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Crime Beat
CRIME BEAT
A novella by Scott Nicholson
When John Moretz takes a job as a reporter in the Appalachian town of Sycamore Shade, a crime wave erupts that boosts circulation and leaves people uneasy. Then a murder victim is discovered, and Moretz is first on the scene.
As more bodies are discovered, Moretz comes under police suspicion, but the newspaper's sales are booming due to his coverage of sensational crime. His editor is torn between calling off his newshound and cashing in on the attention, plus the editor is romancing the big-city reporter assigned to cover the suspected serial killer.
And Moretz seems to be one step ahead of the other reporters, the police, and even the killer himself.
CRIME BEAT is a 21,000-word novella, the equivalent of about 80 book pages. Also contains the bonus story "Do You Know Me Yet?" from HEAD CASES.
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By Scott Nicholson, #1 Kindle bestselling author in Mystery & Suspense. Nicholson is author of Disintegration, The Skull Ring, The Red Church, and other crime, mystery, suspense, and paranormal thrillers. His mystery collections include Curtains and Head Cases, and with bestselling Kindle author J.R. Rain, he's published the urban fantasy Cursed!
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"This is one author that aims to kill and never misses.” – Jeremy Robinson, INSTINCT and THRESHOLD
"Buy everything he writes. He's the real deal." – Bentley Little, THE DISAPPEARANCE
"Always surprises and always entertains." – Jonathan Maberry, PATIENT ZERO
"Scott Nicholson's strong and vivid writing draws the reader deep into the story." – Vicki Tyley, THIN BLOOD
95 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 9, 2011
87 people are currently reading
341 people want to read
About the author
Scott Nicholson
211 books769 followersWith more than 800,000 books sold worldwide, Scott Nicholson is an international bestselling thriller writer. He won the Writers of the Future Award in 1999 and was a Stoker Award finalist in 2003. His Fear series was published by Amazon's Thomas & Mercer imprint and 47North released the supernatural thriller McFALL.
He's also published a number of supernatural, paranormal, and fantasy books and stories, including the AFTER, NEXT, and ARIZE post-apocalyptic series, as well as children's books, comics, and screenplays. His 2006 novel The Home is in development as a feature film.
He's also published a number of supernatural, paranormal, and fantasy books and stories, including the AFTER, NEXT, and ARIZE post-apocalyptic series, as well as children's books, comics, and screenplays. His 2006 novel The Home is in development as a feature film.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
March 21, 2016
Scott Nicholson is someone to read when I just don't feel like making decisions and have an hour or two. He's mildly entertaining at best and I'm about as much of a fan of his as I am of his beloved Appalachian setting, which is too say not much. And it is with those low expectations, that Crime Beat was read and it turned out to be surprisingly decent. The book contains two stories, the main novella with an unreliable narrator for a trick about a small town's newspaper reporting all of a sudden too many crime news and a bonus short story about a psych ward resident who believes a certain bestselling horror writer is stealing his ideas. The former was fairly well done, in a Pronzini sort of way, small town noir of sorts with a highlight of a well deserved and hilarious stab at Koontz. The latter was quite clever and original, possibly the best thing by Nicholson I've read. Pretty decent for a quick read freebie and probably a real treat for the author's fans.
February 22, 2018
I probably rate this at 3 1/2.
The author got in a lot of story for being so short and I saw the ending coming just the way it did, but heck..I could have been wrong. It piqued my interest and I thought it was written well with an interesting top and interesting characters. I would read more by Scott Nicholson and I hope I get my hands on some longer stories. He has the 'feel' of someone who could be an uber successful writer and I shall be interested to see if this pans out for him.
The author got in a lot of story for being so short and I saw the ending coming just the way it did, but heck..I could have been wrong. It piqued my interest and I thought it was written well with an interesting top and interesting characters. I would read more by Scott Nicholson and I hope I get my hands on some longer stories. He has the 'feel' of someone who could be an uber successful writer and I shall be interested to see if this pans out for him.
December 18, 2025
Fun story
A quick murder mystery in a Small town. Has a fairly unique premise as it is from the point of view of a small town local paper.
A quick murder mystery in a Small town. Has a fairly unique premise as it is from the point of view of a small town local paper.
January 30, 2011
A swift, skillfully crafted read, in this former newspaper reporter's opinion. Author Scott Nicholson does a good job of leading readers in one direction and then pulling the rug out from under them with a surprising finale that, in retrospect, makes perfect sense. I would have enjoyed seeing the story more fleshed out in a longer novella or even a novel, with some deeper scene-setting and a more pronounced tone of black-comedic horror, as it seemed almost too swiftly paced. But it works as is ... I was hooked early and stayed hooked. And Nicholson does a good job of examining the pressures the modern-day small-town newspaper is under to keep from becoming a murder victim of the economic downturn -- and a suicide victim of the industry's own horrific missteps.
January 17, 2011
It was a quick read and the mystery is very engaging. I was definitely sure that I thought this one character is the right guy that commit all the murders. In fact, all the clue and hints hit back to the guy, made me very sure of it. It's quite irony when we did something wrong caused by the other factors, pressured but we did it willingly even we know it's not right. All I can say is that the story is worth read and it's something you need if you like to guess whose the culprit in a short while. Plus, there's a bonus story!
September 26, 2022
Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰
Another will written murder mystery romantic relationship adventure thriller short story by Scott Nickolson about a town newspaper in the mountains. A new reporter is hired and the murders begin one, two, three, and four. Is there a serial killer? Who? The new reporter is the first on the scene is he the killer? And then the killer is captured. I would highly recommend novella to readers looking for a quick mysteries read. Enjoy the adventure of reading. 2022 😢👒
Another will written murder mystery romantic relationship adventure thriller short story by Scott Nickolson about a town newspaper in the mountains. A new reporter is hired and the murders begin one, two, three, and four. Is there a serial killer? Who? The new reporter is the first on the scene is he the killer? And then the killer is captured. I would highly recommend novella to readers looking for a quick mysteries read. Enjoy the adventure of reading. 2022 😢👒
October 8, 2020
Unexpected outcome
I chose 4 stars because I thought it was a good book. The ending was so unexpected I didn't believe it. I had to go back and read the previous page to see what I must have missed. The voice of the main character spooned like you were talking together. This was a different take on a crime novel and it was good.
I chose 4 stars because I thought it was a good book. The ending was so unexpected I didn't believe it. I had to go back and read the previous page to see what I must have missed. The voice of the main character spooned like you were talking together. This was a different take on a crime novel and it was good.
March 2, 2021
Scott Nicholson is a talented story-teller, his sleight of hand and ability to re-direct the obvious definitely led me down the garden path. In less than 100 pages, he builds the tension of what a serial killer can do to a small community who benefits and who doesn't. His character John Moretz is an enigma. I enjoyed this book.
September 18, 2017
Quick - read novella. A little cheesy, but then again, I like cheese :)
May 10, 2018
Susu
Excellent reading, I enjoy how Scott leads down a path that has you believing that you know who the murder is and then takes a sharp turn. I enjoyed this book and recommend it.
Excellent reading, I enjoy how Scott leads down a path that has you believing that you know who the murder is and then takes a sharp turn. I enjoyed this book and recommend it.
June 27, 2021
Good News
The short story was interesting and kept my attention. It had a bit of everything going on and a good twisted ending. I would like to read more books by the author.
The short story was interesting and kept my attention. It had a bit of everything going on and a good twisted ending. I would like to read more books by the author.
November 30, 2021
Good Read!!
October 10, 2024
Crime Beat is a well written short read. I always love the settings in the North Carolina mountains.
January 19, 2020
For such a short story it build up suspense just at the right I guessed who the culprit was and was dead wrong. I would definitely recommend for quick read.
January 26, 2012
Does life imitate art, or art imitate life? Do journalists report news-are they “news-breakers,” or “news-makers”? Is anything acceptable in the pursuit of sales and ratings? How far can we go before the ends no longer justify the methods employed?
Meet John Moretz, new hire for the Crime Beat at a barely maintaining newspaper in a small Appalachian community, where the scenery is gorgeous, and life is steady but seldom exciting. That was true-before Moretz appeared on the scene, but from almost the moment of his first day as the crime newshound, trouble explodes and the crime rate in the county increases astronomically. So does circulation, and so does his editor’s opinion of Moretz-for a while. But all good things must come to an end-and editor Howard begins to notice some strange events in the arena of reporter Moretz; news that even law enforcement hasn’t discovered, odd behavior, temperature drops-and Howard starts wondering if he’d really make the right choice which he selected Moretz over the several other applicants for the “Crime Beat.”
Author Scott Nicholson weaves yet another enterprising page-turner, one with plenty of graphic, yet not gory detail, and a winner in his narrator, Howard, the newspaper’s editor. In John Moretz he also creates quite an intriguing and charismatic character, gently persuading the reader to wonder “just how far will this reporter go in pursuit of a story?” “Crime Beat” is another not-to-be-missed Scott Nicholson novel-and will leave readers pondering each time they pick up a newspaper, or read an issue online!
Meet John Moretz, new hire for the Crime Beat at a barely maintaining newspaper in a small Appalachian community, where the scenery is gorgeous, and life is steady but seldom exciting. That was true-before Moretz appeared on the scene, but from almost the moment of his first day as the crime newshound, trouble explodes and the crime rate in the county increases astronomically. So does circulation, and so does his editor’s opinion of Moretz-for a while. But all good things must come to an end-and editor Howard begins to notice some strange events in the arena of reporter Moretz; news that even law enforcement hasn’t discovered, odd behavior, temperature drops-and Howard starts wondering if he’d really make the right choice which he selected Moretz over the several other applicants for the “Crime Beat.”
Author Scott Nicholson weaves yet another enterprising page-turner, one with plenty of graphic, yet not gory detail, and a winner in his narrator, Howard, the newspaper’s editor. In John Moretz he also creates quite an intriguing and charismatic character, gently persuading the reader to wonder “just how far will this reporter go in pursuit of a story?” “Crime Beat” is another not-to-be-missed Scott Nicholson novel-and will leave readers pondering each time they pick up a newspaper, or read an issue online!
February 11, 2015
A new reporter is hired for a small town. From day one the crime in town rises to an all time high. Circulation benefits as the new reporter seems to be on the scene before the police can get the call. Now as it appears a serial killer is on the loose, could it be the new reporter?
This story is done in first person from the viewpoint of the newspaper’s editor. He tells how the new reporter arrives, gets the stories, and how successful the paper becomes. It is not slow as I thought it would be from this perspective, but the writing style has you wanting to read more to see what will happen next and who the killer is.
You don’t get too personal with the characters aside from the narrator.You are in his mind which is good and bad as it limits your viewpoint of what is going on, but when you get to the end you’ll be kind of glad it is that way.
There is a little description of the crime scene but nothing too graphic. It is all about the story and who did it. I have to say that the writing was done in such a matter that I was unable to figure it out. A brief thought flitted through my mind but ran away too quickly. So I had to be surprised in the end.
If you like good mysteries that won’t take long to read and keep you guessing, check this one out. It is a good one.
Note: I downloaded this book on Amazon free days with no expectation of a positive review.
This story is done in first person from the viewpoint of the newspaper’s editor. He tells how the new reporter arrives, gets the stories, and how successful the paper becomes. It is not slow as I thought it would be from this perspective, but the writing style has you wanting to read more to see what will happen next and who the killer is.
You don’t get too personal with the characters aside from the narrator.You are in his mind which is good and bad as it limits your viewpoint of what is going on, but when you get to the end you’ll be kind of glad it is that way.
There is a little description of the crime scene but nothing too graphic. It is all about the story and who did it. I have to say that the writing was done in such a matter that I was unable to figure it out. A brief thought flitted through my mind but ran away too quickly. So I had to be surprised in the end.
If you like good mysteries that won’t take long to read and keep you guessing, check this one out. It is a good one.
Note: I downloaded this book on Amazon free days with no expectation of a positive review.
November 16, 2012
I enjoy Scott Nicholson's short stories just about as much as I do his full length novels.
In Crime Beat we get a new reporter taking a job at a sleepy town newspaper. The paper has a circulation of about 3000 people doing the usual 'small town reporting'. Bake sales, obituaries, ground breakings, slice of life of stuff. When John Morentz comes on the scene however, things in the town change. There's suddenly news to report..big news...grisly news...serial killer news..John is always one step ahead of the police on the investigations...does he know something? Is he on the up and up?
Some good twists and turns in this one although I found the end to be a little on the sudden side. Still, Nicholson packs a lot of story into his novellas and it's enjoyable as always.
Included with this was the short story Do You Know Me Yet which was sort and entertaining. About a paranoid self proclaimed 'idea man' and novelist who hasn't written anything yet because certain famous authors steal his ideas and beat him to the punch. The supposed idea thieves are never named for 'legal' reasons but it's pretty obvious who the narrator is talking about which makes it actually pretty funny.
Good stuff all around!
In Crime Beat we get a new reporter taking a job at a sleepy town newspaper. The paper has a circulation of about 3000 people doing the usual 'small town reporting'. Bake sales, obituaries, ground breakings, slice of life of stuff. When John Morentz comes on the scene however, things in the town change. There's suddenly news to report..big news...grisly news...serial killer news..John is always one step ahead of the police on the investigations...does he know something? Is he on the up and up?
Some good twists and turns in this one although I found the end to be a little on the sudden side. Still, Nicholson packs a lot of story into his novellas and it's enjoyable as always.
Included with this was the short story Do You Know Me Yet which was sort and entertaining. About a paranoid self proclaimed 'idea man' and novelist who hasn't written anything yet because certain famous authors steal his ideas and beat him to the punch. The supposed idea thieves are never named for 'legal' reasons but it's pretty obvious who the narrator is talking about which makes it actually pretty funny.
Good stuff all around!
February 27, 2011
This was an excellent story with the suspense and mystery building throughout. The main character, Moretz’s editor who narrates the story, is well drawn. He’s cynical yet has a great sense of humor. Other major characters including Moretz remain just enough of an enigma to keep you guessing. Nicholson’s writing is excellent blending dialogue, action, and narrative in the right proportions to keep the story moving and the reader engaged.
Some of the minor characters, especially the police chief, lean toward being caricatures. This in itself is not necessarily that bad, but it leaves very few viable suspects. Despite this I was still kept wondering whodunit.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog.**
Some of the minor characters, especially the police chief, lean toward being caricatures. This in itself is not necessarily that bad, but it leaves very few viable suspects. Despite this I was still kept wondering whodunit.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog.**
August 19, 2012
This is the first Scott Nicholson book I've ever read and I must say, it was pretty good. It wasn't wildly original and I mostly guessed the ending, but it was written with a certain flair, a dash of humour and proofread uncommonly well for an indie Kindle book. I'd give it a tiny bit over 4* out of 5.
The second shorter story included in this same Kindle eBook about a lunatic who thinks he is having his ideas ripped off by famous authors was arguably a better idea, but very short and realised slightly less well. I didn't enjoy it much at all, but if it had been maybe two or three times longer, with a bit of dialogue and thoughts from the shrink, it could've been much more amusing and thought-provoking. Still worth 3* on its own.
The second shorter story included in this same Kindle eBook about a lunatic who thinks he is having his ideas ripped off by famous authors was arguably a better idea, but very short and realised slightly less well. I didn't enjoy it much at all, but if it had been maybe two or three times longer, with a bit of dialogue and thoughts from the shrink, it could've been much more amusing and thought-provoking. Still worth 3* on its own.
March 6, 2011
“We both know things are never as they appear.” ~ Crime Beat
A clever and witty story about a small town newspaper and the lengths some people will go to for a story. The intriguing plot, interesting characters, and priceless one-liners make for a compelling one-sitting read. Not only that, the twist in the tale caught me by surprise – the hallmark of a great mystery.
Crime Beat is the third Scott Nicholson book I’ve read. Each was so different in both style and voice, but all were terrific reads. Nicholson is one gifted storyteller.
Highly recommended.
A clever and witty story about a small town newspaper and the lengths some people will go to for a story. The intriguing plot, interesting characters, and priceless one-liners make for a compelling one-sitting read. Not only that, the twist in the tale caught me by surprise – the hallmark of a great mystery.
Crime Beat is the third Scott Nicholson book I’ve read. Each was so different in both style and voice, but all were terrific reads. Nicholson is one gifted storyteller.
Highly recommended.
April 10, 2012
I good short novel about a crime spree, including some murders by a serial killer taking place in a small Carolina town after a new crime reporter gets hired by the local newspaper. Good story that leads the reader along a path, only to throw a plot twist in at the very end of the story. Good read. The book also has a short story included in the Kindle edition, plus a long list of reviews of Mr. Nicholson's other work. I do like this author; just about everything I've read from him has been very good.
July 1, 2012
Life in a small town newspaper with the editor hiring a new scribbler. The crime rate in the area starts to soar soon after. The new recruit seems to be on the ball and far more ahead than the local police itself. All eyes fall on him when a series of murders take place in town, but all isn't what it seems.
I did enjoy the writing. Tight and tongue-in-cheek. I found the story itself gritty. All ingredients that make a book enjoyable (to me).
And it was. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will definitely check Nichoson out in the future.
I did enjoy the writing. Tight and tongue-in-cheek. I found the story itself gritty. All ingredients that make a book enjoyable (to me).
And it was. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will definitely check Nichoson out in the future.
August 5, 2011
I very rarely give five stars, but I found this novella to be a quick and upbeat story that kept me on my toes. I even finished this in a few hours on very very little sleep. So if this story was able to keep me awake and keep me wanting more after every chapter, it is definitely worth the time. I would recommend this to any of my friends and already have to some family. I am very happy I heard about it and was able to get it on my Kindle for 99 cents!
April 8, 2012
A fast read and great story. Nicholson's style is perfect - just enough information and description to keep the story moving. His depiction of small, sleepy town reactions to violent crime, and the politics surrounding the reporting and investigations, was spot on.
Nicholson includes a nice twist at the end - pay attention and you just might catch the killer before all is revealed! Highly recommended.
Nicholson includes a nice twist at the end - pay attention and you just might catch the killer before all is revealed! Highly recommended.
May 19, 2013
A novella about a crime reporter who seems to be almost ahead of a spate of murders in a small town but whose reporting is boosting the sales of the newspaper astronomically. Is he the killer? His editor is wooing a big city reporting who is also covering the recent murders. The writing is tight and pulls you in, setting you up for the twist at the end.
May 6, 2014
I truly enjoyed this book. Mr. Nicholson did a fantastic job of setting you right in the middle of a good old fashioned country newspaper operation. I liked his phrasing, dark humour and the novella moved along at a good pace. Again, he ended it by pulling the rug out from under you and all your assumptions. Great little read.
May 13, 2012
I found this one a bit more engaging than the previous books from this author. The book is quite short and it was a detective/mystery that really kept me engaged throughout. I got it for free and would definitely recommend it at that price.
May 18, 2012
I didn't care for the book at all. The entire time I was reading it I kept hearing Dragnet's Joe Friday saying, "We just need the facts ma'am." I didn't feel any emotions whatsoever. It did however have a twist at the end, which was the only redeeming factor. Thank goodness it was a short book.
November 12, 2013
This book was fun to read and had a great story line. Although I had figured out the ending pretty early on it didn't take away from the story for me at all. It was a quick read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
April 26, 2014
Interesting story. Not necessarily my type of story to read, but it was a freebie (ebook by B&N). The most interesting part of the story was who the killer was; the style of writing was much like a journal, and that's no surprise since we were reading a first person style of a newspaper editor.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews