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The Deadline
National bestselling author Kiki Swinson always ups the ante with shocking twists, relentless characters, and a hard-edged portrait of Southern living—and dying. Now all bets are off as a newbie journalist desperate for the spotlight plunges into a killerstory . . .Anything for the fame As an off-air TV news journalist, Khloé Mercer covers the tough Norfolk, Virginia, neighborhood she grew up in. But between a hostile boss and stiff competition, she hasto break a major exclusive to save her job—and lock down the coveted anchor desk slot she feels she deserves . . . Anything for the lies When a murder takes place on her home turf, Khloé has easy access to the dirty truth behind it. But she’ll have to decide whether to exploit every angle and leverage any favor to make her career explode big-time—or keep quiet and keep herself, and her family, safe. Until the choice is out of her hands . . .Anything to stay alive Once the ruthless power brokers behind the hit put Khloé in their sights, they start brutally cleaning up loose ends. Now with an inescapable target on her back and odds racking up against her, she’ll find nowhere is safe, and ambition may be her most dangerous enemy . . .
223 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 25, 2020
32 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
Kiki Swinson
85 books932 followersKiki Swinson was born and raised in Portsmouth, Virginia. She discovered her flair for writing after completing her first novel, Mad Shambles, while serving a five-year sentence at a federal prison.
After being released in December 1996, Kiki later went on to self-publish Mad Shambles. Her passion for writing didn't stop there. Writing feverishly into the wee hours of the night, she completed her second novel, Wifey, which was published by Melodrama Publishing. After the success of Wifey, Kiki penned the sequels I'm Still Wifey and Life After Wifey, as well as The Candy Shop and A Sticky Situation.
After being released in December 1996, Kiki later went on to self-publish Mad Shambles. Her passion for writing didn't stop there. Writing feverishly into the wee hours of the night, she completed her second novel, Wifey, which was published by Melodrama Publishing. After the success of Wifey, Kiki penned the sequels I'm Still Wifey and Life After Wifey, as well as The Candy Shop and A Sticky Situation.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
August 25, 2020
Khloe Mercer is a TV news journalist, always looking for a story, even putting herself in trouble to get 'the' story. Her boss has given her an ultimatum .. get a really BIG story or clear your desk and go somewhere else.
A murder takes place on and thanks to her twin brother, she has access to what ... and who... was behind this hit. But does she expose the story ...and the higher ups it will expose .. or stay quiet and possible lose her job, but at the same time would keep her and her family safe... especially when the power brokers set their eyes on Khloe.
An intricate plot swirls around child endangerment, child trafficking, a corrupt police department and characters that are deftly drawn. It's an action-packed page turner, with twists and turns leading to an unexpected conclusion.
Many thanks to the author / Kensington Books / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here and entirely my own.
A murder takes place on and thanks to her twin brother, she has access to what ... and who... was behind this hit. But does she expose the story ...and the higher ups it will expose .. or stay quiet and possible lose her job, but at the same time would keep her and her family safe... especially when the power brokers set their eyes on Khloe.
An intricate plot swirls around child endangerment, child trafficking, a corrupt police department and characters that are deftly drawn. It's an action-packed page turner, with twists and turns leading to an unexpected conclusion.
Many thanks to the author / Kensington Books / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here and entirely my own.
August 21, 2020
The Deadline is an outstanding multicultural thriller from bestselling author, Kiki Swinson.
Khloé Mercer is a junior TV news reporter focused on a goal. She wants an on-air anchor position and will go to great lengths to get it. She battles a backstabbing co-worker and a biased boss in her pursuit of the breakout story that’s going to save her job and elevate her career status. Khloé gets information regarding serious criminal activity in her hometown of Norfolk, VA. This is Khloé’s big story, but is it worth exposing herself and her family to real danger from desperate people.
Kiki Swinson does it again. Another bold female character who finds herself in a sticky situation entirely of her own making. Great plot, great characters, great twists, great writing, just GREAT! I didn’t find any cons, so I must give The Deadline 5 out of 5 stars. I recommend this book to everyone who enjoys a great thriller.
My thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
Khloé Mercer is a junior TV news reporter focused on a goal. She wants an on-air anchor position and will go to great lengths to get it. She battles a backstabbing co-worker and a biased boss in her pursuit of the breakout story that’s going to save her job and elevate her career status. Khloé gets information regarding serious criminal activity in her hometown of Norfolk, VA. This is Khloé’s big story, but is it worth exposing herself and her family to real danger from desperate people.
Kiki Swinson does it again. Another bold female character who finds herself in a sticky situation entirely of her own making. Great plot, great characters, great twists, great writing, just GREAT! I didn’t find any cons, so I must give The Deadline 5 out of 5 stars. I recommend this book to everyone who enjoys a great thriller.
My thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
August 27, 2020
The Deadline is an unputdownable, powerful and edge of your seat read. Khloe Mercer is a junior reporter who takes down mayoral candidate Anton Barker because of his double life. She deals with a biased boss and a backstabbing coworker at the news station. Barker involved in human trafficking, martial infertility and murder. With the help of her brother Kyle, Khloe uncovers corruption not just with Barker but also the detective of the Newark Police Department. Khloe goes undercover to find a young girl that's being exploited in the underground while seeking justice for her twin brother Kyle, Aaron Barker and the detective got what they deserved at the end.
December 16, 2020
The Deadline
Kiki Swinson
A powerful and unputdownable read about a strong female character whose killer story puts her own life at risk.
What does it take to make it through the tough and highly competitive world of journalism and news media as a woman?
Swinson tells an amazing story with amazing twists on the cover up and search for the truth on a high profile story and case. This was written so well, I found myself truly captivated by the story and rooting for the underdogs. Fantastic read I enjoyed.
Kiki Swinson
A powerful and unputdownable read about a strong female character whose killer story puts her own life at risk.
What does it take to make it through the tough and highly competitive world of journalism and news media as a woman?
Swinson tells an amazing story with amazing twists on the cover up and search for the truth on a high profile story and case. This was written so well, I found myself truly captivated by the story and rooting for the underdogs. Fantastic read I enjoyed.
September 11, 2020
Kiki Swinson has done it again with The Deadline. Khloe Mercer is a TV journalist, looking to move up, always on the lookout for the next story. She throws her hear and soul into her reporting. However, like many of us have experienced at one time or another, she has a boss that does not seem to appreciate her effort and the fact that she goes the extra mile. Her boss calls her into the office one day and tells her to get a BIG STORY or she is out of a job. Of course, Khloe rises to the occasion along with some assistance from her twin brother. Together they gather dirt and present to everyone the story of all stories. There is murder. There are secrets. There is intrigue. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat, turning pages to discover just what is going to happen next. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book.
August 24, 2021
This book was pure fire from start to finish. The twins were unstoppable in this book Kyle helped his sister Khole to get the story of her career and boy did hey career get the push she need at what cost. She lost the most important person in her life behind this story Kyle her birth twin. You gotta read it to see why and how everything went down. Great job Kiki great damn job with this story…
Read
April 25, 2021DNF -Premise not logical/ acceptable
August 20, 2024
Plot was intriguing and authentic dialogues in characters as audio book but writing was ok -but I’ve never written a book! So I do appreciate the story and this was the only audio available on loan while I was traveling
August 4, 2020
Great fast pace read. This will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. I guessed the ending because of the prologue, but never less a great book. I will be adding more of this authors books to read.
September 29, 2020
Greetings! We received this book in August and could not wait to read it. Kiki Swinson is a known author to us here at AAMBC, and she did not disappoint us with her latest book, "The Deadline."
From the beginning of "The Deadline," we were caught up in the storyline. Khloe Mercer is a reporter that will place herself in the line of danger to get the story that will put her on top. She has gone undercover in the streets and been in danger more than once to get the "scoop" that will make her the number one reporter in her area. Khloe has a twin brother that can get her the inside information on a prominent political figure who is leading a serious double life that involves all kinds of criminal activity. Each character stands alone to keep the story flowing smoothly. Is Khloe willing to risk her safety to expose this individual? Is it worth the risks that she must take? The reader will hold their breath at times, wondering if Khloe has gone too far, and if she will escape the danger that she places herself to get that "scoop."
We give "The Deadline" a five out of five stars. Realistic scenarios from the first page to the ending will have the reader glued to the pages to find out what happens next at every turn in the book.
TL;DR
The Good: The smooth flow of the storyline. Also, the authenticity of the plot of the book.
The Bad: None
Is It Worth The Buy: Absolutely
Rating :5/5 stars
From the beginning of "The Deadline," we were caught up in the storyline. Khloe Mercer is a reporter that will place herself in the line of danger to get the story that will put her on top. She has gone undercover in the streets and been in danger more than once to get the "scoop" that will make her the number one reporter in her area. Khloe has a twin brother that can get her the inside information on a prominent political figure who is leading a serious double life that involves all kinds of criminal activity. Each character stands alone to keep the story flowing smoothly. Is Khloe willing to risk her safety to expose this individual? Is it worth the risks that she must take? The reader will hold their breath at times, wondering if Khloe has gone too far, and if she will escape the danger that she places herself to get that "scoop."
We give "The Deadline" a five out of five stars. Realistic scenarios from the first page to the ending will have the reader glued to the pages to find out what happens next at every turn in the book.
TL;DR
The Good: The smooth flow of the storyline. Also, the authenticity of the plot of the book.
The Bad: None
Is It Worth The Buy: Absolutely
Rating :5/5 stars
August 15, 2020
Finally wrapped up The Deadline by Kiki Swanson.
I was able to read an Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley, this 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟐𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟎
This book features junior reporter, Khloe Mercer, she is tasked with finding an exclusive story or lose her job. When she discovers that a mayoral candidate is living a double life, Khloe does everything in her power to take him down.
My review and thoughts: This is a thriller and stand-alone book. It isn’t a long read, either. I was losing sleep trying to read. It was really good, fast paced, and everything that I didn’t know I needed to read. I loved how Khloe’s twin brother, Kyle, was willing lay himself on the line to help his sister. I loved their bond. Between the grimy mayor and dirty detective I was on the edge of my seat! It felt like I was watching a movie play out. Good read for me!
I was able to read an Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley, this 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟐𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟎
This book features junior reporter, Khloe Mercer, she is tasked with finding an exclusive story or lose her job. When she discovers that a mayoral candidate is living a double life, Khloe does everything in her power to take him down.
My review and thoughts: This is a thriller and stand-alone book. It isn’t a long read, either. I was losing sleep trying to read. It was really good, fast paced, and everything that I didn’t know I needed to read. I loved how Khloe’s twin brother, Kyle, was willing lay himself on the line to help his sister. I loved their bond. Between the grimy mayor and dirty detective I was on the edge of my seat! It felt like I was watching a movie play out. Good read for me!
July 8, 2022
Kiki's writing has gotten a lot better. This was a slight departure from her usual.
Khloe iss an up and coming reporter that needs a ground breaking story.
Her twin brother comes to the rescue with the dangerous yet shocking investigation that she needs.
Their are a lot of corrupt officials and police officers in Norfolk where they live.
I liked the flashbacks. They were a good touch. Kyle and Khloe lost their dad at a young age. He was murdered in front of them. Their mom turned to drugs to cope.
The fact that Khloe kept ignoring her brothers warnings was annoying. She didn't operate like someone who valued his safety.
Everyone doesn't speak AAVE. So to have her boss doing so?
A shaky 3.5 stars. It had a lot of promise.
Khloe iss an up and coming reporter that needs a ground breaking story.
Her twin brother comes to the rescue with the dangerous yet shocking investigation that she needs.
Their are a lot of corrupt officials and police officers in Norfolk where they live.
I liked the flashbacks. They were a good touch. Kyle and Khloe lost their dad at a young age. He was murdered in front of them. Their mom turned to drugs to cope.
The fact that Khloe kept ignoring her brothers warnings was annoying. She didn't operate like someone who valued his safety.
Everyone doesn't speak AAVE. So to have her boss doing so?
A shaky 3.5 stars. It had a lot of promise.
November 3, 2025
Phemonal story that depicted the complexity with in-depth deadly details of how dangerous and realistically "The News" can be. I didn't know or was remotely aware of the backstabbing, manipulating, and cutthroating techniques in this quite terrifying business.
I was extremely impressed by Khole Mercer's mannerisms to see the truth about Anthon Baker's horrifying, vile, and utterly disgusting behaviors against innocent little children. She risked her safety, unconditionally, and almost got killed while seeking the truth. The storyline, writing techniques, and concepts of this novel were beyond compelling, realistically, and emotionally insightful.
I'm excitedly and highly recommended this book
I was extremely impressed by Khole Mercer's mannerisms to see the truth about Anthon Baker's horrifying, vile, and utterly disgusting behaviors against innocent little children. She risked her safety, unconditionally, and almost got killed while seeking the truth. The storyline, writing techniques, and concepts of this novel were beyond compelling, realistically, and emotionally insightful.
I'm excitedly and highly recommended this book
August 16, 2020
Khloe is a reporter in search of a hot story but she didn't expect what would happen when she began to peel back the layers of Anton, a candidate for mayor and all around rat. Norfolk is a tough town and this has some gritty bits but it's also got a determined heroine. Khloe keeps poking and poking and uncovers not only marital infidelity (not such a big deal for politicians these days) but more important and awful human trafficking. And, she finds justice for her twin brother Kyle. It's a fast read with good characters and atmospherics. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This was my first book by Swinson and I'd like to see more from her.
July 27, 2020
This book was a definite page turner. Khloe Mercer would do anything to get the reigning spot on the 5 o'clock news but it definitely comes with some issues. Khloe with the help of her brother Kyle stumble upon the corrupt dealings of a soon to be mayor and detective of the Newark police department. From child endangerment and trafficking to murder. Khloe risks it all to get the story of a lifetime that will definitely throw her career into overdrive. Khloe finds out that the perfect story may be her very last.
August 16, 2020
A very good thriller built in layers that amp up the tension. A young woman's goal of moving from off-air to on-air TV news correspondent is challenged when she must place her future on the line to find a killer and expose a group of corrupt officials. Kiki Swinson builds Khloe Mercer and her supporting characters into a team that will use everything they know to save their home and families. This was an amazingly well written story that will keep you turning pages to see how Khloe will get her story and save the day.
November 20, 2020
The plot development was weak. Khloe was threatened with being fired or reporting on an earth-shattering story. When she found out that a mayoral candidate was also a pedophile and drug dealer, she saw her chance. The police were involved so she and her twin decided to investigate. This could have taken investigative reporting to a new level but all it bought was destruction. An award naturally followed for exposing this person. Sounded like the Chi to me. In the end, she will become a PI for hire.
October 5, 2020
This was such an exciting book! I loved the main character Khloe. I thought she was such a wonderful MC. I was drawn to her and rooted for her through the whole book. I loved the intricacies of the plot. It's one that has twists and turns that really kept me on the edge of my seat! I really enjoyed it!
I was provided a gifted copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
I was provided a gifted copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
July 9, 2020
Action packed straight out of the gate! Sometimes I skip the prologue just to jump into the story, but in this case DON’T SKIP THE PROLOGUE!! Although this story, should come with some trigger warnings, the author does a fantastic job at moving the story along.
If a gritty urban mystery is in your wheelhouse, then look no further for a fantastic read!
If a gritty urban mystery is in your wheelhouse, then look no further for a fantastic read!
August 24, 2022
The Deadline was a straight up turn pager. Kiki Swinson takes us on a ride with the main character Khloe Mercer. This woman is courageous, bold and smart. It feels like you're walking with Khloe Mercer as she goes through her News story. This book is dope.
March 28, 2023
Although very good 👍🏽 towards the end it did seem to drag on a little. I was left with a little cliffhanger and I would have loved to see how her mother found her in time with the police. I did enjoy it, however there were things she could have elaborated on
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2023
Very different book and well done. Characters were well developed. Khloe is a reporter for a news station and she has done some things for stories that have been dangerous. Her boss does not appreciate her and the one the boss favors has stolen a story from Khloe before.
August 30, 2020
Good one
I really enjoyed it. It was a thriller for sure. I can't wait to see if it will be a sequel or not
I really enjoyed it. It was a thriller for sure. I can't wait to see if it will be a sequel or not
October 6, 2020
Worth reading
November 13, 2020
It started out very exciting. I was hooked but then the author couldn’t keep my interest. The ending was quick I was disappointed how it just ended so abruptly not a lot of working up to it.
December 2, 2020
Fast read..kept me going..rooting for the little person..
January 9, 2021
This wasn’t her best work. It was just ok for me.
August 4, 2021
Good read
I gave this book 5 stars for it was well written. The suspense, the gathering of info and conclusion were on point can't wait to see what's next
I gave this book 5 stars for it was well written. The suspense, the gathering of info and conclusion were on point can't wait to see what's next
October 11, 2021
Kloe put herself in arms length to please her evil boss
December 29, 2021
It had shades of awesome but just fell flat
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews