Dead Air by Mike Lupica (1986)

Dead Air
by Mike Lupica
Publisher:  Villard Books
Copyright:  1986
Book Club Edition

Move over, Spenser.  There's a faster-talking, wiser-cracking, tougher investigator on the horizon.  His name is Peter Finley, and he packs a minicam instead of a gun.  And nothing can stop him.

Finley is a reporter for Channel A, a New York cable TV station.  He once wrote a best-selling book, but the money's long gone.  The fabulous and generally perfect Jeannie Bogardus Finley is divorcing him (when she's not showing up at his doorstep with an invitation he can't refuse).  The summer's too hot, his job's too dull, and he keeps betting on the Red Sox, so he's a little short of cash.  To top it off, an ex-girlfriend -- a former Miss America-turned-talk show host -- is missing, presumed dead.  There's only one thing Finley can do -- go into action as only he can.  His specialties are finding things and righting wrongs.  In Dead Air, he finds a lot of wrongs.

This is a masterly debut for Mike Lupica.  He has created characters who are appealing, fun, hip, and second to none in dishing out more than they have to take.  Finley is a hero for the 1980s.  And his crack team is every investigator's dream.  Jack Finley -- Peter's dad -- is a retired cop with good connections and a better eye for the ladies.  Marty Pearl, Peter's best friend and most important muscle, also happens to be the best cameraman alive.  Natalie Ferrare only does everything Finley needs done and does it better than anyone has a right to expect.  James O'Rourke, owner of O'Rourkes saloon, provides the drinks and keeps his ear to the ground.  Then there's Lt. Mick Dunphy of homicide.  Dunphy's not a part of Team Finley exactly, but he puts up with Peter and respects him.  And lets him go his own way when the going gets rough.

Put all this together with a missing TV star, the rise of a powerful Christian cable TV network, the sleazy ins and outs of network television, and a series of bizarre ice pick murders, and Dead Air becomes the number one contender for mystery of the year.

Condition:  Used.  Hardcover.  Dust cover is lightly discolored from age and shows shelf wear.  Pages are tanning from age.  Previous owner's "Library Of" stamp is on the front endpaper.

**************************

Don't Delay. Buy It Now!

Why Buy From Me?

* Shipping Speed Most people are extremely amazed at how fast I get their item delivered to them. I ship the same day you pay for your item, whenever possible.

• Strong Positive Feedback 100% positive feedback. Customers are overwhelmingly pleased with the quality of the item they receive, the accuracy of the item's description, the prompt and informative email notifications, and of course the speedy delivery.
  
  * Blujay Member Since 2005 I'm here to stay.
  
  * ID Verified My feedback profile also displays the ID Verified icon. An extra level of safety and security for buyers to know.
  
  * PayPal Buyer Protection All of my listings display the PayPal Buyer Protection icon to qualify for up to $1000.00 of protection for you, the buyer.