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Fast Track
The most cataclysmic week of Lark Chadwick's life begins when she discovers the dead body of her aunt, a victim of carbon monoxide poisoning. This was the aunt who raised Lark from infancy after the tragic deaths of her parents in an auto accident. Yet what un-folds for Lark in the coming days is a dark and twisting mystery into the sinister circumstances of that awful day so long ago. Lark's desperate search for the truth reveals secrets that are about to put her life in great peril. "I was so interested in what happens with Lark I couldn't put it down. It's an awe-some book-a fun read. Intrigue, humor, emotion-what more do you need?" Carol Costello, Anchor, CNN Daybreak "Fast Track is a page-turning thriller that you simply won't be able to put down from start to finish. The suspense is palpable, the characters unforgettable and spectacu-lar, the plot ingenious and masterfully crafted." Barbara Casey, Author, The Coach's Wife "I've known John DeDakis as a dedicated and skilled journalist since 1975 when I was a White House reporter for United Press International. Now, as a journalism pro-fessor, I appreciate all the more John's commitment to bringing to life ethical journalism and mentoring relationships. He knows about the roller-coaster of life's experiences and he demonstrates that in Fast Track. IT'S A MUST READ." Wesley G. Pippert, Director, Washington Program University of Missouri School of Journalism "I love the story. John DeDakis' debut novel, Fast Track is such a well-woven tale, it will leave you wanting to stay up all night until you finish. The plot and scenes are rich in detail; and the characters intensely-memorable. This story will stick with you and you will want to read it again just to be sure you caught every nuance of this fine writer's wordsmithing." Lisa Adams, Author, Bound Justice
- GenresFictionSelf Esteem
300 pages, Hardcover
First published August 30, 2005
43 people want to read
About the author
John DeDakis
15 books67 followersJournalist, novelist, and writing coach John DeDakis is a former Senior Copy Editor on CNN's "The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer." DeDakis (pronounced deh-DAY-kiss) is the author of five novels in the Lark Chadwick mystery-suspense-thriller series.
His fourth novel, Bullet in the Chamber, is the winner of Reviewers Choice, Foreword INDIES, and Feathered Quill book awards.
His most recent novel, Fake, is a winner of the 2020 Reviewers Choice Award. In Fake, Lark is a White House correspondent dealing with “fake news” in the era of #MeToo.
During his award-winning 45-year career in journalism (25 years at CNN), DeDakis has been a White House Correspondent and interviewed such luminaries as Alfred Hitchcock, Jimmy Carter, and Ronald Reagan.
DeDakis has taught journalism at the University of Maryland–College Park, and American University in Washington, D.C. He now regularly teaches novel writing online, at literary centers, writers’ conferences, and bookstores around the country and abroad.
He is currently at work on a memoir, working title: Pivot Points: A Life of Plot Twists
In his spare time, DeDakis is also a jazz drummer.
Website: www.johndedakis.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
September 14, 2014
Wow! This is GOOD!
Five stars, bearing in mind I’ve given everyone from Chester Nez through Jodi Picoult to Ayn Rand the same on their individual merit, not as compared to each other.
From an author with whom I wasn’t familiar until recently, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of this story. I had taken an afternoon seminar in general writing taught by him. I purchased Fast Track, the first of 3 novels he has written, out of curiosity. I also heard him speak a couple of times at the weekend event I was attending and he is very good at that. Amongst his many credits he is a former CNN journalist.
I’m continually amazed when an author comes up with yet another clever plot. This one is very clever and LINEAR! What a NOVEL idea!! I’m so tired of the gimmicky flash-foward, flash-back, multiple converging character plot lines, all of which you can barely keep track of without a spreadsheet and project management software.
The back cover tells as much of the story as I’d care to share:
“The most cataclysmic week of Lark Chadwick’s life begins when she discovers the dead body of her aunt, a victim of carbon monoxide poisoning. This was the aunt who raised Lark from infancy after the tragic deaths of her parents in an auto accident. Yet what unfolds for Lark in the coming days is a dark and twisting mystery into the sinister circumstances of that awful day so long ago. Lark’s desperate search for the truth reveals secrets that are about to put her life in great peril.”
The story moves very fast. (Fast Track, remember?) There are plot twists and turns galore, LOTS of suspense, action to the VERY end. Outstanding entertainment. (I really couldn’t put it down.)
The author writes well too. He’s descriptive! Don’t get me started on books like the Hunger Games Trilogy that seem like a mere outline for the movie, letting the screenwriters add color, landscape, and structure.
I’m intrigued when a male author dares to choose a female as the lead character. Khaled Hosseini does that well in A Thousand Splendid Suns in my opinion. Perhaps Girl With The Dragon Tattoo is another example. I think DeDakis does an admirable job. There is a lot of angst in the young woman, but Jodi Picoult is all over teen angst in The Tenth Circle. It must be something in the water these days. Of course none of us are without angst, are we?
The sub-plot (non-diverging!) of the love interest and tribulations of the Episcopalian priest threw me a bit as I’m a Protestant-raised mild-agnostic, but it wasn’t a show-stopper.
It didn’t go unnoticed that the 6×9 book format was of excellent quality. Apologies that I don’t know publishing specs but the binding is sturdy, paper much better than the usual pulp, and the cover glossy and attractive.
To summarize: clever plot, descriptive writing, fast-moving suspense, action, totally entertaining. What’s not to like. I will read DeDakis again.
Five stars, bearing in mind I’ve given everyone from Chester Nez through Jodi Picoult to Ayn Rand the same on their individual merit, not as compared to each other.
From an author with whom I wasn’t familiar until recently, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of this story. I had taken an afternoon seminar in general writing taught by him. I purchased Fast Track, the first of 3 novels he has written, out of curiosity. I also heard him speak a couple of times at the weekend event I was attending and he is very good at that. Amongst his many credits he is a former CNN journalist.
I’m continually amazed when an author comes up with yet another clever plot. This one is very clever and LINEAR! What a NOVEL idea!! I’m so tired of the gimmicky flash-foward, flash-back, multiple converging character plot lines, all of which you can barely keep track of without a spreadsheet and project management software.
The back cover tells as much of the story as I’d care to share:
“The most cataclysmic week of Lark Chadwick’s life begins when she discovers the dead body of her aunt, a victim of carbon monoxide poisoning. This was the aunt who raised Lark from infancy after the tragic deaths of her parents in an auto accident. Yet what unfolds for Lark in the coming days is a dark and twisting mystery into the sinister circumstances of that awful day so long ago. Lark’s desperate search for the truth reveals secrets that are about to put her life in great peril.”
The story moves very fast. (Fast Track, remember?) There are plot twists and turns galore, LOTS of suspense, action to the VERY end. Outstanding entertainment. (I really couldn’t put it down.)
The author writes well too. He’s descriptive! Don’t get me started on books like the Hunger Games Trilogy that seem like a mere outline for the movie, letting the screenwriters add color, landscape, and structure.
I’m intrigued when a male author dares to choose a female as the lead character. Khaled Hosseini does that well in A Thousand Splendid Suns in my opinion. Perhaps Girl With The Dragon Tattoo is another example. I think DeDakis does an admirable job. There is a lot of angst in the young woman, but Jodi Picoult is all over teen angst in The Tenth Circle. It must be something in the water these days. Of course none of us are without angst, are we?
The sub-plot (non-diverging!) of the love interest and tribulations of the Episcopalian priest threw me a bit as I’m a Protestant-raised mild-agnostic, but it wasn’t a show-stopper.
It didn’t go unnoticed that the 6×9 book format was of excellent quality. Apologies that I don’t know publishing specs but the binding is sturdy, paper much better than the usual pulp, and the cover glossy and attractive.
To summarize: clever plot, descriptive writing, fast-moving suspense, action, totally entertaining. What’s not to like. I will read DeDakis again.
May 17, 2020
i've read this book in a couple of its incarnations (before and after publication, namely), and enjoyed first helpng the editing process and then sitting back for a good read. seeing as i know the author decently well, he being my father and whatnot, i was very proud to see it in print, hopefully the beginning of a good mystery series wherein a young woman main character is written pretty convincingly by an older man.
i will always say this of dad: he can't hide that he's a journalist, and it definitely shows in his style, but it suits the subject matter (which is quite unique) and the good clip of the story, which i admire. looking forward to the second installment ...
i will always say this of dad: he can't hide that he's a journalist, and it definitely shows in his style, but it suits the subject matter (which is quite unique) and the good clip of the story, which i admire. looking forward to the second installment ...
August 18, 2013
This book is well written, a page turner … John DeDakis captures the essence of the human spirit, and gives important insights into the human condition without being preachy. I look forward to reading more of his books.
October 29, 2025
I had never heard of author DeDakis until he spoke at an annual meeting of our local library for the blind. Now I have a new-to-me author to explore and recommend to friends!
What impressed me most about the book was the characters. They seemed like REAL people, down to the physical descriptions provided. I was especially impressed by the male author's ability to create believable female characters. The physical descriptions were also very good, such as Lark's first encounter with coroner Sculley, "The only color in the room came from Sculley's light green, short-sleeve shirt and brown striped tie. The tie only came down to the top of the enormous paunch protruding well beyond his belt".
The plotting had several aspects, though, that seemed to me a bit overdone, e.g., given the unusual circumstances of Lark's early life, I think we did not have to have her raped in college in addition. I cannot cite more without spoilers, and I would not want to spoil anything, because I think many readers will enjoy this book. I do not want to discourage you.
What impressed me most about the book was the characters. They seemed like REAL people, down to the physical descriptions provided. I was especially impressed by the male author's ability to create believable female characters. The physical descriptions were also very good, such as Lark's first encounter with coroner Sculley, "The only color in the room came from Sculley's light green, short-sleeve shirt and brown striped tie. The tie only came down to the top of the enormous paunch protruding well beyond his belt".
The plotting had several aspects, though, that seemed to me a bit overdone, e.g., given the unusual circumstances of Lark's early life, I think we did not have to have her raped in college in addition. I cannot cite more without spoilers, and I would not want to spoil anything, because I think many readers will enjoy this book. I do not want to discourage you.
January 6, 2010
Fast Track - Review by Martha A. Cheves, Author of Stir, Laugh, Repeat
'I prefer to see the world not in blacks, whites and grays, but in rainbow colors. The contrasts can be stark, and there can still be room for individual expression, but there are boundaries, too. Choosing the right colors for the painting of your life can be an adventure.'.... But what if the painting gets messed up?... Color over it. Try something new. Don't just let the problem sit there. And for God's sake, don't destroy the canvas. Rework what's on it.'
(This is a quote from Fast Track that I feel we can all learn from.)
Lark Chadwick grew up knowing that her parents had been killed in an auto accident but no one would talk to her about the accident. So, when her aunt Annie, who had raised her, died of what the police decide to be a suicide, Lark goes on a quest to find the truth about not only her aunt's death but also the story behind the death of her parents. To her astonishment, she learns that they were killed when hit by a train and that she had been in the car too. Her escaping the accident left her with the nickname "The Miracle Baby." But how did she escape and why were her parents sitting on a railroad crossing with a train coming full speed ahead, lights and horn blowing? These are the questions that lead her to the truth and whys of the accident.
As I read Fast Track I didn't have the feeling that I was reading a book, but Lark's personal story was being told to me by Lark herself. It was as if she was sitting with me, telling me everything that happened to her as she searched for her past. I could feel her emotions and sense her fears. She became a person that I felt I actually knew.
The format of Fast Track in paperback is different due to its magazine size. I wasn't sure that I would like this concept at first but as time went along, I found it to be very practical and convenient. It stores nicely and is easy to slip into my bag without being bulky. I've grown to actually like the style and really loved the story within. But for the more traditional-minded readers, Fast Track also comes in hardback.
John DeDakis is a Senior Copy Editor at CNN in Washington where he edits and writes on "The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer." It has been a pleasure to read and review his book Fast Track and I've just learned, through an email from Mr. DeDakis that his next book "Bluff" which is a sequel to Fast Track, is due to be published soon. Follow the progress of this next release through John DeDakis's website. I, for one, am glad to hear that he will continue with more stories featuring Lark.
