There’s no denying that the landscape of local news has shifted dramatically in recent decades. I remember my parents watching the evening broadcast on Channel 5 religiously, the local anchors serving as a trusted, familiar source of information. These days, I don’t even have traditional TV. I rely instead on streaming services for entertainment. And I couldn’t tell you the last time I sat down to watch a local newscast. It’s simply easier and faster to get updates on my phone than to wait for a scheduled broadcast.
But even as the medium evolves, local news endures. It’s within that ever-changing world that Jessie Garcia sets her latest thriller, The Fair Weather Friend, drawing inspiration from the high-pressure environment of a Detroit newsroom.
Faith Richards has become a bona fide local celebrity. As the evening news meteorologist, she’s charmed viewers with her sunny personality and playful traditions—most notably her weather-themed earrings that match each forecast. She’s even earned a devoted following who affectionately call her their “Fair Weather Friend.” Sure, Faith mostly reads from a national report sent to the newsroom, but her expertise, or lack thereof, hardly matters. She’s engaging, likable, and exactly the kind of personality that keeps viewers tuning in.
But when Faith fails to return to the air after a dinner break between broadcasts, concern quickly sets in. And when her body is discovered the next day, that concern turns to shock. How could someone so visible, so beloved, end up the victim of such a brutal crime? As the investigation unfolds, it soon becomes clear that there may have been far more to Faith than met the eye.
With The Fair Weather Friend, Jessie Garcia delivers a suspenseful whodunnit that keeps the twists coming. The narrative shifts between multiple perspectives—Faith herself, an intern, an adoring fan, a coworker, and even a stalker—each adding a new layer to the mystery. Their connections to Faith are revealed gradually, with key pieces held back until the final moments, making for a story that’s as playful as it is unsettling.
The result is a twisty tale fueled by ambition, jealousy, and obsession, with Garcia skillfully maintaining a brisk pace and steadily building tension. It all comes together in a satisfying conclusion that rewards the buildup. As the weather warms and the days grow longer, this is the kind of addictive read that’s perfect for an afternoon in the sun.
For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads.
(2026, 27)
A book for my summer reading list! I always look for fun thrillers then. And you're right about how we get our news changing from what it once was. I scan my local news stations online now instead of tuning in to their broadcasts. Though I do really miss reading the newspaper everyday. Especially the movie and comics section. ;D
ReplyDeleteThis one is a fun one! Perfect for you summer list!
DeleteGreat review Ethan. I quite enjoyed this twisty tale as well.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteInteresting setting, though as you said, a bit outdated (sadly). Then again, it sounds like that nice local TV personality might have more skeletons in her closet than some of the big names in her field...
ReplyDeleteNothing was as it seemed!
DeleteThe news anchors are completely different from when I was a kid. But this sounds like it might be good.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting how much the local TV newspeople have evolved.
DeleteI think there is still some value to the local news. You did a great job conveying the intensity of this tale in your review. Sounds like a heart pounding thriller.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteI haven't seen a news broadcast in ages either. We don't even have a television anymore. Once the Wii stopped supporting Netflix in 2016, we had only local channels, no cable. But then the tv itself finally went out and now we have a projector to watch movies and that's it.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad our library has this one, I am ninth in line for it!
Okay wait, I just figured out how I know this author - she wrote The Business Trip, which I absolutely HATED. Did you read it? If you've read both, would you say this one is better? Because seriously, I really really hated her first one, lol.
DeleteI didn't read that one, so I can't speak to it. This one isn't the best thing I've ever read, but I had a good time with it! You'll have to let me know how it compares.
DeleteI went back and reread my review of the Business Trip, got angry all over again, and just could not bring myself to read this one so I cancelled my hold. Her debut was just SO awful. Maybe I will give her third one a try if she continues writing, and she will gradually get better.
DeleteNow everyone watch "news" and they can be as fake as be, sigh
ReplyDeleteVery true.
DeleteThis sounds like a great thriller! I mainly just watch the local news for the weather. Once that's done, I'll usually turn it off and get my news from online sources. It's amazing how much has changed over the years.
ReplyDeleteI use their app for my weather needs!
DeleteI remember when the news wasn't so politically opinionated! They served up the events with the occasional opinion piece and let the viewers make up their minds. I get my news through the Apple platform coming from a lot of different news organizations. I try to only look at the ones that give up impartial accounts, but lately I try not to read the news.
ReplyDeleteI almost grabbed this one, but I had so many to read. Looks like I missed out!
I had fun with this one! I use Apple News as well. I appreciate the variety.
Delete