American Outrage

by Tim Green

Jake Carlson, a correspondent for the TV news show AMERICAN OUTRAGE, inhabits a world of sensational trials and crazed celebrities. One of the nation's top journalists, he's used to dragging himself into the dirt to get the truth. When his adopted son Sam asks him to use his muckraking talents to find his birth mother, Jake is stunned by the ugly secrets he an international crime syndicate, a horrifying child trafficking ring, and a corrupt politician, the patriarch of an old New York financial dynasty.


Initially galvanized by a career-making story, Jake---and his son---are soon the victims of brutal violence and the targets of Jake's fellow reporters, who dog them for their story. Concerned for the survival of his family, Jake realizes some sins of the past should never be uncovered...

Genres: Fiction, Suspense, Mystery Thriller, Audiobook, Adult, Thriller Suspense, Crime

306 pages, Hardcover

First published April 25, 2007

About the author

Tim Green, for many years a star defensive end with the Atlanta Falcons, is a man of many talents. He's the author of such gripping books for adults as the New York Times bestselling The Dark Side of the Game and a dozen suspense novels, including Exact Revenge and Kingdom Come. Tim graduated covaledictorian from Syracuse University and was a first-round NFL draft pick. He later earned his law degree with honors. Tim has worked as an NFL analyst for FOX Sports and as an NFL commentator for National Public Radio, among other broadcast experience. He lives with his wife, Illyssa, and their five children in upstate New York. Football Genius is his first novel for young readers. For more updates, visit www.facebook.com/authortimgreen

Reviews

[Vannessa Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

American Outrage is about a boy who asks his adoptive father, a journalist, to find his biological mother. What the two hadn’t expected were the death traps they would have to avoid to find the answer. American Outrage could have been a great book had the editing been better.

[Ellis · Rating 2 out of 5]

I guess my initial disappointment with this book came because I am a dork. I didn't know anything about this book, but got it from the library strictly based on the title. I thought the book would be a nonfiction political book. Oops.

Well, the book turned out to be story about a dad looking for the biological parents of his kid. It was okay, but it never really got me going. To be honest, even though I read 80 percent of the book, I didn't quite finish it. It's not that the book sucked that bad, but something better came along. Who knows, maybe the ending would have blown me away.

[Allan · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when a television journalist becomes the story. Jake Carlson and his son Sam try to find Sam biological mother only to get mixed up with the Albanian mob and a very powerful political family.

[dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really good story about a boy Sam who doesn't quite fit in with his peers. Sam's dad is a busy and well known television host doing stories that expose criminals. Sam is adopted and wants to find his birth mom. Jake his dad uses his sources to try to make it happen and runs into some underworld trouble of his own. The book is a real page turner, something always happening.

[John Bradford · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good, taut thriller about a TV news anchor whose adopted son wants to know his real parents. As they investigate, the father-and-son duo find themselves thrust deep into the underbelly of the Albanian mob -- where the son may have been born -- and one of America's richest families. It's fast-paced, engrossing and entertaining.

[Michelle (meshe) Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure how i feel about this one. There were some parts that were just a bit too far fetched for my taste. The mystery was good and the ending wrapped things up ok. Not sure it was good enough to make me want to read others by this author.

[Brian O'Leary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Trashy TV guy, tired of the biz, tries to find his adopted son's real mom, good characters, too formula like, weak end.

[James V Landfair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting

I just discovered Tim Green I've finished 2 books,can't wait to start another
I used to think he was a terrific sports writer but now I know he's so much more

[Reed Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy his books but especially the adult ones.

[Ronald Howell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finally finished it.

[Jill Black · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not his best

[Sally Ballentine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good read. Good story with pretty constant action.

[Diane Holm · Rating 5 out of 5]

The untold story is sometimes the most important… Working as an investigative reporter and celebrity host on American Outrage, Jake Carlson’s life is out of control. His job is uncertain, he’s recovering from the death of his wife and his adoptive son, Sam, is not adjusting well.

Jake doesn’t have enough to go around. Trying to be everything to everyone, father and son occasionally exchange harsh words. Feeling ignored, thirteen year old Sam asks dad to find his real mom. When a series of unexpected, dangerous and mysterious events unfold, their bond of love becomes the only link.

Jake’s search for truth begins while on assignment. Close to the town where Sam’s adoption took place, he stops by the old office. The investigation turns discouraging when the space is occupied by a travel bureau. Jake inquires about the adoption agency, but no one seems to know anything. When he returns the next day, the travel agency has disappeared!

Many miles away, Sam is at home with the housekeeper. Frequently he calls dad for the latest information, but Sam still feels left out. When Jake runs into a dead end, Sam comes up with valuable information off the internet, and then he vanishes. Panicked, Jake blows a vital interview for American Outrage and endangers his job. But when Sam shows up in Jakes motel room, things take a risky turn.

Jake has been threatened, chased and shot at. Utilizing past friends and FBI contacts he stubbornly pursues all leads. Fearing the worst, he arranges for Sam to stay with a relative. However, when his dad goes missing, Sam won’t give up and starts a search on his own.

The web of deception is ever expanding. Falsified documents, white baby markets and high society cover-ups make the truth difficult to untangle. Who can be trusted? Who has the real answers? Will Sam want to hear them? Worst of all, who will become the next severed head and two hands in a bowling bag?

American Outrage is full of suspense at every turn. Hang on and fasten your seatbelt!

[Monie · Rating 4 out of 5]

As host of the TV news show American Outrage the widowed Jake Carlson is an expert at digging up the truth behind the real story. When his teenage adopted son, Sam, asks Jake to track down his birth mother Jake grudgingly agrees. Sam has been acting up in school lately and Jake thinks finding his birth mother might bring Sam some peace.

The further Jake digs the more he reveals shocking evidence of crimes including illegal baby trafficking and a long line of cover ups in one of New York's wealthiest political families. Jake and Sam get caught up in a dangerous game with players who will stop at nothing to keep the truth from being revealed.

I enjoyed listening to the abridged version of American Outrage and thought it was a great story but just a little too predictable. I saw situations coming from a mile away and even correctly guessed the ending but I still felt that it was worth my time. Jake is endearing as the caring Dad who is trying to do right by his son and Sam is an annoying know-it-all with a "potty mouth" but Green makes it work within the story line.

What I also liked about the story is that when all was said and done, Jake got a taste of what it was like to be on the opposite end of the media spectacle. This was my first book by Tim Green and I liked it well enough that I'll be on the lookout for more by him. I recommend this one for action lovers.

[Hilmi Isa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jake Carlson merupakan seorang selebriti televisyen yang kini menerima cabaran untuk mengekalkan populariti dan kewibawaannya. Masalah peribadi juga turut menghimpit Jake. Bukan sahaja isterinya meninggal dunia akibat kanser, malahan, anak angkatnya, Sam juga mempunyai masalah disiplin di sekolah. Tambah merumitkan keadaan, Sam meminta ayahnya untuk mencari ibu-bapa kandungnya yang sebenar. Dengan perasaan yang bercampur-baur, Jake bersetuju untuk memenuhi kehendak Sam. Tetapi, misi ini bukanlah sesuatu yang mudah. Pencarian mereka ini terpaksa menempuhi jalan yang sangat berbahaya. Mereka diburu oleh sebuah kumpulan ala-Mafia Albania. Selain itu, terdapat juga usaha untuk menghalangnya oleh seorang senator Kongres Amerika Syarikat yang khuatir nama baik keluarganya terjejas sekiranya terbongkar siapakah ibu-bapa Sam yang sebenar.
Secara keseluruhannya, masih lagi boleh dianggap menghiburkan untuk dibaca. Terdapat beberapa twist yang tidak dijangka. Jalan dan plot ceritanya juga bersifat fast-paced dan tidak kompleks. Namun demikian, apa yang kurang saya berpuas hati adalah penamatnya yang boleh saya kelaskan sebagai anti-klimaks.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

American Outrage TV reporter, Jake Carlson is the best at what he does. Maybe that’s why his adopted son, Sam has asked him to locate his real mother. Jake would do anything for his son, so he agrees. Jake starts digging around to find out what he can about Sam’s biological mother. What Jake soon discovers is an illegal adoption ring that involves a dirty politician. Now everyone Jake holds near and dear to him is in danger including himself.

Jake is the type of guy you want fighting on your side. He stands for everything that is right, no matter how terrible the times get. American Outrage is a high-intensity, thrill ride a minute. The story moves so fast that you will find yourself lost in the moment. American Outrage is the first book I have read by Tim Green and it won’t be the last. All I can wonder is where was Mr. Green when I was in my reading slump? Well now that I have read what Mr. Green has to offer, I plan on checking out all of his other works including his next novel, Above the Law.

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a Tim Green fan and this book, which in my case is a prequel to novels I've already read, fit perfectly into my preopinion. Jake, the hero, is working for 'investigative' television as an on-air reporter. His wife is dead and his adoptive son wants to look into possibly locating his birth mother. This leads to the Albanian mob, a fabulously wealthy politician and his hired henchmen, an over ambitious producer and a growing relationship between Jake and his son. The plot at times borders on the convoluted but always keeps the reader involved and interested. The human side is complicated and sometimes engrossing. Perfect for a three day weekend!

[Evelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Television tabloid news reporter Jake Carlson's career is in a major downslide. His wife died a year ago and now their adopted son, Sam, is in trouble at school. When Sam asks Jake's help in finding his biological mother, Jake uncovers secrets that powerful people want to keep at any cost.

Fast-paced suspense that keeps you guessing until the end. A likeable main character that could start a series for Green. Highly recommended.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tim Green [former NFL player:] has evolved. His first book was completely about football. Then he went to football and crime but this one never mentions the 'F' word [football that is:]. I've enjoyed all his books to a degree, but especially those as he got away from the game and more into murder and mayhem!

[Mary Frances · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wow, what a let down. I somehow thought this book was going to be a comment on shows that exploit people in crisis. Instead it was nothing but a fairly pedestrian thriller that was a bit laughable. You can practically hear the grinding as the plot wheels turn. Not worth it. Glad it was a library book.

[Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was quite excellent! I tried to read it as slowly as possible so that it would not end but we know that everything must come to an end at some time. The characters were well developed. The kid actually made me angry. However his inability to follow instructions got him into a lot of trouble yet in the end he learned to enjoy the hand life had dealt him.

[Drick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack Carlson, famous TV personality, goes looking for his adopted son's mother, only to find himself in the middle of a child smuggling ring that is connected to a prominent , wealthy politician. As the story unwinds, Carlson goes from curious to suspicious. The story moves quickly and keeps you guessing. Green is a good writer who can tell a compelling tale

[Marciea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read a lot of books and this one had a pretty creative plot...one I have never run across before. It it well written although I was surprised by the number of swear words.
If you are offended by swear words, don't read it. They are numerous.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fairly good book about a TV interviewer helping his adopted son look for his biological mother. Best part was the juxtaposition of the brainless topics of the interviews (totally typical of current TV interviews) with the strong emotions of the son in hoping to find his mother.

[Marca · Rating 3 out of 5]

What begins as an adopted son’s innocent query about his birth parents leads TV reporter Jake Carlson on a dangerous trail that includes corrupt politicians and Albanian mobsters. Listened on audio and tuned out at times because it did go on. American Outrage is the name of Jake's TV show.

[Joi · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was only okay. I liked the mystery aspect, but I didn't like the ending and I didn't think that the book really needed to be this long. I didn't like most of the characters and the plot was only half interesting.

[Tif · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good read except I felt it to be a little contrived. Good but not great.

[Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bought this at the Albuquerque airport and read it on the way home. It kept me interested.

[Joe O'Connor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very Good; tabloid reporter father tries to help son track his birth parents and end up stumbling into a conspiracy or two

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

strong lanuage warning!!!
a multi-mystery story that intwines for a son and his father.