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Fake
When popular First Lady Rose Gannon dies suddenly (and mysteriously) during an interview with White House correspondent Lark Chadwick, Lark is thrust into the midst of a media-bashing frenzy. Lark, still reeling from the death of her photographer boyfriend, finds herself covering a grieving president struggling with his pain while trying to defuse a looming nuclear war. In the era of "fake news," when all "facts" are suspect (and reporters are targets), Lark tries to discover the truth while also under personal attack. FAKE is author John DeDakis's most important and perhaps most controversial book to date. In FAKE, DeDakis, a former White House correspondent, and former CNN Senior Copy Editor, offers a real-life look behind-the-scenes at the ethical struggles of a female journalist in a #MeToo world. Protagonist Lark Chadwick is a strong-willed, strong-minded twenty-something trying to walk the line between personal feelings and dispassionate objectivity - trying to discern the difference between what's real . . . and what's fake.
- GenresFiction
350 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2019
14 people want to read
About the author
John DeDakis
14Ìýbooks62ÌýfollowersJournalist, novelist, and writing coach John DeDakis is a former Senior Copy Editor on CNN's "The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer." DeDakis (pronounced deh-DAY-kiss) is the author of five novels in the Lark Chadwick mystery-suspense-thriller series.
His fourth novel, Bullet in the Chamber, is the winner of Reviewers Choice, Foreword INDIES, and Feathered Quill book awards.
His most recent novel, Fake, is a winner of the 2020 Reviewers Choice Award. In Fake, Lark is a White House correspondent dealing with “fake news� in the era of #MeToo.
During his award-winning 45-year career in journalism (25 years at CNN), DeDakis has been a White House Correspondent and interviewed such luminaries as Alfred Hitchcock, Jimmy Carter, and Ronald Reagan.
DeDakis has taught journalism at the University of Maryland–College Park, and American University in Washington, D.C. He now regularly teaches novel writing online, at literary centers, writers� conferences, and bookstores around the country and abroad.
He is currently at work on a memoir, working title: Pivot Points: A Life of Plot Twists
In his spare time, DeDakis is also a jazz drummer.
Website:
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 23, 2019
First rate mystery. Outstanding depiction of the mechanics of news gathering and reporting from a veteran reporter and producer. And a warning for those who follow the unedited, rumor-infused "reporting" on social media and politicall-motivated mendacious shouting on cable tv.
Reporter Lark Chadwick--appearing for the fifth time in DeDakis' series--is still grieving after the heroin-induced death of her boyfriend when she witnesses the death of the First Lady. She is soon the subject of malicious rumors as Russia threatens to share nuclear weapons with Iran. Add to the mix a sexual assault and . . . . (well, you must read it before I reveal too much).
Too much, too fast for real life--but nonetheless a spirited and engrossing page turner. DeDakis is a wonderful story teller (and great educator). Highly recommended!
Reporter Lark Chadwick--appearing for the fifth time in DeDakis' series--is still grieving after the heroin-induced death of her boyfriend when she witnesses the death of the First Lady. She is soon the subject of malicious rumors as Russia threatens to share nuclear weapons with Iran. Add to the mix a sexual assault and . . . . (well, you must read it before I reveal too much).
Too much, too fast for real life--but nonetheless a spirited and engrossing page turner. DeDakis is a wonderful story teller (and great educator). Highly recommended!
September 20, 2019
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!
December 30, 2020
I could not put this down. Yet again, Lark captivated me with her blend of insecurities, bravado, and curiosity. Great story line that might have been hard to imagine a decade ago--fake news--mixed with intrigue and world drama.
August 10, 2019
Picking up where "Bullet in the Chamber" left off, "Fake" pushes its protagonist harder, further, and faster than ever before. Still reeling from recent events in the last novel, Lark Chadwick presses forward in her true-to-form way only to find herself fighting against the ugly side of modern journalism. Unfortunately for her, it's only the beginning as the career field she's loved and thrived in for so long suddenly becomes fraught with falsities, fiction, and frenemies. Why bother reporting the truth when fake news leads in the viral headlines?
DeDakis brilliantly combines the hot subject of fake news - one we can't seem to get away from any more - with a high intensity plot full of scandals, secrets, and international incidents (...or are they fake?) that we've come to expect from his Lark Chadwick series. While his previous novels have concluded with the subtle insinuation that more would be coming, this one leaves the reader SCREAMING for what's potentially unfolding in the next book. "Fake" is exhaustingly suspenseful - I had to walk away from it a few times just to breathe and the ending left me shell-shocked. I hope to hell the next novel is already well on its way.
There is a facet of DeDakis' writing style that I especially enjoy when he combines a real world topic and a fictional narrative. In "Fake", he chronicles the disastrous effects of fake news on Lark's life. However, he's also discreetly highlighting the very serious, real-world implications of fake news on our society and its conditioning of future generations. For someone like me who stopped watching the news because I don't know what to believe anymore, a reevaluation of that stance is in order. Even if ignored by a portion of the population, fake news ruins real lives, real careers, and can have irreversible effects on real people. It's a complicated problem, yes, but it needs to be taken much more seriously by our culture which feeds on information-overload 24/7. While "Fake" is a work of fiction, it isn't purely for entertainment purposes only. It's smart writing and it makes you think long after you've finished the last page.
"Fake" is a must-read for thriller fans and well as those who love political fiction. I'd also recommend it for those looking for diversity and inclusion in the story line as the novel tips its hat to the #metoo and LGBTQ communities. Finally, I'd highly encourage those looking to read and follow a strong female protagonist to pick up any of the Lark Chadwick novels. It's refreshing to find that healthy balance of 'confident', 'smart', 'not sexualized', and 'not a man-hater' in her. She's relatable, believable, and just vulnerable enough to make female readers completely empathize with her. Years ago, I was overly skeptical (and yes, maybe even a bit offended) when I read the Acknowledgements section at the beginning of "Troubled Waters" and realized its male author was writing in the first person as a woman. But skepticism and offense quickly dissipated with each gripping page turn. The struggle is real and in "Fake", DeDakis still gets it. Very well done!
DeDakis brilliantly combines the hot subject of fake news - one we can't seem to get away from any more - with a high intensity plot full of scandals, secrets, and international incidents (...or are they fake?) that we've come to expect from his Lark Chadwick series. While his previous novels have concluded with the subtle insinuation that more would be coming, this one leaves the reader SCREAMING for what's potentially unfolding in the next book. "Fake" is exhaustingly suspenseful - I had to walk away from it a few times just to breathe and the ending left me shell-shocked. I hope to hell the next novel is already well on its way.
There is a facet of DeDakis' writing style that I especially enjoy when he combines a real world topic and a fictional narrative. In "Fake", he chronicles the disastrous effects of fake news on Lark's life. However, he's also discreetly highlighting the very serious, real-world implications of fake news on our society and its conditioning of future generations. For someone like me who stopped watching the news because I don't know what to believe anymore, a reevaluation of that stance is in order. Even if ignored by a portion of the population, fake news ruins real lives, real careers, and can have irreversible effects on real people. It's a complicated problem, yes, but it needs to be taken much more seriously by our culture which feeds on information-overload 24/7. While "Fake" is a work of fiction, it isn't purely for entertainment purposes only. It's smart writing and it makes you think long after you've finished the last page.
"Fake" is a must-read for thriller fans and well as those who love political fiction. I'd also recommend it for those looking for diversity and inclusion in the story line as the novel tips its hat to the #metoo and LGBTQ communities. Finally, I'd highly encourage those looking to read and follow a strong female protagonist to pick up any of the Lark Chadwick novels. It's refreshing to find that healthy balance of 'confident', 'smart', 'not sexualized', and 'not a man-hater' in her. She's relatable, believable, and just vulnerable enough to make female readers completely empathize with her. Years ago, I was overly skeptical (and yes, maybe even a bit offended) when I read the Acknowledgements section at the beginning of "Troubled Waters" and realized its male author was writing in the first person as a woman. But skepticism and offense quickly dissipated with each gripping page turn. The struggle is real and in "Fake", DeDakis still gets it. Very well done!
February 15, 2022
Oof- Lark! Wow- Lark goes from covering the news to being made into the news. This plot would not have been plausible ten years ago, but now this story is every person's nightmare! Started reading and didn't put it down....
January 5, 2022
This was my first Lark Chadwick mystery and I thoroughly enjoyed it! The trouble that Lark had in 258 pages make me feel like my life is a walk in the park. Lark is a great character � full of confidence and sass despite having faced many tragedies � and nearly impossible not to like. The glimpse into the the lives of journalists and editors is fascinating, but I was particularly interested in how the book exposes what has happened in our country in terms of “fake� news and social media, and how undiscerning we have become as consumers of news. Things might turn out ok for Lark ( more or less) but that is often not the case for others who are the victims of fake news. Thanks, John DeDakis� I’ll be reading more about Lark this year!
August 21, 2019
White House Correspondent Lark Chadwick has seen more than her fair share of dead bodies. But when Rose Gannon, the First Lady of the United States drops dead during an interview with Lark, it is beyond horrific. It was just bad luck that Lark was present at the time of Mrs. Gannon’s collapse, but she didn’t have to snap a picture of the President trying to revive his wife to no avail. Once the picture hit the papers, Lark’s life became more complicated than even she could have imagined.
Soon she again finds herself on the front pages, this time not as a reporter, but as the subject of a national controversy. She is accused of having an affair with President Gannon. Becoming a victim of the fake news stories her former colleagues post in the papers and on social media about her, losing her job in the story’s aftermath. Lark is determined to find out who leaked personal information which became the basis of the fake news story.
Much like the headlines of today, the stories bring strong feelings about Lark from friends, strangers and colleagues. Many feel as if they know the story and Lark without getting the facts. Becoming the judge, jury and jailer, some of the general public hates Lark without ever meeting her. Will someone take matters into their own hands?
Lark’s story could be taken from today’s headlines. She is merely doing her job to the best of her ability. Getting caught up in the court of public opinion to the point of being in danger is the last thing she imagined for her life.
DeDakis brilliantly combines the current trend of the general population’s personal feelings about public figures as well as the personal side from the accused point of view. The real consequences to the lies that have been published change lives.
The characters in Fake are brought to life in the realistic setting DeDakis creates. From the insider look into the lives of the White House press contingency to the appointments with a grief counselor, the characters are interesting and quickly become real to the reader. He touches on many hot topics in addition to the fake news thread that runs throughout. Sex abuse, the ethical decisions journalists make and the personal effects half-truths have on the characters are all brought to the reader to think about long after the last pages are read.
I love a book that is current and relevant in addition to telling an interesting story. Fake makes the reader think about the nightly news in a different, more personal way. The mystery of who leaked personal information was an additional layer of interest. Hopefully we will see more of Lark Chadwick in the future.
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy that I can keep for consideration in preparing to write this content. I was not expected to return this item after my review. Copyright © 2019 Laura Hartman
Soon she again finds herself on the front pages, this time not as a reporter, but as the subject of a national controversy. She is accused of having an affair with President Gannon. Becoming a victim of the fake news stories her former colleagues post in the papers and on social media about her, losing her job in the story’s aftermath. Lark is determined to find out who leaked personal information which became the basis of the fake news story.
Much like the headlines of today, the stories bring strong feelings about Lark from friends, strangers and colleagues. Many feel as if they know the story and Lark without getting the facts. Becoming the judge, jury and jailer, some of the general public hates Lark without ever meeting her. Will someone take matters into their own hands?
Lark’s story could be taken from today’s headlines. She is merely doing her job to the best of her ability. Getting caught up in the court of public opinion to the point of being in danger is the last thing she imagined for her life.
DeDakis brilliantly combines the current trend of the general population’s personal feelings about public figures as well as the personal side from the accused point of view. The real consequences to the lies that have been published change lives.
The characters in Fake are brought to life in the realistic setting DeDakis creates. From the insider look into the lives of the White House press contingency to the appointments with a grief counselor, the characters are interesting and quickly become real to the reader. He touches on many hot topics in addition to the fake news thread that runs throughout. Sex abuse, the ethical decisions journalists make and the personal effects half-truths have on the characters are all brought to the reader to think about long after the last pages are read.
I love a book that is current and relevant in addition to telling an interesting story. Fake makes the reader think about the nightly news in a different, more personal way. The mystery of who leaked personal information was an additional layer of interest. Hopefully we will see more of Lark Chadwick in the future.
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy that I can keep for consideration in preparing to write this content. I was not expected to return this item after my review. Copyright © 2019 Laura Hartman
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February 2, 2020Reviewed by Jennifer Wilson for Reader Views (1/2020)
“Fake� is the follow-up to the award-winning novel, “Bullet in the Chamber� by John DeDakis. In this tale, our protagonist, reporter Lark Chadwick, becomes the reported after a whirlwind of ill-fated events places her in the middle of the biggest presidential scandal since Monica Lewinsky.
Lark is the White House correspondent for the Associated Press, working in the aftermath of former President Donald Trump’s well-publicized aversion of what he called “fake news.� In today’s time, it seems having a reputation for being a good and fair journalist isn’t easy. But, Chadwick has done just that, she’s even gained the respect of First Lady Rose Gannon, who chooses Lark to interview her for her memoir and write her biography. Lark is even trusted with the secret of Mrs. Gannon’s terminal pancreatic cancer diagnosis. When the First Lady collapses during the interview and later dies, Lark and the President are the only witnesses. Through a series of strange coincidences, Lark becomes possibly the most hated woman in America as the news media begins reporting that President Gannon had his wife murdered to cover the affair that he and Lark are purportedly having. Lark must now figure out what to do as she once thought and stood for comes into question - her life thrust into the spotlight by the very group she was once a part.
Honestly, the culture has changed. The media is no longer just the daily newspaper. Now anyone with access to social media is a reporter of sorts. In this society, how does the average person discern what is real, and what is fake?
Being unfamiliar with his previous novel, I was unsure whether I should start with the first Lark Chadwick mystery in order to relate to her character in “Fake.� I quickly found my skepticism unfounded. This book is a stand-alone narrative, not generating the feeling that I was unaware of pertinent information as some sequels do. From beginning to end the author’s style imbued me with a sense of familiarity with the characters. Lark’s dilemmas had me feeling a real affinity for her character. As well as wanting to see how she would react, I found myself wondering what I would do in her place. I was extremely delighted to find that Mr. DeDakis has a real flair for conveying the female thought process.
“Fake� is an engaging novel that is so well-written that I had no trouble staying completely engrossed. You don’t have to be politically adept to understand and appreciate this book. As a journalist, DeDakis writes with great detail concerning the inner workings of the press and their relationship and role in our government. As well, he writes in a manner that, in my opinion, does not alienate anyone regardless of personal political views.
“Fake� is the follow-up to the award-winning novel, “Bullet in the Chamber� by John DeDakis. In this tale, our protagonist, reporter Lark Chadwick, becomes the reported after a whirlwind of ill-fated events places her in the middle of the biggest presidential scandal since Monica Lewinsky.
Lark is the White House correspondent for the Associated Press, working in the aftermath of former President Donald Trump’s well-publicized aversion of what he called “fake news.� In today’s time, it seems having a reputation for being a good and fair journalist isn’t easy. But, Chadwick has done just that, she’s even gained the respect of First Lady Rose Gannon, who chooses Lark to interview her for her memoir and write her biography. Lark is even trusted with the secret of Mrs. Gannon’s terminal pancreatic cancer diagnosis. When the First Lady collapses during the interview and later dies, Lark and the President are the only witnesses. Through a series of strange coincidences, Lark becomes possibly the most hated woman in America as the news media begins reporting that President Gannon had his wife murdered to cover the affair that he and Lark are purportedly having. Lark must now figure out what to do as she once thought and stood for comes into question - her life thrust into the spotlight by the very group she was once a part.
Honestly, the culture has changed. The media is no longer just the daily newspaper. Now anyone with access to social media is a reporter of sorts. In this society, how does the average person discern what is real, and what is fake?
Being unfamiliar with his previous novel, I was unsure whether I should start with the first Lark Chadwick mystery in order to relate to her character in “Fake.� I quickly found my skepticism unfounded. This book is a stand-alone narrative, not generating the feeling that I was unaware of pertinent information as some sequels do. From beginning to end the author’s style imbued me with a sense of familiarity with the characters. Lark’s dilemmas had me feeling a real affinity for her character. As well as wanting to see how she would react, I found myself wondering what I would do in her place. I was extremely delighted to find that Mr. DeDakis has a real flair for conveying the female thought process.
