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24/7
On a small Caribbean island a woman joins the newest reality TV show: 24/7. For Dana Kirsten, winning the $2-million prize could mean saving her child’s life. But only fifteen minutes into the first live broadcast, the show’s host and crew die a ghastly death. The shell-shocked contestants hear a voice echoing from hidden speakers: “I am Control, and this has just become the ultimate reality show.” Suddenly the voice is hurtling them through a maze of traps and macabre, individually designed puzzles. And when the worldwide audience votes one person off the island, it isn’t just a loss . . . it’s death.
From the Paperback edition.
From the Paperback edition.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 12, 2001
14 people are currently reading
319 people want to read
About the author
Jim Brown
3 books21 followersJim Brown http://www.jimbrownbooks.com/ is a critically acclaimed author and an award-winning journalist. His novels have been published in 26 countries and translated into Russian, Japanese, Korean, Dutch, and Bulgarian.
His first two novel’s 24/7 and Black Valley, published by Random House, have been optioned for film.
Jim is also a renowned broadcast journalist. He has worked for NBC, ABC, CBS and Fox. He’s broadcast live for CNN and been featured in a BBC documentary.
As a crime reporter, Jim has covered school shootings and serial killers, including the Stocking Strangler and the Atlanta Child Killer, as well as countless other crimes and criminals. As a result, he has been threatened and shot at . . . twice. But he always gets the story.
Jim is a three-time winner of the Associated Press Best Newscast Award.
His first two novel’s 24/7 and Black Valley, published by Random House, have been optioned for film.
Jim is also a renowned broadcast journalist. He has worked for NBC, ABC, CBS and Fox. He’s broadcast live for CNN and been featured in a BBC documentary.
As a crime reporter, Jim has covered school shootings and serial killers, including the Stocking Strangler and the Atlanta Child Killer, as well as countless other crimes and criminals. As a result, he has been threatened and shot at . . . twice. But he always gets the story.
Jim is a three-time winner of the Associated Press Best Newscast Award.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
August 4, 2016
A new reality tv show being aired on Vassa Island is about be hijacked. The show 24/7 that has twelve contestants vying for the $2,000,000 prize - takes an unexpected turn - when the shows host (Brant Nelson), cameramen and field personnel all die horribly within the first fifteen minutes of the programmes first broadcast.
After the initial pandemonium recedes; a voice (Control) emanates from the islands Roundhouse buildings speakers - and informs the contestants that they have a lethal pathogen percolating through their bloodstream, and in the next twenty-four-hours eleven of them will receive an injection; which will stall the virus for another day and one of them will die; to be decided by online voting. The shows producers are unable to shut down the broadcast - so the show is available to watch via the Internet and television, etcetera, and people do end up voting for who they want eliminated. This is going to be a very popular show.
The original show was to have challenges; specific to each contestants fears - and this still applies in Control's new version of the game; complete the challenge - and receive five safety stones; which negates ten per cent of votes for each stone used. They can get safety stones by completing challenges or if they're lucky, they can find them around the island. As you can imagine; finding these stones is like finding the Holy Grail.
As the island has over six hundred cameras; many of them hidden - the public (and Control) gets to see everything that's going on - and as with any reality show; public perception can have an effect on whether you get to stay or leave - or in this case; receive a short reprieve. In addition to the cameras littered around the island - the contestants have to wear a thin metal collar (Choker-Cam) around their neck: which was part of the original show, and is now part of this one. Eyes everywhere.
In the background the White House is powerless to do anything - though they do send an aircraft carrier and other ships to the island; to make sure the contestants actually stay on the the island (which is famous for Guano. I looked it up.), until they can work out how to resolve the situation - as they don't know whether the virus is contagious; they do know how fast and deadly it is though.
This is a very fast paced thriller that had me guessing throughout. There are multiple POV, so you get to see what is happening on the island, tv networks, the aircraft carrier, White House etc. The only problem is; it switches to different characters without warning. So in one sentence you're with one character - and in the next you're with another somewhere else. There are also quite a few typos and missing words - though it didn't distract me too much; annoying though.
After the initial pandemonium recedes; a voice (Control) emanates from the islands Roundhouse buildings speakers - and informs the contestants that they have a lethal pathogen percolating through their bloodstream, and in the next twenty-four-hours eleven of them will receive an injection; which will stall the virus for another day and one of them will die; to be decided by online voting. The shows producers are unable to shut down the broadcast - so the show is available to watch via the Internet and television, etcetera, and people do end up voting for who they want eliminated. This is going to be a very popular show.
The original show was to have challenges; specific to each contestants fears - and this still applies in Control's new version of the game; complete the challenge - and receive five safety stones; which negates ten per cent of votes for each stone used. They can get safety stones by completing challenges or if they're lucky, they can find them around the island. As you can imagine; finding these stones is like finding the Holy Grail.
As the island has over six hundred cameras; many of them hidden - the public (and Control) gets to see everything that's going on - and as with any reality show; public perception can have an effect on whether you get to stay or leave - or in this case; receive a short reprieve. In addition to the cameras littered around the island - the contestants have to wear a thin metal collar (Choker-Cam) around their neck: which was part of the original show, and is now part of this one. Eyes everywhere.
In the background the White House is powerless to do anything - though they do send an aircraft carrier and other ships to the island; to make sure the contestants actually stay on the the island (which is famous for Guano. I looked it up.), until they can work out how to resolve the situation - as they don't know whether the virus is contagious; they do know how fast and deadly it is though.
This is a very fast paced thriller that had me guessing throughout. There are multiple POV, so you get to see what is happening on the island, tv networks, the aircraft carrier, White House etc. The only problem is; it switches to different characters without warning. So in one sentence you're with one character - and in the next you're with another somewhere else. There are also quite a few typos and missing words - though it didn't distract me too much; annoying though.
November 21, 2010
"The sea lashed the beach like a Roman flogging a Christian."
Yeah. This book? Is bad. But if you need some hilarious, nonsensical analogies this is the place to look for 'em!
Yeah. This book? Is bad. But if you need some hilarious, nonsensical analogies this is the place to look for 'em!
October 24, 2015
This book is one of the fastest paced books i have ever read it starts with a huge surprise and gets real at a very fast pace 9 out of ten on my scale. Survivor meets saw is my best description.
May 28, 2024
A very interesting concept and very much a novel of its time, 24/7 missed the mark on realism. This is truly interesting given the entire story is based on reality tv.
The plot is a Survivor style tv show gets hijacked by an unseen terrorist and the world watches and votes people to die one by one until one person gets the ultimate prize and two million dollars. The issue lies in the continued ramping up of suspense until all believability is gone. Not only are they trapped and infected with a man made deadly contagion, they could infect the entire world as no one has a cure. Oh and one of the contestants the president says can’t die. Oh and there’s a magic weapon that can knock planes out of the sky other countries would kill for on the island. Oh and there’s personal tests for each contestant made deadly by the terrorist, known as Control. Oh and some of the contestants instantly turn into rapists and murders when they learn of their predicament. Oh and the US is about to blow the whole island up just in case. Oh and….. you get the picture. A thriller should be thrilling but not to the point of foolishness.
While well written for a first novel, some of the characters and dialogue didn’t ring true at times which pulled from the pacing. Guy gets taken hostage by a serial bomber the world thinks is dead, escapes with four seconds left on the bomb he was glued to and…….. no body cares. Cuz there’s a bigger story. Oh and turns out said bomber winds up on the island in the finale…… see? Too much.
As a big fan of the ensemble pick’em off type mystery I expected more from this one. While it kept me turning pages, everything seemed hollow and underdone. From an undercooked love story to a bunch of main character off screen deaths, there were a lot of missed paths in this one. Even the halfhearted ‘Viewers should be ashamed of themselves’ social commentary is a missed opportunity.
You may be reading it 24/7 but you’ll have forgotten it in 7 24hrs as there’s little to remember.
The plot is a Survivor style tv show gets hijacked by an unseen terrorist and the world watches and votes people to die one by one until one person gets the ultimate prize and two million dollars. The issue lies in the continued ramping up of suspense until all believability is gone. Not only are they trapped and infected with a man made deadly contagion, they could infect the entire world as no one has a cure. Oh and one of the contestants the president says can’t die. Oh and there’s a magic weapon that can knock planes out of the sky other countries would kill for on the island. Oh and there’s personal tests for each contestant made deadly by the terrorist, known as Control. Oh and some of the contestants instantly turn into rapists and murders when they learn of their predicament. Oh and the US is about to blow the whole island up just in case. Oh and….. you get the picture. A thriller should be thrilling but not to the point of foolishness.
While well written for a first novel, some of the characters and dialogue didn’t ring true at times which pulled from the pacing. Guy gets taken hostage by a serial bomber the world thinks is dead, escapes with four seconds left on the bomb he was glued to and…….. no body cares. Cuz there’s a bigger story. Oh and turns out said bomber winds up on the island in the finale…… see? Too much.
As a big fan of the ensemble pick’em off type mystery I expected more from this one. While it kept me turning pages, everything seemed hollow and underdone. From an undercooked love story to a bunch of main character off screen deaths, there were a lot of missed paths in this one. Even the halfhearted ‘Viewers should be ashamed of themselves’ social commentary is a missed opportunity.
You may be reading it 24/7 but you’ll have forgotten it in 7 24hrs as there’s little to remember.
February 3, 2014
Enter Author Jim Brown's reality television show and within 15 minutes 24/7 will change from money hungry contestants to paralyzing reality that literal life and death now hangs in the balance. This popular show will test the viewers in vast number as they neglect daily tasks when a deadly virus inflicts each contestant and the contestants life depends on viewer votes and a daily life saving injection. As 1 contestant is removed in horrifying flesh-burning fashion for all to see, the real "game" will change in dynamics to survival and a test of affections. Popularly said that who you really are is exposed when intense stress is prevalent, you will discover to the core what each contestant is truly made of.
Brown's talented uncanny way will make these less than 2 weeks feel like an eternity where horrid circumstances and visualizations will spark your adrenaline. As each contestant has to endure physical and psychological challenges individually tailored, Vassa Island will become the home of unwanted guests. With U.S. Navy, FBI personnel, reporter Tucker Thorne and others on the case, just who was responsible for this? Which contestant was the culprit leading to others demise? "Finally the evil that had infected Vassa Island and spread to television sets and computer monitors had a face. One of the 11".
The pleasure of seeing each removed would be replaced by the agony of witnessing each die. Each second ticking on the clock the climactic ending will reveal "it ain't over until it's over". Learn the real heart of the matter and those that ultimately prove paramount in discoveries.
This award-winning journalist and critically acclaimed Author has lived up to the status of excellence revealed in this hard to put down thriller. Be careful with your early conclusions and insights as the twists will take you on a journey you are not fully prepared for.
I easily rate this book as 5-star quality and highly recommend it.
Brown's talented uncanny way will make these less than 2 weeks feel like an eternity where horrid circumstances and visualizations will spark your adrenaline. As each contestant has to endure physical and psychological challenges individually tailored, Vassa Island will become the home of unwanted guests. With U.S. Navy, FBI personnel, reporter Tucker Thorne and others on the case, just who was responsible for this? Which contestant was the culprit leading to others demise? "Finally the evil that had infected Vassa Island and spread to television sets and computer monitors had a face. One of the 11".
The pleasure of seeing each removed would be replaced by the agony of witnessing each die. Each second ticking on the clock the climactic ending will reveal "it ain't over until it's over". Learn the real heart of the matter and those that ultimately prove paramount in discoveries.
This award-winning journalist and critically acclaimed Author has lived up to the status of excellence revealed in this hard to put down thriller. Be careful with your early conclusions and insights as the twists will take you on a journey you are not fully prepared for.
I easily rate this book as 5-star quality and highly recommend it.
February 23, 2013
I've actually had this book since it was first published, then had it downloaded to my eReader, but kept putting off reading it. Why? Because while the premise fascinated me, I didn't really expect to enjoy it. Boy, was I wrong!
The basic premise is that of reality programming taken to the ultimate level when a Survivor-style show is hijacked by the mysterious Control. Every contestant has been infected with an Ebola type disease that requires a shot to keep them alive. It is up to America to vote the next person off the island. Permanently. For the one voted off isn't given the the lifesaving shot needed to keep them alive. Dana Kirsten was there to get her heart's desire, her dying child entered into an experimental program in Switzerland. Justin Rourke was looking to outrun his personal demons. Outside in the real world, wannabe reporter Tucker Thorne finds his personal puzzle solving abilities making him the one person who may be able to save the day, if his own personal grief doesn't destroy him in the process. And there there is Dr. Lorrik, victim of a terrorist attack who lost his beloved daughter at the same time, who blames Tucker for her death.
A fantastic look at what could happen, probably will happen in some form or another in the future if reality programming continues to push the envelope. After all, it wasn't that long ago that a Big Brother contestant took a knife to the woman he was having sex with, threatening to kill her.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in reality programming, or those who find it horrible and demeaning, or simply can't decide either way. Adventure, romance, and mystery are all contained within these pages.
The basic premise is that of reality programming taken to the ultimate level when a Survivor-style show is hijacked by the mysterious Control. Every contestant has been infected with an Ebola type disease that requires a shot to keep them alive. It is up to America to vote the next person off the island. Permanently. For the one voted off isn't given the the lifesaving shot needed to keep them alive. Dana Kirsten was there to get her heart's desire, her dying child entered into an experimental program in Switzerland. Justin Rourke was looking to outrun his personal demons. Outside in the real world, wannabe reporter Tucker Thorne finds his personal puzzle solving abilities making him the one person who may be able to save the day, if his own personal grief doesn't destroy him in the process. And there there is Dr. Lorrik, victim of a terrorist attack who lost his beloved daughter at the same time, who blames Tucker for her death.
A fantastic look at what could happen, probably will happen in some form or another in the future if reality programming continues to push the envelope. After all, it wasn't that long ago that a Big Brother contestant took a knife to the woman he was having sex with, threatening to kill her.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in reality programming, or those who find it horrible and demeaning, or simply can't decide either way. Adventure, romance, and mystery are all contained within these pages.
February 20, 2012
24/7 is a new reality show, much like the current 'Survivor', but on a much grander scale. The contestants are to be on the deserted, some think cursed, Vassa Island, which happens to have the single most powerful communications tower in the world. The show will broadcast their every move. Not only are they over 600 cameras on the island, but each contestant is fitted with a collar cam. The prize for enduring the public eye as they compete in challenges to face their biggest fears? Two million dollars and your heart's desire.
For single mom Dana Kirsten that means her daughter Jenna can join the hopefully life-saving trial in Switzerland to treat her muscular dystrophy.
Things go terribly wrong the moment the show begins. The stakes have jumped considerably. The contestants are now fighting for their lives.
When I read my Goodreads friend Justin's review of this book, I immediately went in search of it. His review made me think 'Hunger Games' with adults. FYI, there is no Kindle or e-reader version of the book, so I hit up my local library.
The story starts off with a bang and builds momentum from there. Its fast pace kept me turning the pages. Like Justin, I never could find a good place to stop. The twists and turns kept me guessing til the end.
While it wasn't as much like 'The Hunger Games' as I'd been expecting, it was still definitely worth the read. Thanks for recommending, Justin!
For single mom Dana Kirsten that means her daughter Jenna can join the hopefully life-saving trial in Switzerland to treat her muscular dystrophy.
Things go terribly wrong the moment the show begins. The stakes have jumped considerably. The contestants are now fighting for their lives.
When I read my Goodreads friend Justin's review of this book, I immediately went in search of it. His review made me think 'Hunger Games' with adults. FYI, there is no Kindle or e-reader version of the book, so I hit up my local library.
The story starts off with a bang and builds momentum from there. Its fast pace kept me turning the pages. Like Justin, I never could find a good place to stop. The twists and turns kept me guessing til the end.
While it wasn't as much like 'The Hunger Games' as I'd been expecting, it was still definitely worth the read. Thanks for recommending, Justin!
May 7, 2015
I really liked this book. Constant suspance, twists and turns. It's basically about a reality show gone wrong. 12 contestants on an island, watched 24/7 by people all over the world. But as the game is about to begin, the crew dies and the real show starts. It draws you in from the very beginning. The only thing that bothered me is that the story switched from one character to another in most awaited moments. But that is only a small minus. The book is an interesting turn on reality tv and makes you think about the whole idea. I recommend this book to people interested in psychology or sociology. But it's a good read for anyone basically.
April 19, 2012
Jim Brown has the ability to keep you on the edge of your seat and never gives anything away, so you just have to keep reading to find out what happens.
I love his style of writing and you can see his personality seeping through in some of his phrases and discriptions.
If you like suspense, action and a story with a twist on what could really happen, then you WILL enjoy this.
Another great book, thanks Jim.
If you get the chance, read his latest 'BOOM', it's amazing.
I love his style of writing and you can see his personality seeping through in some of his phrases and discriptions.
If you like suspense, action and a story with a twist on what could really happen, then you WILL enjoy this.
Another great book, thanks Jim.
If you get the chance, read his latest 'BOOM', it's amazing.
September 12, 2012
This book is a book that I will never forget. The book is a thriller with surprises hidden in every chapter. In the end of the book, I would of never guessed that Cody (One of the Players on The TV Show) was the Control's Accomplice. And I would have never guessed that Kraft Technology was incorporated with this TV Show, 24/7. If you are looking for a book that makes you on the edge of your seat; then this book is perfect.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2013
A bit difficult to stomach at times as I'm not a fan of made up reality tv, though that was just the concept, the book itself was very good, was able to read it in 2 days (on metro, bus and at bedtime). Not my regular type of book but the writer is able to keep the pace moving at all times, the language is accessible and the subject matter is perfect for what Jim Brown did with it. I'm motivated now to read another of his offerings - having had 24/7 on the shelf for more than a year!
June 7, 2018
I seem to have the best luck when it comes to picking books as I always manage to find ones I love. Amazing book and for anyone who loves reality tv this is the book for you. I ended up asking myself so many questions whilst reading this book about my own morality. Couldn't get enough of it and found it hard to put down each time I picked it up. I've been told his other book Black Valley is even better and fortunately I have that Aswel so that will on the to read list soon!
August 7, 2011
I thought that the book was really interesting. It was worth the wait till I actually could find a copy. I will admit that I was alittle confused in the beginning with the 3 different story lines but I liked how they all came together and the twist at the end was pretty cool...did not see that coming lol
July 28, 2009
One of the best thrillers I read this year, until I got to the end. It was so far fetched, just completely unbelievable as if the author didn't know what to do or couldn't end it, so it just fell flat
April 3, 2013
This was a great read, and I didn't want to put it down!!
The post script by first-time author Jim Brown was thought provoking, and I am looking forward to reading his next book.
24/7 would be enough to make you think twice about entering any reality game show!
The post script by first-time author Jim Brown was thought provoking, and I am looking forward to reading his next book.
24/7 would be enough to make you think twice about entering any reality game show!
October 30, 2013
There's a ton of reality shows out there today. This novel takes it to the next level where the viewers at home decides who lives, and who dies. This book is different from The Hunger Games, and written before. Definately an entertaining book.
April 24, 2008
When contestants from a reality TV show are sent to a Caribbean island with more than 800 remote cameras to film all the action, people start to die.
Reads like Survivor on speed. Recommend.
Reads like Survivor on speed. Recommend.
December 14, 2010
Chilling what could someday be about a reality show gone chillingly *real*. This was a great page turner.
October 27, 2013
I just started this last night & already, I can't put it down! I'll keep you posted.
March 9, 2021
Reality show - the contestants are recorded 24/7. They must face their fears and live on the island and the audience votes them off one at a time until the last one is standing. Seems pretty standard. On the first day, the entire crew dies a horrendous death leaving just the contestants. Control is in charge and he is speeding up the game. They are infected with a horrible virus. If they don't receive the antidote each day, they will die. The audience is still in charge of who doesn't receive the antidote. Dana is desperate to save her daughter with a life-saving treatment. Justin is a former military and incredibly smart. They are drawn together for comfort and love. The book was okay, with lots of jumping back and forth between the president, the island, and the reporter.
March 16, 2023
Dumb Fun book. There are numerous plot holes, character inconsistencies, and reality stretches wide for even a cheap mystery, but this was fun. The premise of characters being trapped in a secluded space while having to endure challenges was the best part, and probably the only good part. I reminded me of Squid Game, or The Hunger Games and it was fun. Besides that, I was bored. Almost every character is boring, with little to no personality and thin as ice motivations. Tucker and Dana, the main protagonists felt like yet more heroes without personality. I won't read it again, but I enjoyed the island aspects.
October 22, 2023
This was definitely a fun, edge-of-the-seat kind of read. Nothing too deep, just fun and quick and it kept me wanting to find out what happens next. The problem is, this book could have really used an editor. It clearly did not have one (or even a simple run through a text editor spell check), as there were an incredible amount of typos and grammatical errors. As the book progressed the problem became worse and worse until I was noticing several on every page. I tried to ignore them because I was enjoying the story, but it became very distracting and hard to miss. This definitely marred what was an otherwise enjoyable book.
June 4, 2024
24/7 - Reality TV. With a Killer Twist by Jim Brown is a gripping thriller set on a Caribbean island, where Dana Kirsten joins a reality TV show to win $2 million to save her child’s life. However, the stakes rise dramatically when the host and crew die on live TV, and the contestants discover they’ve been infected with a lethal virus. With only 24 hours to live without an injection and a diminishing number of antidotes, their survival is determined by online voting. This novel combines action, mystery, and the perils of reality TV, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the explosive finale.
April 26, 2025
This had so much potential and I really, truly wanted to love it based on the premise. But between the editing issues (seriously - how did this get published with so many errors?) and some of the major plot lines feeling incomplete or rushed.. idk. i loved the premise and again saw so much potential in this author, but it just kinda fell flat to me.
February 16, 2025
Easy popcorn thriller, overall I enjoyed the book but please please please hire an editor to read and edit. There were so many typos it became increasingly more and more distracting, towards the end of the book there were errors on nearly every page.
June 21, 2017
Loved it! Thriller based around a reality TV show will keep you guessing and turning the pages!
September 9, 2019
Utterly ridiculous but kind of great, sort of like a Dwayne Johnson novel. The best scene involves MacGuyver-ing a jet-ski and a dead whale.
August 1, 2022
Different change of pace from my normal read but kept me intrigued. Give it a read!
June 4, 2025
Quite a thrilling read, picks steadily the pace up to a breakneck speed towards the end. Some improbable plot holes, hence the substation of one star.
September 4, 2025
A very good story about a TV reality game show but with a twist that has quite a few surprises excellent
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews