Book Review: Teaser

Reviewed By: Caryn St. Clair

Teaser     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Jan Brogan
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Woman Main Character
Series: Hallie Ahern Mysteries # 3
St.Martin's, Hardcover, 291 pages, $24.95

Technology is everywhere. Cell phones are replacing land lines and texting is replacing voice calls. Not only does nearly every household own a computer, but nearly every individual in that household owns one-including the children. All of those cell phones and all those computers are being used for a lot more than phoning home and writing term papers. It also seems like everyone blogs and a has personal “My Space” page-even kids. Especially kids.

In Brogan's latest Hallie Ahearn novel, Teaser, Brogan presents a gripping story of how modern technology in the hands of young girls goes terribly wrong. When Hallie, a newspaper reporter, happens on to a provocative video clip of two young girls on a beach, her first thought is of the potential story she can get from it. But as she starts investigating, she uncovers much more than she expected. Unfortunately, her investigation has deadly consequences. Meanwhile, her boyfriend, Assistant Attorney General Matt Cavanaugh is trying to get a grand jury indictment against Pauley Sponik, a known drug dealer. In an unusual plot twist, Matt's case and Hallie's story converge.

While Brogan's book is the perfect wake up call for parents who have given their children free reign on their computers, it is also an interesting look at what is happening to printed newspapers in this on line world. In order to attract readers, newspapers are putting more and more of their stories on line-and posting the updates to stories faster than ever. Are corners cut in order to be the first with breaking news? Are the headlines more important than in depth reporting? Are the old press room rules of etiquette being ditched?

Brogan has taken Hallie's story of young people getting in trouble on line, Matt's case against the drug dealer, added in the competition between printed and on line news sources and blended them together perfectly.

Caryn St. Clair

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Caryn St. Clair

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