This cozy mystery is Christina Este’s debut novel and it’s a unique one. Rather than focusing on a detective approach to solving a mystery the book comes with a more journalistic view. Well I found that interesting to get an inside look at journalism, it felt too repetitive at times.

Although this reads like a cozy there were a few darker topics throughout that felt out of place. Especially the political comments that kept popping up. Reading is an escape for me so was not a huge fan of having those.

Overall I found this just an average read but since it was a debut I am interested to see how the next book goes.

Thank you Minotaur and Netgalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review!

This was an interesting take on a murder mystery novel. The news reporter angle offered something fresh and different to the genre. This was a fun and interesting debut.

This is a murder mystery set in the world of local TV news -- written by an actual reporter -- so the behind-the-scenes bits are sharp and authentic. The mystery itself? Just fine, IMO. Not a page-turner, but entertaining nonetheless.

Estes created an accurate look at the life of a journalist- chasing stories, finding leads, and trying to stay ahead of the competition! This book was entertaining with a great plot. While fictionalized, I enjoyed reading about the trouble Jolene found herself in while trying to solve and stay ahead of the biggest story of her career.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for the arc.

A sharp mystery set in the competitive world of TV journalism. Fast-paced, smartly plotted, and full of twists.

Thank you for approving me for this title. After some thought, I’ve realized it’s not quite the right fit for me personally, so I won’t be able to provide a full review. I appreciate the opportunity to access it and wish the book great success.

I could not get into this book. I tried multiple times but kept realizing I was not paying attention. It just was not for me.

Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for this read. The book was good but I realized that I am not a fan of cozy mystery. HAHA. I love the gore way too much. It was good though. Sorry for the late review.

Haven’t a had a chance to finish this and write a thorough review but I will come back to update it when I’ve finished. So far a solid 3 star rating and will make sure to come back to add more details

Eh. This wasn't really for me. I didn't like the main character, at all. She just reinforced the reason why many people, including me, have a hard time respecting or even liking reporters. Jolene was tolerable at best.

The story itself was just ok. I skimmed a lot because there was so much about journalism and political undertones that it took away from enjoying the book as a whole.

Thank you NetGalley for the review copy.

Pretty solid book. I appreciated the amount of detail in the book and that the author drew on her own experience for authenticity.

I had high hopes for this, and it didn't go so well. I liked the idea of hearing the journalist/reporter view of a story, but the reality of how the industry treats them and vice versa was hard to digest. I think there was so much behind the scenes given that the book didn't give me a chance to get pulled in.

Off the Air is a terrific solid mystery with authentic insights into the intriguing world of local TV journalism but always coupled with compassion and heart. Estes’s ear for dialogue and understanding of human nature makes this a must read and the perfect beginning for a series. A winner in every way!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy of Off the Air by Christina Estes in exchange for my honest review and opinion. Fun read that has the investigative journalist approach. Makes you realize that Christina has worked behind the scenes and knows what she is writing about. I enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more by this author.

This book was just ok to me. I enjoyed that the author used her years of experience as an investigate report to write this book. I just couldn't get into the story and I didn't feel invested in any of the characters. Overall, it wasn't a terrible book, it just wasn't for me.

Off the Air had all the ingredients for a standout mystery—a gritty newsroom backdrop, a driven journalist protagonist, and a suspicious death with media frenzy baked in. Unfortunately, it just didn’t hit.

Jolene Garcia had potential as a lead character, but she never fully came to life for me. Her investigation felt more like checking boxes than uncovering real twists, and the pacing dragged in places that should have crackled with tension. For a story centered on a controversial murder and cutthroat journalism, the stakes felt oddly low.

The writing was competent, and there were glimpses of thoughtful commentary on the media industry, but overall, the mystery lacked urgency, and the emotional beats never quite landed. I wanted to be pulled in by the suspense, but instead, I found myself waiting for something—anything—to truly surprise me.

Promising premise, flat execution.

Thank you to netgalley and Minotaur books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Unfortunately, I think the summary of this book was misleading. I read it thinking I was going in to a cozy mystery but that is not what this is. This story is most so focused on the experience on reporters and the politics of a news network. There were also multiple depictions of neighborhoods in Arizona in deep detail that didn’t se relevant? I was intrigued in the mystery and kept reading in order to figure it all out. But by the end I was so annoyed with Jolene. She became very cut throat and made questionable choices that turned me off from her.

I found this murder mystery cute, but the main character—a TV reporter—was frustratingly rude to almost everyone. However, I really enjoyed the glimpse into local TV life and investigative journalism. The supporting characters were engaging, and the MC’s reporting on the politically-biased victim highlighted how bias is inevitable in journalism, even when reporters try to stick to the facts. This was a timely reminder, especially in today’s climate! If you are looking for a fun, cozy mystery based in the news reporting industry.

This book was just okay for me. It had a great deal of politics and that is a big no go for me. I would like to try another book by this author.

This book is okay. I appreciated the look into what it takes to be an investigative journalist and get a story. I didn’t ever feel like I was on the edge of my seat or 100% entertained by this book.