A Confidential Source

by Jan Brogan

- Jan Brogan's first novel, "Final Copy (Larcom Press, 2001), won "The Drood Review of Mystery's Editor's Choice Award and was named one of the best eight mysteries published in 2001.- Like the novels of Edgar Award-winning author Laura Lippman, this book is fast-paced and impossible to put down. It is certain to appeal to fans of Lippman, as well as fans of Linda Barnes's Carlotta Carlyle mysteries.- Jan Brogan, an award-winning journalist, has worked in newspapers for 20 years. She is a former writer at "The Providence Journal Bulletin and currently works as a correspondent for "The Boston Globe. Well-connected in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island, she plans to promote her book extensively in both states.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction

Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Jan, an award-winning journalist, is a former staff reporter for Worcester Telegram and The Providence Journal. Currently a freelance journalist and formerly a correspendent for The Boston Globe, she is the author of four mysteries. Her first,Final Copy, won the Drood Review Editor's Choice award. A Confidential Source and Yesterday's Fatal were both named "Killer Books" by the Independent Mystery Booksellers Association."

Reviews

[Tomi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't like books involving gambling, so this was a dud for me.

[Nina Cast · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like the main character, I'm a transplant to RI, and so can't find the actual equivalents to EVERY person, place or thing in the book, but enough to make it recognizable!

[Randy Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good writing; first time for this author and I liked her character and storyline. The chapters seemed to move pretty quickly and it was a good page turner. Would read her again.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book because it was written by a former newspaper colleague. It was a light enjoyable mystery read. The protagonist is a newspaper reporter, which made it particularly fun for me, a former journalist. I also enjoyed it because it takes place in Providence and Worcester and has a lot of local references - including visits to Foxwoods Casino and thinly disguised local politicians in it. I'd recommend it.

[Sandy Hall · Rating 1 out of 5]

The writing and storyline in this were great, my issues were with the main character. She started out promisingly enough, but devolved into a self-involved mess. The gambling, the inability to maintain herself or her living conditions despite being in her 30's, her desperation to "make it big" completely overruling common sense again and again...She wasn't so much 'bumbling' as she was just a loser.

[Barbara ★ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I must say that the first chapter totally killed this book for me. I absolutely hate talk radio and honestly had to force myself through all the passages when talk radio was playing (so to speak). I found the entire story rather boring and Hallie Ahern does not install sympathy from the reader. In fact, she's one of those TSTL heroines who make me want to scream. She was rather gullible and naive for an investigative reporter making the whole premise seem unrealistic.

[Phair · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was not in a good mood when I read this for f2f group so maybe my rating is unfair. I felt if not for the local color of the Rhode Island setting this book was rather boring and featured a typical young woman in jeopardy and making really stupid decisions. Most of the group liked it but again, would they have liked it as much if a different setting?

[Steve Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I really love about this crime mystery novel is the setting. The author picked a unique location, Providence Rhode Island, and made the most of it. She is well familiar with not only the best-known locations of the city, but also the little corner's and empty lots where criminal activity can flourish. Hallie, the reporter is a bit neurotic and compulsive, which makes here interesting.

[JodiP · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was about the recovering journalist who stumbles on corruption related to gambling in Maryland. This was a mediocre read. I couldn't connect with the protaganist and the plot was nothing special. I wouldn't seek out her other work.

[Krista Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you like Sue Grafton and Janet Evanovich, this book will feel familiar. The character isn't as memorable as Kinsey or Stephanie, she's a journalist who takes on an investigative report that sends the bad guys after her but it is an easy, enjoyable read.

[Alissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

good, fast plotting. I liked the main character.

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rhode Islanders will enjoy this mystery set in the state.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun read. At times, the story seemed a bit convoluted, but it comes together at the end.

[Mya R · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am usually fond of the "hot mess " protagonist, but there's a difference between that, and astoundingly immature. :/