Jed Berman forsakes the comfortable world of print journalism for the higher pay and broader exposure of TV news. The decision leads to some lively action, good sex, and a close look at what broadcast news has become today.
"Berman's Lament" is my effort to tell an engaging story that takes readers inside the world of local TV news. In the process, I've tried to create some believable characters: Jed Berman (investigative reporter extraordinaire), Charlotte Spanner (a poor, single mother who loves her children but has few tools for dealing with a system that looks down on her), Hildy Mazer (an overzealous caseworker who allows her religious fervor to contaminate her work with clients), consultant Autry Domain (the embodiment of the slick, sensationalized world of today's TV news), Jane Filips (Berman's love interest who provides a solid connection with the sane, rational world outside news media), and Fred Demarco (an old time newsman trying to walk the thin line between serious news work and the hyper-commercialized news world of today).
For the record, in response to numerous requests, a sequel to "Berman's Lament" is in the works.
Excerpt
"Berman's heart sank. Even in this age of checkbook journalism and tabloid news, he had never paid a source for information, and he didn't intend to start now. But he might as well find out the asking price for the tape.
The man's face creased into an evil grin and a raspy laugh rose from his throat. His eyes widened and he raised his voice.
'It's a simple price.' He pointed to the bag. 'The two guys on this tape are Franky Smith and Tom Pickett. I want you to screw them to the wall.' His grin faded and he almost ground his teeth together as he continued talking. 'They fucked me over worse than anybody ever could, and I swore I'd get 'em one way or the other. I want them sent up for this and I want everybody to know about it. I figure you're just the right guy to do it. Am I right?'
Berman was repulsed by the evil intent in this man. He was reluctant to become his avenging angel. But he wanted the tape and the story. He tried to answer in a way that would secure the tape without letting the man think he was calling the shots."
A page-turning novel about a relationship between best friends that is interrupted because of betrayal , deceit, sexual promiscuity and pregnancy happens!
