Belsky Again Takes Intimate Look at the News Business in Latest Thriller

Broadcast Blues by R.G. Belsky

It’s a subtle point. But the following quote tells you what the world of Clare Carlson is all about and, in turn, what R.G. Belsky’s sixth Clare Carlson mystery, Broadcast Blues (Oceanview), is all about.

Well into the story, Carlson, the news director for a New York TV station whose true passion is uncovering scoops of her own, recalls her questioning of a suspect in a huge murder case: “No, what I said was ‘what if I told you I had cell phone records showing Wendy Kyle making calls to your number?’”

Students of investigative journalism will pick up the difference from Carlson telling the suspect that she did in fact have records of those calls – which of course she didn’t.

Such minutiae makes Belsky’s writing so fun and so authentic – culled from years of journalistic prowess on major New York newspapers as well as NBC News. In fact, it’s probably likely the author borrowed some details from his days with “The Today Show” and incorporated them into Carlson’s news environment.

But lessons in news reporting hardly scratch the surface of what this fast-paced and tightly woven mystery delivers to readers. It is an intricate murder case cleverly crafted and brilliantly conceived that carries the story and keeps readers riveted. 

Diving Headfirst Into an Investigation

Wendy Kyle, a former NYPD detective and more recently private investigator whose practice, Heartbreaker Investigations, exposes cheating husbands, is murdered in a car explosion. It’s a big story for the news team and Clare jumps in headfirst.

Her nose for news is clear, but what shines is her intuition and pursuit of the story. She’ll explore every connection she can find to Wendy, including her client list, some names dropped in her diary, and past lovers and adversaries in the precinct if she thinks they can advance her inquiry.

Belsky does not waste characters. He introduces many and they all have their purposes and their quirks. He also is adept at advancing a compelling story, conjuring curiosity and making the prerequisite twists and turns of any thriller truly shocking, leading readers on what times appears a wild goose chase – for them and for Clare.

Throw in a touch of Clare’s personal life – her imminent 50^th birthday, her failure to find Mr. Right, her strange relationship with her daughter – and a healthy dose of newsroom drama a la “The Morning Show” (yes, Clare’s station also is about to be acquired), and readers will embark on a wonderful journey.

There are the usual suspects, the bit players, the filthy rich, the aspiring politician, the police, the disappearing women, the newsroom colleagues, the bosses, the bitches, the useful ones, the irksome ones and an array of former lovers. Belsky doesn’t miss a trick.

Well-Structured, Creative Mystery

Broadcast Blues measures up quite favorably among books in the thriller genre, a well-structured tale with thought, creativity and style. As a Clare Carlson mystery, it easily stands alone, although readers shouldn’t be surprised if they thirst for more. It combines old-fashioned journalism and modern-day life into a well-oiled volume sure to please a wide audience.

“I love the rush I get on a story like this,” Clare says. “It’s what I live for. What a great feeling to be on the verge of breaking a big scoop.”

What a great feeling to be on the verge of another R.G. Belsky winner.