ISBN #978-159507-102-6
ArcheBooks Publishing
97 pages
December 4, 2012
I just finished "Fast Track" last night, after receiving it at a writer's conference where John DeDakis was the featured speaker. I've read some of the other reviews on Goodreads and have to say, I enjoyed it more than some others who have reviewed.
To be honest, I started out reading it as a writer - I was going to study the style, character development and so on, but I honestly got pulled into the story, so Kudos for that!
Going from a journalist background into fiction writing is a lot harder than one would think (I'm doing the same thing),so I may have a higher regard for DeDakis' attempt with "Fast Track"; but overall, I thought he did a good job.
I enjoy when the author writes in a totally different character's voice than they themselves are. We see women write male protagonists a lot more than what we have here - a mature man writing as a young woman, but I thought he was succesful in this. While anyone who was going through what Lark was experiencing would have experienced grief and pain, I think we get some of the emotion that is more consistent with a girl of her age and life thus far.
One of the reviews mentioned the fact that they could sometimes tell what was coming, and that may be so in some of the sub plots - Lark's relationship with Lionel, Muriel, and even Father Dan - but the main plot, the mysteries of her parents death and the other innocent parties involved, well I didn't see it coming, so the book was a good read in my opinion. The point of writing a story isn't to create surprise after surprise after surprise for the reader...you have to have some sort of rhythm and part of that is including things that the reader can feel confident they get right away. That's what makes those big moments of surprise special.
Characters could have been fleshed out more - especially Annie, who I wish we could have learned more about, but for a novel of this length, the story itself was well structured.
I enjoyed "Fast Track" and applaud DeDakis foray into fiction writing. Every book a writer creates isn't going to be the one that sells a million copies, but a first novel is special to every writer, and can only serve to make the next one better.
To be honest, I started out reading it as a writer - I was going to study the style, character development and so on, but I honestly got pulled into the story, so Kudos for that!
Going from a journalist background into fiction writing is a lot harder than one would think (I'm doing the same thing),so I may have a higher regard for DeDakis' attempt with "Fast Track"; but overall, I thought he did a good job.
I enjoy when the author writes in a totally different character's voice than they themselves are. We see women write male protagonists a lot more than what we have here - a mature man writing as a young woman, but I thought he was succesful in this. While anyone who was going through what Lark was experiencing would have experienced grief and pain, I think we get some of the emotion that is more consistent with a girl of her age and life thus far.
One of the reviews mentioned the fact that they could sometimes tell what was coming, and that may be so in some of the sub plots - Lark's relationship with Lionel, Muriel, and even Father Dan - but the main plot, the mysteries of her parents death and the other innocent parties involved, well I didn't see it coming, so the book was a good read in my opinion. The point of writing a story isn't to create surprise after surprise after surprise for the reader...you have to have some sort of rhythm and part of that is including things that the reader can feel confident they get right away. That's what makes those big moments of surprise special.
Characters could have been fleshed out more - especially Annie, who I wish we could have learned more about, but for a novel of this length, the story itself was well structured.
I enjoyed "Fast Track" and applaud DeDakis foray into fiction writing. Every book a writer creates isn't going to be the one that sells a million copies, but a first novel is special to every writer, and can only serve to make the next one better.
January 10, 2017
Out of cheer curiosity, I looked up some of the characteristics of our likeable, feathered-friend, the lark, and found among them ‘a willingness to expand into other habitats,’ having ‘more elaborate calls than most birds’ and as a ‘symbol of daybreak, the letting in of light.’
Not knowing why multi-book author John DeDakis gave his female lead character that same name, I let my imagination wander and - considering the lady’s overall personality in his debut novel ‘Fast Track,’ particularly her positive reactions to often difficult situations and her strong views on correcting injustices and revealing corruption (in other words ‘letting in of light’) – I concluded the talented author and creative writing teacher had named her well, regardless of whether the bird analogy was simply a figment of my imagination.
Either way, just as our feathered friend has created for itself a prominent place in literature so perhaps has the perseverant Lark Chadwick, with DeDakis having just now completed his fourth novel, ‘Bullet In The Chamber,’ in a series focusing on the life of the young, intrepid journalist, the middle two novels being ‘Bluff’ and ‘Troubled Water.’
Being the first, ‘Fast Track’ neatly sets the tone for the whole series, setting out in an intriguing story-line the background to her young life and challenges she must face. What emerges is a brave and courageous woman whom, though vulnerable and fragile at times, could be on the brink of greatness, if she prevails over the difficulties life tosses at her, difficulties that prove to be tougher than most of us will face. As my elderly grandmother used to say. “What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger.” Read ‘Fast Track’ and find out if that old adage holds true or not.
Not knowing why multi-book author John DeDakis gave his female lead character that same name, I let my imagination wander and - considering the lady’s overall personality in his debut novel ‘Fast Track,’ particularly her positive reactions to often difficult situations and her strong views on correcting injustices and revealing corruption (in other words ‘letting in of light’) – I concluded the talented author and creative writing teacher had named her well, regardless of whether the bird analogy was simply a figment of my imagination.
Either way, just as our feathered friend has created for itself a prominent place in literature so perhaps has the perseverant Lark Chadwick, with DeDakis having just now completed his fourth novel, ‘Bullet In The Chamber,’ in a series focusing on the life of the young, intrepid journalist, the middle two novels being ‘Bluff’ and ‘Troubled Water.’
Being the first, ‘Fast Track’ neatly sets the tone for the whole series, setting out in an intriguing story-line the background to her young life and challenges she must face. What emerges is a brave and courageous woman whom, though vulnerable and fragile at times, could be on the brink of greatness, if she prevails over the difficulties life tosses at her, difficulties that prove to be tougher than most of us will face. As my elderly grandmother used to say. “What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger.” Read ‘Fast Track’ and find out if that old adage holds true or not.
June 16, 2015
Fast Track is a story that is not only riveting , it is also full of unpredictable twists and intrigue.
This is a very well written book with a superbly rounded plot, solid characters and challenges its readers curiosity until the very end.
Fast Track will take you on a journey with Lark Chadwick, a young almost journalist. You will follow her day to day life as it suddenly becomes a calamity
of dangerous events when certain realizations of her family roots take her and you on a time travel into their past mystery.
Womensselfesteem.com highly recommends Fast Track as an excellent book for all readers with a hungry mind for a true thinker, original content and
it's own unique story. A definite, hard to put down read!
This is a very well written book with a superbly rounded plot, solid characters and challenges its readers curiosity until the very end.
Fast Track will take you on a journey with Lark Chadwick, a young almost journalist. You will follow her day to day life as it suddenly becomes a calamity
of dangerous events when certain realizations of her family roots take her and you on a time travel into their past mystery.
Womensselfesteem.com highly recommends Fast Track as an excellent book for all readers with a hungry mind for a true thinker, original content and
it's own unique story. A definite, hard to put down read!
December 19, 2007
I read this book at the suggestion of the author, and found it to be a little entertaining. Not the strongest writing style, and written a little too much like a film [the 'scenes' were only missing the word "black out"] for me to really enjoy it. The description and exposition can sometimes be a bit much. The idea of the book is a great one, however - the execution was just off a little. Still, a nice quick read, if you have nothing else jumping out at you.
February 28, 2011
Great book. Kept me guessing & on the edge of my seat the whole time.
October 24, 2017
Fun read
Lark is a likeable character, even with...or because of...her faults. It was a fast read with good dialogue. Looking forward to the next book by DeDakis.
Lark is a likeable character, even with...or because of...her faults. It was a fast read with good dialogue. Looking forward to the next book by DeDakis.
December 4, 2017
Lark is a likeable character, even with...or because of...her faults. It was a fast read with good dialogue. Looking forward to the next book by DeDakis.
September 2, 2024
8.5/10
This is an emotional ride, for both the main character and the reader; an excellent first novel with only a couple bothersome plot points. (See spoiler at the end of my comments.) It’s a mystery, with a window into the world of journalism, a hefty dose of politics (the typical governmental kind as well as church politics), and big helping of family and personal secrets. The details really ground the story in time and place, giving it atmosphere and authenticity. A very satisfying story.
This is an emotional ride, for both the main character and the reader; an excellent first novel with only a couple bothersome plot points. (See spoiler at the end of my comments.) It’s a mystery, with a window into the world of journalism, a hefty dose of politics (the typical governmental kind as well as church politics), and big helping of family and personal secrets. The details really ground the story in time and place, giving it atmosphere and authenticity. A very satisfying story.
June 13, 2020
Barbara said it. Carol said it. Once they started reading thet couldn't put it down. Fast Track by John DeDakis has over 100 reviews and only two of those reviewers are unhappy (you just can't please everyone). This is the third DeDakis book I've read (Troubled water and Fake being the others) and I must say this was super as well. The action comes fast and heart-pounding and the book is riddled with emotion and intrigue.
Lark was a waItress until she told her boss, grumpy Mr. Green, to take the job and shove it, of couse she had just discovered her caretaker Aunt lying dead on the living room floor, an apparent suicide. Lost and confused she turns to the one person who might be able to help, her Aunt's pastor, Father Dan. After pouring her heart out to him, and who wouldn't after something like that happens, they agree that she needs a purpose and the story goes from there, at a fast sprint over many a bumpy road.
I actually read this book in less than two days, I think I broke my reading speed record. I have read many books in my life but seldom one like this, so packed with raw emotion so well described. Many segments tugged at my heart but here is a short one that really got to me; it brought a tear to my eye and I'm not an overly emotional guy:
I put my arm around her waist. "Thanks for listening."
"You know we're here for you."
"I know that, Muriel. Thanks."
"We love you," she whispered.
It had been years since anyone told me that. I cried again. So did she.
That is, I think, powerful stuff and the book is loaded with it; it's an emotional rollercoaster.
Fast Track's front cover is just right. Look close and you'll figure it out. I loved it. The back cover is easy to read and to the point. Font size is just perfect. There may be a few too many words on a page but that's just my opinion. It did not spoil the read in any way. If you read Fast Track you'll want to read John DeDakis' other four titles. I can't wait to read the remaining two. Keep writing John, another fantastic read.
Lark was a waItress until she told her boss, grumpy Mr. Green, to take the job and shove it, of couse she had just discovered her caretaker Aunt lying dead on the living room floor, an apparent suicide. Lost and confused she turns to the one person who might be able to help, her Aunt's pastor, Father Dan. After pouring her heart out to him, and who wouldn't after something like that happens, they agree that she needs a purpose and the story goes from there, at a fast sprint over many a bumpy road.
I actually read this book in less than two days, I think I broke my reading speed record. I have read many books in my life but seldom one like this, so packed with raw emotion so well described. Many segments tugged at my heart but here is a short one that really got to me; it brought a tear to my eye and I'm not an overly emotional guy:
I put my arm around her waist. "Thanks for listening."
"You know we're here for you."
"I know that, Muriel. Thanks."
"We love you," she whispered.
It had been years since anyone told me that. I cried again. So did she.
That is, I think, powerful stuff and the book is loaded with it; it's an emotional rollercoaster.
Fast Track's front cover is just right. Look close and you'll figure it out. I loved it. The back cover is easy to read and to the point. Font size is just perfect. There may be a few too many words on a page but that's just my opinion. It did not spoil the read in any way. If you read Fast Track you'll want to read John DeDakis' other four titles. I can't wait to read the remaining two. Keep writing John, another fantastic read.
September 11, 2018
I love reading books written by journalists! Why? Because they get to the point! Most good novels written by journalists don't need 30% of the book edited to eliminate the fluff, mindless detail, and to tighten up the meandering plot and subplots.
For a first novel, this is exceptionally good. The premise is intriguing, the hook comes immediately (Lark's aunt apparently kills herself), followed in due time by the inciting incident (Lark deciding to do an investigative report on the death of her parents when she was an infant. They were in the family car when it was hit by a train. Parents were killed instantly. Lark, in her car seat, was thrown clear of the wreckage.)
The downside of lean and mean writing in this story is some lack of detail that could enhance the story. We don't get immersed in the setting (Madison, WI area) and the weather. The character descriptions are basic, which can be good or bad because readers are free to create images of characters in their own minds, or readers don't fully connect with characters' personalities when we only get surface sketches of the main players.
But for a mystery/thriller, lean and mean usually works better because pace and tension are easier to maintain. DeDakis is superb in his pacing and he raises the tension gradually as more facts and truths are discovered.
A good page-turner by a Midwest author that is well worth your time if you enjoy quality writing craft and local-regional stories with a nicely conceived plot.
For a first novel, this is exceptionally good. The premise is intriguing, the hook comes immediately (Lark's aunt apparently kills herself), followed in due time by the inciting incident (Lark deciding to do an investigative report on the death of her parents when she was an infant. They were in the family car when it was hit by a train. Parents were killed instantly. Lark, in her car seat, was thrown clear of the wreckage.)
The downside of lean and mean writing in this story is some lack of detail that could enhance the story. We don't get immersed in the setting (Madison, WI area) and the weather. The character descriptions are basic, which can be good or bad because readers are free to create images of characters in their own minds, or readers don't fully connect with characters' personalities when we only get surface sketches of the main players.
But for a mystery/thriller, lean and mean usually works better because pace and tension are easier to maintain. DeDakis is superb in his pacing and he raises the tension gradually as more facts and truths are discovered.
A good page-turner by a Midwest author that is well worth your time if you enjoy quality writing craft and local-regional stories with a nicely conceived plot.
June 26, 2018
I could sum up my feelings about this book in one sentence. I started it on a Monday morning that I had off from work and finished it Monday night. What more do I really need to say? But I will anyway.
I was at a writer's workshop and had the author, DeDakis, as a speaker for two workshops. I was particularly intrigued that an older man would write as a young woman so I bought the book to read. I was originally more interested in the character of the young woman which I found to be very accurate and well written but I got caught up in her story and all of the things that happened to her during the two weeks after her aunt's death. Like I said, I couldn't put it down. Every time I would get to the end of a chapter I HAD to read one more chapter to see what was going to happen next.
Another thing that I really liked was that most of the characters were well written and complex, not just Lark, the main character. Too often the secondary characters are left as two dimensional figures. That didn't happen in this book.
I would recommend this book for those interested in mysteries, novels of self-discovery or maybe coming of age and those who like books focusing on journalism.
I was at a writer's workshop and had the author, DeDakis, as a speaker for two workshops. I was particularly intrigued that an older man would write as a young woman so I bought the book to read. I was originally more interested in the character of the young woman which I found to be very accurate and well written but I got caught up in her story and all of the things that happened to her during the two weeks after her aunt's death. Like I said, I couldn't put it down. Every time I would get to the end of a chapter I HAD to read one more chapter to see what was going to happen next.
Another thing that I really liked was that most of the characters were well written and complex, not just Lark, the main character. Too often the secondary characters are left as two dimensional figures. That didn't happen in this book.
I would recommend this book for those interested in mysteries, novels of self-discovery or maybe coming of age and those who like books focusing on journalism.
March 17, 2020
This was a story I got into right away and stayed with to the end. The main character, Lark, I immediately empathized with her, finding her believable and relatable. The story introduced not only Lark but the reader to the methods of journalistic investigation, of which I learned quite a bit. But it was more than that - it was a story of a young woman discovering herself and earning a second chance at life and love. And she did certainly earn it. So it was a story of redemption and growth as well as justice. A good start to the series. In fact, I think Fast Track could be made into a good movie.
September 24, 2019
Wow!! What a ride! By the last few chapters, I could not put this book down until I finished it. The ending was so satisfying!
"The most cataclysmic week of Lark Chadwick's life begins when she discovers the dead body of her aunt, a victim of carbon monoxide poisoning. This was the aunt who raised Lark from infancy after the tragic deaths of her parents in an auto accident. Yet what unfolds for Lark in the coming days is a dark and twisting mystery into the sinister circumstances of that awful day so long ago. Lark's desperate search for the truth reveals secrets that are about to put her life in great peril."
"The most cataclysmic week of Lark Chadwick's life begins when she discovers the dead body of her aunt, a victim of carbon monoxide poisoning. This was the aunt who raised Lark from infancy after the tragic deaths of her parents in an auto accident. Yet what unfolds for Lark in the coming days is a dark and twisting mystery into the sinister circumstances of that awful day so long ago. Lark's desperate search for the truth reveals secrets that are about to put her life in great peril."
January 2, 2020
If you like watching a character develop over the series, check this out. I read the third book before I read the first, so it was neat watching who Lark was at the start of the series and seeing who she had become by book 3. The mystery is intriguing, especially with the personal connection to Lark, but equally as intriguing is her personal journey to find answers and discover who she is, both in terms of the past and how she responds to certain situations. Really enjoyed it. Read the second immediately after and am going to re-read the third now that I know the full backstory!
June 8, 2011
I meet the author a few months ago and decided to read the book based on the description he gave. It was fairly easy to read, pretty compelling at times though some parts I could anticipate exactly what was going to happen next.
February 7, 2021
My interest in reading mysteries is now restored! This is a fast-paced, well-crafted mystery with an air-tight plot and believable dialogue and characters. Wow! I can't wait to follow Lark's future adventures!
May 29, 2023
Fast Track reads quickly, making it hard to put down. It reminded me of a made-for-tv movie because I could picture the action as clearly as if it was on a screen. Will definitely read the next one to see where Lark goes from here.
Want to read
October 11, 2007Met the author at a small book store in Maine. Despite the rather unappealing book cover (don't judge the what...?) still planning on giving it a shot.
March 9, 2016
Interesting book. It kept my interest and was fun since it was set near Madison in my home state. Also, was interesting to read an author that graduated from one of the high schools in my town.
October 16, 2017
Not bad. A few typos/copy errors and a few loose ends which were left hanging, but overall, an enjoyable read.
March 18, 2018
Quick read in the genre of mid-level murder mysteries. Fun characters and a story told in simple language. It's the kind of book that is in the same vein as a beach-read romance novel.
November 7, 2022
I attended the Horace Greeley writers' symposium, where John DeDakis was a featured speaker. I bought this book that day. I didn't love the book. I continue to be interested and perplexed at books that achieve bestsellerdom but are actually not more than decent/acceptable. About this book: the plot was pretty good, the writing was correct, but labored in places, and preachy in places. I found the dialogue deeply implausible at times (the five-year-old child asking grandparents about her parents' deaths? Lark's implausibly-quick bonding with the wife of her new boss, and their psychotherapy-ish conversations?)
However, DeDakis is a successful published author of various best-sellers, so what does my opinion matter?
Cheers
However, DeDakis is a successful published author of various best-sellers, so what does my opinion matter?
Cheers
March 23, 2023
The first in the Lark Chadwick series, Fast Track, immerses the reader in the fascinating world of politics, print journalism, and the pain of family secrets. Opening with the suicide of her beloved aunt, Lark’s smarts and curiosity thrust her into the past and force her to face the truth about her parent’s death. The danger escalates the more she digs, but she refuses to give up. It is this tenacity that gets her hired as a reporter and changes the course of her life. A fantastic start to this series!
April 16, 2023
Excellent beginning to a promising series about a confused, realistic 20-something who's forced to confront the death of her parents and aunt in addition to her lack of direction, her occasional lack of judgement, and her future. Fast Track is a fast-paced mystery about family, relationships, ways the culture has matured, and the way people sometimes jump to false conclusions that can affect others' lives.
July 9, 2025
This book starts off with an impactful author's note that hooked me into the series. Lark Chadwick is a very relatable, likable character. The book has great pacing that not only kept my attention, but had me anxious to read the next chapter and get to the bottom of the mystery. The writing is smooth, with a good balance of description, action, and setting. I've already started Book 2 in the series because I loved it so much!
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