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Dead-Line
Dead-Line is the gripping account of one man’s inadvertent slide into the lethal intersection of organized crime, political corruption and media manipulation.
When Ben Spencer allows his investigative reporter, Cheryl Snow, to run with a suspicious anonymous tip, he may as well have signed his own death warrant. That one tip releases a gusher of insider information. But at what cost? The scoops handcuff Ben to a ruthless mobster.
Ben is a struggling TV News boss. Tony Gowdy is a struggling mob boss. Gowdy offers Ben’s anemic newscast a lifeline with exclusive dope on crooked city hall deals—a temptation Ben rejects. But Gowdy finds a back door to get him on board by slipping that first anonymous tip to Cheryl.
The formula is simple. Gowdy controls the city’s corrupt politicians. He has the goods and dictates events by feeding strategic information to Cheryl. He gets what he wants, and his message to potential rivals is amplified by the media megaphone. Cheryl’s exclusive reports become sensations and Ben’s last-place newscast soars in the ratings. What could go wrong?
Ben’s family is in danger. His employees lose what little job security they had, and his own career is in flames. His newscast has been hijacked by a mobster intent on retribution. As the bodies pile up, Ben struggles to find a way out. He knows he can’t save himself, but can he save his family? Can he and Cheryl bring down Gowdy and the corrupt politicians he controls?
Cheryl has been betrayed by Ben’s unholy alliance with Gowdy, but agrees to join his escape plan. They can expose the biggest scandal in the city’s history and save their own lives. They have one shot. Then Cheryl disappears.
When Ben Spencer allows his investigative reporter, Cheryl Snow, to run with a suspicious anonymous tip, he may as well have signed his own death warrant. That one tip releases a gusher of insider information. But at what cost? The scoops handcuff Ben to a ruthless mobster.
Ben is a struggling TV News boss. Tony Gowdy is a struggling mob boss. Gowdy offers Ben’s anemic newscast a lifeline with exclusive dope on crooked city hall deals—a temptation Ben rejects. But Gowdy finds a back door to get him on board by slipping that first anonymous tip to Cheryl.
The formula is simple. Gowdy controls the city’s corrupt politicians. He has the goods and dictates events by feeding strategic information to Cheryl. He gets what he wants, and his message to potential rivals is amplified by the media megaphone. Cheryl’s exclusive reports become sensations and Ben’s last-place newscast soars in the ratings. What could go wrong?
Ben’s family is in danger. His employees lose what little job security they had, and his own career is in flames. His newscast has been hijacked by a mobster intent on retribution. As the bodies pile up, Ben struggles to find a way out. He knows he can’t save himself, but can he save his family? Can he and Cheryl bring down Gowdy and the corrupt politicians he controls?
Cheryl has been betrayed by Ben’s unholy alliance with Gowdy, but agrees to join his escape plan. They can expose the biggest scandal in the city’s history and save their own lives. They have one shot. Then Cheryl disappears.
330 pages, Paperback
Published July 31, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
November 12, 2024
I find it hard to believe that this was a first novel! A fast-paced, well-written thriller that takes the reader on a tumultuous ride into the heart of Philadelphia politics, organized crime, and corruption. David writes from a vantage point he knows well, having been in the television news business for many years before retiring.
The main character is a TV anchorman turned manager, struggling to increase viewership and ratings. An opportunity falls into his lap and he reluctantly takes it, not realizing the peril lying ahead until he's in too deep, jeopardizing his job, his family, and his co-worker.
David does a wonderful job, weaving this story together and capturing the reader from the beginning to the end. This is a must read, and we can hope that there will be more to follow from this talented writer.
The main character is a TV anchorman turned manager, struggling to increase viewership and ratings. An opportunity falls into his lap and he reluctantly takes it, not realizing the peril lying ahead until he's in too deep, jeopardizing his job, his family, and his co-worker.
David does a wonderful job, weaving this story together and capturing the reader from the beginning to the end. This is a must read, and we can hope that there will be more to follow from this talented writer.
October 28, 2024
Did not want the story to end!
Clearly, the author's creds give this story a unique ring of truth. The complexity woven through the plot keeps you on the edge of your seat as each event builds on the next until the climax. This book does not read like a first novel, but rather, more like one of a long line of best sellers. What's next for our characters? I look forward to finding out!
Clearly, the author's creds give this story a unique ring of truth. The complexity woven through the plot keeps you on the edge of your seat as each event builds on the next until the climax. This book does not read like a first novel, but rather, more like one of a long line of best sellers. What's next for our characters? I look forward to finding out!
November 13, 2024
Fast-paced and engaging! Also gives unique insight to the world of television reporting. And those of you from Philly will love all the Philly references…subtle and overt!
January 31, 2025
Great read!
Engaging story, written with humor and wonderful descriptions of known places in Philadelphia and surrounds. I imagine a lot of it is true!!
Engaging story, written with humor and wonderful descriptions of known places in Philadelphia and surrounds. I imagine a lot of it is true!!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews