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DEADLINE
A serial killer--the Wolfman -- prowls the streets of Toronto kidnapping young professional women, then targets crime reporter Katie Cannon. Trevor Trevanian, a foreign correspondent in Afghanistan, is abducted by al-Qaida and taken on a perilous journey to Pakistan to face an uncertain fate. DEADLINE combines murder, action and romance, with a glimpse into the world of big city media. This thriller, set over a 24-hour period in a fictional Toronto newspaper, the Daily Express, follows four central characters in Toronto and Afghanistan as they cope with both personal and professional deadlines in their lives.
230 pages, Paperback
First published September 8, 2010
4 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
April 21, 2013
Deadline by James Anderson is a great read. It's a wonderful thriller and kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next. I got very excited about the newspaper business while reading this story. But the real story is in the characters. I came to care about the characters and the newspaper that their lives revolved around. And I loved the line about "stop the presses". At first I could not figure out how all the story lines would be tied together but they were. It is a very satisfying read because I enjoyed the way it ended. It's a thriller because, as I was reading it, I was really concerned what was going to happen to the characters in the story.
There is also a serial killer in here and the reporter who has been following his case gets in a bit of a bad spot. This whole story is just so good!
I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys thrillers.
There is also a serial killer in here and the reporter who has been following his case gets in a bit of a bad spot. This whole story is just so good!
I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys thrillers.
March 11, 2018
*From July 2012
Not great
I'm really not sure how anyone could rate this book 4 or 5 stars. The characters are totally one-dimensional and it is impossible to empathise with them, while the dialogue is so wooden and unrealistic it could have been written by a 12 year old. Even for a first novel, this is a poorly written effort. Save yourself the effort and don't bother with it, you will probably give up before the end anyway.
Not great
I'm really not sure how anyone could rate this book 4 or 5 stars. The characters are totally one-dimensional and it is impossible to empathise with them, while the dialogue is so wooden and unrealistic it could have been written by a 12 year old. Even for a first novel, this is a poorly written effort. Save yourself the effort and don't bother with it, you will probably give up before the end anyway.
January 10, 2018
Deadline is a story of 4 characters from 'The Daily Express' on a hunt for a serial killer as professional and personal deadlines are brought in to play.
I liked the plot of the book, it was fast-paced and very inter-mixed, the story jumps around from character to character, situation to situation and location to location but always with the reality that they would come together and become linked in the end which they did. The 4 main characters were well developed and the narrative was interesting.
This is James A Anderson's first novel but that does not excuse the author from the truly terrible dialogue throughout the book. Characters which are described well in narrative come across as 2 dimensional and extremely wooden when they open their mouths with all of the flair of the different characters disappearing into the same stilted language. This is such a shame because the plot is well written (if a little far-fetched at times as displayed in the review below) and the premise is very good - if more work is put into the dialogue then I am sure that his next book he will be a force to be reckoned with!
Overall an good read let down by its bad writing - still recommended though.
I liked the plot of the book, it was fast-paced and very inter-mixed, the story jumps around from character to character, situation to situation and location to location but always with the reality that they would come together and become linked in the end which they did. The 4 main characters were well developed and the narrative was interesting.
This is James A Anderson's first novel but that does not excuse the author from the truly terrible dialogue throughout the book. Characters which are described well in narrative come across as 2 dimensional and extremely wooden when they open their mouths with all of the flair of the different characters disappearing into the same stilted language. This is such a shame because the plot is well written (if a little far-fetched at times as displayed in the review below) and the premise is very good - if more work is put into the dialogue then I am sure that his next book he will be a force to be reckoned with!
Overall an good read let down by its bad writing - still recommended though.
January 28, 2012
This is a non-stop account of the behind-the-scenes intrigue that takes place in the world of print journalism. There are several subplots skillfully woven together – a crazed psychopath and the reporter he chooses as his next victim; the foreign correspondent who experiences the once-in-a-lifetime interview and his fight to get the information to the public; the newspaper owner who must make some hard choices about the fate of the newspaper he loves as well as about his own love life; and the editor who must coordinate the process of getting the paper to press while trying to deal with a family crisis.
