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Bad News
Ridge Falls is a town with secrets. When 15-year-old Kimmy Duchette goes missing, suspicion immediately falls on a mysterious loner named Thomas Roper. Is he guilty, or are dark forces in Ridge Falls willing to do anything – even condemn an innocent man – in order to cover up the truth?
Maggie Carter's career as a TV news journalist is in freefall. Determined to be as devious, deceptive and duplicitous as her most successful colleagues, she heads to Ridge Falls on a one-woman mission to discover the truth about Kimmy's disappearance. As far as she's concerned, the case should be easy enough to crack. All she has to do is look in the right places.
Maggie soon discovers, however, that nothing in Ridge Falls is simple. Is Kimmy alive or dead? Is Thomas Roper a murderer who already got away with one crime, or the victim of lies and smears? And is the handsome local sheriff really on Maggie's side, or is he part of a terrifying conspiracy?
Bad News is a horror novel about a girl's disappearance, and about a reporter's determination to do whatever it takes to get to the truth. This is the 2022 edition of the original 2019 book.
Maggie Carter's career as a TV news journalist is in freefall. Determined to be as devious, deceptive and duplicitous as her most successful colleagues, she heads to Ridge Falls on a one-woman mission to discover the truth about Kimmy's disappearance. As far as she's concerned, the case should be easy enough to crack. All she has to do is look in the right places.
Maggie soon discovers, however, that nothing in Ridge Falls is simple. Is Kimmy alive or dead? Is Thomas Roper a murderer who already got away with one crime, or the victim of lies and smears? And is the handsome local sheriff really on Maggie's side, or is he part of a terrifying conspiracy?
Bad News is a horror novel about a girl's disappearance, and about a reporter's determination to do whatever it takes to get to the truth. This is the 2022 edition of the original 2019 book.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 28, 2019
258 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
About the author
Amy Cross
668 books1,698 followersAmy Cross writes novels and short stories in a number of genres, mainly horror, paranormal and fantasy. Books include The Farm, Annie's Room, The Island, Eli's Town and Asylum.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 1, 2023
Once again, yours truly is in the minority. I love Amy Cross. She is a horror writer that began publishing work in 2011 and in eleven years has written more than 200 novels. Basically, she writes about 18 novels a year. She accomplishes this feat by writing 150-page novels, building on well-established horror tropes, and giving a twist. She self-publishes and each book is 99 cents. To my mind, it is a winning philosophy whereas she looks to create as much content as possible; IMHO she succeeds more than she fails. Bad news is the story of a town with a kid-disappearance and a “cut-throat” journalist, er-umm, irony? (Not a spoiler because you will never see me spoil anything.) Love this story, although not strictly a horror story, but part of what I enjoy is her attempts at stretching the genre. I think this ending is a unique and impactful 4 and a half Grey Geeks, but 4 stars for Goodreads. If you have not read Amy Cross and you call yourself a horror fan, you surely do yourself a disservice if you have not read any of her work. In the 4 years, I have posted reviews on Goodreads I have written dozens on Amy Cross.
January 15, 2020
I accidentally read another horror book! I didn’t know it was supposed to be horror until after I’d finished so I added a star as I thought it was supposed to be a thriller. If I’d known it was horror I may have read it differently. See - in horror anything goes, you can get away with anything, right? In a thriller, you’re usually asked to suspend disbelief but there should remain a thread, a hint, shadow, inkling of plausibility. So this book failed as horror because it wasn’t remotely scary or unsettling. And it failed as a thriller because, apart from not being thrilling, it was totally, utterly, completely implausible.
In a nutshell, a washed up journalist (Maggie Carter) from some big city goes to some small town chasing the story of a disappeared 15 year old girl. 10 years before that another 15 year old girl went missing never to be seen again. She just knows the cases are linked despite the lack of evidence. She also knows the local law enforcement is incompetent and needs her help despite her not knowing the place, the people or the background. She is recalled by her media outlet and sacked. A year later she goes back as she wants to help. She just knows it all. A bit more happens the second time around but the lame dialogue, flaky MC and completely implausible twist killed it for me. I know a lot of people liked it so don’t trust my observations. The author is quite prolific in the horror genre 😱. I would call it soft horror and I don’t even read the damn genre. Ha, maybe I should. Anyway, I’m done.
In a nutshell, a washed up journalist (Maggie Carter) from some big city goes to some small town chasing the story of a disappeared 15 year old girl. 10 years before that another 15 year old girl went missing never to be seen again. She just knows the cases are linked despite the lack of evidence. She also knows the local law enforcement is incompetent and needs her help despite her not knowing the place, the people or the background. She is recalled by her media outlet and sacked. A year later she goes back as she wants to help. She just knows it all. A bit more happens the second time around but the lame dialogue, flaky MC and completely implausible twist killed it for me. I know a lot of people liked it so don’t trust my observations. The author is quite prolific in the horror genre 😱. I would call it soft horror and I don’t even read the damn genre. Ha, maybe I should. Anyway, I’m done.
December 20, 2024
I always enjoy this author's stories because they have twists and unique ideas - surprises, for sure.
From a British writer, she now writes from an American point of view, which is a shame in my opinion, however, they are good stories.
Maggie is a journalist and seeks to make her name finding 'the story', so when a girl vanishes...
Maggie is a likeable character with a sense of humour and a streak of decency that is at odds with the newspaper profession.
It's set in small town America and is stereotypical regarding the inhabitants.
We'll written and fast-paced, this first-person narrative was engaging from the start.
Worth reading.
From a British writer, she now writes from an American point of view, which is a shame in my opinion, however, they are good stories.
Maggie is a journalist and seeks to make her name finding 'the story', so when a girl vanishes...
Maggie is a likeable character with a sense of humour and a streak of decency that is at odds with the newspaper profession.
It's set in small town America and is stereotypical regarding the inhabitants.
We'll written and fast-paced, this first-person narrative was engaging from the start.
Worth reading.
August 6, 2024
Book is decent, writing is not
This book is a tough one to rate... I'll go over my thoughts without spoiling too much, and for once I'll try to be a little more kind than harsh.
The story is decent; a reporter (former after a while) is chasing down a story and becomes somewhat committed to solving this mystery. She gets wrapped up in it more than she intended, and it all kind of goes from there. The characters are... Ok. I don't love them, they're kind of annoying at times, but I also don't hate them. The development is mid, no one really learns a lesson by the end. The plot isn't paper thin, which was nice, but also it's not this super interesting, gripped my attention non-stop, sort of plot. The twist was decent, not great, not a slog like other books.
What I didn't like though, was the author's writing. There are SO name repetitious phrases used. Two in particular are 'Their voice tailed off', used when someone is talking and they just stop, and then 'they pointed out', used each time someone makes a point. There are more, but these are the two that stick out the most, and absolutely ruined the book for me.
Overall, I'm rating it a 3. The plot and story were there and were decent, the would style left something to be desired. Then at the end you're informed that this author has over 150 different titles under their belt and you realize that they don't much care for quality as they do quantity.
This book is a tough one to rate... I'll go over my thoughts without spoiling too much, and for once I'll try to be a little more kind than harsh.
The story is decent; a reporter (former after a while) is chasing down a story and becomes somewhat committed to solving this mystery. She gets wrapped up in it more than she intended, and it all kind of goes from there. The characters are... Ok. I don't love them, they're kind of annoying at times, but I also don't hate them. The development is mid, no one really learns a lesson by the end. The plot isn't paper thin, which was nice, but also it's not this super interesting, gripped my attention non-stop, sort of plot. The twist was decent, not great, not a slog like other books.
What I didn't like though, was the author's writing. There are SO name repetitious phrases used. Two in particular are 'Their voice tailed off', used when someone is talking and they just stop, and then 'they pointed out', used each time someone makes a point. There are more, but these are the two that stick out the most, and absolutely ruined the book for me.
Overall, I'm rating it a 3. The plot and story were there and were decent, the would style left something to be desired. Then at the end you're informed that this author has over 150 different titles under their belt and you realize that they don't much care for quality as they do quantity.
August 5, 2019
Great read
I started reading this book in the early hours after waking up and unable to go back to sleep, thinking I would call asleep reading. Big mistake! I couldn't stop reading after the first few pages. I was hooked straight away. It was enthralling and gripping. So. Many. Twists throughout and just as you thought it was over out pops a whopper. A fantastic read and well worth reading. Now I best try and get some shut eye. But before I go I'd recommend you give this book a try it's definitely worth it. But don't start it I. The middle of the night 😄
I started reading this book in the early hours after waking up and unable to go back to sleep, thinking I would call asleep reading. Big mistake! I couldn't stop reading after the first few pages. I was hooked straight away. It was enthralling and gripping. So. Many. Twists throughout and just as you thought it was over out pops a whopper. A fantastic read and well worth reading. Now I best try and get some shut eye. But before I go I'd recommend you give this book a try it's definitely worth it. But don't start it I. The middle of the night 😄
November 27, 2019
Amy Cross delivers,,again
I loved this well written story of madness and murder. Normal people just do not understand the will and power of psychology damaged people. The ability to focus on their desire unhampered by ethics or a conscience they can achieve their macabre goal. Love this author!
I loved this well written story of madness and murder. Normal people just do not understand the will and power of psychology damaged people. The ability to focus on their desire unhampered by ethics or a conscience they can achieve their macabre goal. Love this author!
December 3, 2019
Bad News is a great Amy Cross book. I really enjoyed it and the story was something that kept you reading longer than you had planned. The characters are very realistic and the story line is also, unfortunately. You will be surprised at he ending but you'll have read a great book. Give it a try and see for yourself.
August 10, 2019
Not one of Amy's best!
A run of the mill missing person/murder story, as seen through the eyes of a washed up journalist. It just didn't hold my interest but I did get to the end of the story. There was the usual Amy Cross twist at the end but, it couldn't save this tedious tale.
A run of the mill missing person/murder story, as seen through the eyes of a washed up journalist. It just didn't hold my interest but I did get to the end of the story. There was the usual Amy Cross twist at the end but, it couldn't save this tedious tale.
November 22, 2019
Bad News is good news for the reader
Entertaining plot and characters with a surprising ending. The book moves along very smoothly and hold your attention until the climax. Recommended for mystery fans.
Entertaining plot and characters with a surprising ending. The book moves along very smoothly and hold your attention until the climax. Recommended for mystery fans.
March 21, 2020
Brilliant
Being an Amy Cross book I expected the usual (but good) story of ghosts and hauntings, so was surprised when I found myself reading a murder mystery, but what a great story.
Excellent, fast moving and well written, let's have more like this please.
Being an Amy Cross book I expected the usual (but good) story of ghosts and hauntings, so was surprised when I found myself reading a murder mystery, but what a great story.
Excellent, fast moving and well written, let's have more like this please.
July 25, 2021
So bad!!!
Is this book a horror book? Come on, so boring, nothing happens in the first 100 pages 🤦🏻♂️
I tried to read this new writer but I’m so disappointed.
Really deserves 1 star or less.
I added 1 extra star because as a crime book it’s ok, but still really boring one.
Is this book a horror book? Come on, so boring, nothing happens in the first 100 pages 🤦🏻♂️
I tried to read this new writer but I’m so disappointed.
Really deserves 1 star or less.
I added 1 extra star because as a crime book it’s ok, but still really boring one.
June 23, 2019
Awesome!
This would make a great series!! Please consider it! Love Maggie Carter! The book kept me in the edge of my seat.
This would make a great series!! Please consider it! Love Maggie Carter! The book kept me in the edge of my seat.
July 2, 2019
Wonderful.
Another great book by a great writer! Never been disappointed with Amy Cross, always a great read.Thank you for sharing your books.
Another great book by a great writer! Never been disappointed with Amy Cross, always a great read.Thank you for sharing your books.
September 8, 2019
It was kinda slow
This isn't one that I liked very much. I just didn't like the Maggie character. And it took too long to get to the core of what happened.
This isn't one that I liked very much. I just didn't like the Maggie character. And it took too long to get to the core of what happened.
September 21, 2019
I adore this author.
Another book from author Amy Cross that I have read and enjoyed. What a page turner, plenty of twists and turns to keep you there.
Another book from author Amy Cross that I have read and enjoyed. What a page turner, plenty of twists and turns to keep you there.
November 13, 2019
Amy Cross..Amazing
I am never disappointed when I begin one of her books! And this one was one of her best!
Thank You Amy Cross!
I am never disappointed when I begin one of her books! And this one was one of her best!
Thank You Amy Cross!
December 31, 2019
Another good read
Clever Read. Story leads you in a number of directions and just when you think you have cracked the plot it takes a massive turn
Clever Read. Story leads you in a number of directions and just when you think you have cracked the plot it takes a massive turn
December 22, 2021
Great read with a twist I didn’t see coming.
September 30, 2022
Good story!
I really enjoyed this book, it’s a little different than the normal horror stories by Amy Cross.
Good characters and storyline. It kept me guessing what was going on.
I really enjoyed this book, it’s a little different than the normal horror stories by Amy Cross.
Good characters and storyline. It kept me guessing what was going on.
August 20, 2019
Great book - a quick read. I hope this one becomes a series, as I would love to see what's next for Maggie Carter.
January 9, 2022
I really enjoyed this book
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews