The Trigger Episode

by Tom Straw

Hardwick, a Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist, falls from a grace, and to survive he's now part of the Hollywood paparazzi. Television star Bonnie Quinn disappears (before the taping of the 100th episode The Trigger Episode) and Hardwick's hired to find her. As Hardwick searches for Bonnie, he runs into old girlfriend Meddy, who treats him with disdain. But a suspicious death re-teams him with Meddy and Hardwick grapples with his feelings for both women, his hope for redemption, and the solving of The Trigger Episode.

Genres: Fiction, Mystery

320 pages, Hardcover

First published March 27, 2007

About the author

TOM STRAW published his first mystery novel, The Trigger Episode, in 2007. Subsequently, writing as Richard Castle, he authored seven more crime novels, all of which became New York Times Bestsellers. Buzz Killer is Tom Straw’s first book under his own name since that blockbuster Nikki Heat series. He is also an Emmy- and Writer’s Guild of America-nominated TV writer and producer having written and produced Night Court, Parker Lewis Can’t Lose, Dave’s World, Grace Under Fire, Cosby, Whoopi, and Nurse Jackie. A former board member of the Mystery Writers of America, New York Chapter, he lives in Connecticut, where his home is his castle.

Reviews

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author of this story is rumored to be the ghost author behind the Richard Castle novels which are light and fun, so I thought I'd give this a try. Not too bad, and from an interesting perspective (that of a paparazzo), but definitely not much there. The twists are rather cliched and easy to see coming, and in some ways it seems like he has a list of modern LA noir beats he's trying to hit (protagonist down on his luck dodging people he owes money too - but may have more money that he lets on, mourning the loss of the love of his life who later shows up on a suspects arm, etc.). All in all it's a fast light read and kind of fun, if a bit predictable.

[Mary Overgaard · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this because I read that Tom Straw might be the author of the "Richard Castle" Nikki Heat series. I couldn't decide if he is the author or not. He could be, some similarities in the writing style.

I can't recommend this because although I read it all it is not my style. The protagonist was not sufficiently likable for my taste and way too macho. More like Elmore Leonard than Dorothy Sayers.

Also, there was very little humor which to my thinking often makes a good mystery.

This is Straw's first novel/murder mystery. If he writes another using this character I hope he takes some of the ridiculous "tude" away and the same if he creates a new character.

I can't recommend this.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not paced sufficiently to be a thriller, but too softly plotted to be a traditional mystery. As with most books that suffer an identity crisis, it never quite comes together.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting and fast-paced, Tom Straw's choice of words and character descriptions propel this exciting and gritty crime drama.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rip-roaring noirish novel, that is immensely readable and completely engrossing! Hardwicke-a fascinating anti-hero, gets pulled into the world of network television and it's diva star, which leads to all sorts of intrigue and violence. (this book made me nostalgic for LA Confidential-so much so that I had to watch the movie!) A cast of characters that will keep you glued to the action until the oh, so satisfying conclusion!

[Kathleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really liked the plot. And it takes place in LA. But running across spelling mistakes in a book throws me. And it seems a stretch to have the main characters be a part of the press corps in the 70s and now in their mid-50s be doing what they are doing. The characters seemed younger than that. It could be possible; but...
It was entertaining and I liked the characters.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 100th episode of a successful tv show triggers the syndication market and big bucks.

The difficult star of "Thanks for Sharing" disappears right before filming the 100th episode and her producers invite one of the local paparazzi to track her down and call them.

He's desperate for money and does, but instead he brings her in himself. That triggers her death, he is assaulted and there is an attack on his one true love.

Interesting characters, good plot, fast action, and enjoyable read.

[Kay · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was difficult to get involved in this book. The author is a tv writer and that may be the problem. Perhaps it would be closer to a screenplay than a novel. The plot is good and the characters are okay but there was something missing. This is his one and only book so perhaps no one but his mother and my library bought it!