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Max Revere #0.5
Maximum Exposure
In this thrilling story Maximum Exposure, New York Times bestseller Allison Brennan introduces tough-as-nails investigative reporter Maxine Revere, the compelling feature character of Notorious
Two years before the events in Notorious, Max travels to Colorado Springs to investigate the disappearance of a college student. Frustrated over the lack of interest from both friends of the victim and campus authorities, Max tags along with the leader of search and rescue and his dog through the beautiful and deadly Rocky Mountains in the hopes of finding answers. Every answer she finds leads to more questions—questions neither the police nor the college want Max asking.
Two years before the events in Notorious, Max travels to Colorado Springs to investigate the disappearance of a college student. Frustrated over the lack of interest from both friends of the victim and campus authorities, Max tags along with the leader of search and rescue and his dog through the beautiful and deadly Rocky Mountains in the hopes of finding answers. Every answer she finds leads to more questions—questions neither the police nor the college want Max asking.
111 pages, ebook
First published February 4, 2014
162 people are currently reading
1373 people want to read
About the author
Allison Brennan
110 books5,301 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Allison Brennan believes that life is too short to be bored, so she had five children and writes three books a year.
In 2019, Allison relocated from Northern California to Arizona with her family and assorted pets. She loves baseball, hiking, family game night, and (of course) reading.
RT Book Reviews called Allison “a master of suspense” and her books “haunting,” “mesmerizing,” “pulse-pounding” and “emotionally complex.” She's been nominated for many awards, and is a three time winner of the Reviewer's Choice award winner for RT Book Reviews as well as the Daphne du Maurier award. Most recently, she was nominated for Best Paperback Original by International Thriller Writers.
With over 45 books and dozens of short stories, Allison is writing multiple series and the occasional stand alone thriller. Her most recent book out now is THE MISSING WITNESS, part of the Quinn & Costa series. In June Allison is launching a new Phoenix-set series about a family of private investigators starting with YOU'LL NEVER FIND ME.
You can reach Allison through Goodreads or her website.
In 2019, Allison relocated from Northern California to Arizona with her family and assorted pets. She loves baseball, hiking, family game night, and (of course) reading.
RT Book Reviews called Allison “a master of suspense” and her books “haunting,” “mesmerizing,” “pulse-pounding” and “emotionally complex.” She's been nominated for many awards, and is a three time winner of the Reviewer's Choice award winner for RT Book Reviews as well as the Daphne du Maurier award. Most recently, she was nominated for Best Paperback Original by International Thriller Writers.
With over 45 books and dozens of short stories, Allison is writing multiple series and the occasional stand alone thriller. Her most recent book out now is THE MISSING WITNESS, part of the Quinn & Costa series. In June Allison is launching a new Phoenix-set series about a family of private investigators starting with YOU'LL NEVER FIND ME.
You can reach Allison through Goodreads or her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
August 4, 2021
Maxine (Max) Revere is a freelance investigative journalist, inspired by the disappearance and presumed murder of her college roommate years ago. She travels the country to investigate cases of missing persons or unsolved murders and shed light on them. Her latest case takes her to Colorado Springs where college student Scott Sheldon disappeared six months ago during a camping trip with friends. Max is suspicious of the circumstances and, at the request of his mother, is determined to help find his body. In the meantime, she’s fending off pressure from her friend to launch and star in a new investigative cable show called Maximum Exposure.
This introduced the character and the series so perfectly. I got just enough backstory about Max to know her but want even more and get a taste of her investigative skills. She’s unconventional and seems to be a bit fearless. The case was interesting enough and the people involved in Scott’s disappearance were easy to isolate but it was how Max approached the investigation that kept me interested. I’m really looking forward to what’s coming in this series.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
This introduced the character and the series so perfectly. I got just enough backstory about Max to know her but want even more and get a taste of her investigative skills. She’s unconventional and seems to be a bit fearless. The case was interesting enough and the people involved in Scott’s disappearance were easy to isolate but it was how Max approached the investigation that kept me interested. I’m really looking forward to what’s coming in this series.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
July 28, 2021
Great, short, mystery novella that introduces us to the character of freelance reporter Max Revere. There wasn't really much of a mystery, but what makes this novella a standout is the character of Max Revere. She is one tenacious reporter and, even if justice wasn't done, she could move on.
Max is driven to solve the unsolved cold cases because of the unsolved murder of her college roommate. As an investigative journalist she has traveled all over the country and solved a lot of cases. She is in Colorado Springs to investigate the disappearance of a college student. When his friends are less than helpful and the college authorities basically tell her to get lost, Max knows something just isn't right about what happened to Scott Sheldon and with the help of the leader of the search and rescue, she is determined to find out what really happened.
Max is driven to solve the unsolved cold cases because of the unsolved murder of her college roommate. As an investigative journalist she has traveled all over the country and solved a lot of cases. She is in Colorado Springs to investigate the disappearance of a college student. When his friends are less than helpful and the college authorities basically tell her to get lost, Max knows something just isn't right about what happened to Scott Sheldon and with the help of the leader of the search and rescue, she is determined to find out what really happened.
July 22, 2021
Investigative Reporter Maxine Revere received a call from Adele Sheldon. Mrs. Sheldon says her son, Scott, disappeared six months ago while on a camping trip with college friends in the mountains of Colorado. Mrs. Sheldon feels that the police are not taking this missing person’s case seriously and would like Max to look into the situation. Max interviews the three college students who accompanied Scott on the trip. They claim that Scott got into an argument with them and left the camp site to hike back to their vehicle. He was never seen again. Max knows they are lying and must search for proof.
This is a prequel to the Maxine (Max) Revere series. Max is known in the journalism world as a person who delves into mysteries and usually solves them. We learn that an old friend would like her to do a TV-show based on some of her cases. Max is reluctant to do this at first, but the outcome of some of her cases makes her change her mind.
I thought Max was an intriguing character and the mystery was solid. I'm looking forward to reading this series. My rating: 4 Stars.
This is a prequel to the Maxine (Max) Revere series. Max is known in the journalism world as a person who delves into mysteries and usually solves them. We learn that an old friend would like her to do a TV-show based on some of her cases. Max is reluctant to do this at first, but the outcome of some of her cases makes her change her mind.
I thought Max was an intriguing character and the mystery was solid. I'm looking forward to reading this series. My rating: 4 Stars.
August 25, 2021
Maximum Exposure sets the stage for the Max Revere series by introducing the main character, Maxine Revere. Max is a strong independent woman and freelance journalist. She investigates cold cases to uncover what the cops missed. She then exposes the truth on her blog and in the newspapers.
Allison Brennan does an excellent job showing who Maxine is and introducing some of the support characters in this novella. The story has a captivating mystery and gives the reader a glimpse of the Revere world and how she works. I love her tenacious drive to solve the case. Max doesn’t back down and takes calculated risks to expose the truth. She will not be stifled when dealing with bureaucrats nor is she swayed by money or power. Max is headstrong and focused on her goal. I can’t wait to see where Ms. Brennan takes this character and the series.
Allison Brennan does an excellent job showing who Maxine is and introducing some of the support characters in this novella. The story has a captivating mystery and gives the reader a glimpse of the Revere world and how she works. I love her tenacious drive to solve the case. Max doesn’t back down and takes calculated risks to expose the truth. She will not be stifled when dealing with bureaucrats nor is she swayed by money or power. Max is headstrong and focused on her goal. I can’t wait to see where Ms. Brennan takes this character and the series.
August 18, 2020
3 stars.
A short story on the cold case that triggered Max into agreeing to anchor the TV show "Maximum Exposure".
I did find the resolution a bit unsatisfactory but I think that's supposed to be why Max wanted to do the investigative show so as to give other people closure that she hadn't been able to find for herself?
A short story on the cold case that triggered Max into agreeing to anchor the TV show "Maximum Exposure".
I did find the resolution a bit unsatisfactory but I think that's supposed to be why Max wanted to do the investigative show so as to give other people closure that she hadn't been able to find for herself?
April 11, 2014
For a more in depth review, please visit my blog, Chorley Chronicals!
This was a great little introduction into the character Max Revere, which is the new series by Allison Brennan. It is the prequel to Notorious, and I would say it would be a good idea to read Maximum Exposure first! It gives you a great background story on who Max(ine) Revere is, and what her life is all about!
For a short story, it was full and entertaining. I really liked the introduction of Max, so I think that I am absolutely going to LOVE this series! I can't wait to continue on with Notorious! I must admit though, there aren't many books written by Allison Brennan that I've read that I've not liked!
Allison Brennan packed a lot into this novella, but it was easy reading! It was well written with a great subject matter, that I think will resonate with a lot of people! I easily found myself caught up in the investigation, and just waiting to figure out what was going to happen!
Overall, this was a great read and I am really looking forward to continuing this series!
This was a great little introduction into the character Max Revere, which is the new series by Allison Brennan. It is the prequel to Notorious, and I would say it would be a good idea to read Maximum Exposure first! It gives you a great background story on who Max(ine) Revere is, and what her life is all about!
For a short story, it was full and entertaining. I really liked the introduction of Max, so I think that I am absolutely going to LOVE this series! I can't wait to continue on with Notorious! I must admit though, there aren't many books written by Allison Brennan that I've read that I've not liked!
Allison Brennan packed a lot into this novella, but it was easy reading! It was well written with a great subject matter, that I think will resonate with a lot of people! I easily found myself caught up in the investigation, and just waiting to figure out what was going to happen!
Overall, this was a great read and I am really looking forward to continuing this series!
August 10, 2014
I really enjoyed this novella...the story had great detail and Max is a great heroine. Also...the outcome made me angry...it made me feel. Allison did a fantastic job of making me invested in the characters. As I've said, if an author can make me FEEL, whether I hate or love certain characters the author did there job.
I hated the 3 college students. I wished for a different outcome for Scott. I felt sad for his mother Adele. I am really looking forward to getting to know Max's character more. No romance in this but for me that's ok because the story was really good. I love mysteries and strong female hero's. This was a great beginning for a new series!!!!
I hated the 3 college students. I wished for a different outcome for Scott. I felt sad for his mother Adele. I am really looking forward to getting to know Max's character more. No romance in this but for me that's ok because the story was really good. I love mysteries and strong female hero's. This was a great beginning for a new series!!!!
April 30, 2014
Super prequel to start off new Max Revere series
I ended up reading the first book of the series "Notorious" before I actually read this prequel. It didn't matter too much - both this novella and the book are excellent. If given the chance, I would read MAXIMUM EXPOSURE first.
This prequel gives the reader insight into how Max Revere got her cable television show and background into why she is motivated to try to solve cold cases.
Bullying, inept officials, Search and Rescue - all play a part in this fast-paced tale by author Brennan.
I ended up reading the first book of the series "Notorious" before I actually read this prequel. It didn't matter too much - both this novella and the book are excellent. If given the chance, I would read MAXIMUM EXPOSURE first.
This prequel gives the reader insight into how Max Revere got her cable television show and background into why she is motivated to try to solve cold cases.
Bullying, inept officials, Search and Rescue - all play a part in this fast-paced tale by author Brennan.
February 13, 2016
Tragedies in Maxine (Max) Revere past lead her to become an investigative reporter. This novella introduces us to Max and gives us some insight into why she is so passionate about what she does as she also looks in to the disappearance of a college student.
January 5, 2018
A very promising prequel, I'm definitely looking forward to read the rest of the series.
This short story portrays the main character Max, while she investigates a cold case.
I really liked the way you discover Max her personality throughout the story, and I almost immediately began to like her. Although the story was quite short, it was almost impossible to put the book down (except for dinner) and it made me very eager for the outcome of the case. The pace of this detective -not too slow- was optimal and the added personal dimension, which I often miss in other detectives, was perfect and supported the story well.
This short story portrays the main character Max, while she investigates a cold case.
I really liked the way you discover Max her personality throughout the story, and I almost immediately began to like her. Although the story was quite short, it was almost impossible to put the book down (except for dinner) and it made me very eager for the outcome of the case. The pace of this detective -not too slow- was optimal and the added personal dimension, which I often miss in other detectives, was perfect and supported the story well.
October 17, 2022
Fine, since it was a 0.5 book in the series.
April 9, 2014
This is an introductory novella for the series "Max Revere". Not a bad read. It's understandable why Allison Brennan has stayed on top of the charts where books are concerned. Well written, with a subject matter that happens all too often these days - bullying with consequences.
A different type of main character being an investigative reporter. It took a bit of adjusting on my part because of this type of book. The story flowed very well and it was easy to get caught up in the "investigation". What I had difficulty with was how the police were portrayed - too complacent with this "missing" person case - just being satisfied with what 3 college students had to say without delving further into their backgrounds, etc. I guess I'm used to "smart, thorough cops" :)
One of the best parts was the use of a cadaver dog and the dog just happened to be a golden retriever!
I started to read the next book "Notorious", but I think I will shelve it - just not "capturing" my attention. I'm not in the right frame of mind to read this type of series yet.
Do I recommend this novella - certainly. A thumbs up and 3 stars.
A different type of main character being an investigative reporter. It took a bit of adjusting on my part because of this type of book. The story flowed very well and it was easy to get caught up in the "investigation". What I had difficulty with was how the police were portrayed - too complacent with this "missing" person case - just being satisfied with what 3 college students had to say without delving further into their backgrounds, etc. I guess I'm used to "smart, thorough cops" :)
One of the best parts was the use of a cadaver dog and the dog just happened to be a golden retriever!
I started to read the next book "Notorious", but I think I will shelve it - just not "capturing" my attention. I'm not in the right frame of mind to read this type of series yet.
Do I recommend this novella - certainly. A thumbs up and 3 stars.
February 28, 2014
With this short, I find myself intrigued to read a full length book about these characters. I liked how the author gave an explanation of where her idea came from before the story started. I liked that Max was mad, that her righteous indignation spurred her on to take a step she might not of, that she will help right some moral wrongs. It will be interesting how her past comes into play with what will be on the show.
July 31, 2018
A glimpse of justice
Quick read that introduces us to a new heroine and world of investigation and suspense. Well written and developed story that shows how the characters are coming together and what pushes the main character on her quest to solve cold cases. I enjoyed this story, agreed about the unfairness and am intrigued to continue on with this series!
Quick read that introduces us to a new heroine and world of investigation and suspense. Well written and developed story that shows how the characters are coming together and what pushes the main character on her quest to solve cold cases. I enjoyed this story, agreed about the unfairness and am intrigued to continue on with this series!
March 23, 2014
Goodd start to a new series. I like Max. Her character is very intriging. Should be an intersting series. Looking forward to it.
April 16, 2019
Written after the first couple of books of the series, "Maximum Exposure" introduces investigative reporter Max Revere, where she comes from (kind of), and what gets her started on the path that results in the rest of the Max Revere series.
Max travels across the country from New York to Colorado, where a grieving mother asks for her help in determining what happened to her college-aged son, Scott Sheldon. A reporter who only investigates cold cases, Max sets out to figure out what actually happened on the weekend camping trip that Scott took six months ago with his so-called "friends". Working with the people who had run the search-and-rescue team originally, Max helps them discover Scott's body and the truth behind what happened on that mountain. The truth is what Max is set out to find for anyone who needs it for closure. Unfortunately, the truth sometimes isn't enough.
Max travels across the country from New York to Colorado, where a grieving mother asks for her help in determining what happened to her college-aged son, Scott Sheldon. A reporter who only investigates cold cases, Max sets out to figure out what actually happened on the weekend camping trip that Scott took six months ago with his so-called "friends". Working with the people who had run the search-and-rescue team originally, Max helps them discover Scott's body and the truth behind what happened on that mountain. The truth is what Max is set out to find for anyone who needs it for closure. Unfortunately, the truth sometimes isn't enough.
June 7, 2019
I loved this. And I wasn't surprised that I did. For all Allison Brennan's books are expensive they are worth every cent. They're always full of strong characters with interesting gritty plotlines. Max Revere was no different. I love Max.
Maximum Exposure was a treat. Max was a strong, tough character with blunt and unforgiving morals. Her own morals that is. Like the pursuit for truth and justice. The mystery was interesting even if a tad predictable - but what mysteries aren't when you've read more than a dozen of them? I really liked her friendship with Ben. I haven't read the rest of the series yet, but this was a great introduction to Max and her cold case history/obsession/purpose.
Maximum Exposure was a treat. Max was a strong, tough character with blunt and unforgiving morals. Her own morals that is. Like the pursuit for truth and justice. The mystery was interesting even if a tad predictable - but what mysteries aren't when you've read more than a dozen of them? I really liked her friendship with Ben. I haven't read the rest of the series yet, but this was a great introduction to Max and her cold case history/obsession/purpose.
September 6, 2019
So, my husband and I just moved back to America from Korea this week!
I started our 3 day trek home with Maximum Exposure, the prequel to the Maxine Revere Series by Allison Brennan!
Obviously, if you guys have been keeping up with my reviews since college, you know how much I love this series. When I saw there was a prequel available, I knew I had to grab a copy.
In this prequel, we get to meet Maxine Revere and learn a little bit more about who she is and why she's dedicated to solving cold cases. I will say, it was a bit weird without David. But seeing her friendship with Ben grow into what we eventually see in the other books was a fantastic addition!
This was an incredibly quick read.
I mean, I read this entire book on my 2 hour flight to Japan!
But if you love Max, you'll love this.
If you want to see my reviews for the rest of this series head over to A Reader's Diary!
I started our 3 day trek home with Maximum Exposure, the prequel to the Maxine Revere Series by Allison Brennan!
Obviously, if you guys have been keeping up with my reviews since college, you know how much I love this series. When I saw there was a prequel available, I knew I had to grab a copy.
In this prequel, we get to meet Maxine Revere and learn a little bit more about who she is and why she's dedicated to solving cold cases. I will say, it was a bit weird without David. But seeing her friendship with Ben grow into what we eventually see in the other books was a fantastic addition!
This was an incredibly quick read.
I mean, I read this entire book on my 2 hour flight to Japan!
But if you love Max, you'll love this.
If you want to see my reviews for the rest of this series head over to A Reader's Diary!
April 6, 2022
"Maximum Exposure" prequel to the Max Revere series, doesn't quite tick the right boxes most of the time.
Several months after a college student went missing while camping in a heavily-wooded mountain park true crime author Max arrives on the scene and promptly finds the body - no muss, no fuss, crime solved.
It's pretty much the same when it comes to the circumstances surrounding his death - a couple of questions, a GPS location and a bribe, see the details revealed.
The novella does pick up towards the end and left me undecided whether to try the first book in the series, 'Notorious'. I probably will.
2 Stars.
Several months after a college student went missing while camping in a heavily-wooded mountain park true crime author Max arrives on the scene and promptly finds the body - no muss, no fuss, crime solved.
It's pretty much the same when it comes to the circumstances surrounding his death - a couple of questions, a GPS location and a bribe, see the details revealed.
The novella does pick up towards the end and left me undecided whether to try the first book in the series, 'Notorious'. I probably will.
2 Stars.
June 1, 2024
I read a short story by Allison Brennan in a collection and I was very taken with her main character (a down and out kid who becomes a good Samaritan). So I thought I'd check out some of her other written work. This character, Maxine Revere is not for me. She "solves" cold cases as an independently wealthy journalist/writer. She's also unusually tall and gorgeous. And damn the consequences.
I will say that the pace was good and she is definitely a talented writer. I may check out one of her other series, but will not return to this one.
I will say that the pace was good and she is definitely a talented writer. I may check out one of her other series, but will not return to this one.
June 3, 2018
I read this one hoping it would get me excited to start the series, but for me it did the opposite. The story was okay, enticing enough I guess but nothing we've never heard of or seen. Bullies being bullies, leads to death. What bothered me more was how uppity and pretentious Max is drawn out to be, just not the kind of character I really want to be my hero in a book. Just not the right series for me!
March 31, 2019
Another Good Story by Allison Brennan!
I'm so glad I discovered this author. I've already read several of her Lucy Kincaid novels and this is the second of the Max Revere novels. This is a novella and gives background about Max. All of the books have been interesting, insightful, and well plotted.
I'm so glad I discovered this author. I've already read several of her Lucy Kincaid novels and this is the second of the Max Revere novels. This is a novella and gives background about Max. All of the books have been interesting, insightful, and well plotted.
June 27, 2019
I have only read one other book in this series and figured I should go back to the beginning. I love that this is a short introduction into the series and an understanding of why Max does the type of investigative journalism that she does in the other books.
It gives the backstory while also solving a missing persons case. Looking forward to the rest in the series.
It gives the backstory while also solving a missing persons case. Looking forward to the rest in the series.
July 22, 2023
2.5 stars
A novella that begins the Maxine Revere series. The mystery was fine - if a bit squishy - but I didn't particularly like Max. She was just too perfect: tall, beautiful, rich, a best-selling author... and all before the age of 30. And she had an I'm superior attitude that rubbed me the wrong way. I'm not sure I'll continue the series.
A novella that begins the Maxine Revere series. The mystery was fine - if a bit squishy - but I didn't particularly like Max. She was just too perfect: tall, beautiful, rich, a best-selling author... and all before the age of 30. And she had an I'm superior attitude that rubbed me the wrong way. I'm not sure I'll continue the series.
December 27, 2017
A good story with a strong central character. What I appreciated most was that the author allowed the mystery at the heart of the story to have a real-world conclusion. I will happily inhabit Max Revere's world again.
March 16, 2018
Loved this book
Allison Brennan has become one of my favorite authors. I average three books per week and my goal is to read everything she has written. This is the first Max Revere. It was amazing for a new. Character and I will keep reading the rest of her story.
Allison Brennan has become one of my favorite authors. I average three books per week and my goal is to read everything she has written. This is the first Max Revere. It was amazing for a new. Character and I will keep reading the rest of her story.
May 16, 2018
A well-developed origin story
I liked reading this story about how Maximum Exposure got started. Brennan presented a well-developed character in Max Revere and explained what motivated get to start reporting on tv. I enjoyed it!
I liked reading this story about how Maximum Exposure got started. Brennan presented a well-developed character in Max Revere and explained what motivated get to start reporting on tv. I enjoyed it!
March 6, 2019
Actually 3 1/2
I've read AB books for years, I even emailed her to tell her how much I loved her books. Then she went off on her Lucy Kincaid series which I don't like because I am unable to like the main characters. Lucy is my least favorite of all her books. Max is only slightly better. I guess it was the Kincaid family/friend loving atmosphere that made them must reads for me. Lucy and Max are only worth fifty cents when I find them at the thrift store. I know this doesn't say much about this book but I can sum it up as read,skim,skip to the end of this OKAY book.
I've read AB books for years, I even emailed her to tell her how much I loved her books. Then she went off on her Lucy Kincaid series which I don't like because I am unable to like the main characters. Lucy is my least favorite of all her books. Max is only slightly better. I guess it was the Kincaid family/friend loving atmosphere that made them must reads for me. Lucy and Max are only worth fifty cents when I find them at the thrift store. I know this doesn't say much about this book but I can sum it up as read,skim,skip to the end of this OKAY book.
April 26, 2019
Well done for a novella, with an interesting story. I'm not sure about reading the rest of the series, because I don't care for the whole " investigative reporter solving what the police didn't" angle.
August 7, 2019
Maximum Exposure by Allison Brennan
I expected this novella to be written like the Lucy Kincaid series and was pleasantly surprised. I can't wait to read the first novel entitled NOTORIOUS.
I expected this novella to be written like the Lucy Kincaid series and was pleasantly surprised. I can't wait to read the first novel entitled NOTORIOUS.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews