Deadline Man

by Jon Talton

He’s a man whose life is so intertwined with his job that we know him only as “the columnist.” He writes for a newspaper in Seattle, isn’t afraid to stir up trouble and keeps his life – including his multiple lovers and his past – in safe compartments. It’s all about to be violently upended when he goes out on what seems like the most mundane of assignments, looking into a staid company that “never makes news.”

But from the moment one of his sources takes a dive off a downtown skyscraper, the columnist is plunged into a harrowing maze of murder, intrigue and secrets that powerful forces intend to keep hidden at all costs. All he has to go on is a corporate world where nothing is as it seems, increasingly menacing encounters with mysterious federal agents and the unsettling meme “eleven/eleven.” Meanwhile, the paper itself is dying. The columnist joins with an aggressive young reporter to see if one explosive story can save a newspaper – and much more. They’re running to make the deadline of their lives and failure will bring lethal consequences.

Deadline Man is Jon Talton at his best, a novel that is both electrifying and intelligent, capturing the romance and harsh reality of newspaper journalism while raising important questions that will haunt readers long after the fast-paced action ends.

 

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Thriller, Suspense, Audiobook

276 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Jon Talton is the author of the David Mapstone novels, which follow the adventures of a historian-turned-deputy, working the mean streets of the urban West.

Jon's first novel, "Concrete Desert," was hailed by Kirkus as "an impressive debut." The Washington Post said it "is more intelligent and rewarding than most contemporary mysteries." The series has continued with "Camelback Falls," "Dry Heat," "Arizona Dreams" and "Cactus Heart." "Dry Heat" received Arizona Highways magazine's best fiction award in 2005.

Reviews

[Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars for Deadline Man (audiobook) by Jon Talton read by Malcolm Hillgartner.

A Seattle newspaper writer begins to be part of the story as he researches why one of his sources dies talking a plunge off of a skyscraper. There’s feds involved and a mysterious group that’s really up to no good. Will the writer figure out the plot to this story before he ends up dead?

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

An okay newspaper story about an unnamed columnist uncovering a conspiracy plot. If you work at a newspaper, or are interested in the state of the industry in 2010-11, you'll enjoy the read.

Now, my one major problem with the book is the goofy way Talton doesn't name the columnist. I understand he's a business columnist, and this may have been his way of placing himself directly into the story without coming up with another name for himself, but everytime one of the other characters said the columnist's name, he has to write around it.

Seriously? Are you kidding me?

If the coolest thing about your prose is that you don't name the main character, you may need to send your dipper back down the inspiration well again.

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good mystery but an even better comment on the state of newspapers today. This was written before the current White House war with the media but is a hypothetical look at what happens when an independent observer (a newspaper or even a single reporter) shines a light on issues powerful people are trying to keep in the shadows.

[Melissa Joulwan · Rating 4 out of 5]

If Jack Reacher was a journalist… fun, smart thriller with lots to say about newspapers. Also very strong sense of Seattle.

[Michael · Rating 1 out of 5]

Full disclosure: I did not finish this book.

This book suffers from Larsson Syndrome: the protagonist, a barely-disguised stand-in for the author, manages to juggle a series of beautiful and commitment-free lovers. Everyone's entitled to their fantasy life, but that doesn't mean I want to be read about the details.

I didn't get too far in the book, but the plot was already outlandish and unbelievable.

I wanted so badly to like this. It takes place in Seattle, and the geographic details were spot-on! I couldn't finish, though. Not recommended.

[Alan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Talton is in his element writing about the Seattle newspaper business. Good pace, intriguing mystery and capable writing but a let-down at the end. Four stars is a bit of a stretch but I was relieved to read a stand-alone novel, lol. I should start a group “Fans of Good Stand-Alone Mysteries & Thrillers”. Much too rare these days.

[Barbara B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought I had set myself up for disappointment when I tried a book by this author that didn't take place in Phoenix with his usual character. But I was pleasantly surprised. It was good! And (to appease me, I think) he "went" to Phoenix for a short trip.................

[Carrieuoregon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some good even great stuff mixed with masculine nonsense

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I left Seattle over 40 years ago but the descriptions in this gripping story had me right back there; the weather, the ferries & buses, the historic parts of town, the different outlying neighborhoods, the kinds of people you meet on the streets or socially. So, the setting was great for me.

What I also appreciated was the insight into the dying days of print newspapers, and the love a journalist could have for the rhythm of his days, the vibration of the massive presses, the jargon that goes back over a century, the passion and commitment it took to keep to deadline along with the production of really fine analyses of issues.

The mystery itself was really gripping and exciting. I really related to the protagonist and was not bothered by his name never having been mentioned. You are seeing it from his point of view, after all.

I thought his balancing act between his various love interests was handled extremely well, and believably. I have read some of his David Mapstone mysteries and really enjoyed them but this struck me as much more sophisticated and complex. I want to read everything he has written now (except his Seattle Times economics columns!).

[Mark Luebker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve read and enjoyed all of Talton’s David Mapstone books, so I figured I’d give Deadline Man, a stand-alone, a try when it popped up in my recommendations. Talton is a good writer, so no reservations there, but a story that seems to want to be a thriller turns out to be equal parts a requiem for the daily newspaper and its slow-motion demise. I think that would have worked if there’d been clear parallels between the reflections of the unnamed columnist who narrates the story and the story unfolding around him. But those connecting threads were vague at best, and in the thriller side of the story, characters remain opaque and their actions don’t always make a lot of sense. So the reader doesn’t really have the opportunity to try to figure out where all of this might be leading. And when the big revelation finally came, I found myself unsatisfied with how many questions it didn’t really answer.

[Susan Dennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first of Talton's books I had ever read and I was alternatingly fascinated and kind of bored. His unnamed narrator, it turns out, lives 1/2 block from my house. Said narrator is a newspaper columnist. I started out as a newspaper reporter back in the day and developed a real prejudice against columnists and much of that prejudice was because they were all like this guy. Arrogant with clue about real life. It's hard to like a book when you really don't like the main character. And while I enjoyed the Seattle references, after a while it felt like I was being hit over the head with a Seattle map.

But, yeah, I'll try another Talton in hopes these issues were a one off.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in Seattle, this thriller was entertaining and fast paced. The main character is a columnist -- a dying breed. He finds himself enmeshed in a story that is two steps ahead of him. Full of references to the newspaper business adds color and interest, particularly as the entire profession from the content to production has changed. I began my career at the Chicago Tribune, so this was like a walk down memory lane. Also visiting Seattle while reading the book. If you aren't familiar with Seattle or intrigued by the newspaper trade -- you may not find this as enjoyable as I did, but it's worth a try.

[KJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first Jon Talton novel set in Seattle. I’ve read all of the David Mapstone novels (in order through The Bomb Shelter), so was interested in this series’ character and plot development. I like it. Many twists and turns. I guessed a couple things early on that proved out at the end - but they weren’t hugely glaring. I was born and raised in Seattle, and read Jon’s column in the Seattle Times before he retired. He did a great job ‘splaining the business news, which I appreciated. And he does a pretty good job here.

I’m now reading the first book in his Cincinnati series. That should tell you I find Jon’s writing to be worthy of pursuit.

[Susan Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was disappointed that I finished the David Mapstone series by Talton so I picked up Deadline Man. Not a disappointment! The newspaper background definitely resonates during present day with all the “fake news” criticism and makes me hope that we still have journalists like the one represented by the lead character. Great suspense story!

[David L. Haven, Jr. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like it.

I've read all of Jon Talton's books, this one I like least of all. Call me old school, call me a toad, but I want to believe men like this are gone for good. Maybe that is what happened to print edition.

[Terri · Rating 1 out of 5]

I usually like Jon Talton's books, but this one...I just could not get into. It's first person singular, which is not my favorite, but to make it worse, it's written in the present tense...which I really don't like...but I made it about halfway before giving up.

[Curtis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I couldn't resist a newspaper thriller set in one of my favorite cities, Seattle. However, our hero is a little too handsome, brave, and irresistible to the opposite sex for my liking. Entertaining and fast-paced, but nothing that will stick with me long-term.

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better than 3 stars, not a 4. The most interesting part of the book was the main character's need for relationships w multiple women. Ending had potential, but felt rushed.

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

AUDIBLE BOOK
A newspaperman starts a not much story , that turns into murder and terrorism

[Dalene Hansen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 actual

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic story

[Melissa D'Haene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thrilling.

[Mark Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

I spent 13 years in newspaper newsrooms and six more years in the television side of the business, so I’m extra critical when mysteries feature a reporter. There are many reporter-centric mystery novels out there and many, of course, don’t get the details quite right. At the beginning of “Deadline Man,” I felt as if I was in good hands. Talton’s experience shows. Even better, his writing style is captivating. “Deadline Man” is told in first-person, present tense. We never learn the name of our narrator, a business columnist in Seattle.The visuals are strong. The newsroom scenes and newsroom politics are right there—down to our narrator’s jaded view of the declining newspaper business. (Been there.) In fact, the book is part lament for the pressures on big city journalism today. “It might be the end of my world,” writes our narrator. “I know that. Papers have been closing. So many good people I know have been hurt. The survivors have been cutting staffs, dumbing down coverage and acting as lapdogs rather than watchdogs.” At the Free Press, as our narrator puts it, “everybody’s afraid.”

The mood is somber—and soon turns bleak. “Deadline Man” carries a whiff of noir. Talton knows how to set a mood. He slips in nifty images, but keeps the story moving. The big issue with newspaper reporters being featured in books and movies is that, well, their lives aren’t that exciting. That is, if you want to keep it “real.” Talton takes care of the excitement factor in the opening pages—a guy the columnist meets in a hedge fund office high up in a skyscraper with a magnificent view of Elliot Bay lands on the hood of a Toyota Camry. This death propels the story forward, as does a missing teenage girl and mysterious mentions of “eleven eleven." Our hero has a busy love life—there’s Robin, Pam, Amber, Melinda and another Melinda. So now we are in the realm of fantasy, at least based on the newspaper reporters I have known. Maybe there’s something in the water—or coffee—in Seattle that keeps the women lined up at this guy’s door. The narrator’s nose for digging and facts is admirable and so is his tenacity in the face of all kinds of efforts to push him off track, including torture. Soon our narrator is down the “rabbit hole of the hidden defense budget” and the privatization of nationals security. The journalist is dogged. His ability to (spoiler alert) kill stretches the well-grounded newsroom bits. Most newspaper reporters don’t have an inner Jack Reacher to channel. But I stuck right with “Deadline Man” right down to the bitter dash-30. “Deadline Man” will take you for a ride, even as it strays far from the facts of the newspaper biz.

[Jim Thomsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Deadline Man" is a whip-cracking thrill ride, full of great writing, witty characterizations and tightly wound plotting ... up until the story sails cheerfully over the top in a speed-of-light third act and crashes under the weight of its own hyper-convoluted conspiracy theories.

Author Jon Talton, an economics columnist for The Seattle Times, starts this set-in-Seattle mystery novel centered on an unnamed Seattle newspaper business columnist with smart, and smartassed, surefootedness. He knows the city, he knows business and he knows newspapering. So does his fictional doppelganger as his probing into the death of a hedge-fund hustler, set against the all-but-certain death of his newspaper, takes him on a breakneck tour of hesitant sources and hot sort-of girlfriends. (The sex scenes are just as over-the-top as everything else in this book, with even a touch of unfortunately fashionable torture-porn.) All of which makes for a crackling Seattle mystery yarn in the vein of Earl Emerson's earlier work.

But, not long after the halfway mark, the tale takes an abrupt shift into apocalyptic geo-political thriller mode, as shadowy nemeses with seemingly unchecked federal powers stack up with a wildly escalating body count. Along with this shift come too many straw-men characters, too many contrived endangerments and escapes, and ultimately too much confusion about who did what to who and why. By the end, I felt exhausted by a whirlwind of wild developments and windy expositions.

That said, I like Talton's crisp pacing, colorful characterizations and authoritative certitude. The man has craft and style to spare. In this case, he simply let his story sprint away from him. But the stuff I liked about "Deadline Man" makes me want to search out his other mysteries to see if they're the same ... only better.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

From my blog...
The Deadline Man by Jon Talton is an exciting thrill ride from the very beginning. Masterfully written with clever and unsuspecting plot twists as well cleverly placed clues the reader may be able to detect while reading the story, Deadline Man by Jon Talton is a thrill ride from page one. The story is narrated by "the columnist", for his real name is never given throughout the novel. Early in the columnist's career he was referred to as "the deadline man", due to his ability to work under pressure. The Columnist writes for The Seattle Free Press, one of his main contacts has just plummeted from his 22nd story balcony leaving the columnist with several unknowns. Things go from bad to worse when the columnist learns the Free Press is looking for a buyer or will close in a few months. Seattle, reputed for being a safe city, is proving to be just the opposite for the columnist. From his deceased ex-informant, a prostitute, and yet another dead body, the term eleven-eleven keeps popping up as well s the body count. The further the columnist digs for answers the more dangerous it gets for him and those around him. The columnist is clearly a clever writer with excellent journalistic instincts, however his ego and inability to be faithful prove at times to be quite detrimental. Deadline Man is a brilliantly crafted thriller revolving around the mysterious eleven-eleven, national security, Olympic International and potentially corrupt private military contractors. Deadline Man will keep the reader engaged, thinking, and turning the pages.

[T · Rating 2 out of 5]

Set in Seattle, there's some kind of conspiracy going on. One of the locally family-owned newspapers appears to be prime for biting the dust, and their star business columnist manages to find himself on the edge of a big story. Shortly after interviewing a big player - and really, *shortly* - the player plummets to earth from his high-rise office patio in the heart of downtown Seattle. On his way home to Pioneer Square, a hooker shouts at him from an alley. His girl friend's dad berates him at a local Starbucks. What the heck?

This was a little hard for me to get through, maybe I was too distracted, but it was fun because of the very real setting and local color...Seneca Street, WaMu, Brasa Restaurant.....

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is by an Economist from Seattle (he is the Economics columnist for the Times). It is also set in Seattle. Local author, set in Seattle, recommendation from Michael Connelly on the cover...what's not to love? I really enjoyed it. I think it was really interesting that he never gives the main character a name -- I don't think I've ever read a book where the character is so well defined, but doesn't have a name. Very clever. The plot was intricate and kept me engaged until the end. I understand that he's written other books, including (gasp) a series. I'll be checking those out (no pun) soon! An economist who writes mystery novels....Katie or George, where's yours???

[Lonna Cunningham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written brain candy of the suspense and thrills variety. The plot kept me interested - though occasionally I had trouble keeping some of the female characters sorted - and the periodic rants about the sad state of modern journalism seemed sufficiently relevant, given the context, that they didn't jar too much (though they did get a little repetitive!). Great use of language to evoke the environment and scene, which I very much.

If you have bad reactions to up close and personal violence and torture, proceed with caution. It isn't throughout the book, but could be upsetting to some people (came close for me, but I have some issues with that sort of thing).

[Richard · Rating 3 out of 5]

In spite of its shortcomings, this is an interesting read. OK, so the hero doesn't reveal his name. Neither does the Nameless Detective in San Francisco. What was the Lone Ranger's name? Big deal.

Having dealt with the government agencies he describes in the story, it would have taken some serious bribes to get away with the scams the bad guys supposedly are committing.

Nevertheless, I liked the book. I enjoyed his descriptions of Seattle, the information about the newspapers, and especially that there is a lot more to The Journalist than meets the eye.

I would read more.

This was an uncorrected proof from 2010.

[Corrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a hard time putting this one down! Talton does a great job at pulling you into the story and sends you on a ride---twists and turns you won't believe. It's a great action/drama book. (It would make a terrific movie!!!) I enjoyed the conspiracy theories (they felt real) and I felt like the main character was a real person.

There is some language and a bit of sexual stuff, so beware if you avoid those things in novels.

Talton's experience as a newspaper man gives this a very realistic edge. Liked it! I'm going to look for more of his work.