Mr. Anderson has expertly portrayed the hectic and demanding world of newspapers. It is quite evident he has first-hand knowledge of the nuts and bolts of the industry and this lends an authentic air to the narrative. The characters are well-drawn and the action is well-paced to maintain the suspense right up to the deadline.
I highly recommend this great story by a new author. It’s an original thriller that’s sure to keep you entertained.
Mr. Anderson has expertly portrayed the hectic and demanding world of newspapers. It is quite evident he has first-hand knowledge of the nuts and bolts of the industry and this lends an authentic air to the narrative. The characters are well-drawn and the action is well-paced to maintain the suspense right up to the deadline.
I highly recommend this great story by a new author. It’s an original thriller that’s sure to keep you entertained.
December 5, 2018
Interesting read
This book had me hooked from the start. Maybe the ending was a bit of an anticlimax but I still enjoyed it. Will definitely be reading other books from this author.
This book had me hooked from the start. Maybe the ending was a bit of an anticlimax but I still enjoyed it. Will definitely be reading other books from this author.
September 28, 2011
The owner of a newspaper struggling to hold onto his life's dream. A managing editor who regrets the choice of career over family. A beautiful reporter for whom the word "deadline" takes on sinister meaning. And a foreign correspondent in war-torn Afghanistan on a harrowing mission that will make headlines all over the world.
Any one of these characters could have been the subject of their own novel. But we get to enjoy a literary smorgasbord and sample them all in one book. Mr. Anderson's crisp, straightforward style makes for exciting reading. I found myself holding my breath more than once waiting to see what would happen. With a serial killer and torturers on the loose, there were a lot of nerve-wracking moments!
We also see the private lives behind the front page stories. It is an interesting counterpoint to all of the action. This is a gripping tale that you will have to finish before you put it to bed!
Any one of these characters could have been the subject of their own novel. But we get to enjoy a literary smorgasbord and sample them all in one book. Mr. Anderson's crisp, straightforward style makes for exciting reading. I found myself holding my breath more than once waiting to see what would happen. With a serial killer and torturers on the loose, there were a lot of nerve-wracking moments!
We also see the private lives behind the front page stories. It is an interesting counterpoint to all of the action. This is a gripping tale that you will have to finish before you put it to bed!
May 17, 2012
"Deadline" is a brilliantly conceived and written thriller which holds you in suspense as it alternates between interwoven sub-plots consisting of different news stories, all fighting to make the front page deadline of the Daily Express, a Toronto newspaper. This is a real page-turner that impels one to rush onward to the finish in order find out how the various stories are resolved. Intertwined with all the action are brief, but insightful reflections on relationships, work, financial pressures and love. Congratulations James A. Anderson on a sensational, page turning debut which gets the blood rushing and touches one's heart at the right times and places! This is an excellent novel which I would highly recommend to anyone seeking to read an "edge of your seat," page turning thriller. Looking forward to reading "The Scorpion" sequel.
October 17, 2012
DEADLINE (Kindle Edition)
Many subplots intertwine within one another as the story builds in a fast paced action filled climb. Follow along while all is unraveled as the book reaches its climax.
A Newsman in the throes of war and espionage, must endure tumultuous hardships as he discovers some hidden truths. A serial killer will take you into the heart of his crimes, where he desperately tries to lose you within those deep recesses. Fear for your life with our valiant heroine as she is stalked by this imbalanced individual, uniquely camouflaged within the confines of a seemingly average man. And lastly, be a part of the mental anguish that must be endured, as life altering events are heavily pressed upon the shoulders of one who must act for many.
I enjoyed reading this book, and think you will also.
Rhonda
Many subplots intertwine within one another as the story builds in a fast paced action filled climb. Follow along while all is unraveled as the book reaches its climax.
A Newsman in the throes of war and espionage, must endure tumultuous hardships as he discovers some hidden truths. A serial killer will take you into the heart of his crimes, where he desperately tries to lose you within those deep recesses. Fear for your life with our valiant heroine as she is stalked by this imbalanced individual, uniquely camouflaged within the confines of a seemingly average man. And lastly, be a part of the mental anguish that must be endured, as life altering events are heavily pressed upon the shoulders of one who must act for many.
I enjoyed reading this book, and think you will also.
Rhonda
December 23, 2012
When I purchased Deadline, I was not aware that this is a first novel by a new author and ex-newspaperman, however early in the story it became obvious that he knows the background well.
Without giving a spoiler, the chapters relating to Afghanistan are believable and lively. There is a real sense of the "sights, sounds and smells" which bring a plot to life, accompanied by a strong sense of foreboding.
As for the other parts of the novel,I felt the story lines were simplistic and rushed. The novel could have been a third long again, given more in terms of imagery and characterization with the suspense drawn out and creepier. To my mind, there is a serious plot fault toward the end which suspended belief, but all in all a pretty good debut novel.
I will definitely purchase more of this author's work.
Without giving a spoiler, the chapters relating to Afghanistan are believable and lively. There is a real sense of the "sights, sounds and smells" which bring a plot to life, accompanied by a strong sense of foreboding.
As for the other parts of the novel,I felt the story lines were simplistic and rushed. The novel could have been a third long again, given more in terms of imagery and characterization with the suspense drawn out and creepier. To my mind, there is a serious plot fault toward the end which suspended belief, but all in all a pretty good debut novel.
I will definitely purchase more of this author's work.
April 30, 2014
Having read the sequel to this book before I read this one I thought it would be a bit smoother. For a first book by an author it is a great look behind newspaper writers. The characters are rich and occasionally cliched but fun to read.
The only real drawback to this fine read is that the two story lines in this book don't mesh well. By his second book Mr Anderson has managed to mesh the multiple story lines much better.
I wanted to learn more about Trevor and you will as you move through the series. While jerky in places this book shows that the author knew his topic. Spending years in the Newspaper business gave this story a feel that none of us looking in from the outside could put across believably.
Read this book and move on to the next.
The only real drawback to this fine read is that the two story lines in this book don't mesh well. By his second book Mr Anderson has managed to mesh the multiple story lines much better.
I wanted to learn more about Trevor and you will as you move through the series. While jerky in places this book shows that the author knew his topic. Spending years in the Newspaper business gave this story a feel that none of us looking in from the outside could put across believably.
Read this book and move on to the next.
January 5, 2012
Like a previous reviewer noted, several separate novels could have been formed from each of the main characters. And that's one of the things that made this fast-paced, easy-to-read book such a pleasure - CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT! It seems like this element is missing from too many books, and I feel it's a testament to Anderson's talent and skill that he could so well with this in such a short novel. I did feel there were some issues with forced and awkward dialogue, but the plot and premise more than made up for it. To conclude, this is a great, short (but complete!) novel that had me finishing it more quickly than I have other books in recent memory.
July 2, 2012
Deadline has everything you want from a thriller - lots of action, tons of plot, and yes, a relentless drive towards the resolution. There's a word for that in newspaper terms, I'm pretty sure...
In the interests of transparency, I should point out that the author is an ex-editor of mine, so I may have some reporting bias! That said, I don't normally read thrillers, but I still ripped right through this one.
And if you enjoy this book, there is a sequel: The Scorpion.
In the interests of transparency, I should point out that the author is an ex-editor of mine, so I may have some reporting bias! That said, I don't normally read thrillers, but I still ripped right through this one.
And if you enjoy this book, there is a sequel: The Scorpion.
May 13, 2012
I really enjoyed this great mystery. It had several story lines with many characters who were developed very well. I would recommend it and it was free on my nook which was even better! I will definitely pick another one of this authors books.
February 27, 2012
This book encompasses 24 hours in the life of a Toronto daily newspaper. Well written and enjoyable, however I think it could have been developed further into a longer novel - it felt a bit rushed.
March 7, 2012
Fair thriller
February 10, 2012
Fairly simple plot, didn't hold a lot of interest.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews