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Social Death
GONE GIRL meets GOSSIP GIRL in this gripping new mystery about the murder of a beautiful socialite and the scandalous secret she carries to her death.
When veteran news producer Clyde Shaw is called to the scene of a grisly murder on the Upper East Side, she thinks it's just another high-profile crime, the kind she's built her high-powered career on -- except the murder victim is Olivia Kravis, the daughter of Clyde's billionaire boss and Clyde's best friend since childhood.
As a high-stakes network ratings war begins, Clyde's own privileged yet troubled past comes back to haunt her, and she's forced to choose between finding her best friend's killer and losing everything -- her job, her reputation, even her life. Long-guarded secrets. Millions at stake. And only Clyde holds the key to unlocking the truth.
When veteran news producer Clyde Shaw is called to the scene of a grisly murder on the Upper East Side, she thinks it's just another high-profile crime, the kind she's built her high-powered career on -- except the murder victim is Olivia Kravis, the daughter of Clyde's billionaire boss and Clyde's best friend since childhood.
As a high-stakes network ratings war begins, Clyde's own privileged yet troubled past comes back to haunt her, and she's forced to choose between finding her best friend's killer and losing everything -- her job, her reputation, even her life. Long-guarded secrets. Millions at stake. And only Clyde holds the key to unlocking the truth.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 28, 2014
78 people are currently reading
1630 people want to read
About the author
Tatiana Boncompagni
3 books67 followersTatiana Boncompagni is the author of SOCIAL DEATH, a mystery set on the Upper East Side, and two women's fiction novels: GILDING LILY and HEDGE FUND WIVES.
Her writing has appeared in dozens of publications, including the New York Times, Financial Times, The Wall Street Journal, InStyle, Marie Claire, Town & Country and Vogue.
Tatiana graduated magna cum laude from the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. She is married and has three children. She enjoys baking anything with chocolate, drinking good wine and finding a moment of peace in Shavasana. She does not like doing the dishes.
Her writing has appeared in dozens of publications, including the New York Times, Financial Times, The Wall Street Journal, InStyle, Marie Claire, Town & Country and Vogue.
Tatiana graduated magna cum laude from the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. She is married and has three children. She enjoys baking anything with chocolate, drinking good wine and finding a moment of peace in Shavasana. She does not like doing the dishes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
March 24, 2014
Social Death is a lot of fun. When producer Clyde Shaw's best friend is killed in her fancy New York apartment, Clyde jumps at the chance to be the producer on the story - she wants to solve the crime. This turns out to be a lot tougher than it looks. Along the way all the bad memories from Clyde's past rear their ugly heads and she must confront her own demons.
This is a high stakes game of wealth, influence, exclusive educations and connections, and power. Clyde is an appealing and funny character with smarts, moxie, and enough flaws to make her very real. Ms. Boncompagni builds a treasure trove of interesting and very real characters that make the book even more compelling. Throw in all the inside scoop about how TV news shows produce and report on news, especially big ticket items like celebrity crime, and Social Death is a book that delivers. It's fun, it'll keep you on your toes, and even if you figure out what's going on before the end it's very entertaining to watch everyone else get it, as well. I thoroughly enjoyed this rollercoaster ride.
This is a high stakes game of wealth, influence, exclusive educations and connections, and power. Clyde is an appealing and funny character with smarts, moxie, and enough flaws to make her very real. Ms. Boncompagni builds a treasure trove of interesting and very real characters that make the book even more compelling. Throw in all the inside scoop about how TV news shows produce and report on news, especially big ticket items like celebrity crime, and Social Death is a book that delivers. It's fun, it'll keep you on your toes, and even if you figure out what's going on before the end it's very entertaining to watch everyone else get it, as well. I thoroughly enjoyed this rollercoaster ride.
May 17, 2014
What would you do and how far would you go if your best friend was murdered and it was your job to cover the story of her murder? That's what Clyde Shaw is faced with in the novel "Social Death." Clyde gets the call to report on a murder at an elite highrise in New York. When she gets there, she realizes it's her friend's building. Soon she learns her friend has been murdered. Clyde's search for the truth may lead to more than she can handle.
"Social Death" was a fast-paced mystery with plenty of twists and turns to keep a reader engaged. The characters were well-written. As a reader, it was easy to see things from the point of view of our main character, Clyde Shaw. She was very real.
I think (and hope) this is the first in a set of books with Clyde as the main character. I'd recommend this book to others, especially if they like a mystery with background.
"Social Death" was a fast-paced mystery with plenty of twists and turns to keep a reader engaged. The characters were well-written. As a reader, it was easy to see things from the point of view of our main character, Clyde Shaw. She was very real.
I think (and hope) this is the first in a set of books with Clyde as the main character. I'd recommend this book to others, especially if they like a mystery with background.
March 9, 2014
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
SOCIAL DEATH by Tatiana Boncompagni is a well-written and layered murder mystery with lots of interesting details about the news reporting business, which I assume is accurate since I'm not in the biz. It was also nice to read a story where the police were not painted as total buffoons although what was considered a leak, lead, off-the record comment, or non-denial denial from the cops often seemed arbitrary. It is a fast-paced story with the expected twists and red herrings, a too-long denouement, and a few ambiguous last lines that will send conspiracy theorists rereading the book for "the truth" about the death of one character.
I never really warmed up to the protagonist, Cornelia "Clyde" Shaw, despite the explanations for her actions based on her past issues. She had far too many forgiving guardian angels especially for a career in an industry often painted, even in the story, as brutal and vicious. But life is two-faced. Had she been a man, her escapades would probably have been considered colorful rather than capricious and slutty. I believe this had to have been written this way on purpose. If so, well done.
Like many mystery readers, I play the game of detective alongside the protagonist. I love it when I'm totally fooled at the end. I was not fooled here. 43% of the way through my Kindle read, I knew who had committed the murder and more importantly, why. Yet, it did not deter me from enjoying the rest of the read. SOCIAL DEATH is a solid 4-star mystery. In the hands of an experienced screenwriter to tighten the story even more, it would make a good movie.
SOCIAL DEATH by Tatiana Boncompagni is a well-written and layered murder mystery with lots of interesting details about the news reporting business, which I assume is accurate since I'm not in the biz. It was also nice to read a story where the police were not painted as total buffoons although what was considered a leak, lead, off-the record comment, or non-denial denial from the cops often seemed arbitrary. It is a fast-paced story with the expected twists and red herrings, a too-long denouement, and a few ambiguous last lines that will send conspiracy theorists rereading the book for "the truth" about the death of one character.
I never really warmed up to the protagonist, Cornelia "Clyde" Shaw, despite the explanations for her actions based on her past issues. She had far too many forgiving guardian angels especially for a career in an industry often painted, even in the story, as brutal and vicious. But life is two-faced. Had she been a man, her escapades would probably have been considered colorful rather than capricious and slutty. I believe this had to have been written this way on purpose. If so, well done.
Like many mystery readers, I play the game of detective alongside the protagonist. I love it when I'm totally fooled at the end. I was not fooled here. 43% of the way through my Kindle read, I knew who had committed the murder and more importantly, why. Yet, it did not deter me from enjoying the rest of the read. SOCIAL DEATH is a solid 4-star mystery. In the hands of an experienced screenwriter to tighten the story even more, it would make a good movie.
May 16, 2015
I really like thriller books and this was a good one. When a female reporter finds out that her childhood best friend, not to mention its her bosses daughter, is killed she has to investigate. I thought the author keeps the reader guessing and in suspense very well. A good read for mystery lovers.
May 19, 2014
Surprisingly Well written
I define a mystery book as "good" or "great" when I can not guess the end or when it is so well written I do not care that I have guessed the end. This is a great read.
I define a mystery book as "good" or "great" when I can not guess the end or when it is so well written I do not care that I have guessed the end. This is a great read.
July 16, 2014
Ms. Boncompagni takes the reader into the gritty, dog-eat-dog world of journalism with this thriller.
Read full review in the 2014 June/July Double Issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2014 June/July Double Issue of InD’tale Magazine.
February 22, 2015
Excellent. book.
This book had a great story with fantastic characters and enough twists and turns to hold your interest from beginning to the end . Read it.
This book had a great story with fantastic characters and enough twists and turns to hold your interest from beginning to the end . Read it.
September 27, 2018
Was this the author's first novel? Seemed like it to me, it started on very shaky ground, the writing amateur and flawed. However, it did get better quickly. I was just about to give up a few chapters in when the writing got noticeable better and I decided to stick with it. The story was okay at best. The plot was super easy to unravel and there was really no mystery. It was obvious who the killer was and why very early on. I truly hated Clyde's character, honestly, she is just terrible and unlikeable. Rarely do I find myself not caring one bit about the main character, but Clyde could've died in the end and I wouldn't have thought another minute about it. I was really puzzled by the last line of the book, I know it was intended to intrigue, but it really doesn't make sense at all....
November 4, 2018
The main character is very unlikeable, and the entire story is totally predictable, including the last sentence. I was at three stars until that last sentence, which should have been resolved rather than a cheap setup for, I’m assuming, a sequel. Why can’t authors just write a solid, standalone novel any more? Why does everything have to be a series? I will definitely not be reading any additional books featuring this character.
September 24, 2018
Gold
This was my first book by this author. I'm definitely hooked into the rest of the series, as I was the twist and turns of this book. Social Death is an excellent read. Only took me two days! I can't wait for the next one!
This was my first book by this author. I'm definitely hooked into the rest of the series, as I was the twist and turns of this book. Social Death is an excellent read. Only took me two days! I can't wait for the next one!
July 25, 2019
This was a good book!
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was very fast paced and had many twists and turns,especially at the end. The author knew how to keep my attention and want to continue reading till the end.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was very fast paced and had many twists and turns,especially at the end. The author knew how to keep my attention and want to continue reading till the end.
February 1, 2018
I just couldn't work up compassion or interest in the characters...
April 10, 2018
Good book
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
June 12, 2014
Review Originally Posted:Traveling With T
This book was sent to Traveling With T in exchange for an honest review.
Social Death
Clyde Shaw makes her living as a top news producer for First News. Clyde has seen many things and been involved in many breaking news stories. But Clyde is about to experience more than just a breaking story- she is about to face a life-changing news story.
When Clyde gets a phone call about a murder at a ritzy apartment building, she wonders who it is and tries to contact her best friend, Olivia, to get the inside scoop. But Olivia cannot help Clyde because she is the story. Olivia has been beaten to death and Clyde vows to get to the bottom of the story and bring Olivia’s killer to justice.
This is going to be a hard case because of Clyde’s personal connection to Olivia and because all the other news stations are looking to scoop each other. Clyde feels frustrated because it seems like she is getting scooped by the other networks. Clyde wants to honor her friendship with Olivia, but as the other networks start to play dirty and reveal things about Olivia- Clyde begins to worry about her job and desperately crave a drink.
As Clyde gets closer to the truth, the stakes get higher- and it becomes not just about finding out what who killed Olivia, but all the secrets she knew.
And what she meant by the last text sent to Clyde…..
Traveling With T’s Thoughts:
Wow. After reading SOCIAL DEATH, I know how cut-throat the news world can be. Clyde is an incredible character- flawed, oh so flawed; but with a goodness about her.
The mystery had enough twists and turns- as the reader I thought I had it figured out a couple of times, but not really. Now, the story is not perfect- there was a few times I wanted to shake Clyde and a couple of plot points that was not as strong as the rest of the story. However, those are small quibbles in a book that is definitely an interesting read.
All in all, if you are looking for a good book to read- one with mystery and intrigue- then SOCIAL DEATH is for you.
* This book was sent to Traveling With T in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are mine alone.
This book was sent to Traveling With T in exchange for an honest review.
Social Death
Clyde Shaw makes her living as a top news producer for First News. Clyde has seen many things and been involved in many breaking news stories. But Clyde is about to experience more than just a breaking story- she is about to face a life-changing news story.
When Clyde gets a phone call about a murder at a ritzy apartment building, she wonders who it is and tries to contact her best friend, Olivia, to get the inside scoop. But Olivia cannot help Clyde because she is the story. Olivia has been beaten to death and Clyde vows to get to the bottom of the story and bring Olivia’s killer to justice.
This is going to be a hard case because of Clyde’s personal connection to Olivia and because all the other news stations are looking to scoop each other. Clyde feels frustrated because it seems like she is getting scooped by the other networks. Clyde wants to honor her friendship with Olivia, but as the other networks start to play dirty and reveal things about Olivia- Clyde begins to worry about her job and desperately crave a drink.
As Clyde gets closer to the truth, the stakes get higher- and it becomes not just about finding out what who killed Olivia, but all the secrets she knew.
And what she meant by the last text sent to Clyde…..
Traveling With T’s Thoughts:
Wow. After reading SOCIAL DEATH, I know how cut-throat the news world can be. Clyde is an incredible character- flawed, oh so flawed; but with a goodness about her.
The mystery had enough twists and turns- as the reader I thought I had it figured out a couple of times, but not really. Now, the story is not perfect- there was a few times I wanted to shake Clyde and a couple of plot points that was not as strong as the rest of the story. However, those are small quibbles in a book that is definitely an interesting read.
All in all, if you are looking for a good book to read- one with mystery and intrigue- then SOCIAL DEATH is for you.
* This book was sent to Traveling With T in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are mine alone.
February 18, 2015
Surprisingly I found "Social Death" from author Tatiana Boncompagni a compelling mystery thriller. Having never read anything from this author, I was a little weary looking at summary of novel. However, it grabbed me pretty quickly into the book. It features "FastNews" producer Cornelia "Clyde" Shaw. Shaw's best friend Olivia has been discovered murdered. Olivia is a very wealthy socialite that had befriended Clyde at a very early age and looked out for her over the years. Olivia's older step sister Delphine discovered the scene in Olivia's apartment. According to doorman "Andrew" Kaminski, the last person to visit Olivia was socialite Rachel Rockwell. The police anxious to question Rachel are unable to locate her whereabouts. Rachel was in the middle of a nasty divorce from husband Michael. Meanwhile Clyde is trying to get the best news info for show "Topical Tonight" hosted by Georgia Jacobs. In addition to begin grieving for best friend, Clyde must battle bosses, and avoid police in order to keep her job, and yet help find Olivia's killer. Soon it is learned Rachel and Olivia where in a romantic relationship. Putting more pressure on police to find and question Rachel. However, unexpectedly Rachel turns up in basement of Olivia's building folded into a suitcase, long dead. Rachel also was pregnant. Speculation runs to the doorman. Who was father ? Who actually saw Rachel, or Olivia for the last time?. Clyde in the middle of all this mayhem sees her life falling apart. Georgia is trying to keep Clyde from total breakdown, but is not having much luck. I have to admit the story had me hooked. Plot had a nice flow to it without any real dead spaces. Some nice twists coming near the end did cushion the fact I'd guessed killer early on. The characters themselves were quite lively. The dialog also helped to bring life into the characters. Also, it was okay that I managed to guess killer somewhat early in book. Guessing killer did not take away from my enjoyment of reading book. Probably because I read so many mystery/ thrillers. I enjoyed reading, "Social Death" to my chagrin. Having judged it before starting to read. I know, don't judge a book by cover. My bad. Still it's a 5 star out of a possible 5 star read. I'd highly recommend "Social Death" for a pretty good mystery thriller. Check it out, and don't judge by summary or cover.
March 11, 2014
Clyde Shaw’s best friend, Olivia Kravis, has been brutally murdered in her New York City apartment. Olivia is also the daughter of FirstNews’s founder; FirstNews is where Clyde is the news producer. As the networks fight to report the news, Clyde fights to solve the crime. She has to make difficult choices and risk a lot to find justice for Olivia. There are secrets and cryptic messages that send Clyde chasing leads and into dangerous situations.
My Review:
From the minute that I saw the cover of this book I needed to read this. The red lips on the cover pulled me in. I think of power and wealth then add the title Social Death, I knew I was in for a great ride. I was not disappointed. It had everything I expected plus so much more. With every turn I read the clues and thought I was catching on. I was so wrong. I had no clue and loved the surprise ending.
Clyde was amazing. Even with Olivia’s death she managed to stay strong and fight for what she knew she had to do. She is the best friend that everyone wants. She knew something was off and that there was a cover-up within the network and the Kravis family, never giving up until she solved all the mysteries including finding the killer. I loved watching her stay away from Alex, the reporter on the show she produces. You could feel the sparks, but knew he could break her heart with his playboy ways. Her struggles with alcohol and drugs was not a secret and were dealt with in such considerate ways, that I felt sympathy for her struggles and was thrilled watching her overcome them.
The secondary characters, including the doorman, Andrew and the police, Panda, were perfect characters. They added so much to the story. The clues and information they shared with Olivia were enough to keep me guessing, but hoping to know the truth soon. The way they interacted with Olivia throughout the entire story was so entertaining to read.
I loved this entire book from the first page to the last. The next book cannot be available soon enough. It is hard to find a good murder mystery book, that tells a tale that isn’t the same old story. I highly recommend Social Death and look forward to much more from Tatiana Boncompagni.
My Review:
From the minute that I saw the cover of this book I needed to read this. The red lips on the cover pulled me in. I think of power and wealth then add the title Social Death, I knew I was in for a great ride. I was not disappointed. It had everything I expected plus so much more. With every turn I read the clues and thought I was catching on. I was so wrong. I had no clue and loved the surprise ending.
Clyde was amazing. Even with Olivia’s death she managed to stay strong and fight for what she knew she had to do. She is the best friend that everyone wants. She knew something was off and that there was a cover-up within the network and the Kravis family, never giving up until she solved all the mysteries including finding the killer. I loved watching her stay away from Alex, the reporter on the show she produces. You could feel the sparks, but knew he could break her heart with his playboy ways. Her struggles with alcohol and drugs was not a secret and were dealt with in such considerate ways, that I felt sympathy for her struggles and was thrilled watching her overcome them.
The secondary characters, including the doorman, Andrew and the police, Panda, were perfect characters. They added so much to the story. The clues and information they shared with Olivia were enough to keep me guessing, but hoping to know the truth soon. The way they interacted with Olivia throughout the entire story was so entertaining to read.
I loved this entire book from the first page to the last. The next book cannot be available soon enough. It is hard to find a good murder mystery book, that tells a tale that isn’t the same old story. I highly recommend Social Death and look forward to much more from Tatiana Boncompagni.
June 5, 2014
Socialite found murdered in her home. Intrigue surrounding a love affair. TV news producer investigates the story more closely than normal to find the killer as the murder victim is her best friend.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website:http://jenpaul13.wix.com/makinggoodst....
The story took many twists and turns through possible murderers as Clyde investigates Olivia's brutal murder in Tatiana Boncompagni's Social Death. Having watched (more than) my fair share of crime shows, I'm pretty good at guessing whodunit. In this story, I had my vague inkling of the true murderer, but I wasn't quite sure because I didn't see the motive for that particular person, which hints at good suspense writing; however, the largest twist for Clyde's life, I guessed immediately.
To get into some of the finer details, Clyde described herself on the first page of the chapter and all I have to say is NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOPE. "I have big breasts." While this may in fact be true, a character launching into their physical attributes like this is unlikely unless it's the only thing she identifies herself which and it's NOT. If it was a more fully developed description that highlighted other physical attributes in a similar fashion, then it wouldn't have seemed as strange, but this was a description that was out of place.
Something that always irks me is when authors are too explanatory--and when I write creatively, I'm at fault for it, too, which is probably why it bugs me so much. With Clyde being a TV journalist, there is some industry specific jargon. But explaining it parenthetically with just a definition isn't the best way to clarify for the reader. Please give the reader some credit that they might be aware of what's explained; after all, they do watch TV, and maybe even the news, so on some level, they know what you're explaining, even if only vaguely.
For the structure of the story, I quite liked that it was divided into days, even if there were many instances of duplicate "Monday," "Tuesday," or "Thursday" cover pages. The sections helped provide pacing and highlight the trauma timeline of the murder.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website:http://jenpaul13.wix.com/makinggoodst....
The story took many twists and turns through possible murderers as Clyde investigates Olivia's brutal murder in Tatiana Boncompagni's Social Death. Having watched (more than) my fair share of crime shows, I'm pretty good at guessing whodunit. In this story, I had my vague inkling of the true murderer, but I wasn't quite sure because I didn't see the motive for that particular person, which hints at good suspense writing; however, the largest twist for Clyde's life, I guessed immediately.
To get into some of the finer details, Clyde described herself on the first page of the chapter and all I have to say is NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOPE. "I have big breasts." While this may in fact be true, a character launching into their physical attributes like this is unlikely unless it's the only thing she identifies herself which and it's NOT. If it was a more fully developed description that highlighted other physical attributes in a similar fashion, then it wouldn't have seemed as strange, but this was a description that was out of place.
Something that always irks me is when authors are too explanatory--and when I write creatively, I'm at fault for it, too, which is probably why it bugs me so much. With Clyde being a TV journalist, there is some industry specific jargon. But explaining it parenthetically with just a definition isn't the best way to clarify for the reader. Please give the reader some credit that they might be aware of what's explained; after all, they do watch TV, and maybe even the news, so on some level, they know what you're explaining, even if only vaguely.
For the structure of the story, I quite liked that it was divided into days, even if there were many instances of duplicate "Monday," "Tuesday," or "Thursday" cover pages. The sections helped provide pacing and highlight the trauma timeline of the murder.
September 10, 2016
Tatiana introduced us to a female lead character with plenty of; what many of us would consider “moral flaws”. This made her very real to me, and not just some fictional character that was created on paper. She was a very relatable character. I liked her. A lot.
Cornelia “Clyde” Shaw is the new lead character in Tatiana’s third novel, and I swallowed this book whole. I finished it in two sittings!
This novel is based on Clyde becoming wrapped up in the story of her lifetime. She was the lead producer of any stories relating to brutal crimes at FirstNews, one of New York’s go to News Networks.
When she receives the call about the next crime she was to cover, little did she know it would be the vicioius murder of her lifelong best friend, Olivia Kravis. This fast-paced, “turn the page as quickly as you can” novel took me inside the world of television news and all that it takes to really get the story. Often, this involved getting anything on the screen!
The question is; can Clyde do this, since she was so close to the victim.
There was so much action between Network competitions, this book left no stone unturned. From leads and informants, to interviews and photographs my eyes were opened to a totally new way of looking at the news reports. I was in awe of how truly intriguing it all was.
Both the first line and the last line in this book were sheer perfection. The first line, was “telling it like it is” and the last line, was unexpected.
Startling!
“Did not see that coming”, is all I can say. I have found that it is not often that a novelist can truly “shock” the reader these days. Tatiana proved me wrong.
Clyde Series, Anyone?
Cornelia “Clyde” Shaw is the new lead character in Tatiana’s third novel, and I swallowed this book whole. I finished it in two sittings!
This novel is based on Clyde becoming wrapped up in the story of her lifetime. She was the lead producer of any stories relating to brutal crimes at FirstNews, one of New York’s go to News Networks.
When she receives the call about the next crime she was to cover, little did she know it would be the vicioius murder of her lifelong best friend, Olivia Kravis. This fast-paced, “turn the page as quickly as you can” novel took me inside the world of television news and all that it takes to really get the story. Often, this involved getting anything on the screen!
The question is; can Clyde do this, since she was so close to the victim.
There was so much action between Network competitions, this book left no stone unturned. From leads and informants, to interviews and photographs my eyes were opened to a totally new way of looking at the news reports. I was in awe of how truly intriguing it all was.
Both the first line and the last line in this book were sheer perfection. The first line, was “telling it like it is” and the last line, was unexpected.
Startling!
“Did not see that coming”, is all I can say. I have found that it is not often that a novelist can truly “shock” the reader these days. Tatiana proved me wrong.
Clyde Series, Anyone?
September 8, 2014
This was a super fun read for me. I was on a trip when I started it and ended it just before I got home. A pleasure to read and kept me entertained.
Overall, the book had cliche moments, especially in Chapter 1. Sex in the book is often described the same - someone's head is in someone's neck with fingers and/or hands up a short skirt. Meh, that's ok.
The first half of the book was not as great for me as the second half was. The second half provided some interesting action and a great twist. I didn't exactly predict who did it, but it fit together nicely.
I liked the main character, though I couldn't relate to her enough. I had trouble remembering her age because of the way she behaved and spoke. I certainly work with people similar to her, so I could appreciate the author's creation of her. I could have done without the big boobs thing - not sure if that was really necessary to the character beyond establishing that she is self conscious.
Two things I really appreciated about the book: there had to have been a lot of research that went into the storyline, and the last sentence was perfect.
Overall, the book had cliche moments, especially in Chapter 1. Sex in the book is often described the same - someone's head is in someone's neck with fingers and/or hands up a short skirt. Meh, that's ok.
The first half of the book was not as great for me as the second half was. The second half provided some interesting action and a great twist. I didn't exactly predict who did it, but it fit together nicely.
I liked the main character, though I couldn't relate to her enough. I had trouble remembering her age because of the way she behaved and spoke. I certainly work with people similar to her, so I could appreciate the author's creation of her. I could have done without the big boobs thing - not sure if that was really necessary to the character beyond establishing that she is self conscious.
Two things I really appreciated about the book: there had to have been a lot of research that went into the storyline, and the last sentence was perfect.
May 25, 2015
A well written murder mystery with lots of insights into the news reporting industry. When a beautiful New York socialite is murdered, her best friend who is also a news producers for a network news program, sets out to catch her murderer and at the same time, produce award winning coverage. Along the way secrets are revealed that she soon realizes are in some way connected to her. Her life is a mess but she refused to give up or to accept help from people she is not certain she can trust. The twist in this heroine's story is that she is also a borderline, recovering alcoholic with a reputation for being promiscuous. She is trying to change this but the events in her life are making it very hard. She craves booze and male attention. She soon begins to wonder if she is next on the hit list when her apartment is ramshacked and someone slips her a date-rape drug. A fast paced, suspenseful and well written story. The ending was perfect for the book yet unexpected for the reader who likes nicely wrapped up stories.
March 7, 2014
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
OMG. Let me start this review talking about the ending. The ending! I can’t think of the last time I read a book where the ending was that great and literally had me saying, “Wait – What?!” as I closed the book. I got goosebumps on the last sentence. I will try to stop gushing about the ending now and talk about the rest of the book. Just as fabulous! This is a smartly written suspense novel that kept me on my toes throughout. Clyde’s whole life is interesting, from her childhood to her wild ways, and finally to where she is now in life. I loved that it was never quite clear who was behind the murder happening in the story, and when it finally clicked for me, I was only about two pages away from it being found out. This book is so hard to put down and I highly, highly recommend you read this. I loved it!
OMG. Let me start this review talking about the ending. The ending! I can’t think of the last time I read a book where the ending was that great and literally had me saying, “Wait – What?!” as I closed the book. I got goosebumps on the last sentence. I will try to stop gushing about the ending now and talk about the rest of the book. Just as fabulous! This is a smartly written suspense novel that kept me on my toes throughout. Clyde’s whole life is interesting, from her childhood to her wild ways, and finally to where she is now in life. I loved that it was never quite clear who was behind the murder happening in the story, and when it finally clicked for me, I was only about two pages away from it being found out. This book is so hard to put down and I highly, highly recommend you read this. I loved it!
May 26, 2014
This is a good book with a compelling mystery (or two!) and I enjoyed almost every minute of it. (I could have lived without the gross sex but I guess maybe the author felt it was necessary to the plot.)
I was actually surprised by the few typos I found. It seems that lately, without a publishing team to polish books before they go to print, the typos are so numerous as to distract from the story. This one had a few, of course, but they were definitely not numerous enough to distract from the story.
The plot had enough twists to keep me interested without getting lost. I loved that I wasn't able to figure out "whodunit" until the reveal. I had my suspicions, of course, but the red herrings were subtle and creative. I'm looking forward to reading the next Clyde Shaw Mystery!
I was actually surprised by the few typos I found. It seems that lately, without a publishing team to polish books before they go to print, the typos are so numerous as to distract from the story. This one had a few, of course, but they were definitely not numerous enough to distract from the story.
The plot had enough twists to keep me interested without getting lost. I loved that I wasn't able to figure out "whodunit" until the reveal. I had my suspicions, of course, but the red herrings were subtle and creative. I'm looking forward to reading the next Clyde Shaw Mystery!
January 14, 2015
Murder, Intrigue and suspense are present in this book. What happens when the people you thought you could trust and had your back are not who you had thought they were your entire life? Clyde, yes a woman by the name of Clyde, finds her fast paced life working for the news media spin out of control while covering a story of a murder at the Haverford, a sixteen-floor tower and home to the power movers and shakers. What she finds changes her life forever. This mystery will hold your attention and lead you different directions trying to guess the conclusion.
February 22, 2015
Eh. Mystery about a TV producer, Clyde Shaw, who is covering a murder that turns out to be that of her friend, Olivia Kratz. I figured out the motive and likely killer on page 208. Clyde was not particularly sympathetic and while I liked some thing about the story, I wasn't thrilled with some of the wrap up and I didn't quite understand the last line.
I really liked this author's previous book, which involved hedge fund wives and included some social commentary on the upper crust in New York City, but I this was not as engaging.
I really liked this author's previous book, which involved hedge fund wives and included some social commentary on the upper crust in New York City, but I this was not as engaging.
July 18, 2016
Clyde Shaw, a news producer is called to cover a murder that happened in the building where her best friend lives... to find out that the victim is precisely her friend, the daughter of a billionaire that owns the TV station. She is determined to find who the murderer was and learns that the victim had left her a message telling her that there was something she must know. The only part worth saving is the fierce battle between TV stations to be the first to get a news. The producer and wannabe investigator is ridiculous.
May 11, 2014
Clyde is a producer at a news network. She receives a call early one morning to follow-up on a story outside of her best friend's tony address. Clyde is later shocked to find out that the victim was actually her best friend. What follows is Clyde running down leads trying to discover what happened to her friend and why. The why turns out to be a bit of a stretch, but an interesting story was told along the way, so it can be forgiven.
July 11, 2016
I received this book for Free through the Goodreads First Reads Program. While I had never read anything before by this author, I was pleasantly surprised. It was not only interesting, but also well written. Although I did figure out part of the story, it kept me guessing as to who was the killer until the end. It also left me waiting for her next book to be published. I would highly recommend this book to friends.
May 1, 2014
I loved the book and would like to recommend it to others ... but I hate that intelligent, good writers stoop to using the "F***" word. It really is offensive and shows a lack of real communication skills in the spoken and written word! Please Tatiana ... edit it out of this book and let your talent shine!!
May 6, 2014
loved this book, And Hope its first in a series. I would have read it in two sittings if I could have afforded to stay up late. Only one thing bothered me, an alcoholic that still has a drink but doesn't temporal somehow. But really other than that it was a very enjoyable book, I will recommend to my friends.
June 27, 2014
I downloaded this for free in return for a review.
Another easy to read murder mystery. What I liked about this story is that the main character is a flawed and at times struggling woman, but in quite a real way. She also doesn't live happily ever after with some gorgeous man. The plot of course is quite unbelievable, but it kept me guessing, was a fun romp and I enjoyed it
Another easy to read murder mystery. What I liked about this story is that the main character is a flawed and at times struggling woman, but in quite a real way. She also doesn't live happily ever after with some gorgeous man. The plot of course is quite unbelievable, but it kept me guessing, was a fun romp and I enjoyed it
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