks at many aspects of Arizona life, and culture, and pointing out many local spots. (Sadly, Chase Field, where the Diamondbacks play, was not among them. But, as Estes is working on sequel, there is still hope. Maybe bring in Arcosanti as well? Or some Cactus League baseball?)
Off the Air includes real locations and businesses with special significance. For example, two of my favorite photographers introduced me to Rito's Mexican Food and Harlow's Café. I included Chicago Hamburger Company because the owner allowed me to follow his journey during the first year of the pandemic. He was open and honest during a frightening time, and I appreciated his transparency. Food City chips and salsa are my favorite snack and I made them my main character's favorite. I included the history of the former Phoenix Indian School, which many people may not know about. Three historic buildings remain in what is now Steele Indian School Park. There's a walkway with columns depicting the school's history and a bridge that leads to a garden with Native American poems etched into concrete. It's a jewel in the heart of the city. - from the Los Angeles Public Library interviewThe other non-story major element here is TV reportage. Estes makes excellent use of her two-decade-long career as a TV reporter to inform a depiction of what that life is like. It was one of my favorite elements in the book. One can feel the huge stresses these folks endure with ever-decreasing resources, and ever-increasing demands from management. Film at Eleven. We’ve got film, right? Right?
I think some people who have never worked in local news do not understand how much the industry has changed and how challenging it is for journalists who care about their communities to earn a decent living and stay in the business for more than a few years.Jolene is a good egg and easy to relate to, particularly as she faces conflicting demands. She handles all with aplomb. Secondary characters come and go, given enough detail to either laugh at them (this is a satire), be repulsed, or just watch them skip across the stage.
Local TV, radio, and newspapers do not have the community and corporate support they did when I started. More content is required using fewer resources while facing constant competition from countless websites, streaming services, and social media platforms. - from the Los Angeles Public Library interview
Gripes are few. Some attributes noted early on were not utilized later, at least not nearly enough. The secondary characters sometimes felt a bit too secondary. I would have liked a bit more on one or two of them.
Jolene follows clue after clue, placing herself into dangerous situations, sometimes very dangerous situations. As with any mystery, there will be red-herrings. Estes’ portrait of the local TV news reporter’s life will give you some reason to sympathize with hard-working TV reporters where you live, and maybe reason to feel scorn for some others. There is a single mystery, and it will be solved. Off the Air is a fun read, perfect for the beach, next to a pool, or maybe lounging in or near a cabin in the woods.
Be sure to tune in next week (really two weeks) for the next installment of WB-Reviews. From all of us (that would be me, my wife, the cats, and a dog) here at the news center, goodnight, and stay cool.
Review posted - 08/02/24
Publication dates
----------3/36/24 - hardcover
----------7/22/25 - trade paperback
I received a hardcover of Off the Air from Minotaur Books in return for a fair review. Thanks, folks.
This review will soon will be cross-posted on my site, Coot’s Reviews. Stop by and say Hi!
=============================EXTRA STUFF
Links to Garcia’s personal, FB, Instagram, Goodreads and Twitter pages
Profile - from Criminal Element
CHRISTINA ESTES is an award-winning reporter who has spent more than 20 years covering crime, public policy, and business in Phoenix, Arizona. Her reporting has been heard on National Public Radio (NPR) and appeared in the Arizona Republic, Arizona Business Gazette, and Phoenix Business Journal. Christina’s career inspired Off the Air, which won the Tony Hillerman Prize for Best First Mystery Set in the Southwest.
Interviews
-----Voyage Phoenix - Daily Inspiration: Meet Christina Estes
-----Arizona Horizon - Christina Estes releases first book | Arizona Horizon - by Ted Simmons - video – 8:28
-----KJZZ - Reporter Christina Estes debuts 'Off the Air,' her first mystery novel by Lauren Gilger
-----Arizona Family - Beyond the Next Chapter Podcast: Christina Estes on her new book "Off the Air" by Whitney Clark – video – 33:56
-----Criminal Element - Q&A with Christina Estes about her mystery debut, Off the Air
-----Los Angeles Public Library - Interview With an Author: Christina Estes by Daryl M. - print
Item of Interest from the author
-----Criminal Element - Excerpt
February 10, 2024
Off the Air is a debut novel, written by an author with decades of experience as a tv reporter in the Phoenix area. She obviously knows what she’s writing about, especially the transition to multimedia journalism and the competition to get a story on the air.
Jolene is the main character here, a 29 year old reporter for a local station. She’s tasked with covering the death of a prominent conservative (dare I say rabid dog) talk radio host, one she recently interviewed. I alternated between feeling sorry for Jolene and being irritated with her. At the end of the day, the only thing I was certain of was that you couldn’t pay me enough to do her job.
I also struggled with the rest of the characters. Think cliches, lots of them, especially the dead radio host and Jolene’s competition. As were some of the plot lines - the boss constantly pushing for new angles, a stalker, the rabid guest. There were also times I wasn’t sure what Estes was trying to achieve, adding details about Phoenix that had nothing to do with the story, and which just served to cause a drag on the story, for example, a few paragraphs on Indian schools.
Finding out the reason for the murder made me more sympathetic to the murderer than the murdered victim.
In what is a first for me, the book contains a “Content Advisory” list at the back of the book. But shouldn’t it be at the beginning?
My thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of this book.
Jolene is the main character here, a 29 year old reporter for a local station. She’s tasked with covering the death of a prominent conservative (dare I say rabid dog) talk radio host, one she recently interviewed. I alternated between feeling sorry for Jolene and being irritated with her. At the end of the day, the only thing I was certain of was that you couldn’t pay me enough to do her job.
I also struggled with the rest of the characters. Think cliches, lots of them, especially the dead radio host and Jolene’s competition. As were some of the plot lines - the boss constantly pushing for new angles, a stalker, the rabid guest. There were also times I wasn’t sure what Estes was trying to achieve, adding details about Phoenix that had nothing to do with the story, and which just served to cause a drag on the story, for example, a few paragraphs on Indian schools.
Finding out the reason for the murder made me more sympathetic to the murderer than the murdered victim.
In what is a first for me, the book contains a “Content Advisory” list at the back of the book. But shouldn’t it be at the beginning?
My thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of this book.
January 9, 2024
Author Christina Estes writes to show us the lengths human nature will go to for an exclusive story.
You know those ‘take your kid to work’ days? Well, I felt like Estes had taken me to work and shown me behind the scenes of life as a broadcaster in a busy newsroom. What a cutthroat business!
I was rooting for Jolene Garcia (I know, I had the earworm all day, too) to grab control of the situation and report on the story. Countless times my husband looked over as I yelled ‘No way’ or gasped at the methods Jolene used to bring a different angle to the report on the celebrity talk show host's murder. The wonderful characters in addition to the cat and mouse and oneupmanship held my attention. It was interesting how the politics and sexism played out in Jolene taking control of her story. I was unable to predict the murderer and appreciated the red herrings, the ending, and the advance trigger warnings.
For a debut novel, this one feels authentic and hopeful.
There may be a suitcase full of warnings about references to …
✔️abandonment
✔️ageism
✔️animal cruelty
✔️child neglect
✔️classism
✔️homelessness
✔️racism
✔️sexism and sexual coercion
✔️substance abuse
And it may be a work of fiction, but it still contains real references to Phonenix businesses and locations. Regardless, like Jolene, I promise you’ll get more than you bargained for with this cozy mystery centered around investigative reporting.
I was gifted this book by St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
You know those ‘take your kid to work’ days? Well, I felt like Estes had taken me to work and shown me behind the scenes of life as a broadcaster in a busy newsroom. What a cutthroat business!
I was rooting for Jolene Garcia (I know, I had the earworm all day, too) to grab control of the situation and report on the story. Countless times my husband looked over as I yelled ‘No way’ or gasped at the methods Jolene used to bring a different angle to the report on the celebrity talk show host's murder. The wonderful characters in addition to the cat and mouse and oneupmanship held my attention. It was interesting how the politics and sexism played out in Jolene taking control of her story. I was unable to predict the murderer and appreciated the red herrings, the ending, and the advance trigger warnings.
For a debut novel, this one feels authentic and hopeful.
There may be a suitcase full of warnings about references to …
✔️abandonment
✔️ageism
✔️animal cruelty
✔️child neglect
✔️classism
✔️homelessness
✔️racism
✔️sexism and sexual coercion
✔️substance abuse
And it may be a work of fiction, but it still contains real references to Phonenix businesses and locations. Regardless, like Jolene, I promise you’ll get more than you bargained for with this cozy mystery centered around investigative reporting.
I was gifted this book by St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
March 31, 2024
4 solid stars for this debut, which is set in my fairly recently adopted hometown of Phoenix,AZ which is why I particularly enjoyed it. Although it did win the Tony Hillerman award for a debut southwestern mystery, it’s really more about media and local television news and the mystery itself is not a big, twisty one, rather the focus is on a local TV journalist trying to get a scoop. Also, although there is a list of TW’s for this one, they are only mentioned in passing and are not really elaborated on, so none upset or distracted me. I'm also noting that some reviewers were put off by political issues mentioned, but that is also pretty accurate for this oft contentious swing state. My best part was learning some new facts & deets on the Valley of the Sun, so what worked for me might not appeal to most, but I was quite happy with it and recommend to any that want a book set in modern AZ or a “day in the life” of a fictional TV reporter.
March 23, 2024
This is a unique fictional expose and light perspective on the life of an investigative journalist and the hard work it takes for so many people to report a top news story. This debut author uses her 20 years of experience as a reporter to give readers a sneak peek into the hustling and bustling and frantic pace that occurs in reporting a story, including the use of backstabbing, insider information, and informants.
When a local TV reporter in Phoenix, AZ, Jolen Garcia, is covering the top story of the murder of a well-known conservative radio personality we get to see the inner workings of a newsroom, its producers, reporters, researchers, anchors, camera people, and support staff. Unlike a typical mystery with good police work, this was all about chasing down interviews or getting interesting video or sound bites at all costs, including life or limb or reputation. Unfortunately, there was very little suspense and an extremely annoying main character.
The narrative frequently takes an unnecessary sidetrack to highlight the sites and scenery of Arizona and the mystery is lost in all the talk of important dates in past news history, which does nothing to further the storyline. I also felt that there was too much political fervor, and both liberal and conservative adversaries were made into cartoonish figures. Overall, I was unsure if this book was supposed to be humorous, serious, or just tongue-in-cheek.
My sincere thanks to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. Publication date: March 26,2024.
When a local TV reporter in Phoenix, AZ, Jolen Garcia, is covering the top story of the murder of a well-known conservative radio personality we get to see the inner workings of a newsroom, its producers, reporters, researchers, anchors, camera people, and support staff. Unlike a typical mystery with good police work, this was all about chasing down interviews or getting interesting video or sound bites at all costs, including life or limb or reputation. Unfortunately, there was very little suspense and an extremely annoying main character.
The narrative frequently takes an unnecessary sidetrack to highlight the sites and scenery of Arizona and the mystery is lost in all the talk of important dates in past news history, which does nothing to further the storyline. I also felt that there was too much political fervor, and both liberal and conservative adversaries were made into cartoonish figures. Overall, I was unsure if this book was supposed to be humorous, serious, or just tongue-in-cheek.
My sincere thanks to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. Publication date: March 26,2024.
January 26, 2024
This book was not a bad book for the right person, but it just not my personal taste in books. In fact I kind of hated it.
I did not end up finishing this book, but I got about halfway through and I feel that I can write a review that is accurate. This book is marketed as a mystery, and while this does feature a reporter trying to help figure out what happened to a recently deceased and possibly poisoned political talk show host, I don't feel that the mystery was the focus at all. This book is really just a love letter to journalism. I was impressed by the vast knowledge of reporting that this book showed, but I really wanted to read more about the mystery, and less a guide on journalism.
Looking at the author's background, who was in the journalism scene herself, I can definitely see the inspiration for this book. I can tell the author has a lot of respect for her profession.
The main reason why I decided not to read the rest of this story is that it is just too political. Despite the main character repeatedly saying that journalism is supposed to be neutral, every journalist in this book was clearly biased. I like to read to escape, and I try to avoid any book that features discussions on modern political social issues as a whole. I know some people like this, but I do not.
Thank you to the publisher for providing this via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I did not end up finishing this book, but I got about halfway through and I feel that I can write a review that is accurate. This book is marketed as a mystery, and while this does feature a reporter trying to help figure out what happened to a recently deceased and possibly poisoned political talk show host, I don't feel that the mystery was the focus at all. This book is really just a love letter to journalism. I was impressed by the vast knowledge of reporting that this book showed, but I really wanted to read more about the mystery, and less a guide on journalism.
Looking at the author's background, who was in the journalism scene herself, I can definitely see the inspiration for this book. I can tell the author has a lot of respect for her profession.
The main reason why I decided not to read the rest of this story is that it is just too political. Despite the main character repeatedly saying that journalism is supposed to be neutral, every journalist in this book was clearly biased. I like to read to escape, and I try to avoid any book that features discussions on modern political social issues as a whole. I know some people like this, but I do not.
Thank you to the publisher for providing this via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 16, 2024
Debut novel that gives you a view of the life of a news reporter, a real cutthroat world.
A controversial talk show host is found dead. What happened?
Jolene Garcia tries to take control of this cat and mouse race as she wants to be the first to get that important interview. She wants an exclusive.
Wonderful characters and interesting plot.. The pace was slower times, but it kept me guessing.
A fun debut novel.
I received this ARC copy from NetGalley.
A controversial talk show host is found dead. What happened?
Jolene Garcia tries to take control of this cat and mouse race as she wants to be the first to get that important interview. She wants an exclusive.
Wonderful characters and interesting plot.. The pace was slower times, but it kept me guessing.
A fun debut novel.
I received this ARC copy from NetGalley.
April 5, 2024
Off the Air by Christina Estes is a debut mystery novel. This one may be considered by some as a cozy mystery but I really didn’t get that overall cozy vibe with the main character being a professional journalist and their job to chase down leads and crime.
Jolene Garcia is a television reporter working in Phoenix, Arizona where she covers all kinds of news and stories. Jolene is always looking for the next big break when she finds out there was a death at a local radio station. Jolene immediately dives into the story trying to find out just who died and if it was a possible murder.
Author Christina Estes is making her debut with doing exactly what she should with following the old advice write what you know. You see before taking the leap as an author Christina Estes has spent twenty years in journalism and that fact was obvious within the pages of Off the Air. Now as much as really knowing your stuff could be a good thing I found with Off the Air it fell a little on the it’s a bad thing side because I would often feel I was reading a how to in journalism. I wanted the characters and story to speak for themselves more than they did with the almost step by step instruction going on. Overall that said this one landed at two and a half stars for me.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Jolene Garcia is a television reporter working in Phoenix, Arizona where she covers all kinds of news and stories. Jolene is always looking for the next big break when she finds out there was a death at a local radio station. Jolene immediately dives into the story trying to find out just who died and if it was a possible murder.
Author Christina Estes is making her debut with doing exactly what she should with following the old advice write what you know. You see before taking the leap as an author Christina Estes has spent twenty years in journalism and that fact was obvious within the pages of Off the Air. Now as much as really knowing your stuff could be a good thing I found with Off the Air it fell a little on the it’s a bad thing side because I would often feel I was reading a how to in journalism. I wanted the characters and story to speak for themselves more than they did with the almost step by step instruction going on. Overall that said this one landed at two and a half stars for me.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
March 25, 2024
This is the first book I've read by Christina Estes and I enjoyed it. I grabbed this book because the description sounded like a fun mystery.
Description:
Jolene 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.
My Thoughts:
The author's background as a tv reporter was evident in the authenticity of the fast-paced tv reporters' day to day activities and concerns showcased in the book. The necessary insensitivity of the reporters was also evident and we all hate that aspect of reporting whether it be tv or newspaper or magazine. However, I can also see that is the job and the stories wouldn't be as sensational and titillating without it - news would be rather bland and uninteresting. And yet it is easy to hate. The desire to "get the scoop" on a story has to be at the forefront for every journalist.
The murder was an interesting one and there was certainly more than one suspect. I enjoyed the story plot even though I felt the characters didn't have a lot of depth and I didn't really get too invested in any of them. This is a good debut murder mystery for the author and I think Christina Estes shows a lot of potential as a fiction author. I would recommend this to anyone who likes the journalism field and murder mysteries.
Thanks to St. Martin's Press through Netgalley for an advance copy.
Description:
Jolene 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.
My Thoughts:
The author's background as a tv reporter was evident in the authenticity of the fast-paced tv reporters' day to day activities and concerns showcased in the book. The necessary insensitivity of the reporters was also evident and we all hate that aspect of reporting whether it be tv or newspaper or magazine. However, I can also see that is the job and the stories wouldn't be as sensational and titillating without it - news would be rather bland and uninteresting. And yet it is easy to hate. The desire to "get the scoop" on a story has to be at the forefront for every journalist.
The murder was an interesting one and there was certainly more than one suspect. I enjoyed the story plot even though I felt the characters didn't have a lot of depth and I didn't really get too invested in any of them. This is a good debut murder mystery for the author and I think Christina Estes shows a lot of potential as a fiction author. I would recommend this to anyone who likes the journalism field and murder mysteries.
Thanks to St. Martin's Press through Netgalley for an advance copy.
April 10, 2024
When controversial talk show host Larry Lemmon dies under mysterious circumstances, local reporter Jolene pursues the story - and gets in over her head in the case itself.
At some point, like most people who enjoy writing, I considered journalism as a career path, though I quickly realized I was nowhere near as persistent and unafraid of failure as the job requires. This book, written by a long-time reporter, only reinforced this.
The mystery interested me off the bat - the poisoning of far-right radio talk show host, with a plethora of suspects from both his professional and personal lives. The way we meet suspects as Jolene pursues interviews with a number of unpleasant people reminded me of watching an episode of Criminal Minds. It was also fun to get a behind the scenes peek into how reporters pursue stories, and how news stations are grappling with the changing industry.
However, the book really didn't work for me on one major level - I didn't like Jolene. I'm aware that in such a cutthroat industry one must be pushy when pursuing leads, but Jolene's complete ignorance about why people might feel miffed about being accused of murder on air or ambushed after a funeral was not very endearing. She's flatly characterized despite an interesting backstory - a love of Wheel of Fortune cannot make up for a lack of personality otherwise!
The actual mystery solving also takes a very long time to get off the ground, with the first really substantial clues popping up in the last quarter of the book, after which we barrel toward a denouement. And while I enjoyed the occasional segue into Phoenix history, the passages sometimes felt shoehorned in, interrupting the flow of the story too much.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
At some point, like most people who enjoy writing, I considered journalism as a career path, though I quickly realized I was nowhere near as persistent and unafraid of failure as the job requires. This book, written by a long-time reporter, only reinforced this.
The mystery interested me off the bat - the poisoning of far-right radio talk show host, with a plethora of suspects from both his professional and personal lives. The way we meet suspects as Jolene pursues interviews with a number of unpleasant people reminded me of watching an episode of Criminal Minds. It was also fun to get a behind the scenes peek into how reporters pursue stories, and how news stations are grappling with the changing industry.
However, the book really didn't work for me on one major level - I didn't like Jolene. I'm aware that in such a cutthroat industry one must be pushy when pursuing leads, but Jolene's complete ignorance about why people might feel miffed about being accused of murder on air or ambushed after a funeral was not very endearing. She's flatly characterized despite an interesting backstory - a love of Wheel of Fortune cannot make up for a lack of personality otherwise!
The actual mystery solving also takes a very long time to get off the ground, with the first really substantial clues popping up in the last quarter of the book, after which we barrel toward a denouement. And while I enjoyed the occasional segue into Phoenix history, the passages sometimes felt shoehorned in, interrupting the flow of the story too much.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
February 12, 2024
Jolene is a local TV reporter in Phoenix, Arizona. When word gets out about a death at a radio station, all the journalists in town swarm the scene.
As the story heats up, so does the competition with Jolene determined to win. Can she win? Or will the competition break her first?
This was an interesting cozy mystery that was more about journalism and less about anything else. It also had some strong political undertones that were a bit too much for a book about journalism – where they’re supposed to stay neutral. That wasn’t the case at all with these characters. I did appreciate the vast journalism knowledge that the author brought into pages, though with all the politics, it was hard to find them in a positive light. It was easy to see the inspiration for the book though! I also got lost in all the descriptions of Arizona. There were some paragraphs that felt that they were thrown in just to appease a certain demographic because they really didn’t have anything to do with the story.
As far as the mystery was concerned, there were plenty of suspects, and putting the pieces together was quite an accomplishment. I do think that the conclusion was unsatisfactory and left me longing for better execution.
I think that this author proves she is a talented author, I just think that she needs some direction, and she’ll do amazing things. This is her debut novel, and despite this one falling on the flat side for me, I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!
Thank you so much to St Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books, and Netgalley for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
As the story heats up, so does the competition with Jolene determined to win. Can she win? Or will the competition break her first?
This was an interesting cozy mystery that was more about journalism and less about anything else. It also had some strong political undertones that were a bit too much for a book about journalism – where they’re supposed to stay neutral. That wasn’t the case at all with these characters. I did appreciate the vast journalism knowledge that the author brought into pages, though with all the politics, it was hard to find them in a positive light. It was easy to see the inspiration for the book though! I also got lost in all the descriptions of Arizona. There were some paragraphs that felt that they were thrown in just to appease a certain demographic because they really didn’t have anything to do with the story.
As far as the mystery was concerned, there were plenty of suspects, and putting the pieces together was quite an accomplishment. I do think that the conclusion was unsatisfactory and left me longing for better execution.
I think that this author proves she is a talented author, I just think that she needs some direction, and she’ll do amazing things. This is her debut novel, and despite this one falling on the flat side for me, I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!
Thank you so much to St Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books, and Netgalley for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
December 13, 2023
Oh my gosh, this is such a captivating book. I had no idea how fast paced and cutthroat the world of reporting is!! I love that Christina Estes was inspired to write, Off The Air, by her many years as a professional reporter. It made me feel like I was behind the scenes watching it all happen.
At the beginning of the book, when a murder is announced it seemed like Jolene, the main character would easily be the first to report the story. I was amazed at how easily the story slipped away from her. All the reporters were trying to be the first to get an interview from a witness or anyone who had a clue to who the murderer was. It was like a room full of squirrels fighting for one nut!!
Jolene is a tough character though and she relentlessly chases her story. That was one of the most interesting parts of the book, all of the different ways that Jolene would go about trying to get new information before anyone else could. She is pretty creative and daring.
Throughout the whole story I could not guess who the murderer was, and I was very surprised at the ending which is always nice.
This is a fun, quick book.
There is a content advisory in the back of the book which lists references to abandonment, ageism animal cruelty, child neglect, classism, homelessness, racism, sexism, sexual coercion, and substance abuse. They are referenced , but none in detail.
Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books and Christina Estes for the free arc provided by NetGalley!
At the beginning of the book, when a murder is announced it seemed like Jolene, the main character would easily be the first to report the story. I was amazed at how easily the story slipped away from her. All the reporters were trying to be the first to get an interview from a witness or anyone who had a clue to who the murderer was. It was like a room full of squirrels fighting for one nut!!
Jolene is a tough character though and she relentlessly chases her story. That was one of the most interesting parts of the book, all of the different ways that Jolene would go about trying to get new information before anyone else could. She is pretty creative and daring.
Throughout the whole story I could not guess who the murderer was, and I was very surprised at the ending which is always nice.
This is a fun, quick book.
There is a content advisory in the back of the book which lists references to abandonment, ageism animal cruelty, child neglect, classism, homelessness, racism, sexism, sexual coercion, and substance abuse. They are referenced , but none in detail.
Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books and Christina Estes for the free arc provided by NetGalley!
July 12, 2025
Plan to write a full review after I get better. Sorry. Been since coming back from Greece!
February 19, 2024
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Mar. 26, 2024
Christina Estes’ debut novel, “Off the Air” is an in-depth look at the cutthroat world of television journalism in the modern internet era.
Jolene Garcia is a TV reporter in Phoenix, Arizona, who is always looking for the next big story. When a local radio broadcaster at a local station collapses and is presumed dead while at work, Jolene is desperate to break the story wide open and report something that none of her competitors have. Jolene exhausts all her sources and even dances on the tightrope of her personal morals as she tries to uncover the hidden truth behind the story but it isn’t until Jolene ends up in a life-or-death situation that she realizes how much she is willing to risk just to tell a good story.
Garcia is a young, cutthroat female reporter desperate to become the next big name. As she competes against men who have been in the world for many years before her, and women using their looks to their advantage, she struggles to find something that will make her stand out. Garcia is a likable character and although the conniving, manipulation that comes with her job is not something I could handle, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the underbelly of broadcast journalism!
Estes’ novel is refreshing and creative, with a protagonist worth rooting for. As a resident of Arizona, Estes’ story reads like a love letter to the hot and dry American city. She talks about its population and the gentrification of neighbourhoods, as well as important societal issues like immigration, which adds depth to the setting.
It would not surprise me if Jolene Garcia reappeared in more of Estes’ novels, and I really hope she does. I loved hearing about the world of broadcast journalism and all of its minutiae of working parts through Jolene’s (female) eyes, while I also got to watch Jolene solve a murder. Estes made the reader work to guess the suspect, but the reveal was believable and it flowed fluidly with the plot.
Estes is a new author, and it’s obvious she has some insane burgeoning talent. Normally, this would not be a novel that I would immediately gravitate to (I prefer the darker, suspenseful genres) but I’m glad I was given the oppourtunity to expand my horizons. I will add another author to my TBR list and I look forward to the (possible?) return of Jolene Garcia and the (definite) return of Christina Estes.
Expected publication date: Mar. 26, 2024
Christina Estes’ debut novel, “Off the Air” is an in-depth look at the cutthroat world of television journalism in the modern internet era.
Jolene Garcia is a TV reporter in Phoenix, Arizona, who is always looking for the next big story. When a local radio broadcaster at a local station collapses and is presumed dead while at work, Jolene is desperate to break the story wide open and report something that none of her competitors have. Jolene exhausts all her sources and even dances on the tightrope of her personal morals as she tries to uncover the hidden truth behind the story but it isn’t until Jolene ends up in a life-or-death situation that she realizes how much she is willing to risk just to tell a good story.
Garcia is a young, cutthroat female reporter desperate to become the next big name. As she competes against men who have been in the world for many years before her, and women using their looks to their advantage, she struggles to find something that will make her stand out. Garcia is a likable character and although the conniving, manipulation that comes with her job is not something I could handle, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the underbelly of broadcast journalism!
Estes’ novel is refreshing and creative, with a protagonist worth rooting for. As a resident of Arizona, Estes’ story reads like a love letter to the hot and dry American city. She talks about its population and the gentrification of neighbourhoods, as well as important societal issues like immigration, which adds depth to the setting.
It would not surprise me if Jolene Garcia reappeared in more of Estes’ novels, and I really hope she does. I loved hearing about the world of broadcast journalism and all of its minutiae of working parts through Jolene’s (female) eyes, while I also got to watch Jolene solve a murder. Estes made the reader work to guess the suspect, but the reveal was believable and it flowed fluidly with the plot.
Estes is a new author, and it’s obvious she has some insane burgeoning talent. Normally, this would not be a novel that I would immediately gravitate to (I prefer the darker, suspenseful genres) but I’m glad I was given the oppourtunity to expand my horizons. I will add another author to my TBR list and I look forward to the (possible?) return of Jolene Garcia and the (definite) return of Christina Estes.
March 19, 2024
3.75⭐️
I really enjoyed it! I did feel like it wasn’t focused as much on the mystery aspect and was instead focused on reporting/the main characters job. I did enjoy it overall but found myself wanting less explanation on her job and more information on the case. I liked the ending and was surprised by the twist!
I really enjoyed it! I did feel like it wasn’t focused as much on the mystery aspect and was instead focused on reporting/the main characters job. I did enjoy it overall but found myself wanting less explanation on her job and more information on the case. I liked the ending and was surprised by the twist!
February 4, 2024
Jolene Garcia is a TV reporter trying to make a name for herself in the Phoenix market. Somewhat hapless, she always seems to be one step behind JJ, the golden reporter from a rival station. When a local contentious radio host is found dead by poison, Jolene has the advantage of having been the last person to interview him. That advantage soon fades and once again she is playing catch up. When she gets a tip that may lead her to the murderer, will she solve the case, will she avoid endangering her life and will she finally win an Emmy?
Debut author Estes was an award winning reporter and demonstrates she knows her way around this sometimes toxic field. There is a fast paced plot, written with humor and characters that were endearing even when they were annoying. This was a refreshing break from some of the dark thrillers I have read recently and I enjoyed the emphasis on the pressure that TV and other journalists are under in this social media crazy world. Estes even manages to squeeze in some geography and history lessons without being pedantic or preachy.
I wonder, is this the beginning of a new cozy mystery series? It would be fun to read more about Jolene’s adventures.
Thanks to @netgalley, @stmartinspress, and #minotaur for the DRC
Debut author Estes was an award winning reporter and demonstrates she knows her way around this sometimes toxic field. There is a fast paced plot, written with humor and characters that were endearing even when they were annoying. This was a refreshing break from some of the dark thrillers I have read recently and I enjoyed the emphasis on the pressure that TV and other journalists are under in this social media crazy world. Estes even manages to squeeze in some geography and history lessons without being pedantic or preachy.
I wonder, is this the beginning of a new cozy mystery series? It would be fun to read more about Jolene’s adventures.
Thanks to @netgalley, @stmartinspress, and #minotaur for the DRC
July 2, 2024
Book Blog | Bookstagram
Reading this was...
A TV reporter in Phoenix, Arizona is trying to break out of her “newborn giraffe at the zoo” assignments, when she gets a tip about the death of a right-wing talk show host at a neighbouring station — who, if real, would be partially to blame for the downfall of American democracy which we are currently witnessing in real-time.
The problem with this book is that it gave me no reason to give a shit. Reading over 300 pages about a hateful conservative personality and his bullshit circle of friends and peers, was the fucking worst. Oh noooo who killed him? I don’t care.
The characters were flat and unexplored, the relationships and interactions were dull, the mystery was boring and unsympathetic — not to mention all crammed into the last 20% of the story — and the only real focus of the plot was on how a reporter gets a story. Jesus, all the texts and meetings and phone calls and running from this spot to the next just to ask someone questions they have boring answers to. Like, the MC in this didn’t even lead the charge on the investigation. She was always two steps behind and fucking up.
I just don’t even know what the point of this was.
I don’t watch American news anymore for a reason, the last thing I want is to read fiction about the same racist asshats. I could not have cared any less about anything that happened in this. I hope all the characters get hit by a Trump bus.
The vibe for this one:
⭐⭐ | 2 stars
Book source: Netgalley in exchange for a review.
Reading this was...
A TV reporter in Phoenix, Arizona is trying to break out of her “newborn giraffe at the zoo” assignments, when she gets a tip about the death of a right-wing talk show host at a neighbouring station — who, if real, would be partially to blame for the downfall of American democracy which we are currently witnessing in real-time.
The problem with this book is that it gave me no reason to give a shit. Reading over 300 pages about a hateful conservative personality and his bullshit circle of friends and peers, was the fucking worst. Oh noooo who killed him? I don’t care.
The characters were flat and unexplored, the relationships and interactions were dull, the mystery was boring and unsympathetic — not to mention all crammed into the last 20% of the story — and the only real focus of the plot was on how a reporter gets a story. Jesus, all the texts and meetings and phone calls and running from this spot to the next just to ask someone questions they have boring answers to. Like, the MC in this didn’t even lead the charge on the investigation. She was always two steps behind and fucking up.
I just don’t even know what the point of this was.
I don’t watch American news anymore for a reason, the last thing I want is to read fiction about the same racist asshats. I could not have cared any less about anything that happened in this. I hope all the characters get hit by a Trump bus.
The vibe for this one:
⭐⭐ | 2 stars
Book source: Netgalley in exchange for a review.
January 28, 2024
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Off the Air is a book that's hard for me to rate. Sure, the mystery was interesting to keep me invested with each clue we could find. Yet, I didn't like how our main girl, Jolene, was being treated by her own coworkers. Or, honestly, the new guy who just moved in. Now he's someone who needs to learn what the word "no" means and accept it. As for work, I was kind of hoping she would quit at the end.
For the actual murder mystery, we had a lot of suspects to go through and finding clues wasn't easy. The second Jolene got a whiff of something or someone, they would already be talking to some other reporter. When she finally put the pieces of the puzzle together, and sort of went rogue, I wasn't a fan of the truth that came out.
Don't get me wrong, it was a great reason to you know unalive someone, but I would've called the police. Without spoiling anything, it just put me in a bad mood and I'm not sad about the death at all. In the end, I'm glad I got the chance to dive into this. At first, I got vibes of 'Only Murders in the Building' season 3 and that's probably why I kept turning the pages to see what would happen next.
Off the Air is a book that's hard for me to rate. Sure, the mystery was interesting to keep me invested with each clue we could find. Yet, I didn't like how our main girl, Jolene, was being treated by her own coworkers. Or, honestly, the new guy who just moved in. Now he's someone who needs to learn what the word "no" means and accept it. As for work, I was kind of hoping she would quit at the end.
For the actual murder mystery, we had a lot of suspects to go through and finding clues wasn't easy. The second Jolene got a whiff of something or someone, they would already be talking to some other reporter. When she finally put the pieces of the puzzle together, and sort of went rogue, I wasn't a fan of the truth that came out.
Don't get me wrong, it was a great reason to you know unalive someone, but I would've called the police. Without spoiling anything, it just put me in a bad mood and I'm not sad about the death at all. In the end, I'm glad I got the chance to dive into this. At first, I got vibes of 'Only Murders in the Building' season 3 and that's probably why I kept turning the pages to see what would happen next.
January 4, 2025
Finished Reading - DNF:
Pre-Read Notes
This is another runaway arc. There are quite of few of these books I received in an unaccessible format from NetGalley. That's fine, really. But then I have to wait until the book comes out to fulfill my agreement of providing a review. I've find this situation challenging, but I still like the books, so it's not all bad.
This is a mystery, I think? But it has a fast-paced professional setting that I appreciate. Despite the rating for this one, I think I'll find something here.
Hope I'm not wrong! *edit I was quite wrong.
Final Review
Threw in the towel on page 96. I am not getting along with the politics in this book, the fact that the victim is basically Rush Limbaugh, or the pedestrian writing and trite characters. Also, I was uninvested in the mystery at the center of the book, at least in part because I found the victim vile.
I recommend this only to readers who enjoy didactic stories or lean into conservative political ideals.
Reading Notes
Three (or more) things I loved:
1. A character with a dog phobia is always interesting. I'm curious how this element will affect the plot?
2. The opening scene in the burger restaurant really captured my attention. I liked all the characters in the scene, especially the a-hole restaurant owner.
Three (or less) things I didn't love:
This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.
1. They would never get away with calling a colleague "Sexy" to his face! Not in a news office, its not a restaurant kitchen. It doesn't matter that it was "no, no, not like that! There's a funny story here!" What an HR trashfire this is.
2. At around page 50, this book takes a swan dive off a cliff into rocky waters and becomes the *most* didactic book I've read this year. And I read books on actual politics. It doesn't really matter that I think Estes's politics are absurd. It matters that she ruined her own book with ham-fisted politics. I see a DNF in the near future.
3. Throwing in the towel on page 92.
Rating: ⭐️ /5 (this one deserves a rating)
Recommend? for people who lean to the right, sure
Finished: Dec 13 '24
Thank you to the author Christina Estes, publishers St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of OFF THE AIR. I found an accessible digital copy on Libby. All views are mine.
---------------
Pre-Read Notes
This is another runaway arc. There are quite of few of these books I received in an unaccessible format from NetGalley. That's fine, really. But then I have to wait until the book comes out to fulfill my agreement of providing a review. I've find this situation challenging, but I still like the books, so it's not all bad.
This is a mystery, I think? But it has a fast-paced professional setting that I appreciate. Despite the rating for this one, I think I'll find something here.
Hope I'm not wrong! *edit I was quite wrong.
Final Review
Threw in the towel on page 96. I am not getting along with the politics in this book, the fact that the victim is basically Rush Limbaugh, or the pedestrian writing and trite characters. Also, I was uninvested in the mystery at the center of the book, at least in part because I found the victim vile.
I recommend this only to readers who enjoy didactic stories or lean into conservative political ideals.
Reading Notes
Three (or more) things I loved:
1. A character with a dog phobia is always interesting. I'm curious how this element will affect the plot?
2. The opening scene in the burger restaurant really captured my attention. I liked all the characters in the scene, especially the a-hole restaurant owner.
Three (or less) things I didn't love:
This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.
1. They would never get away with calling a colleague "Sexy" to his face! Not in a news office, its not a restaurant kitchen. It doesn't matter that it was "no, no, not like that! There's a funny story here!" What an HR trashfire this is.
2. At around page 50, this book takes a swan dive off a cliff into rocky waters and becomes the *most* didactic book I've read this year. And I read books on actual politics. It doesn't really matter that I think Estes's politics are absurd. It matters that she ruined her own book with ham-fisted politics. I see a DNF in the near future.
3. Throwing in the towel on page 92.
Rating: ⭐️ /5 (this one deserves a rating)
Recommend? for people who lean to the right, sure
Finished: Dec 13 '24
Thank you to the author Christina Estes, publishers St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of OFF THE AIR. I found an accessible digital copy on Libby. All views are mine.
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March 4, 2025
I see a lot of bad reviews but I didn’t think this was horrible. It’s a decent mystery and very detailed on the TV reporter industry and a lot of detail about the Phoenix area. I can see why it won this “Tony Hillerman” prize because it’s very niche- a debut mystery set in the southwest.
This teeters the line between a cozy mystery and a more thriller/suspense. If you like mystery, Phoenix, and TV news, go for it.
This teeters the line between a cozy mystery and a more thriller/suspense. If you like mystery, Phoenix, and TV news, go for it.
November 24, 2023
This is my first book!
I'm thrilled (and a little terrified) that after years of being in my head, it will be in people's hands.
Off the Air is inspired by my professional experience as a reporter and personal experience as a former foster parent.
My main character, Jolene, was named after Dolly's Parton's song, but you can also call her Persistence. It's what makes her a good reporter... and leads to some rocky situations.
When a controversial radio talk show host dies unexpectedly, the last thing Jolene expects is to be fighting for her job and her life. At first, her Phoenix TV news bosses are ecstatic because she conducted the last interview with the host, but when it’s revealed he was poisoned, national media descend upon Arizona with bigger budgets and better scoops.
With her career at stake, Jolene pushes hard to break the story– too hard for a trusted source who turns on her and a killer determined to keep her quiet. Fast-paced, funny, and thought-provoking, Off the Air is a love letter to my hometown and local news. I hope you enjoy it.
I'm thrilled (and a little terrified) that after years of being in my head, it will be in people's hands.
Off the Air is inspired by my professional experience as a reporter and personal experience as a former foster parent.
My main character, Jolene, was named after Dolly's Parton's song, but you can also call her Persistence. It's what makes her a good reporter... and leads to some rocky situations.
When a controversial radio talk show host dies unexpectedly, the last thing Jolene expects is to be fighting for her job and her life. At first, her Phoenix TV news bosses are ecstatic because she conducted the last interview with the host, but when it’s revealed he was poisoned, national media descend upon Arizona with bigger budgets and better scoops.
With her career at stake, Jolene pushes hard to break the story– too hard for a trusted source who turns on her and a killer determined to keep her quiet. Fast-paced, funny, and thought-provoking, Off the Air is a love letter to my hometown and local news. I hope you enjoy it.
December 19, 2023
I do not relish writing reviews in which I did not enjoy the book... but I DID NOT enjoy this book. It was long-winded, slow-paced, boring as all heck. I could not wait to be done with it. So many back stories about things that did not aid the plot or storyline and was just a waste of time to read. The main character was truly unlikeable with almost no redeeming qualities and yet, we are supposed to care about her... I did not. There were at least 10 instances of the main character "chewing on her thumbnail"... One or two times was annoying enough, but really 10 times?! Did she also "let out a breath that she didn't realize she was holding"? C'mon.
I realize the author comes from the world of TV journalism and that's why it was so detailed, but readers (or at least this reader) truly do not care. It is my worst read of 2023 and I've read some doozies this year.
Despite the fact that I did not enjoy this read, I thank NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read this arc in exchange for my review. This book is coming out March 26, 2024 if for some reason you still want to read it despite this review.
I realize the author comes from the world of TV journalism and that's why it was so detailed, but readers (or at least this reader) truly do not care. It is my worst read of 2023 and I've read some doozies this year.
Despite the fact that I did not enjoy this read, I thank NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read this arc in exchange for my review. This book is coming out March 26, 2024 if for some reason you still want to read it despite this review.
January 14, 2024
I was really excited to read this book but ultimately it fell short for me. It's a very, very slow burn and I found it difficult to get through. I also don't believe I'm the target audience for this book. There's a lot of journalism jargon and behind-the-scenes descriptions of what goes on with news reporters. It was written beautifully, but I'm not interested in that information and was excruciatingly bored. I had expected this book would focus more on the mystery/thriller rather than journalism, the history of Arizona, and political conversations. Alas, I was neither thrilled nor shrouded in mystery.
As always, thank you to NetGalley, Christina Estes, and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
As always, thank you to NetGalley, Christina Estes, and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
May 27, 2024
Ah, debut authors. I love reading a debut novel but always feel the pressure of the actual reviewing after I'm done. Was Off the Air the most amazing book I have ever read? no. Was it informative, smart, witty, and engaging? all yes! I can definitely tell Christina Estes is a reporter in Arizona and she provided a ton of background on both the state and what the politics are like in this type of job. I feel like I learned a lot about Arizona and TV reporting in general, and it made for a very interesting read. I really enjoyed the mystery of who killed Larry and the way Estes mixed humor with heavier topics (a content advisory is listed at the back of the book).
I found the audiobook to be very enjoyable and though I couldn't find many books Marcella Black has narrated, I thought she was a great fit for Jolene and the book as a whole. Black made this an enjoyable listening experience for me and helped with the slower pacing. As many readers have said, I think Estes could have made this story less political and omitted some details that didn't move the story along. It made the book fall a little flat for me overall and I don't love politics in books in general. If that is what she was going for though she completely nailed it, and I do believe this is a representation of the world she works in, so I can't be too mad at it. I don't need more of this character (sorry Jolene), but I would definitely read whatever Estes writes next.
Thank you to the publishers for my advanced listening and reader copies of this book. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
I found the audiobook to be very enjoyable and though I couldn't find many books Marcella Black has narrated, I thought she was a great fit for Jolene and the book as a whole. Black made this an enjoyable listening experience for me and helped with the slower pacing. As many readers have said, I think Estes could have made this story less political and omitted some details that didn't move the story along. It made the book fall a little flat for me overall and I don't love politics in books in general. If that is what she was going for though she completely nailed it, and I do believe this is a representation of the world she works in, so I can't be too mad at it. I don't need more of this character (sorry Jolene), but I would definitely read whatever Estes writes next.
Thank you to the publishers for my advanced listening and reader copies of this book. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
December 26, 2023
Jolene is the star of the book! Her mother named her Jolene after Dolly Parton's song, a song where Dolly begs Jolene not to steal her man.
This was written by a debut author and the writing is good. Lots of references to places in Phoenix and Scottsdale. The border wall is discussed several times. "I am not a racist. I am a patriot who cares about my country, a country based on the laws. When we allow people to break the law by entering our country illegally, we are staying to the world, "Laws don't matter. Do what you want."
Larry Lemmon, a talk show host, died under suspicious circumstances. Jolene a TV reporter is determined to find out the truth about his death.
Fasted Paced, Cutthroat, and Tough Character! 3.5 stars!
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy! This book is set to release on 3/26/24.
This was written by a debut author and the writing is good. Lots of references to places in Phoenix and Scottsdale. The border wall is discussed several times. "I am not a racist. I am a patriot who cares about my country, a country based on the laws. When we allow people to break the law by entering our country illegally, we are staying to the world, "Laws don't matter. Do what you want."
Larry Lemmon, a talk show host, died under suspicious circumstances. Jolene a TV reporter is determined to find out the truth about his death.
Fasted Paced, Cutthroat, and Tough Character! 3.5 stars!
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy! This book is set to release on 3/26/24.
March 27, 2024
I've been reading a ton of thrillers lately and wanted to switch it up with something light and maybe romancy. I probably should have read the synopsis a little closer for this one (or even looked at the cover!) because it didn't quite hit the spot. It certainly wasn't like my typical thriller read and may even be considered a cozy mystery (not my usual speed so I'm not entirely sure!) but it was certainly fun and entertaining.
One thing I really loved about this book was the newsroom aspect. I don't read many books that focus on local news and so I appreciated the novelty with that. My husband works for a local news station so it was fun getting an inner look at his day to day and while I can't be sure it was entirely accurate, it felt pretty well researched.
I didn't totally connect with Jolene and felt a bit flat to me as a protagonist. The dynamics with her coworkers were strange and unrelatable for me. I did like her investigative skills and her ethics and how she sometimes had to toe the line in order to keep herself relevant and keep her bosses happy.
The mystery was cute and even though I figured it out, it was fun going on the ride. I thought the poisoned cookies plot line was a little silly (and maybe the cozy mystery aspect?!) but all in all, it was an entertaining read.
Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the copy.
One thing I really loved about this book was the newsroom aspect. I don't read many books that focus on local news and so I appreciated the novelty with that. My husband works for a local news station so it was fun getting an inner look at his day to day and while I can't be sure it was entirely accurate, it felt pretty well researched.
I didn't totally connect with Jolene and felt a bit flat to me as a protagonist. The dynamics with her coworkers were strange and unrelatable for me. I did like her investigative skills and her ethics and how she sometimes had to toe the line in order to keep herself relevant and keep her bosses happy.
The mystery was cute and even though I figured it out, it was fun going on the ride. I thought the poisoned cookies plot line was a little silly (and maybe the cozy mystery aspect?!) but all in all, it was an entertaining read.
Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the copy.
March 21, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of Off The Air by Christina Estes. This book was not really for me. It went into a lot of detail of behind the scenes in the life of a journalist. To me it seemed to be quite realistic even though it was a fictional book. Even though there was a murder in the book, it felt like it was more about journalism. I felt that the book dragged on and it was not as entertaining as I had hoped. Very political as well. Just not for me.
February 9, 2024
As a journalist myself, I loved the premise of the book. I felt like I was getting a refresher course in the things I forgot. The accuracy was believable as the writer was also one too. That part I really liked. The way you scramble to try to get the exclusive!
I felt like it was paced slow. I did stick around because I wanted to know all the gossip. I’m glad I stuck through it!
Thank you to NetGalley, Minotaur Books and Christina Estes for the chance to read this eARC.
I felt like it was paced slow. I did stick around because I wanted to know all the gossip. I’m glad I stuck through it!
Thank you to NetGalley, Minotaur Books and Christina Estes for the chance to read this eARC.
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