What do you think?
Rate this book
Death By Deadline: Can Out of Control Local News Kill People?
Death By Deadline is a mystery thriller that takes you deep into the heart of local TV News, with heroes, villains, and a look at how the battle to be first with a story can climax in unbelievable catastrophe. Can local news kill people? That's the essential question as the author takes you through a mosaic of politics. the underworld, government, and the life of a big city as seen through the prism of courageous journalists and their corrupt and devious counterparts. Death by Deadline is a story of murder, mayhem, and hope. accompanied by unforgettable characters, and some of the most unusual newsroom humor that you will ever read. This is not for the fainthearted, but is IS for people who want to walk the fine line between solid reporting and the tragedy of journalistic deceit. The people are not real. Can it happen? Maybe, on some dark day in the future, unless it is too late. "Too late" is a real possibility. But in the meantime, the thread of corruption, sexual tension, heroes and villains fighting an internal struggle, produces a newsroom full of tightrope walkers in a novel with so many surprises, that the reader must be prepared to face the unthinkable.
254 pages, Paperback
First published April 4, 2011
1 person is currently reading
11 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
July 26, 2011
Just OK. Plot was overly complicated and too many characters.
June 28, 2012
Very disappointed in it!
July 8, 2011
Death by Deadline
Author: Larry Kane
Reviewed by Fran Lewis
Imagine a news director passing up a lead story that would increase ratings, listeners and possibly make the station number one among the networks. So, why would Barbara Pierce, news director decide to chuck a double murder filled with gore, mystery, and unusual circumstances surrounding the deaths and pass on the story? Reason: the area is crime riddled with crime, definitely not worth the ink, the video or paper to write it up and the area filled with people who really do not count. As the news comes through to the newsroom, the story unfolds and the video footage arrives, one reporter sees something on the video that is suspicious but will he follow up?
As the reporters meet for their daily three o’clock meeting, hoping to report some hard core news, the news director insults, berates and belittles anyone who dares to voice an opinion and usurp her authority, one that she most certainly does not deserve.
But, the story does not being there, it begins with one reporter’s account of his own possible and imminent demise as he finds himself in the middle of the street, flat on the asphalt riddled with pain, covered with blood and hoping to survive. Our main character Michael Marone, a seasoned reporter graphically describes his injuries, the bloodbath around him and the nightmare he is living but has no idea why. What really happened still remains to be seen as the plot unfolds, the newscasters take their places and the story will now be told as I review this fast paced, action packed novel by newscaster Larry Kane. Let’s enter the world of those at Channel Five and hear their stories, understand their frustrations, needs, wants and uncover the real story ourselves of what really happens when the lights are on, the camera is rolling and the stories are written in a real live newsroom.
As the aftermath hits the officer that handled the scene of the double murder in Cambria, the stations that skimmed over the facts, presented only what they thought people needed to know, we learn one hard sad truth about reporting. Those at the top control it and although these reporters recognized the need for this story to be front and center those at the top did not. Why? Prejudice, feeling the need to not care about people who were not rich or important or valuable members of society and worthy of space in a newspaper or ten minutes in a live broadcast. Sad, hard truth but fact as we learn first hand from our narrator the inside scoop about many of the reporters starting with Keith Byrne and followed by Harvey Hopkins. Keith is a great reporter but affected by the comments and actions of others not giving himself enough credit for his ability to report the news. Harvey is a smooth, corrupt and clever operator and there is much more to his deceit and cover-ups that will come out as the story continues. But, a good reporter never divulges their sources nor gives up all the information, some you will have to learn and read for yourself.
Three news channels 5, 7, and 9 in competition for ratings each having their own primary and secondary sources. Tips come in from all different places but are not always reliable, solid and or at times accurate or right. This book brings to light what happens when sources leak wrong information, reporters jump on the wrong bandwagon, anchors do not verify the stories and incidents first and the underbelly of corruption that is hinted at when the mob comes into play or in bed with those who are supposed to have the best interest of the public at heart.
Intertwined and let’s not forget is Michael Marone’s serious wounds, his first hand experience with near death and the emotional roller coaster ride he describes to the reader as we learn why and how he is seriously burned and injured and what his fate will be and that of others in the newsroom.
The author flashes back to a suicide in a High School, one reporter’s misinformation and what the end result was to an innocent victim because of it. Flashing forward to the channel five newsroom, his news director’s lack of direction, the misinformation, not reported information and one videotape that appears to have been doctored.
At the heart of any newscast is the anchor. How does the viewer see past the makeup, hair, clothes and persona of the person whose face is up on the screen to know whether they are sincere or just parroting the words on their papers or Teleprompters? Everyone has their favorite newscaster, station and time to watch the evening or daytime news. Not every commentator reports the same story the same way. Ever watch two channels at once and listen to the reports broadcasted. You would be amazed at the subtleties, nuances and differences in their voices, inflexions and authenticity when presenting a breaking story. Channel 9’s Diana Hong according to Michael Marone presents an honest and true newscast and seems to be more genuine. Is that why others dislike her and try to put her down? Namely Barb! Not everyone has the same agenda. Michael’s co-anchor Veronica is true and genuine but what part does she play in this cover-up? What about her relationship with the Peacemaker?
