The Newsmakers

How far will one go to report the news? Are you willing to risk life and limb? What about those of your family and colleagues? The Newsmakers by Lis Wiehl takes you inside the cut throat world of journalism to show you what it takes to be a star.

Erica Sparks is an up and coming field reporter who has a heart for the truth.  She catches the eye of GNN's founder Nylan Hastings. With his company currently operating in the red he needs a  new fresh face to help launch his network to the top. Erica is just that person! She has charisma but isn't cheesy, she is sincere at very honest.  She will stop at nothing and I mean nothing to uncover the truth.

I really liked Erica;she has gumption. To overcome an abusive and neglectful childhood, to becoming an alcoholic and losing her daughter, and now being a broadcast journalist.  That doesn't happen on a whim. That takes grit and determination which Erica has boat loads of. She still struggles with the voices of her past and inner demons, but is determined not to go down that slippery slope again.  When good things start to happen to her she is very cautious. This is not how her life goes and when sensational news stories start happening all around her; she finds it a bit odd.  She reassures herself that it's just her own hard work paying off, but is it? I mean, does lightening really strike twice much less three or four times?

Erica has a heart for the truth so when beloved politician Kay Hastings drops dead right in the middle of her exclusive interview Erica demands answers. Kay did a great deal of good for people of all races and religions so when they find out her death isn't merely a heart attack but murder, Erica is chomping at the bit to bring justice. But at what cost?

Nylan Hastings is a self made millionaire. He doesn't like failure and refuses to accept it. He thrives on power and he will do anything to keep that power. Because with power, you can control the masses and make them submit to your every whim. He runs a tight ship, it's his way or the highway. He makes no excuses for his demanding personality, he sees no reason too. After all GNN is his company and he will run it anyway he sees fit.

Newsmakers will keep you up at night trying to reach the end. It's a fast paced, action packed novel that leaves you guessing to the end.  There were a few things I didn't enjoy about it though. The way the author made Erica doubt herself so much.  I'm sure she had insecurities based on past experiences, but I do not believe she could have made herself into anything being that insecure. Other than that it was a wonderful book and I will definitely be recommending it to my friends and family.

There is one quote from the book that I think sums it up nicely and embodies the essence of Erica Sparks,  "Journalism is about putting one foot in front of the other in an inexorable march toward the truth. There's no place for ridiculous imaginings, wild conjectures, off-the-wall theories. Facts are the only valid measures."

So, what are you waiting for? Run out and get your copy of Newsmakers today! There's exciting news just waiting to happen!

Newsmakers by Lis Wiehl