“Fake� is an engaging novel that is so well-written that I had no trouble staying completely engrossed. You don’t have to be politically adept to understand and appreciate this book. As a journalist, DeDakis writes with great detail concerning the inner workings of the press and their relationship and role in our government. As well, he writes in a manner that, in my opinion, does not alienate anyone regardless of personal political views.
July 20, 2024
This a great page-turner and a quick read! It’s super refreshing to follow a humble hardworking character in such an ego-filled environment as Washington DC. The amount of crazy turns Lark has to deal with in this book is staggering, but seeing how she manages through it gave me some encouragement to keep working through my own life challenges.
I also loved the accurate look behind the curtain of the press in DC. From another author I may not have appreciated it, but knowing John’s background lends validity to the picture he paints.
I also loved the accurate look behind the curtain of the press in DC. From another author I may not have appreciated it, but knowing John’s background lends validity to the picture he paints.
June 1, 2020
FAKE is JOHN DEDAKIS' fifth Lark Chadwick thriller/mystery.John just gets better and better; FAKE's proof is in the pudding. If you enjoy reading about current events and political intrigue, you'll eat this book up. I finished it in threee days, a record for me, a slow contemplative reader. I like to analyze everything I read and I found this book to be thoroughly enjoyable. I think you will too.
Lark works for the Associated press, she's one of an elite group of journalists within the White House and is in close contact with President Gannon and his wife, Rose. Aside from her job she is trying to deal with recent losses and other deaths, luckily she has a very good grief counselor. Lark is assigned to accompany Will Gannon on an important trip to China, along with a contingent of other staffers. Without giving away the plot, let me just say everything mushrooms during and after this trip.
Troubled Water, an earlier Chadwick entry, is an excellent slow-burn thriller but, hands-down, FAKE is much more exciting. FAKE gives the reader an inside-look at the White House; it's a political history lesson; it lets us walk through journalism's backdoor and so much more. In the last three plus years we have been bombarded with FAKE NEWS and FAKE takes its cue from just that.
FAKE, the winner of a Reader Views award, has a very distinctive front cover with a beautiful picture of the White House in the middle surrounded by blurred newspaper articles, a striking cover. The back cover is easy to read, a white background with black print. Font size and spacing are just right. The 6 by 9 format is standard for a trade paper. I have to say JOHN DEDAKIS is a fantastic writer. I can't wait to read his other novels, Fast Track, Bluff and Bullet in the Chamber. Keep writing John, I'm lovin' it!
Lark works for the Associated press, she's one of an elite group of journalists within the White House and is in close contact with President Gannon and his wife, Rose. Aside from her job she is trying to deal with recent losses and other deaths, luckily she has a very good grief counselor. Lark is assigned to accompany Will Gannon on an important trip to China, along with a contingent of other staffers. Without giving away the plot, let me just say everything mushrooms during and after this trip.
Troubled Water, an earlier Chadwick entry, is an excellent slow-burn thriller but, hands-down, FAKE is much more exciting. FAKE gives the reader an inside-look at the White House; it's a political history lesson; it lets us walk through journalism's backdoor and so much more. In the last three plus years we have been bombarded with FAKE NEWS and FAKE takes its cue from just that.
FAKE, the winner of a Reader Views award, has a very distinctive front cover with a beautiful picture of the White House in the middle surrounded by blurred newspaper articles, a striking cover. The back cover is easy to read, a white background with black print. Font size and spacing are just right. The 6 by 9 format is standard for a trade paper. I have to say JOHN DEDAKIS is a fantastic writer. I can't wait to read his other novels, Fast Track, Bluff and Bullet in the Chamber. Keep writing John, I'm lovin' it!
January 25, 2020
Another Lark Chadwick novel, I knew I was in for a treat before I even began and John DeDakis, as usual, did not let me down. "Fake" is a book for the moment, touching on subjects such as, "Trump's fake news" and the "Me2 movement," just to name a few. The story comes to life following what we are currently talking about in the real news today, sometimes heavy on the "fake." Lark Chadwick, a white house reporter for the Associated Press, has had her fair share of heartbreak (orphaned as a baby, death of the aunt that raised her and two deceased boyfriends), but at this time she is working on a separate story, the biography of the United State's president's terminally ill wife. Suddenly during one of these private sessions the president's wife collapses and passes away. From there the story begins. Weaved in-between the pages are numerous side stories, such as, an impending nuclear war, a grieving president, the love-life of Lark's best friend and coworker, and rumors surrounding not only the death of the president's wife, but also Lark herself. From page one, "Fake" pulls you into the story-line and there the novel starts to provide the reader plot after sub-plot to ponder. "Fake" quickly turns into a real page turner. That's all I'm going to say, sorry, no spoiler alerts because I want you to read and enjoy this wonderful read. Whether reading the novel as a sequel or as a great stand-alone, the story is awesome. "Fake" is another top notch DeDakis novel that leaves just enough loose ends to pick up the story nicely in another book. Keep them coming DeDakis, I can't get enough. Highly recommend you read the entire Lark Chadwick series, but just as a stand alone, this is another great book. A big 10 out of 10!
January 29, 2020
Fake, a novel by John DeDakis, is the latest book in the Lark Chadwick Mystery series. While it can be read as a stand alone book, I highly recommend reading the other books. First Lady Rose Gannon suddenly dies during an interview with White House Correspondent Lark Chadwick. From that moment forward, Lark's life careens on a path she never could have foreseen.
Lark is no stranger to grief and is a realist but struggles to understand why she becomes a victim of social media contempt and hatred based on rumor and lies. In short: "fake news". The author skillfully places readers into the world of a White House Correspondent who is trying to report on the President and who finds herself involved in international intrigue. The action packed and riveting plot races to a surprising ending which left me hoping for another book in this series.
Masterfully crafted, this book is well worth reading. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through AuthorsDen. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Lark is no stranger to grief and is a realist but struggles to understand why she becomes a victim of social media contempt and hatred based on rumor and lies. In short: "fake news". The author skillfully places readers into the world of a White House Correspondent who is trying to report on the President and who finds herself involved in international intrigue. The action packed and riveting plot races to a surprising ending which left me hoping for another book in this series.
Masterfully crafted, this book is well worth reading. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through AuthorsDen. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
May 12, 2022
Reporter, Tabloid Fodder, Journalist -- A Timely Page Turner
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.
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.
January 27, 2023
This is a story about a journalist covering the President in the Fake News era post-Trump. It details how a kernel can spiral out of control and become "news" without any substance or credibility. It follows the life of the journalist - Lark Chadwick - through life-changing events for herself, her friends and co-workers, and the President of the United States.
The entire book is fast-paced, and well-written, with well-placed dialogue and just enough description of Washington DC to make you feel like you are right in the middle of all the political happenings of each day, without taking away from the action being played out in the lives of the characters you are reading about.
The entire book is fast-paced, and well-written, with well-placed dialogue and just enough description of Washington DC to make you feel like you are right in the middle of all the political happenings of each day, without taking away from the action being played out in the lives of the characters you are reading about.
September 22, 2023
This is the fifth and I hope not final book in the Lark Chadwick series. There's another crisis, and this time Lark gets in the middle of a media-bashing frenzy.
This is another wonderfully written and powerful book. DeDakis takes us for quite a ride. I can't wait for the next book to come out.
This is another wonderfully written and powerful book. DeDakis takes us for quite a ride. I can't wait for the next book to come out.
January 6, 2024
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.
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.
July 14, 2022
Reading John’s book is a bit like being a passenger in a sports car. You go faster and faster, and just when you think you’re at top speed, he shifts gears and really hits it. He is thoughtful, meticulous, polished, and smart. Lark wrestling with her emotions after finding her boyfriend dead is so real and believable. Add to that a President grieving the death of his wife, and both of them being subjected to false accusations that go viral creates a memorable read.
March 26, 2025
This story does a good job of highlighting how "fake" news and conspiracy theories have taken over the media and the masses. Lark Chadwick finds herself in the middle of a fake story not of her making with political and social ramifications. I empathized with her deeply throughout her ordeal. It was a thriller that definitely made me want to find out what would happen. Another great addition to the series!
July 7, 2020
Overall, enjoyable and well done. DeDakis pulls the story together well at the end. There are parts when the reader needs to suspend belief a bit too much or when the main character is just a bit too exploited, but it is worth the read, and, as most recent political books are, timely.
January 26, 2020
A very good write. But the twist a....meh.
January 4, 2024
A tense, riveting, and satisfying read. Six stars.
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