Deadline

A journalist on a small Indiana newspaper investigates a 1955 murder that went cold decades ago. What begins as research for a retrospective article becomes a deeper pursuit as he discovers connections between the killing and powerful local figures. The protagonist's search leads him through dusty archives, old police records, and conversations with aging townspeople who remember the crime. While following the cold case, he must navigate small-town politics and deal with mounting pressure from his newspaper's management. The story alternates between events of 1955 and the present-day investigation, revealing how past actions continue to influence current relationships in the community. The book combines elements of journalism, historical research, and noir detective work. The novel explores themes of buried secrets in small towns and the conflicts faced by reporters who must choose between revealing truth and maintaining stability in their communities. It raises questions about the role of local newspapers and the price of uncovering long-hidden wrongs.

Readers describe Deadline as a tense newsroom thriller with authentic journalism details, based on Dunning's own reporting experience. Many cite its gritty realism and tight pacing. Likes: - Accurate depiction of 1970s newspaper culture - Complex investigation plotline - Strong character development - Period details and Denver setting - Noir atmosphere and reporter protagonists Dislikes: - Some find the ending rushed - Violence level too high for some readers - Plot threads left unresolved - A few readers note dated cultural references Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (90+ ratings) Notable reader comments: "Captures newsroom culture perfectly" - Goodreads reviewer "Like watching All the President's Men" - Amazon review "Too many loose ends at conclusion" - LibraryThing user "The newspaper details ring true" - Mystery Scene reader

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🔎 John Dunning worked as a horse trainer and raced at major tracks before becoming a novelist and rare book dealer 📚 The protagonist, Cliff Janeway, is a former homicide detective turned rare book dealer—mirroring the author's own transition from newspaper reporter to antiquarian bookseller 🏆 "Deadline" marked a departure from Dunning's popular Bookman series, focusing instead on the world of horse racing and newspaper journalism 📰 The book draws from Dunning's extensive experience as a reporter for The Denver Post, where he worked during the late 1960s and early 1970s 🎯 The plot centers around the investigation of a 40-year-old murder case involving a talented young jockey who died mysteriously at the height of his career