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Jolene Garcia Mysteries #2
The Story That Wouldn't Die
Emmy Award-winning reporter Christina Estes uses her twenty-year career for inspiration for her mysteries. In The Story That Wouldn’t Die, Jolene Garcia refuses to stop investigating, but someone is determined to kill the story—and maybe her—for good.
Phoenix, Arizona TV reporter Jolene Garcia is fresh off winning her first Emmy and committed to covering stories that matter to her community. But Jolene’s managers want stories that grab immediate attention and generate clicks, not ones that take time to develop.
When a beloved small business owner dies in a car crash, Jolene isn’t convinced it was an accident. He’d been raising questions about who keeps getting lucrative deals at city hall—questions that powerful people don’t want answered. The deeper Jolene digs, the more suspicious things she uncovers.
Exposing greed, ambition, and deception could become the biggest story of Jolene’s career. Her bosses tell her to drop it. But there’s a story here, and Jolene’s going to find it.
Phoenix, Arizona TV reporter Jolene Garcia is fresh off winning her first Emmy and committed to covering stories that matter to her community. But Jolene’s managers want stories that grab immediate attention and generate clicks, not ones that take time to develop.
When a beloved small business owner dies in a car crash, Jolene isn’t convinced it was an accident. He’d been raising questions about who keeps getting lucrative deals at city hall—questions that powerful people don’t want answered. The deeper Jolene digs, the more suspicious things she uncovers.
Exposing greed, ambition, and deception could become the biggest story of Jolene’s career. Her bosses tell her to drop it. But there’s a story here, and Jolene’s going to find it.
320 pages, Hardcover
Published August 19, 2025
21 people are currently reading
7660 people want to read
About the author
Christina Estes
3 books190 followersEmmy Award-winning reporter Christina Estes uses her career for inspiration for her mysteries.
During 20-plus years in Phoenix, Christina covered crime, public policy and business. Her stories ranged from the whimsical - like a fish visiting a dentist - to the weighty - such as witnessing an execution by lethal injection.
Christina received the Tony Hillerman Prize for Best First Mystery Set in the Southwest for Off the Air. Good Morning America selected Off the Air as a Buzz Pick.
The sequel, which can be read as a standalone, is The Story That Wouldn’t Die.
Join the News Crew to get the inside scoop at www.christinaestes.com
@reporterestes on Instagram, X, Threads
https://www.facebook.com/ChristinaEst...
https://linktr.ee/reporterestes
A Conversation With Author Christina Estes
Tell us about The Story That Wouldn’t Die
When a beloved small business owner dies, reporter Jolene Garcia is convinced there’s more to the story than an unfortunate accident. He’d been raising questions about who kept getting lucrative deals at city hall. The deeper Jolene digs, the more suspicious things she uncovers. But someone is determined to kill the story—and maybe her—for good.
How did your reporting experience influence the novel?
For many years, my reporting beat focused on local government. I attended countless neighborhood and city meetings where I learned about policies and passions. Real life conversations and conflicts inspired the story thread about developments and displacement.
On a lighter note, the novel opens with an elevator incident that actually happened at City Hall. However, the mayor and all other characters are made up.
Why is your novel set in Phoenix, Arizona?
When I moved to Phoenix for a job as a local TV reporter, I never expected to stay past my initial three-year contract. That was more than twenty years ago. Phoenix is home. I’ve read many mysteries set in other big cities and want to read more based in Phoenix. I love coming across references or landmarks in books that relate to my hometown.
Your novel includes many real businesses.
Why did you choose them?
Every restaurant and coffee shop mentioned has special meaning. I was introduced to most of the restaurants by photographers I worked with in TV news. I often think of them when I visit. The owners of the local, independent coffee shops are truly invested in their communities and I wanted to acknowledge them.
Your main character is a local TV reporter. How much of Jolene is you?
Like me, Jolene moved from the Midwest to Phoenix. I remember how strange it felt leaving green grass and autumn leaves for the desert. As for Jolene’s personal background as a child who experienced foster care before moving in with her maternal grandmother, I relied on my experiences as a former foster parent. I needed a main character that I care deeply about and that’s Jolene.
What do you hope readers take away?
In addition to entertainment, I hope readers appreciate Jolene’s determination and evolution as a reporter and person
The Story That Wouldn't Die
Discussion Guide
1. Could you relate to Jolene’s frustration in wanting to investigate Carlos’s death while her manager pushed other assignments? Have you experienced anything similar at a job?
2. Social media plays a big role in reporters’ jobs. The consultant hired by Jolene’s TV station encourages reporters to share personal information on social media as a way to connect with audiences. How do you feel about reporters’ sharing their personal lives on public platforms?
3. Jolene is afraid of her family background being exposed. Do you think her fear is reasonable or understandable?
4. Jolene feels a special connection to Carlos. Have you ever met someone briefly and felt an instant connection?
5. Jolene’s news director wants her to attend counseling. What did you think about her reaction?
6. Di
During 20-plus years in Phoenix, Christina covered crime, public policy and business. Her stories ranged from the whimsical - like a fish visiting a dentist - to the weighty - such as witnessing an execution by lethal injection.
Christina received the Tony Hillerman Prize for Best First Mystery Set in the Southwest for Off the Air. Good Morning America selected Off the Air as a Buzz Pick.
The sequel, which can be read as a standalone, is The Story That Wouldn’t Die.
Join the News Crew to get the inside scoop at www.christinaestes.com
@reporterestes on Instagram, X, Threads
https://www.facebook.com/ChristinaEst...
https://linktr.ee/reporterestes
A Conversation With Author Christina Estes
Tell us about The Story That Wouldn’t Die
When a beloved small business owner dies, reporter Jolene Garcia is convinced there’s more to the story than an unfortunate accident. He’d been raising questions about who kept getting lucrative deals at city hall. The deeper Jolene digs, the more suspicious things she uncovers. But someone is determined to kill the story—and maybe her—for good.
How did your reporting experience influence the novel?
For many years, my reporting beat focused on local government. I attended countless neighborhood and city meetings where I learned about policies and passions. Real life conversations and conflicts inspired the story thread about developments and displacement.
On a lighter note, the novel opens with an elevator incident that actually happened at City Hall. However, the mayor and all other characters are made up.
Why is your novel set in Phoenix, Arizona?
When I moved to Phoenix for a job as a local TV reporter, I never expected to stay past my initial three-year contract. That was more than twenty years ago. Phoenix is home. I’ve read many mysteries set in other big cities and want to read more based in Phoenix. I love coming across references or landmarks in books that relate to my hometown.
Your novel includes many real businesses.
Why did you choose them?
Every restaurant and coffee shop mentioned has special meaning. I was introduced to most of the restaurants by photographers I worked with in TV news. I often think of them when I visit. The owners of the local, independent coffee shops are truly invested in their communities and I wanted to acknowledge them.
Your main character is a local TV reporter. How much of Jolene is you?
Like me, Jolene moved from the Midwest to Phoenix. I remember how strange it felt leaving green grass and autumn leaves for the desert. As for Jolene’s personal background as a child who experienced foster care before moving in with her maternal grandmother, I relied on my experiences as a former foster parent. I needed a main character that I care deeply about and that’s Jolene.
What do you hope readers take away?
In addition to entertainment, I hope readers appreciate Jolene’s determination and evolution as a reporter and person
The Story That Wouldn't Die
Discussion Guide
1. Could you relate to Jolene’s frustration in wanting to investigate Carlos’s death while her manager pushed other assignments? Have you experienced anything similar at a job?
2. Social media plays a big role in reporters’ jobs. The consultant hired by Jolene’s TV station encourages reporters to share personal information on social media as a way to connect with audiences. How do you feel about reporters’ sharing their personal lives on public platforms?
3. Jolene is afraid of her family background being exposed. Do you think her fear is reasonable or understandable?
4. Jolene feels a special connection to Carlos. Have you ever met someone briefly and felt an instant connection?
5. Jolene’s news director wants her to attend counseling. What did you think about her reaction?
6. Di
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 244 reviews
August 24, 2025
4 solid stars for Este’s second installment of her Jolene Garcia TV-reporter series, “The Story that Wouldn’t Die”. I really enjoyed them both quite a bit, but TBH, a great, great deal of my enjoyment came from being a Phoenician, and I’m not really sure how much readers from other parts of the US/world would get the locations, people & local history that I loved (read the author’s note too). The mystery by itself was prolly just okay - if you’re into local politics & real estate schemers. As for me, I’m quite happy to try her again but should the MC leaves PHX, then maybe not. Edit - Adding a local review: https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2...
August 18, 2025
Jolene Garcia is a television reporter has found the case of a lifetime. A local businessman has died in a car accident. But Jolene believes the car crash was no accident! The man had been asking questions that made some powerful people nervous. Jolene knows she has a story on her hands and is like a dog with a bone. She is not willing to let it go or back down! She is determined to get to the truth no matter what!
I enjoyed the pacing of this book. It goes at a very nice clip and there is no down time. Jolene is an ambitus woman and reporter. I admired her tenacity and determination. She is willing to rattle a few cages to get to the heart of the story. I enjoyed the tension, suspense, and hunt for the truth. I found the mystery to be intriguing and gripping. I also enjoyed Christina Estes writing and plot building.
This book worked very well as a stand-alone novel for me as I have not read the first book in the series.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
I enjoyed the pacing of this book. It goes at a very nice clip and there is no down time. Jolene is an ambitus woman and reporter. I admired her tenacity and determination. She is willing to rattle a few cages to get to the heart of the story. I enjoyed the tension, suspense, and hunt for the truth. I found the mystery to be intriguing and gripping. I also enjoyed Christina Estes writing and plot building.
This book worked very well as a stand-alone novel for me as I have not read the first book in the series.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
July 30, 2025
This is an entertaining, well-written, fast paced mystery novel. It vividly describes the life of a reporter, and has a likable, intelligent female protagonist, newsroom drama, a touch of humor, an engaging mystery, suspense, twists and turns, and a satisfying conclusion. This is the second entry in Ms. Estes' Jolene Garcia Mysteries series, and it can be read as a stand alone. The references to Jolene's famous, previous news story have piqued my interest in reading the first novel in this series. I am looking forward to reading the next installment with great anticipation. Many thanks to St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books, Christina Estes, and NetGalley, who provided me with an advanced reader copy of this fantastic novel. This is my honest opinion.
December 18, 2025
**2.5-stars rounded up **
I'll be frank, this Mystery wasn't to my tastes. I thought I was picking up a Cozy, but it definitely wasn't that. I'm not quite sure how to explain it, but it just felt so forced. There was nothing cozy about it, IMO.
Unfortunately, it wasn't the opposite, hard-edged or compelling, either. I actually didn't care for the MC, so that certainly didn't help matters. I'm glad I gave it a shot, but I will not be continuing with the series.
Full review to come...stay tuned!!!
I'll be frank, this Mystery wasn't to my tastes. I thought I was picking up a Cozy, but it definitely wasn't that. I'm not quite sure how to explain it, but it just felt so forced. There was nothing cozy about it, IMO.
Unfortunately, it wasn't the opposite, hard-edged or compelling, either. I actually didn't care for the MC, so that certainly didn't help matters. I'm glad I gave it a shot, but I will not be continuing with the series.
Full review to come...stay tuned!!!
September 5, 2025
I had read an earlier book by Christina Estes - Off the Air - and enjoyed it so I wanted to try another one. I picked this one up when I saw it was available. Ms. Estes has a twenty year career as a reporter and uses that background for inspiration for her stories.
Description:
Phoenix, Arizona TV reporter Jolene Garcia is fresh off winning her first Emmy and committed to covering stories that matter to her community. But Jolene’s managers want stories that grab immediate attention and generate clicks, not ones that take time to develop.
When a beloved small business owner dies in a car crash, Jolene isn’t convinced it was an accident. He’d been raising questions about who keeps getting lucrative deals at city hall—questions that powerful people don’t want answered. The deeper Jolene digs, the more suspicious things she uncovers.
Exposing greed, ambition, and deception could become the biggest story of Jolene’s career. Her bosses tell her to drop it. But there’s a story here, and Jolene’s going to find it.
My Thoughts:
I had trouble relating to Jolene as I didn't like her very much. She came across as self-serving with her focus on her ambition. She was obvious in her jealousy of her rival reporter. However, she did have a good lead on an important story. At times the book was slow moving and I was bored. The gluten free cupcake story that Jolene was supposed to be working on was totally ignored by her as she focused on her own story of the corrupt bids - which I admit is much more important; but she shouldn't have ignored her assignment. I give this book three stars.
Thanks to St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books through Netgalley for an advance copy.
Description:
Phoenix, Arizona TV reporter Jolene Garcia is fresh off winning her first Emmy and committed to covering stories that matter to her community. But Jolene’s managers want stories that grab immediate attention and generate clicks, not ones that take time to develop.
When a beloved small business owner dies in a car crash, Jolene isn’t convinced it was an accident. He’d been raising questions about who keeps getting lucrative deals at city hall—questions that powerful people don’t want answered. The deeper Jolene digs, the more suspicious things she uncovers.
Exposing greed, ambition, and deception could become the biggest story of Jolene’s career. Her bosses tell her to drop it. But there’s a story here, and Jolene’s going to find it.
My Thoughts:
I had trouble relating to Jolene as I didn't like her very much. She came across as self-serving with her focus on her ambition. She was obvious in her jealousy of her rival reporter. However, she did have a good lead on an important story. At times the book was slow moving and I was bored. The gluten free cupcake story that Jolene was supposed to be working on was totally ignored by her as she focused on her own story of the corrupt bids - which I admit is much more important; but she shouldn't have ignored her assignment. I give this book three stars.
Thanks to St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books through Netgalley for an advance copy.
August 28, 2025
DNF. Just couldn’t push through this.
You have Jolene who is a journalist working for a news station. She once helped solved a murder and now she’s being asked to do a story on gluten free cupcake gate. Like for real? 😧 🤦🏼♀️ She learns that there might be some corruption in her town of Phoenix, AZ with improper bidding happening. Basically, one company is winning all the bids and then a competitor ends up dead just as he was getting ready to file a lawsuit because he knew it wasn’t right that he never won a bid. Coincidence? I think not.
But that’s the best part of this book. Too much dialogue and small talk that had nothing to do with anything. I just kept glossing over these parts because it was so boring.
I was really hoping that the investigation into the death and corruption would have been more substantive and exciting, but it just fell flat for me. DNF’f around 60% and even tried skipping towards the end. Nope. 👎🏻 Didn’t make it any better.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own. Please read others reviews because I may be an outlier.
You have Jolene who is a journalist working for a news station. She once helped solved a murder and now she’s being asked to do a story on gluten free cupcake gate. Like for real? 😧 🤦🏼♀️ She learns that there might be some corruption in her town of Phoenix, AZ with improper bidding happening. Basically, one company is winning all the bids and then a competitor ends up dead just as he was getting ready to file a lawsuit because he knew it wasn’t right that he never won a bid. Coincidence? I think not.
But that’s the best part of this book. Too much dialogue and small talk that had nothing to do with anything. I just kept glossing over these parts because it was so boring.
I was really hoping that the investigation into the death and corruption would have been more substantive and exciting, but it just fell flat for me. DNF’f around 60% and even tried skipping towards the end. Nope. 👎🏻 Didn’t make it any better.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own. Please read others reviews because I may be an outlier.
August 20, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
Jolene Garcia is a television reporter in Phoenix, Arizona, and she is looking for the next big story to share with her community. However, her bosses have her running all over town to cover clickbait stories, so when a small business owner with ties to the city council is killed, it's only Jolene who feels the desire to investigate.
I hadn't read the first book in this series, but there is enough alluding to what happened there that I think each book can be treated as a standalone. I wasn't altogether sure that I liked Jolene as a character; she seemed to rub people the wrong way and sort of bulldozed what she wanted from others. It was a fun read, but I did have moments where I wasn't sure if I wanted to finish it. For that reason, I am going to stick it with a 3-star.
Expected Publication 19/08/25
Goodreads Review 11/08/25
Jolene Garcia is a television reporter in Phoenix, Arizona, and she is looking for the next big story to share with her community. However, her bosses have her running all over town to cover clickbait stories, so when a small business owner with ties to the city council is killed, it's only Jolene who feels the desire to investigate.
I hadn't read the first book in this series, but there is enough alluding to what happened there that I think each book can be treated as a standalone. I wasn't altogether sure that I liked Jolene as a character; she seemed to rub people the wrong way and sort of bulldozed what she wanted from others. It was a fun read, but I did have moments where I wasn't sure if I wanted to finish it. For that reason, I am going to stick it with a 3-star.
Expected Publication 19/08/25
Goodreads Review 11/08/25
August 4, 2025
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Aug. 19, 2025
“The Story That Wouldn't Die” is the second novel in the Jolene Garcia series by reporter-turned-author Christina Estes.
Jolene Garcia has finally made a name for herself in the world of broadcast journalism. After winning an Emmy for her previous investigative piece, she always has her eye open for a new angle. When a local business owner dies in a car crash, Jolene is wary that something suspicious is going on. The business owner, Carlos, was questioning methods of the local city hall politicians, and had caught the eye of several powerful people. It isn’t long before more bodies drop and, although local police don’t make the connection, Jolene knows the deaths have to be related and, even though her management team tells her to shut it down, she pursues the story, potentially risking her career, and her life.
“Story” is fast-paced, engaging and well-written, with a tough, ambitious protagonist who is dedicated to honest, transparent reporting. In this installment, Jolene’s story leads her to an investigation of corrupt city officials, who have their hands in each others’ pockets and swap favours at the detriment of the community. Although this aspect is definitely believable, the inner workings of city hall and the fight for corporate bids is a little dry, and is even a little confusing with the complex relationships between the politicians and staffers.
Although I do enjoy Jolene as a protagonist, her ambition was a bit over-the-top in this story, and she made me glaringly happy that I had not chosen to go into journalism. She was like a dog with a bone with this investigation and although the ends were worth it, she definitely had some vicious means to get there. I respect Jolene’s ambition and passion, and I wanted her to succeed, but she burned a lot of bridges in this story and I worry she won’t be able to repair the relationships she destroyed.
After all of the labyrinthine twists and turns to get to the ending, it delivered in spades, and caught me by surprise. I did not expect the ending to play out the way it did, but the conclusion was satisfying and wrapped up all loose ends. There is definitely a third installment on the way, as the final pages of “Story” made clear, and I am looking forward to it.
Overall, this series is intriguing and Estes is a talented writer. I enjoy Jolene as a protagonist, and love the jams she gets herself into. Although I enjoyed the first novel in the series a little better than this one, I will be keeping an eye out for novel number three.
Expected publication date: Aug. 19, 2025
“The Story That Wouldn't Die” is the second novel in the Jolene Garcia series by reporter-turned-author Christina Estes.
Jolene Garcia has finally made a name for herself in the world of broadcast journalism. After winning an Emmy for her previous investigative piece, she always has her eye open for a new angle. When a local business owner dies in a car crash, Jolene is wary that something suspicious is going on. The business owner, Carlos, was questioning methods of the local city hall politicians, and had caught the eye of several powerful people. It isn’t long before more bodies drop and, although local police don’t make the connection, Jolene knows the deaths have to be related and, even though her management team tells her to shut it down, she pursues the story, potentially risking her career, and her life.
“Story” is fast-paced, engaging and well-written, with a tough, ambitious protagonist who is dedicated to honest, transparent reporting. In this installment, Jolene’s story leads her to an investigation of corrupt city officials, who have their hands in each others’ pockets and swap favours at the detriment of the community. Although this aspect is definitely believable, the inner workings of city hall and the fight for corporate bids is a little dry, and is even a little confusing with the complex relationships between the politicians and staffers.
Although I do enjoy Jolene as a protagonist, her ambition was a bit over-the-top in this story, and she made me glaringly happy that I had not chosen to go into journalism. She was like a dog with a bone with this investigation and although the ends were worth it, she definitely had some vicious means to get there. I respect Jolene’s ambition and passion, and I wanted her to succeed, but she burned a lot of bridges in this story and I worry she won’t be able to repair the relationships she destroyed.
After all of the labyrinthine twists and turns to get to the ending, it delivered in spades, and caught me by surprise. I did not expect the ending to play out the way it did, but the conclusion was satisfying and wrapped up all loose ends. There is definitely a third installment on the way, as the final pages of “Story” made clear, and I am looking forward to it.
Overall, this series is intriguing and Estes is a talented writer. I enjoy Jolene as a protagonist, and love the jams she gets herself into. Although I enjoyed the first novel in the series a little better than this one, I will be keeping an eye out for novel number three.
February 25, 2025
•When a local small business owner dies suddenly in a crash, the town is shocked. Reporter Jolene Garcia doesn’t believe it’s as cut and dry as a simple accident. The victim, Carlos, was poking around, asking questions about why the same people keep getting the contracts with city hall. While Jolene’s boss wants her to focus on other, more exciting stories, she’s determined to figure out the truth behind Carlos’ tragic death.
•I struggled with remaining interested and focused while reading this book. I felt like there were very many characters and it was difficult to keep them all straight at times.
•Thank you for NetGalley and Minotaur Books for this ARC. It will become available on August 19, 2025.
•I struggled with remaining interested and focused while reading this book. I felt like there were very many characters and it was difficult to keep them all straight at times.
•Thank you for NetGalley and Minotaur Books for this ARC. It will become available on August 19, 2025.
August 27, 2025
A solid cozy mystery in the world of journalism. I really liked he behind the scenes look at this industry. Jolene is a great main character, very well developed. Although this is then 2nd in the series, I felt totally fine despite not have reading the first one.
The audiobook production was very well done and I feel it definitely enhanced the experience.
The audiobook production was very well done and I feel it definitely enhanced the experience.
August 24, 2025
Book Title: The Story That Wouldn't Die (Jolene Garcia Mysteries #2)
Author(s): Christina Estes
Publisher(s): Minotaur Books/Dreamscape Media
Publication Date: August 19, 2025
Currently Available on KU? 🙅🏼♀️
Audiobook? ✅
🍿 𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘐𝘮𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴: The Story That Wouldn't Die is Christina Estes’ sophomore novel, and I wasn’t excepting to love it quite as much as I actually did. Unfortunately, I wasn’t a huge fan of Jolene in the first book (Off the Air), but I thought she came so far in this installment, and she’s officially got my full support. 🥹
🤩 𝚃͏𝚑͏𝚎͏ 𝙱͏𝚎͏𝚜͏𝚝͏ 𝙱͏𝚒͏𝚝͏𝚜͏: The action and humor were basically nonstop, and I liked the touch of the book starting out with something that actually happened (a stuck elevator) which also helped set the tone of the novel. This still had a political side, but it wasn’t as overwhelming to me as with book one of the series. It was just enough to facilitate the storyline with plenty of other elements that helped to move things along and set the stage for a twisty read.
🎧 𝒜𝓊𝒹𝒾𝑜𝒷𝑜𝑜𝓀 𝒩𝒶𝓇𝓇𝒶𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃: I’m not entirely sure why it was changed, but there was a new narrator for this installment - Devon Sorvari. I normally prefer when narrators stay the same in a series, but I had no complaints here. I thought Sorvari was fantastic as the voice of Jolene and I would love her to continue with future books in the series.
💭 𝘊𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘛𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴: Even though this is set in the large city of Phoenix, AZ it somehow managed to have a small town feel which I thought was great. Jolene’s tenacity was inspiring, and I loved that she wouldn’t stop her hunt for the truth, even when faced with resistance from multiple sides. This was an easy, satisfying read that I would recommend to cozy mystery lovers and thriller fans alike! And you don’t even need to read the first book unless you want to. 😉
T͏h͏i͏s͏ B͏o͏o͏k͏ i͏n͏ 5͏ E͏m͏o͏j͏i͏’s͏ o͏r͏ L͏e͏s͏s͏: 🎤🛗🧁🏗️🐟
𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
𝙰𝚞𝚍𝚒𝚘𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
I received a complimentary copy of this book as well as an advanced listening copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Author(s): Christina Estes
Publisher(s): Minotaur Books/Dreamscape Media
Publication Date: August 19, 2025
Currently Available on KU? 🙅🏼♀️
Audiobook? ✅
🍿 𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘐𝘮𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴: The Story That Wouldn't Die is Christina Estes’ sophomore novel, and I wasn’t excepting to love it quite as much as I actually did. Unfortunately, I wasn’t a huge fan of Jolene in the first book (Off the Air), but I thought she came so far in this installment, and she’s officially got my full support. 🥹
🤩 𝚃͏𝚑͏𝚎͏ 𝙱͏𝚎͏𝚜͏𝚝͏ 𝙱͏𝚒͏𝚝͏𝚜͏: The action and humor were basically nonstop, and I liked the touch of the book starting out with something that actually happened (a stuck elevator) which also helped set the tone of the novel. This still had a political side, but it wasn’t as overwhelming to me as with book one of the series. It was just enough to facilitate the storyline with plenty of other elements that helped to move things along and set the stage for a twisty read.
🎧 𝒜𝓊𝒹𝒾𝑜𝒷𝑜𝑜𝓀 𝒩𝒶𝓇𝓇𝒶𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃: I’m not entirely sure why it was changed, but there was a new narrator for this installment - Devon Sorvari. I normally prefer when narrators stay the same in a series, but I had no complaints here. I thought Sorvari was fantastic as the voice of Jolene and I would love her to continue with future books in the series.
💭 𝘊𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘛𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴: Even though this is set in the large city of Phoenix, AZ it somehow managed to have a small town feel which I thought was great. Jolene’s tenacity was inspiring, and I loved that she wouldn’t stop her hunt for the truth, even when faced with resistance from multiple sides. This was an easy, satisfying read that I would recommend to cozy mystery lovers and thriller fans alike! And you don’t even need to read the first book unless you want to. 😉
T͏h͏i͏s͏ B͏o͏o͏k͏ i͏n͏ 5͏ E͏m͏o͏j͏i͏’s͏ o͏r͏ L͏e͏s͏s͏: 🎤🛗🧁🏗️🐟
𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
𝙰𝚞𝚍𝚒𝚘𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
I received a complimentary copy of this book as well as an advanced listening copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
August 7, 2025
When a beloved local business owner dies in a suspicious car crash, reporter Jolene Garcia suspects there’s more to the story, and she’s right. Her investigation leads to city corruption, a growing list of suspects, and someone who’ll stop at nothing to bury the truth. But Jolene doesn’t let stories (or threats) go easily.
This was a fun, easy read with a likable, determined FMC. Jolene is sharp, persistent, and just quirky enough - yes, she talks to her goldfish Oscar. 🐠 The newsroom setting and Phoenix backdrop add a lot of charm, and the mystery kept me guessing.
I especially appreciated that the story wraps up without a cliffhanger, but still leaves room for more in the series - perfectly satisfying.
What to expect:
✨Twisty but not crazy so ✨Great behind-the-scenes journalism angle ✨ Set in Phoenix with lots of fun local touches ✨Works as a standalone ✨Ideal for fans of Finlay Donovan or cozy mysteries with substance
3.75 ⭐️
This was a fun, easy read with a likable, determined FMC. Jolene is sharp, persistent, and just quirky enough - yes, she talks to her goldfish Oscar. 🐠 The newsroom setting and Phoenix backdrop add a lot of charm, and the mystery kept me guessing.
I especially appreciated that the story wraps up without a cliffhanger, but still leaves room for more in the series - perfectly satisfying.
What to expect:
✨Twisty but not crazy so ✨Great behind-the-scenes journalism angle ✨ Set in Phoenix with lots of fun local touches ✨Works as a standalone ✨Ideal for fans of Finlay Donovan or cozy mysteries with substance
3.75 ⭐️
April 11, 2025
Thank you to Minotaur books and NetGalley for the ARC copy for review!
When a business owner suddenly dies, journalist Jolene Garcia puts all her effort into investigating despite the many obstacles in her way. Jolene's career is inspired by the career of the author, Christina Estes, which gives this story a grounding in reality that can often not be there in mystery stories. While the mystery was well thought out, there were certain aspects of the novel that I felt were repeated too often; as well, the pacing felt slightly off – though seemed to figure itself out by the end of the book. Enjoyable read for those who are looking for a mystery that isn't a mystery/thriller.
When a business owner suddenly dies, journalist Jolene Garcia puts all her effort into investigating despite the many obstacles in her way. Jolene's career is inspired by the career of the author, Christina Estes, which gives this story a grounding in reality that can often not be there in mystery stories. While the mystery was well thought out, there were certain aspects of the novel that I felt were repeated too often; as well, the pacing felt slightly off – though seemed to figure itself out by the end of the book. Enjoyable read for those who are looking for a mystery that isn't a mystery/thriller.
May 25, 2025
I’m really enjoying this series. I’d call it cozy, but it’s maybe not as lighthearted as I think cozies - and she talks to her pet goldfish, rather than a dog, lol. But I appreciate that Jolene is tough, sometimes tough to like, and doesn’t apologize for it. And her colleagues call her out on her crap (to be helpful?). Bottom line, this book/series feels a little different, and that makes me like it even better. Thanks to Minotaur Books for the ARC.
August 18, 2025
Book 2 of the Jolene Garcia Mysteries and I had no idea when I picked this book up to start reading but that’s ok!
TV reporter Jolene Garcia refuses to stop investigating while someone else is determined to kill the story, and Jolene if she doesn’t stop!
Jolene is convinced that a car accident that takes the life of a local business owner is no accident. Jolene sets out to expose the greed, corruption and deception involving City Hall, if it’s the last thing she does!
This fictional reporter is based on the real life of Arizona TV Reporter/Author Christina Estes! With Twenty years reporting surely there are a few stories to tell- can’t wait to read them!
This cozy mystery digs from the perspective of a reporter which adjusts the lens of the mystery and that was a nice change of pace. Although the book is second in the series (I’ll have to go back and read the first) it can be read stand alone. Jolene is a real go getter and I enjoyed her determined attitude to solve what was going on.
Thank you to the author, Christina Estes, Publisher Minotaur Press/St Martins Press, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. I received an epub and am leaving my review voluntarily.
TV reporter Jolene Garcia refuses to stop investigating while someone else is determined to kill the story, and Jolene if she doesn’t stop!
Jolene is convinced that a car accident that takes the life of a local business owner is no accident. Jolene sets out to expose the greed, corruption and deception involving City Hall, if it’s the last thing she does!
This fictional reporter is based on the real life of Arizona TV Reporter/Author Christina Estes! With Twenty years reporting surely there are a few stories to tell- can’t wait to read them!
This cozy mystery digs from the perspective of a reporter which adjusts the lens of the mystery and that was a nice change of pace. Although the book is second in the series (I’ll have to go back and read the first) it can be read stand alone. Jolene is a real go getter and I enjoyed her determined attitude to solve what was going on.
Thank you to the author, Christina Estes, Publisher Minotaur Press/St Martins Press, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. I received an epub and am leaving my review voluntarily.
August 20, 2025
4.25 stars
This is the second book in the Jolene Garcia series, but also works well as a standalone. Christina has several years of experience as a journalist in Phoenix, so her books featuring reporter Jolene Garcia are very authentic and informative. Jolene wants to be doing important news stories, but keeps getting fluff pieces because they're easy and quick to produce. Jolene gets a lead on a story about possible corruption in city hall and won't let it go until she finds out the truth.
Jolene is a strong main character. She is ambitious, persistent, and sometimes pushy. All are good qualities for a reporter, but the pushiness doesn't always win her friends in the newsroom or with her friends and contacts. In addition to an interesting mystery, I enjoy the behind-the-scenes look at how a newsroom operates. There is also a fun shout-out to Jenn McKinlay's Cupcake Bakery series when Jolene goes into the bakery for a story she is researching. The Story that Wouldn't Die has an unexpected ending both in the crime Jolene was investigating and also with two interesting developments at the very end. I'm eager to find out what is in store for Jolene.
I received a copy of this ebook for review consideration from Minotaur Books and NetGalley. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
This is the second book in the Jolene Garcia series, but also works well as a standalone. Christina has several years of experience as a journalist in Phoenix, so her books featuring reporter Jolene Garcia are very authentic and informative. Jolene wants to be doing important news stories, but keeps getting fluff pieces because they're easy and quick to produce. Jolene gets a lead on a story about possible corruption in city hall and won't let it go until she finds out the truth.
Jolene is a strong main character. She is ambitious, persistent, and sometimes pushy. All are good qualities for a reporter, but the pushiness doesn't always win her friends in the newsroom or with her friends and contacts. In addition to an interesting mystery, I enjoy the behind-the-scenes look at how a newsroom operates. There is also a fun shout-out to Jenn McKinlay's Cupcake Bakery series when Jolene goes into the bakery for a story she is researching. The Story that Wouldn't Die has an unexpected ending both in the crime Jolene was investigating and also with two interesting developments at the very end. I'm eager to find out what is in store for Jolene.
I received a copy of this ebook for review consideration from Minotaur Books and NetGalley. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
August 18, 2025
Phoenix reporter Jolene Garcia isn’t afraid to ruffle feathers. When a beloved small business owner dies in what looks like a car accident, Jolene suspects there’s more to the story. As she digs into city hall secrets and shady deals, she finds herself caught between her newsroom bosses pushing for quick clicks and her own determination to uncover the truth.
This read had all the hallmarks of a great cozy mystery - an engaging heroine, a strong sense of place, and a whodunit that unfolds with just the right amount of intrigue. I loved following Jolene as she balanced her career ambitions with her instincts to stand up for her community. The local flavor of Phoenix really shone through, giving the story a vivid backdrop, and the mystery kept me guessing without ever feeling too heavy. If you enjoy smart, determined sleuths and community-centered mysteries, this one makes for a charming addition to your shelf!
Narrated by Devon Sorvari, this story was such a treat to listen to! Her voice fit Jolene perfectly. She was warm, engaging, and easy to follow, and she brought the newsroom energy and community setting to life in such an enjoyable way.
Thank you Minotaur Books and Dreamscape Media for advanced copies in exchange for my honest review.
This read had all the hallmarks of a great cozy mystery - an engaging heroine, a strong sense of place, and a whodunit that unfolds with just the right amount of intrigue. I loved following Jolene as she balanced her career ambitions with her instincts to stand up for her community. The local flavor of Phoenix really shone through, giving the story a vivid backdrop, and the mystery kept me guessing without ever feeling too heavy. If you enjoy smart, determined sleuths and community-centered mysteries, this one makes for a charming addition to your shelf!
Narrated by Devon Sorvari, this story was such a treat to listen to! Her voice fit Jolene perfectly. She was warm, engaging, and easy to follow, and she brought the newsroom energy and community setting to life in such an enjoyable way.
Thank you Minotaur Books and Dreamscape Media for advanced copies in exchange for my honest review.
August 15, 2025
A sharp, fast-paced mystery with a smart and determined heroine you can’t help but root for. Jolene Garcia’s tenacity pulls you into a web of greed, corruption, and cover-ups, all set against the vivid backdrop of Phoenix. Christina Estes delivers a newsroom thriller that’s as much about integrity and courage as it is about solving the case.
I read the first Jolene Garcia mystery and while the context was helpful, this book could totally stand alone. Jolene's commitment to her journalism, and doing the right thing, keeps this story moving quick!
Thank you Christina Estes, Dreamscape, St. Martin's Press, and Netgalley for the advanced copy!
#TheStoryThatWouldntDie #NetGalley #NetGalleyARC #ARCReview #BookReview #WhatImReading #BookRecommendation #Bookstagram #ReadersOfInstagram #InstaBook #Bookish #AdvanceReaderCopy #ReviewCopyProvided #BookishThoughts #ReviewersOfInstagram
I read the first Jolene Garcia mystery and while the context was helpful, this book could totally stand alone. Jolene's commitment to her journalism, and doing the right thing, keeps this story moving quick!
Thank you Christina Estes, Dreamscape, St. Martin's Press, and Netgalley for the advanced copy!
#TheStoryThatWouldntDie #NetGalley #NetGalleyARC #ARCReview #BookReview #WhatImReading #BookRecommendation #Bookstagram #ReadersOfInstagram #InstaBook #Bookish #AdvanceReaderCopy #ReviewCopyProvided #BookishThoughts #ReviewersOfInstagram
August 18, 2025
Thank you to GetRed PR and Minotaur Books #partner for the ARC to review.
I love cozy mysteries and enjoyed the prior book in this series, Off The Air. The follow-up to that book, The Story That Wouldn’t Die, was equally, if not a little more enjoyable, and I flew through this in a day. It was a great story, very entertaining, and the pacing was steady. I thought this was well developed and well executed, and I loved how it all wrapped up. I think there is another book coming, and I am very much looking forward to it if so.
I love cozy mysteries and enjoyed the prior book in this series, Off The Air. The follow-up to that book, The Story That Wouldn’t Die, was equally, if not a little more enjoyable, and I flew through this in a day. It was a great story, very entertaining, and the pacing was steady. I thought this was well developed and well executed, and I loved how it all wrapped up. I think there is another book coming, and I am very much looking forward to it if so.
August 19, 2025
**Happy Publication Day!**
This is a fun mystery set in Phoenix, AZ, and featuring a TV news reporter, Jolene Garcia. She certainly has a nose for news!
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this new mystery via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
This is a fun mystery set in Phoenix, AZ, and featuring a TV news reporter, Jolene Garcia. She certainly has a nose for news!
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this new mystery via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
July 30, 2025
Another solid cozy(ish) mystery, grounded in reality and humor, with an imperfect heroine from Estes! I appreciated Joanna’s journalistic principles and commitment to uncovering corruption, rather than contributing to sensationalism (ahem, more of this in real life, please). I haven’t read many books set in AZ, and enjoyed how the location was brought to life with references to local culture, food, and weather.
This is the 2nd book in the series but don’t let that deter you if you haven’t read the first, as I feel it works just as well as a stand alone.
(*Thank you to Minotaur Books and Get Red PR Books for the galley. All opinions are my own)
This is the 2nd book in the series but don’t let that deter you if you haven’t read the first, as I feel it works just as well as a stand alone.
(*Thank you to Minotaur Books and Get Red PR Books for the galley. All opinions are my own)
July 24, 2025
Phoenix, Arizona, television reporter has just won her first Emmy for reporting on the death of a local shock radio personality and is now feeling a little let down when she's assigned to check out cupcake bakeries to see if their products are really gluten-free.
Jolene would rather be investigating the home invasion death of a lobbyist deep in the city's bid process. She's been told by a competitor that the bid system is rigged. When the competitor dies in a suspicious car accident, she feels that she's on the right track, but her boss is still fixated on cupcakes.
Her investigation has her getting threats and nearly being killed in a hit-and-run and there isn't a cupcake in sight.
I liked Jolene's determination to find the answers both for seeing that the truth comes out and for her own career advancement. She is definitely single-minded and sometimes insensitive because of it. I liked that as readers we're finding out more about the past she's downplayed or concealed.
This was an engaging contemporary mystery with intriguing characters.
Jolene would rather be investigating the home invasion death of a lobbyist deep in the city's bid process. She's been told by a competitor that the bid system is rigged. When the competitor dies in a suspicious car accident, she feels that she's on the right track, but her boss is still fixated on cupcakes.
Her investigation has her getting threats and nearly being killed in a hit-and-run and there isn't a cupcake in sight.
I liked Jolene's determination to find the answers both for seeing that the truth comes out and for her own career advancement. She is definitely single-minded and sometimes insensitive because of it. I liked that as readers we're finding out more about the past she's downplayed or concealed.
This was an engaging contemporary mystery with intriguing characters.
June 21, 2025
This is the second in Jolene's series. She is an investigative journalist, who is coming off the win of an Emmy from solving a murder in the last book. I did not read the first, but I don't feel like it really kept me from enjoying this one. Jolene has an interesting back story- a mom who was addicted to drugs and being involved in the foster care system. This book sets it up for a great story in the next book.
Jolene is not happy to be doing a fluff piece on whether or notlocal bakeries are producing gluten free cupcakes are actually gluten free. There was a bakery cameo from one of my favorite cozy mystery series. That made me smile more than it probably should have. When a beloved local man dies in a car accident, Jolene smells something fishy and starts to dig. The more she digs, the more corruption she exposes, and someone doesn't like it!
Overall, enjoyed this story and look forward to future ones. There were a lot of characters which was sometimes kind of confusing otherwise, good story line and mystery.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book.
Jolene is not happy to be doing a fluff piece on whether or notlocal bakeries are producing gluten free cupcakes are actually gluten free. There was a bakery cameo from one of my favorite cozy mystery series. That made me smile more than it probably should have. When a beloved local man dies in a car accident, Jolene smells something fishy and starts to dig. The more she digs, the more corruption she exposes, and someone doesn't like it!
Overall, enjoyed this story and look forward to future ones. There were a lot of characters which was sometimes kind of confusing otherwise, good story line and mystery.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book.
April 6, 2025
loved this mystery of a business owner that life ended and there are links to the mayor's office and that things aren't going so well for jolene and trying to solve this case. I can't want to for the next book and mystery in phoenix. loved her contacts and norma.
Thanks to the publisher for letting me read this book
Thanks to the publisher for letting me read this book
August 20, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley & St. Martin's Press for the E-ARC! Really enjoyed! Fun characters & fast-paced. Also liked the twists. Will read more from this author.
September 27, 2025
Real Rating: 2.5* of five
The Publisher Says: Emmy Award-winning reporter Christina Estes uses her twenty-year career for inspiration for her mysteries. In The Story That Wouldn’t Die, Jolene Garcia refuses to stop investigating, but someone is determined to kill the story—and maybe her—for good.
Phoenix, Arizona TV reporter Jolene Garcia is fresh off winning her first Emmy and committed to covering stories that matter to her community. But Jolene’s managers want stories that grab immediate attention and generate clicks, not ones that take time to develop.
When a beloved small business owner dies in a car crash, Jolene isn’t convinced it was an accident. He’d been raising questions about who keeps getting lucrative deals at city hall—questions that powerful people don’t want answered. The deeper Jolene digs, the more suspicious things she uncovers.
Exposing greed, ambition, and deception could become the biggest story of Jolene’s career. Her bosses tell her to drop it. But there’s a story here, and Jolene’s going to find it.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: I started reading this DRC in April. I gave up last night when I realized I read this sentence: "It will be interesting to hear what Kris Kruger has to say about the guy who quit working for him, started his own business, and then complained about Kris getting lucrative city contracts," a second time...I restarted the read...and was utterly convinced that no, it very much would not.
I rated her first novel, Off the Air , 3.5* and noted I was not invested in the victim's death because he needed killin'...and lo, here we are again.
Minotaur Books needs $14.99 to relinquish their monopoly on the file. Libraries are free to use.
The Publisher Says: Emmy Award-winning reporter Christina Estes uses her twenty-year career for inspiration for her mysteries. In The Story That Wouldn’t Die, Jolene Garcia refuses to stop investigating, but someone is determined to kill the story—and maybe her—for good.
Phoenix, Arizona TV reporter Jolene Garcia is fresh off winning her first Emmy and committed to covering stories that matter to her community. But Jolene’s managers want stories that grab immediate attention and generate clicks, not ones that take time to develop.
When a beloved small business owner dies in a car crash, Jolene isn’t convinced it was an accident. He’d been raising questions about who keeps getting lucrative deals at city hall—questions that powerful people don’t want answered. The deeper Jolene digs, the more suspicious things she uncovers.
Exposing greed, ambition, and deception could become the biggest story of Jolene’s career. Her bosses tell her to drop it. But there’s a story here, and Jolene’s going to find it.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: I started reading this DRC in April. I gave up last night when I realized I read this sentence: "It will be interesting to hear what Kris Kruger has to say about the guy who quit working for him, started his own business, and then complained about Kris getting lucrative city contracts," a second time...I restarted the read...and was utterly convinced that no, it very much would not.
I rated her first novel, Off the Air , 3.5* and noted I was not invested in the victim's death because he needed killin'...and lo, here we are again.
Minotaur Books needs $14.99 to relinquish their monopoly on the file. Libraries are free to use.
August 19, 2025
I enjoy that this series tells the point of view of the journalist and we get to see not just how to story unfolds, but all the work that goes into breaking a story. As a member of the mass public, and nothing to do with editiorials, I feel I would give info to an investigator over a journalist. Yet, they're often after the same thing so it is much harder for the investigative journalist.
These are tied cases that could easily become cold cases if it wasn't for Jolene's investigating skills and bravery to bend the rules a bit. She is keen to learn the truth, and will do whatever it takes. As pointed out by Nate though, sometimes she's so focused on solving, that she forgets to consider people's feelings. In her defense though, she was emotional towards the victims who fell-- well victim-- to a corrupt system. I was surprised by who the culprit was, and I liked that once you begin to think it's someone-- they're offed.
Thank you Get Red PR for giving me the copy for review! I enjoy this series and look forward to the next one!
These are tied cases that could easily become cold cases if it wasn't for Jolene's investigating skills and bravery to bend the rules a bit. She is keen to learn the truth, and will do whatever it takes. As pointed out by Nate though, sometimes she's so focused on solving, that she forgets to consider people's feelings. In her defense though, she was emotional towards the victims who fell-- well victim-- to a corrupt system. I was surprised by who the culprit was, and I liked that once you begin to think it's someone-- they're offed.
Thank you Get Red PR for giving me the copy for review! I enjoy this series and look forward to the next one!
August 27, 2025
I had no idea this book was a second part and when I realized that, I stopped and grab it from the library...
I am so glad that I did... IT WAS EPIC!!!
I think I found my new fav series!! The characters... CHEFS KISS!!
The book is well paced and I was hooked!!
4 stars
I am so glad that I did... IT WAS EPIC!!!
I think I found my new fav series!! The characters... CHEFS KISS!!
The book is well paced and I was hooked!!
4 stars
August 14, 2025
Book number 2 in the Jolene Garcia Mysteries. While I enjoyed the first book more, I still liked this one. I felt the first book was more suspenseful and thrilling. This second book was more a slow burn. I live in Phoenix and really enjoy all the Phoenix landmarks, although if you aren't from here then many probably won't make sense. I am hoping we get more of Jolene!
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 16, 2025
Thank you to St. Martin's press for providing me with an early eBooks copy of this book to read and review!
This book is number 2 in the series, and although I did not read the first book, I did not feel as though it affected my ability to follow along with the story. The first books theme and ending were mentioned briefly and it helped to understand the continuing storyline.
Personally, I do not like Jolene as a person but I DO enjoy that she isn't perfect. She doesn't make all the right decisions, and sometimes she doesn't follow protocol BUT she follows her heart and does what she feels needs to get done.
I enjoyed reading this book as my husband works in news! Some of the things talked about I have heard him and his coworkers saying and some were new to me. It was fun to read this book and feel like I was kind of in the know.
Thank you, again, to St. Martin's press!
This book is number 2 in the series, and although I did not read the first book, I did not feel as though it affected my ability to follow along with the story. The first books theme and ending were mentioned briefly and it helped to understand the continuing storyline.
Personally, I do not like Jolene as a person but I DO enjoy that she isn't perfect. She doesn't make all the right decisions, and sometimes she doesn't follow protocol BUT she follows her heart and does what she feels needs to get done.
I enjoyed reading this book as my husband works in news! Some of the things talked about I have heard him and his coworkers saying and some were new to me. It was fun to read this book and feel like I was kind of in the know.
Thank you, again, to St. Martin's press!
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