Erica is getting her big break, she's been hired on as a field reporter for the next up and coming channel, GNN. She's determined to grow from her past and find success, but there might be a cost. Nylan Hastings isn't thought of fondly and when Erica finds herself in the midst of several newsworthy moments she has to ask herself how. Something about the timeline just doesn't add up and when she starts doing her own detective work she might find that the accidents hit close to home. Is the success worth it?

I am going to review this book differently than I have in the past, not because it wasn't a good book, it's just how I wrote notes while I read.

Pros:
Though the story line is fairly predictable, the method in which Lis Wiehl gets you there is not. There are definitely some twists and turns, some characters that make things even more interesting, and a lot of suspense.
I like the idea of knowing the villain, but not knowing what he has planned. This works for the good and the bad of this book unfortunately, as at times it is done very well and at other times I just want to know why.
There are some shocking moments in this book and I loved reading those gritty scenes, because while they aren't pretty and packaged in a little bow, they do feel like reality.
I loved the secondary characters, the story came to life with their interactions with Erica, they have very distinct voices. I liked that we moved around the world to see various characters that tie everything together.

Cons:
The title gave away too much for me, it puts an idea into your head from the moment you start the book. The plot was very transparent, leaving little to the imagination.
We're asked to believe that Erica has overcome the odds and built up her career, of course with a little assistance, but it's hard to believe this women has ever done anything on her own. She's terribly vapid, really insecure, and hard to relate to. While I enjoyed her sleuthing, I just could never picture this women having this much strength.
The book sometimes reads as though it's a script for a movie or a television show: "Erica puts on her clothes" and "Erica washes off her makeup." It's a present tense third person style, but it doesn't feel consistent. Unfortunately, this took away from the story for me, because it was hard to keep reading.
As a person who is around several people who have overcome alcoholism I really would have expected more on the battle against it. Erica seems to want to give in more times than I can count and she fails to lean on her friends and family every time she thinks she should.

While it wasn't the best suspense novel I have read, it is an easy one to sit down and get through. At times predictable, but still shocking it is a worthwhile read. You'll find yourself wondering about your own news intake and where it comes from.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
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A Thriller of its own kind

Surprisingly I found this to be a page turner in every regard. The motivations and characteristics of Erica Sparks spoke volumes. A die hard journalist who will seek nothing but the truth. Going up against a sadistic power hungry executive, she still shines as a true investigative journalist. Splendid. I'm off to read the Candidate, the second book in the series! ( )

I have been a big fan of Lis Wiehl’s novels since reading her Triple Threat series. I have read almost all of her books and have really enjoyed them. But The Newsmakers? Not so much. The premise sounded very interesting — an up-and-coming investigative reporter who not only witnesses first hand huge news stories, but becomes part of the stories themselves. Is there something sinister going on that is fueling her rise to fame? Great stuff for a story. But this one just fell flat for me. The characters were one-dimensional, and the mystery was easy to spot. Thomas Nelson is the publisher of The Newsmakers, but there wasn’t much in the book that would let you know they are Christian publishers. Besides the language, there is a big creepiness that seemed a bit gratuitous and frankly titillating. I was disappointed in that from a publisher that I have really liked. Thomas Nelson has ventured into an edginess that I have liked, but this one just went too far. The Newsmakers is book 1 in the series, but I don’t think I will be reading any of the subsequent books.

Audience: adults. ( )

I really wanted to like this book. I think the premise is very timely and had been looking forward to reading it. However, I was disappointed in the execution of the plot. Without giving away the details, I wish that the villain had not been portrayed as such a monster. I felt like it would have been a more interesting story with a few more shades of gray. If you enjoy fast paced stories, this may be enjoyable for you. I was just hoping for more. ( )

At the beginning of the book, I was having a difficult time getting into the story. As the details started to emerge I found myself intrigued and was able to get involved in a heartstopping action filled book.

Erica has been through a very difficult divorce and lost custody of her child. Her alcohol addiction cost her dearly and now she is trying to start over. She lands a job at the prestigious Global News Network. She is determined to be the best reporter they have ever had. As Erica reports on a major disaster it seems that overnight her popularity has skyrocketed. Will fame cost her more than she is willing to deliver? What happens when she investigates the disaster on her own? Why are there so many horrible things happening around her?

The story is written with a great look into the news business and how cutthroat it can be. The more Erica gets great stories that become major headlines, the more her life is in danger. Is her boss, Nylan behind a sinister plot to take out major influential people? Who can Erica trust as she gets closer to the truth? There is mention in the book of alcoholism and drug abuse which draws attention to the destruction it can cause to a person.

The book really picks up speed at the halfway mark and delves into deception, and a story that is believable with twists and turns. I liked the characters and how each one played an intricate part in the story. The author does a good job of making Nylan so evil that I instantly didn't trust him. I am looking forwarding to the next installment of this story to see if Erica can continue to be strong and fight for truth and justice.

I received a copy of this boom from The Fiction Guild for an honest review. ( )