False Light

2022 IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award GOLD winner in Mystery & Thriller Fiction A thrilling tale of revenge set against the vibrant backdrop of sensationalist modern media Seasoned reporter Sanford “Fuse” Petty is old-school in every way―anti-technology, anti-Millennial (don’t even mention Gen-Z), and anti-“gotcha” journalism. After Fuse is asked to leave his paper pending a disciplinary investigation, he has plenty of time on his hands. So when his oldest friend approaches him for advice after the man’s daughter says she was sexually assaulted by her boss, a prominent media star, Fuse agrees to help. He gives his buddy the only options he feels are report the incident to the police and risk a huge “he said/she said” smear campaign against the girl, or plan something even better―revenge. As a journalist, Fuse has a colorful background investigating criminals, politicians, gangsters, drug lords, and all-around shysters―and knows plenty of shady sources―so he’s the perfect person to enact a complex (and ultimately, entertaining) plan to bring the popular media mogul down in the court of public opinion . . . and make him pay.