Four and one-half stars
Review of Uncorrected Digital Galley

Investigative reporter Jolene Garcia wants a “real” story; instead her executive producer, David Matthew, sends her to city hall to cover the “story” of the mayor being trapped in an elevator. Not exactly the story the Emmy-winning reporter had in mind.

But when a local businessman, Carlos Rios, dies in a suspicious automobile accident, Jolene is certain there is more to the story. After all, wasn’t he asking questions about the awarding of contracts and the possibility of corruption at city hall?

Will Jolene’s suspicions lead her to the truth to light or will they endanger her life?

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Second in the author’s Jolene Garcia Mysteries series, readers will find sufficient backstory here for this book to be read as a standalone. The central character, Jolene Garcia, is strong and smart, willing to search out the details of the story [even when her boss wants her to do some other story]. The strong sense of place within the newsroom adds belief and realism to the unfolding narrative.

With a plot that has several unexpected twists and turns, readers will discover the difficulty in setting this book aside before reaching the final page. A compelling plot and what feels like a true-to-life corruption exposé help to keep the pages turning and pulling the reader into the world of investigative journalism. It’s easy to empathize with Jolene when her efforts to pursue important stories are repeatedly ignored and she is given more frivolous assignments. Another plus in the telling of this tale is the Phoenix location and the author’s obvious familiarity with the city.

Readers who enjoy mysteries and tales of investigative journalism are sure to find themselves on the edge of their seats as the unfolding narrative reveals long-held secrets and unsuspected alliances.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this eBook from St. Martin’s Press / Minotaur Books and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving this review.
#TheStoryThatWouldntDie #NetGalley

This is the second book in Christina Estes's series. You don't need to read her first book, "Off the Air," but it provides nice groundwork for the detective/sleuth persona. I liked her first book, but I loved this second, "The Story That Wouldn't Die," because it's smart. If you like thought-provoking stories that feel realistic, this book is a great choice. The plot is grounded and believable, which is what I appreciate about this mystery. It's also clear that the author invested time and research into the book's details. Living in Phoenix for several decades and being a former reporter, there was some history in this book I didn't know. Although the book is a work of mystery fiction, it has a true crime feel. Estes gives readers a firsthand look at the life of a reporter, and the plot realistically portrays how power and wealth can influence and conceal the truth. Thanks to Netgalley and Minotaur Books for this ARC.

"The Story That Wouldn't Die" was a decent sequel. Jolene's overzealous pursuit of the story will fracture an alliance, strain work relationships, and endanger her once again but will also bring justice and closure to a grieving family. This time she finds herself chasing a story about corruption at city hall -- rigged contract bids, suspicious deaths, etc.

Granted- I did not realize this was a sequel and didn’t read the first book. But I found the storyline to be extremely confusing. So many random mysteries and I couldn’t keep everything straight. The author would seem to jump from one location to the next within the same paragraph and it was really hard for me to follow. I finished this book out of sheer determination not to DNF it. It wasn’t for me!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

I’m really enjoying this series. I’d call it cozy, but it’s maybe not as lighthearted as I think cozies - and she talks to her pet goldfish, rather than a dog, lol. But I appreciate that Jolene is tough, sometimes tough to like, and doesn’t apologize for it. And her colleagues call her out on her crap (to be helpful?). Bottom line, this book/series feels a little different, and that makes me like it even better. Thanks to Minotaur Books for the ARC.

While I wanted to like this book, I found it quite dry in spots and focusing too much on realism of the events and not as much on making the story go forward. Also found the pacing off a bit and the character talking about the Emmy waaaay too much. I did appreciate what the story was about, and the importance.

This was an okay read. Not the worst but not the best either. Took a moment for me to get into. At times I felt like I was on character overload. Eventually it held my attention and gave me a satisfying ending. The second installment of a series, I need to go back and read book one.

3.5 stars, rounded up. This is the second installment of the “Jolene Garcia Mysteries” and I did read the first and thought it was fine but I am sticking with them because the author & setting are fairly local to me and I appreciate that so much. In this one, local TV reporter Jolene investigates city hall corruption & a murder that might be connected. While the MC can be a little abrasive, I do think this series is a bit different for a cozy (not senior sleuths or influencers, gasp!!) And I also appreciate that a lot. Overall, a decent enough read and my thanks to Net Galley & the publisher for my widget for an advance readers copy, greatly appreciate the opportunity!!

Intrepid TV reporter, Jolene, is back! This time she’s investigating government corruption and the death of a community leader. I’m a huge fan of the guest book in this series and was excited for the sequel. While this book focuses more on the mystery and less on the state of local journalism and media, and Phoenix history that I enjoyed so much in the previous novel, I still found it enjoyable and didn’t guess the culprit until near the end. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC of this novel.

This was a good mystery. Sometimes I did feel a little bit hard to follow because there were so many characters but the main storyline was interesting.

Hmmm, this book seemed interesting at first but I just found myself getting bored and not really following along with the story. I also did not realize this was the second book in a series, and while I don't think it's necessary to have read the first, it may have helped me like the main character more. This one was a DNF for me. Others will likely love this one.

Phoenix reporter Jolene Garcia longs to investigate serious news stories but works for boss who insists on sending her out to cover lightweight, "sexy" pieces. When the well-liked owner of a construction business is killed in a car crash shortly after Jolene meets with him and his mother to discuss possible corruption at city hall, she suspects this more than just an accident, and convinces him to let her look deeper.

The story follows Jolene as she untangles a scheme involving a shady lobbyist, rigged bidding and crooked city hall employees. She eventually uncovers all of the criminal activity but gets a little more adventure than she bargained for.

This is an enjoyable book. I read it on an airplane, and it was a perfect book for travelling. This is the second book in the series. I have not read the first book, but this didn't affect my ability to enjoy this one. Fans of tv journalism would probably be particularly interested into the look behind-the-scenes in the newsroom.

I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

A good mystery by an author reminiscent of Diane Mott Davidson (to me). This is the 2nd book that follows reporter Jolene Garcia, but I don't think it's a requirement to have read the first one. I hadn't read the first but was able to follow along and there are references to the story from the first book throughout. A fairly typical mystery without a lot of 'AHA' surprises but good, nonetheless.

This fast-paced, gripping mystery will keep you hooked from start to finish. Jolene Garcia is a fierce, determined reporter who refuses to back down when faced with a story that could expose corruption at the highest levels. With sharp writing and a compelling protagonist, this novel is a thrilling look at the intersection of ambition, truth, and power. Perfect for fans of investigative journalism and high-stakes drama.

Very enjoyable. Great writing, great plot, great characters. Everything a reader could wish for! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC!

A small business owner in Phoenix dies in a questionable car accident. Jolene, a delightful, hardworking journalist, is determined to prove that it is a murder connected to influential people getting city contracts. The second book in a series, it can be read as a standalone, however if you’ve read the first one you get to revisit some quirky characters. Author Christina Estes does an excellent job again at channeling her own career as an award winning journalist to present a well paced, clever and engaging mystery. With thanks to Netgalley and Minotaur Books for this ARC. My opinions are my own.

I was excited to get a chance to follow Jolene's adventures again in Christina Estes new novel. Jolene was being pushed by her boss to do investigative journalism regarding gluten in gluten free cupcakes from 20 bakers in Phoenix but she had ideas of her own to investigate suspicious deaths with a common theme. It was exciting to travel through Phoenix and revisit local Phoenix news stories with Jolene as she conducts her investigation, convinces her bosses she has the scoop on a big story, and pursues an Emmy. All the other characters from Off the Air are back in the book and we get more of Jolene's backstory. This is a fun book with plenty of Easter Eggs for those familiar with Phoenix and it will leave you in suspense until the end while Jolene figures out if she discovered a murder or an accident.

Was an ok story but I had a hard time keeping the many characters straight. I also had no issue sitting it aside. Which to me is a problem.

As soon as Christina announced her newest novel, I was anxious to crack it open! Fellow newsies will appreciate this series of mysteries inspired by Christina’s own career as a reporter.
Jolene Garcia is back on the investigative beat in Phoenix after winning an Emmy for her report on the death of a popular radio host (see book one!) While newsroom managers have her chasing down frivolous stories, she’s chomping at the bit to tell a story that really matters. It comes to her when a local small business owner dies suddenly in a car crash, though she has a sneaking suspicion it wasn’t an accident. As Jolene digs deeper, she starts to receive threats as it becomes clear - someone doesn’t want the truth out there. But it’s in Jolene’s blood to uncover the truth - and perhaps identify a murderer.
As a former tv reporter, I really enjoy Christina’s stories and this was no exception. Can’t wait to see what Jolene uncovers next!
Thank you to Minotaur Books for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

3.5 stars. Nice, quick read. I didn’t see the villain coming until right before it happened, so it held my interest.

I did have a hard time keeping all the characters straight because there were so many. But I realize this is a series so maybe the characters would become more familiar if I kept reading.

I like a murder mystery that’s not too dark or heavy, so this was a good fit for that. I would definitely read more of this author, and might read more of the series.
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