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Deadlines: A Novel
As editor of the Empire City Dispatch—a struggling twice-weekly newspaper in coastal Oregon—former investigative journalist Jack Teller thinks he’s found refuge from his traumatic past, until he discovers the body of the outcast scion of the region’s most powerful family, Jesse McLennon. Tragic events closer to home force Teller to delve more deeply into Jesse’s life and death. Teller quickly finds himself in conflict with the McLennons, who will stop at nothing to maintain their positions of power and respect. Dark and brooding,
Deadlines
evokes the mist-shrouded Oregon Coast as Jack Teller is drawn into a plot of deception and revenge, and reckons with his own troubled past.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 9, 2022
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September 25, 2024
Author Chris Westphal writes from his own background as a journalist, and screenwriter. With a deep resume, writing for various magazines, newspapers, and television shows, his work translates well to the page as readers are instantly captivated by the seemingly nefarious turn of events playing out. Crafting a main character with attributes stereotypical of reporters, we are transported to coastal Oregon where we become ensconced in the world of investigative journalism.
As the era of physical newspapers slowly fades away, “Deadlines” brings readers Jack Teller. Jack is the editor of Empire City’s biweekly newspaper, just hanging on thanks to its small-town subscribers and publisher, Jason Penrose. So, when Jack stumbles upon a dead body floating near the dock, he’s able to get a few short lines into Tuesday’s paper before the printing deadline. With competition from the area’s daily papers, Jack jumps on the breaking news assigning a fresh out of college, four-month veteran, Steve, to follow up on obtaining more details about the death. But he never expects his reporter to turn up as the next murder victim. Refusing to let Steve’s death go, Jack is determined to find the link between the death of his reporter and the washed-up drowning of the black sheep member of the town’s richest family, Jesse McLennon.
As more characters are introduced, and favors are traded back and forth, Jack finds himself further embedded in the death of his young reporter. “Deadlines” houses a plethora of intriguing characters, with hints of romance, family drama, and Jack at the forefront, motivated to scrape his way to the bottom of it all. Westphal delivers a newsworthy thriller. Creating a main character full of investigative vigor, late nights, and alcohol induced escapes. Jack Teller seems out of place in this small town as readers become ever more curious about his own background and superior skills.
“Deadlines” offers a glimpse into the world of journalism, fraught relationships, and deception as readers seek to uncover the truth behind Jesse and Steve’s death. Immerse yourself in the world of wealth disparity, power, death, and media as you glimpse the talented mind of Chris Westphal.
As the era of physical newspapers slowly fades away, “Deadlines” brings readers Jack Teller. Jack is the editor of Empire City’s biweekly newspaper, just hanging on thanks to its small-town subscribers and publisher, Jason Penrose. So, when Jack stumbles upon a dead body floating near the dock, he’s able to get a few short lines into Tuesday’s paper before the printing deadline. With competition from the area’s daily papers, Jack jumps on the breaking news assigning a fresh out of college, four-month veteran, Steve, to follow up on obtaining more details about the death. But he never expects his reporter to turn up as the next murder victim. Refusing to let Steve’s death go, Jack is determined to find the link between the death of his reporter and the washed-up drowning of the black sheep member of the town’s richest family, Jesse McLennon.
As more characters are introduced, and favors are traded back and forth, Jack finds himself further embedded in the death of his young reporter. “Deadlines” houses a plethora of intriguing characters, with hints of romance, family drama, and Jack at the forefront, motivated to scrape his way to the bottom of it all. Westphal delivers a newsworthy thriller. Creating a main character full of investigative vigor, late nights, and alcohol induced escapes. Jack Teller seems out of place in this small town as readers become ever more curious about his own background and superior skills.
“Deadlines” offers a glimpse into the world of journalism, fraught relationships, and deception as readers seek to uncover the truth behind Jesse and Steve’s death. Immerse yourself in the world of wealth disparity, power, death, and media as you glimpse the talented mind of Chris Westphal.
Displaying 1 of 1 review