Bad News Travels Fast

by Maureen Milliken

When Appalachian Trail thru-hiker Lydia Manzo becomes lost in the woods, then is found dead, it sets off a chain of events that upsets the fragile peace of Redimere, Maine. While state investigators are sure Lydia killed herself, newspaper editor Bernadette “Bernie” O’Dea isn’t so sure. Neither is Police Chief Pete Novotny. Then he disappears, too. Maine’s northwestern High Peaks region can be a dark wilderness, but it suddenly seems very crowded as another too-hot summer of deceit and death rolls into Redimere, Maine.

334 pages, Paperback

Published January 28, 2024

About the author

Maureen Milliken is an award-winning Maine mystery writer. She was a long-time journalist who worked for daily newspapers in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
Her book "Dying For News," the fourth in the Bernadette "Bernie" O'Dea mystery series, was named 2025 Maine Literary Award winner for crime fiction.
She’s a member of the Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime, and blogs with other Maine crime writers at Mainecrimewriters.com.
She also co-hosts a true-crime podcast, Crime & Stuff, with her sister, Maine artist Rebecca Milliken. She lives in central Maine.

Reviews

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another tightly plotted Bernie O’Dea mystery by the incomparable Maureen Milliken. I did like #2 better - it felt smoother to read - but the characters are just as carefully painted as ever.

I always struggle to understand why some authors don’t get more “shelf awareness” or whatever, but I will say this - I wish Milliken had more fiction out there. The books are well written and quick to read, not because they’re throwaway garbage, but because they are compelling. There should be more of them.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book

I really liked this book, and will definitely pick up the first two in the series. The story flowed very well, and kept me interested.

[Adele Marsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Great Story!

I love Bernie O’Dea. This is another wonderful story in the life of one of my favorite heroines. I eagerly await the next chapter!

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best one yet

This series just keeps getting better and better with every book! I can't wait for the next chapter in Bernie's world...write quickly!

[Marie Mcmanus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stories keep getting better. Looking forward to the next book. What will Bernie get into next?

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Bernie O'Dea books are perfect for fans of rural Maine, small-town newspapers, and mysteries. I look forward to the next one!

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ending was great.

[Martha Fiorentini · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. The characters are well developed, the setting is well described and the plot is well thought out.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best in the series! Looking forward to the next installment.