Thank you to Booktrib.com, the author and the publisher.

I decided not to finish this book. I maybe didn't give it more pages but decided it was not interesting to me. I liked the subplot of a journalist/tv reporter delving into a murder, but the rest didn't interest me. It had nothing to do with it being a series and me reading it out of order since I've read many books and it can be read as a stand alone. ( )

In Broadcast Blues, the sixth book in the Clare Carlson Mystery Series, author R.G. Belsky weaves a riveting mystery tale that easily draws the reader into New York Channel 10 News Director Clare Carlson's latest investigation.

The story revolves around the car bombing murder of ex-NYPD and current controversial PI Wendy Kyle. The police consider Wendy's murder a closed case when they determined she was killed by her ex-husband, Ted Lansmore. But Clare knows that there is more to the story when she delves into Wendy's controversial NYPD career, and currently as a PI for high-profile infidelity cases.

As Clare delves into the investigation of Wendy Kyle's murder, she finds that there are more questions than answers, a growing list of suspects, dark pasts, and deeply buried secrets, so she has to dig deep into Wendy's life to put the puzzle pieces together. And if that isn't enough, Clare's investigation leads her into some pretty dangerous situations involving possible police corruption at the highest level, where people will do anything to keep the truth from being revealed. And to add to the stress of getting to the truth of the Wendy Kyle case, Clare is turning fifty, she has no man in her life, she's still bonding with her daughter, and oh yeah the TV station is being sold. Welcome to Clare's world where every day is exciting, especially when she's on the look out for the next big story!

Broadcast Blues is a captivating mystery tale that is rich in detail and vivid descriptions. It has enough intriguing and suspenseful twists and turns that leaves the reader with no other option than to keep turning the pages to find out what happens next. As a diehard fan of mystery tales, I must admit that this sixth installment in the series is my favorite. The complexity and multi-layers of Wendy's story, and Clare's investigation kept me thoroughly riveted and so engrossed, I couldn't help but try and guess the outcome as Clare puts all the pieces of the puzzle together.

With a complex and realistic cast of characters, the author does a phenomenal job of transporting the reader into this fast-paced white-knuckle storyline. The thrilling cat-n-mouse game engages the reader to follow Clare's investigation as she tries to find the truth. The jaw-dropping surprise ending will leave the reader completely speechless. It just doesn't get any better than this!

I would be remiss if I didn't mention how much I loved the author's richly vivid description of New York City. The author captured the famous landmarks and all the sights and sounds of the city that never sleeps, all the reader has to do is close their eyes and be transported to my favorite city.

Broadcast Blues is one heck of an adrenaline rush that is a must-read for the true diehard mystery junkies!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest book review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Partners In Crime Tours.

https://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot.com/2024/01/broadcast-blues-by-rg-belsky-... ( )

This is the third Clare Carlson book I've tried and it's the last. I didn't get very far before I put it down. Clare is written in very broad strokes as a super TV news anchor who runs around solving mysteries while being on the air too. She has the obligatory awful boss and some sidekicks and I can't stand her.

I received a review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.com. ( )

Rating: 3* of five

The Publisher Says: Wendy Kyle took secrets to her grave— now, Clare Carlson is digging them up

New York City has no shortage of crime, making for a busy schedule for TV newswoman Clare Carlson. But not all crimes are created equal, and when an explosive planted in a car detonates and kills a woman, Clare knows it' ll be a huge story for her.

But it' s not only about the story— Clare also wants justice for the victim, Wendy Kyle. Wendy had sparked controversy as an NYPD officer, ultimately getting kicked off the force after making sexual harassment allegations and getting into a physical altercation with her boss. Then, she started a private investigations business, catering to women who suspected their husbands of cheating. Undoubtedly, Wendy had angered many people with her work, so the list of her suspected murderers is seemingly endless.

Despite the daunting investigation, Clare dives in headfirst. As she digs deeper, she attracts the attention of many rich and powerful people who will stop at nothing to keep her from breaking the truth about the death of Wendy Kyle— and exposing their personal secrets that Wendy took to her grave.

I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.

My Review: No more; I'm tapping out. The way the victim was, yet again, involved in the negative side of a sex-linked industry...sleuthing for wives who want to catch their husbands cheating on them for an advantage during divorce proceedings...is not going to work for me.

Clare's a wildly opportunistic, abrasive person. That is fine with me, takes one to know one. What I find really hard to credit is that any corporate structure in today's world would harbor such a person in their senior ranks. Not because it's a bad way to be, but because routinely defying one's boss is not well tolerated in the C Suite.

At the end of the day I want to read about fictional sleuths who follow their own compasses believably enough that I don't have to remind myself that it's a novel too often. I really feel sad that I don't have that sensation in this series because the author is genuinely amusing, often enough laugh-out-loud funny. But the overemphasis on the negative uses of sex and the main character's apparent inability to use the sandpaper on her tongue to round off some of her spikier corners make this series just over the edge of my suspension of disbelief line.

Well, it was a darn good attempt for me. I wish it had worked better. ( )

Wendy Kyle has been killed when a bomb is planted in her car. This story ends up in Clare Carlson’s lap. And it is not cut and dried as it appears. Clare just keeps digging and digging because she knows something is not right! Love a reporter’s intuition!

This is a story that is a bit complex and intricate and I enjoyed it. I loved the politics and who did what to whom! And the ending….I SO did not see that coming!

I have not read any books in this series and this one is stand alone. But, I do want to go back and pick these up. I enjoyed Clare. She has some gumption and she is not afraid to get in the deep end!

Need a good who done it…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review. ( )