Many things change at a flick or a wink of an eye when you least expect it. Just what is being planned for March 14th will change the complexion of one town and the definition of total destruction and devastation. Who lives, who loses before the deadline is met and who will face another news day? Only the author and this review can answer those questions and we will never reveal our sources.
Chaos, havoc, deaths, destruction, revenge and one man’s plan to make sure that many paid for one teen’s death. What happens when a story is leaked and the information is wrong? What happens when reporters believe a source and forget to check out the facts? Find out what happens when the news media creates its own havoc and panic in Philadelphia, New Jersey and Delaware and innocent people pay. What really happened to Michael Marone and why was he in the wrong place at the wrong time? Read the novel. Get the facts straight and find out what the real scoop is.
This is one novel that will keep you glued to the printed page until you find out the dramatic and surprise ending. Author, newscaster, talk show host Larry Kane has set the bar really high in his debut novel. Death by Deadline: Check Your Facts First!
Fran Lewis: Reviewer
Author: Larry Kane
Reviewed by Fran Lewis
Imagine a news director passing up a lead story that would increase ratings, listeners and possibly make the station number one among the networks. So, why would Barbara Pierce, news director decide to chuck a double murder filled with gore, mystery, and unusual circumstances surrounding the deaths and pass on the story? Reason: the area is crime riddled with crime, definitely not worth the ink, the video or paper to write it up and the area filled with people who really do not count. As the news comes through to the newsroom, the story unfolds and the video footage arrives, one reporter sees something on the video that is suspicious but will he follow up?
As the reporters meet for their daily three o’clock meeting, hoping to report some hard core news, the news director insults, berates and belittles anyone who dares to voice an opinion and usurp her authority, one that she most certainly does not deserve.
But, the story does not being there, it begins with one reporter’s account of his own possible and imminent demise as he finds himself in the middle of the street, flat on the asphalt riddled with pain, covered with blood and hoping to survive. Our main character Michael Marone, a seasoned reporter graphically describes his injuries, the bloodbath around him and the nightmare he is living but has no idea why. What really happened still remains to be seen as the plot unfolds, the newscasters take their places and the story will now be told as I review this fast paced, action packed novel by newscaster Larry Kane. Let’s enter the world of those at Channel Five and hear their stories, understand their frustrations, needs, wants and uncover the real story ourselves of what really happens when the lights are on, the camera is rolling and the stories are written in a real live newsroom.
As the aftermath hits the officer that handled the scene of the double murder in Cambria, the stations that skimmed over the facts, presented only what they thought people needed to know, we learn one hard sad truth about reporting. Those at the top control it and although these reporters recognized the need for this story to be front and center those at the top did not. Why? Prejudice, feeling the need to not care about people who were not rich or important or valuable members of society and worthy of space in a newspaper or ten minutes in a live broadcast. Sad, hard truth but fact as we learn first hand from our narrator the inside scoop about many of the reporters starting with Keith Byrne and followed by Harvey Hopkins. Keith is a great reporter but affected by the comments and actions of others not giving himself enough credit for his ability to report the news. Harvey is a smooth, corrupt and clever operator and there is much more to his deceit and cover-ups that will come out as the story continues. But, a good reporter never divulges their sources nor gives up all the information, some you will have to learn and read for yourself.
Three news channels 5, 7, and 9 in competition for ratings each having their own primary and secondary sources. Tips come in from all different places but are not always reliable, solid and or at times accurate or right. This book brings to light what happens when sources leak wrong information, reporters jump on the wrong bandwagon, anchors do not verify the stories and incidents first and the underbelly of corruption that is hinted at when the mob comes into play or in bed with those who are supposed to have the best interest of the public at heart.
Intertwined and let’s not forget is Michael Marone’s serious wounds, his first hand experience with near death and the emotional roller coaster ride he describes to the reader as we learn why and how he is seriously burned and injured and what his fate will be and that of others in the newsroom.
The author flashes back to a suicide in a High School, one reporter’s misinformation and what the end result was to an innocent victim because of it. Flashing forward to the channel five newsroom, his news director’s lack of direction, the misinformation, not reported information and one videotape that appears to have been doctored.
At the heart of any newscast is the anchor. How does the viewer see past the makeup, hair, clothes and persona of the person whose face is up on the screen to know whether they are sincere or just parroting the words on their papers or Teleprompters? Everyone has their favorite newscaster, station and time to watch the evening or daytime news. Not every commentator reports the same story the same way. Ever watch two channels at once and listen to the reports broadcasted. You would be amazed at the subtleties, nuances and differences in their voices, inflexions and authenticity when presenting a breaking story. Channel 9’s Diana Hong according to Michael Marone presents an honest and true newscast and seems to be more genuine. Is that why others dislike her and try to put her down? Namely Barb! Not everyone has the same agenda. Michael’s co-anchor Veronica is true and genuine but what part does she play in this cover-up? What about her relationship with the Peacemaker?
Many things change at a flick or a wink of an eye when you least expect it. Just what is being planned for March 14th will change the complexion of one town and the definition of total destruction and devastation. Who lives, who loses before the deadline is met and who will face another news day? Only the author and this review can answer those questions and we will never reveal our sources.
Chaos, havoc, deaths, destruction, revenge and one man’s plan to make sure that many paid for one teen’s death. What happens when a story is leaked and the information is wrong? What happens when reporters believe a source and forget to check out the facts? Find out what happens when the news media creates its own havoc and panic in Philadelphia, New Jersey and Delaware and innocent people pay. What really happened to Michael Marone and why was he in the wrong place at the wrong time? Read the novel. Get the facts straight and find out what the real scoop is.
This is one novel that will keep you glued to the printed page until you find out the dramatic and surprise ending. Author, newscaster, talk show host Larry Kane has set the bar really high in his debut novel. Death by Deadline: Check Your Facts First!
Fran Lewis: Reviewer
January 6, 2021
This book should be listed under young people teens more than adult fiction. It's simply not written sophisticatedly to warrant it. Kane obviously got thus published by his name, not his talent writing.
While there is an interesting and worthwhile premise, it gets muddled by the useless pages of bigamy, unnecessary character histories that bear no significance and the overloaded number of characters that are nonessential. There are also threads that just disappear without explanation.
Read it fast for a day on the beach but don't lose any sleep over it. It's not likely you would anyway.
While there is an interesting and worthwhile premise, it gets muddled by the useless pages of bigamy, unnecessary character histories that bear no significance and the overloaded number of characters that are nonessential. There are also threads that just disappear without explanation.
Read it fast for a day on the beach but don't lose any sleep over it. It's not likely you would anyway.
July 24, 2016
This book has everything, breaking news, corrupt officials, dirty cops, terrorists and love stories. In the hands of a talented writer like WEB Griffin or Nelson DeMille it would be a page turner. This is just a mess.
Disclaimer number 1 I, to paraphrase the parody of former Governor of Alaska, can see the 'Rivers Edge' nuclear plan from my house and I live close to 422 bypass and I worked in print journalism in the market during the time period of this book. So if I am confused and irritated by this book just imagine someone who has no idea what is going on??
Larry Kane has been an anchor in Philly for much of my life. This work is his way of pointing out the absurdity and self importance of the local news anchors and producers as well as ringing the alarm bell to a time where being First is more important than being Right. I have witnessed this first hand on several occasions but Kane's heavy handed treatment of the issue feels like a shove rather than shining the light.
The structure of the book does it no favors, I think the author believes the reader cannot absorb info in a larger package than 2 minutes. His attempt to disguise the call letters and number of the stations is so successful that I was unable to keep track of which station was which or who worked where. He slyly slips in details about the local news anchors that are verifiable but unnecessary and a little too much 'inside baseball'.
Ultimately the book is not readable. You plod through it hoping that the italicized blurbs at the top of each chapter will gel into a plot. Too many poorly developed characters and an absurd premise drag it down.
Disclaimer number 1 I, to paraphrase the parody of former Governor of Alaska, can see the 'Rivers Edge' nuclear plan from my house and I live close to 422 bypass and I worked in print journalism in the market during the time period of this book. So if I am confused and irritated by this book just imagine someone who has no idea what is going on??
Larry Kane has been an anchor in Philly for much of my life. This work is his way of pointing out the absurdity and self importance of the local news anchors and producers as well as ringing the alarm bell to a time where being First is more important than being Right. I have witnessed this first hand on several occasions but Kane's heavy handed treatment of the issue feels like a shove rather than shining the light.
The structure of the book does it no favors, I think the author believes the reader cannot absorb info in a larger package than 2 minutes. His attempt to disguise the call letters and number of the stations is so successful that I was unable to keep track of which station was which or who worked where. He slyly slips in details about the local news anchors that are verifiable but unnecessary and a little too much 'inside baseball'.
Ultimately the book is not readable. You plod through it hoping that the italicized blurbs at the top of each chapter will gel into a plot. Too many poorly developed characters and an absurd premise drag it down.
June 13, 2011
This is a page-turning and well-written book that plunges deep into the world of TV journalism. It's an incredibly quick read that you won't want to put down! It underlines the importance of delivering accurate and honest information to the public and will definitely make you think twice about who you trust.
June 6, 2011
Kane was a news anchor in Philly for many years; this is his first novel. A bleak look at local news and how ratings are all that matters-not accuracy. I hope this is exaggerated for the sake of the novel or I (a news junkie) am wasting a lot of my time. Shows how news reports can be easily manipulated by those with power/money.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews