Fake

In Fake, readers are treated to the gritty yet compassionate news reporter Lark Chadwick, a woman on the hot seat throughout most of the novel. The first lady unexpectedly dies in Lark’s presence, the catalyst for Lark’s own downward spiral. The fast-paced mystery is packed with action and many startling revelations, but manages to balance those with heart-warming scenes and a satisfying ending. Readers will feel invested in Lark’s future, and thankfully, with the next installment coming later this year, we can delve deeper into her world. This fifth in the series by former White House correspondent John DeDakis gave this reader exactly what she hoped for: an inside view of journalism and politics that mirrors our current divided viewpoints surrounding mass media. DeDakis, through his riveting fiction, dares to tell a story with such realism, the alarm bells are still ringing in my head.

John DeDakis brings us a stinging indictment of today’s ‘journalistic’ wars in his latest novel. Fake follows Lark Chadwick, White House Correspondent, as she navigates the sometimes seedy underbelly of supposition, innuendo, and rumor, only to find she has become the story everyone is chasing. As the true scope of her troubles unfold, she is forced to rely on back channels, old friends, and unknown intentions, to expose the truth. DeDakis has triumphed, writing an engaging and faced paced political thrilller I found impossible to put down. As a man writing a female character, it just doesn’t get better than this. The strength, compassion, and vulnerability of Lark shines through, and is a timely and accurate view of the issues we face today.

Author John DeDakis, a former editor on CNN's "The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer" and a one-time White House correspondent, has created a gripping thriller with the pulse of real-life power politics. Lark Chadwick is a savvy journalist with a soft heart. She's thrown into a nightmare of an assignment: cover the death of Rose Gannon, the President's wife. Lark's the logical choice because Rose died while Lark was interviewing her, but Lark's torn with emotion. The dead woman was also her friend. Law enforcement investigation determines it's murder. Lark is embroiled in cutthroat politics that cost her her job and Rose's death takes on international implications. Did the Russians murder Rose Gannon to destabilize American politics, and did someone set up Lark to take the fall?

Fake is a contemporary, exciting page turner reminiscent of driving at high speed down an Alpine road. There are psychological twists, plot turns and not a single speed bump. I got an insight into the life of a White House correspondent and the challenges of being an ethical journalist. I loved the trivia scattered throughout and the savvy amalgam of Presidents Kennedy, Reagan, Clinton and Bush (choose the one with the most initials) as President Gannon. The plot and the subject matter are stunningly current. I highly recommend it.

I want to know when the next Lark Chadwick mystery is coming out!!! Because after the last one, "Fake" -- all I could say was 'WOW!' and "YAY!' and "When?" What a ride!! This is a fantastic adventure in the Lark Chadwick series by John DeDakis! When I got 'Fake', I restarted the series from the first book 'Fast Track' and read them in order. This has been one heckuva an adventure. Chadwick is written so believably -- John, well done!! -- we see her hesitations, her doubts, and her fortitude! I have really enjoyed this series.

John DeDakis has hit it out of the park. Again. FAKE: A LARK CHADWICK MYSTERY is a riveting mystery that's high on political intrigue and frontline heroes defending credible threats from inside and outside the United States. A tense and entertaining read, FAKE captured my attention from the get-go and took me on an exhilarating ride. I highly recommend this book!

Can't wait to find out what happens next. John gets better with every writing. And he takes me home. First to my beloved Wisconsin (Grandad's Bluff -- many memories there, and WLSU -- charter member). And then to the so-accurate behind-the-scenes press/politics world of Washington DC (me: Pentagon press officer and more). Keep 'em coming, John!

Each new book of Johns gets better and better. I had Fake on reserve from amazon and the moment it arrived was a perfect day to snuggle in with a cup of coffee during thunderstorms. I could not put it down and finished it the next morning! FAKE is just amazing and recommend it as a must read!!!