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Reno McCarthy is still hoping to get his job back. He was an investigative reporter for Channel 14, who appears to have been fired for dating an independent escort/ high price call girl. It is for this reason that Reno agrees to meet with his former boss, Frank Hanratty. Frank has a plan. He has a story regarding prostitution and an escort ring involving major politicians. The only problem is his eyewitness has disappeared. Frank wants Reno to find Stacey DuMont, then Frank will try to convince the paper's owner to allow Reno to return. Even though Frank's story is full of worms, Reno agrees to look for the missing prostitute. Things quickly unravel for Reno. He finds the missing girl rather easily; however, he stumbles upon her body. While being questioned by the police, he learns that this call girl was in fact Brooke Talmadge, the daughter of a local lawyer and former senator. Brooke was also dating the head of the Russian mob - who is attempting to gain territory from the Italians. Everywhere Reno looks, he finds people threatening his life if he continues his investigation and threatening him if he does not continue. Things rapidly spin out of control as Reno finds himself searching for the true murderer to save his own skin. DEADER BY THE LAKE is a surprisingly enjoyable book. As a former member of the press, Cummings gives another look at journalism and TV news shows. He does not show the cutthroat nature we associate with TV journalism; yet, it is still there under the surface. Cummings shows that some of the reporters actually care about their stories and the people in them rather than simply ratings. Since news shows exist within the plasticity of television, this view is refreshing. While Cummings' background is not specifically in writing, he has the ability to create characters and situations that are believable. Reno is well drawn and has real depth. While he does not expect life to be easy, he is still hoping to get a break back into the journalism world. Reno also has a decent understanding of what makes his fellow humans tick. Every once in awhile, there will is some tiny wry tidbit that explains so much about society. While DEADER BY THE LAKE is not going to be a forerunner in the mystery genre, Cummings should not despair. His characterizations and ideas will keep readers interested and curious. Cummings does have the ability through this book, and hopefully his next, to grab a large fan base. DEADER BY THE LAKE is Doug M Cummings' first novel.
Reviewed by Sarah Dudley, December 2003
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Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)
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