False Light

by Eric Dezenhall

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 available: 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.

Genres: Mystery Thriller, Fiction, Mystery, Ebooks, Thriller

307 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 23, 2021

About the author

Eric Dezenhall is a journalist and author of twelve books, including three non-fiction texts on crisis communications. Other areas of expertise include organized crime and the intelligence community. He is the Chairman and co-founder of Dezenhall Resources, One of the country's first crisis communications firms. He lectures in academic and business circles and appears in international media including NPR, CNN, FOX, CNBC, MSNBC and the History Channel. He has written for the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, and USA Today.

Eric’s work is widely cited in business, media, and academic circles. His book, Best of Enemies with Gus Russo, is being made into a feature film. He is also the author of seven novels, including The Devil Himself, based on the true story of the U.S. Navy’s collaboration with organized crime in WWII. His latest non-fiction book, Wiseguys and the White House, documents when mobsters and presidents traded favors -- and double crossed each other. Eric graduated from Dartmouth College and lives near Washington, D.C., with his family.

Reviews

[Maggie Stiefvater]

I read this voice-y "thriller" on a plane and found it a well-constructed tale, although not "thrilling" in the least (I say this as a fond reader of thrillers and of non-thrillers. This one belongs in the latter). It's more of a contemporary fiction with thriller aesthetics. After a young woman is assaulted by an influencer, our jaded narrator is brought in to enact revenge against a presumably impossible-to-prosecute aggressor. The author is a public relations crisis manager, and he brings his expertise to this morally gray narrative.

It was fascinating to read this on the plane ride over and watch Tár on the plane back. Both of them are examinations of real villainy versus cancelable villainy, and both see bad actors go down for crimes they didn't commit in order to get justice for the more secret crimes they did. I preferred Tár's examination as it felt more constructed and layered, but FALSE LIGHT was a perfectly diverting time, if not a re-read for me. I'll be interested to see what Dezenhall does next.

[Susan (on hiatus) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cue Up The Entertainer.*

Is anyone familiar with The Sting starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford?

Reminiscent of the intricate grift detailed in that movie, False Light presents as a modern adaption. The focus here is on redemption for Sandy Petty’s god daughter after she’s sexually assaulted by her prominent boss. He seems untouchable, but is he?

Sandy, nicknamed “Fuse” is someone to get behind as he fights for his job and attempts to assist his friend’s daughter. He develops a plan for both and enlists a few colorful characters along the way.

Covering the current state of journalism and public posturing - among other topics, the book isn’t impartial but because it’s embedded with humor I enjoyed this whether I agreed with the writer’s views or not.

I felt that the wording was skillfully assembled in a way that challenged me. Weighty subject matter had me with my thinking cap on and feeling that the author was one sharp cookie. If at a sit-down dinner party, he’s the guest I'd want to be seated next to and his author’s notes at the back reiterated the feeling.

Hardback purchased at The Book Depository.

* The Entertainer written by Scott Joplin adapted for 'The Sting' by Marvin Hamlisch.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sandy “Fuse” Petty is on the outs with the newspaper he writes for. He poked into the wrong story and pissed off the wrong colleague and suddenly he finds himself suspended pending an investigation. And because when it rains, it pours, he finds out at the same time that his goddaughter, with whom he remains very close, has been sexually assaulted. The assault was committed by Pacho, a well known social media personality who is turning the hard-hitting journalism with integrity that Fuse loves and made a career on into a farce with gotcha-style viral takedowns of prominent figures. Being a journalist (well, suspended journalist anyway), Fuse is all too familiar with how seeking formal justice often only serves to re-victimize the accuser. Can he kill two birds with one stone (I am loving the idioms in this review aren’t I?) and instead get some vigilante-style revenge against not only a rapist, but one who is undermining journalism and media accountability? Now that he doesn’t have to worry about his own journalistic ethics, why not tap into some of his connections from a long and storied career and see if there is some gotcha-style justice out there for Pacho.

Fuse is a fantastic character. He’s sardonic and witty and one of those people whose intellect you’d be intimidated by in real life. Perhaps though he is a bit too clever. He is “shower you”. You know, that person you wish you could be that comes up with a truly devastating comeback or hilarious quip hours later in the shower, far too late for it to be of any practical use. There were also a couple of moments early on in the book that came across to me as machismo male fantasy, but overall I highly enjoyed spending time with Fuse. And his dog is named Wagatha Christie, so all sins are forgiven.

For a book filled with complex legal terms and concepts; weighty subject matter like ethics, media bias, politics, and #metoo; and complex familial relationships including a father with severe mental illness, it never feels unapproachable or heavy. It was engaging and I found myself not wanting to put it down. And while I can posit that I don’t necessarily agree with the author politically, I never felt preached to or alienated. I also can tell he put research into #metoo and worked hard to cover the subject authentically and to avoid having his character swoop in entirely as a male savior who makes everything all better or act like he completely understands the complex feelings of a survivor.

If you were a fan of Ronan Farrow’s Catch and Kill, you’ll love this fictionalized version of many similar concepts. And if you haven’t read it, but were intrigued by the media content in this book, be sure to check out Farrow’s book for a real life account of media coverups amidst sexual harassment allegations.

I also really enjoyed the author’s Q&A at the end of the book; don’t skip it!

Thank you to NetGalley and Greenleaf Book Group for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

"False light is a [type of] privacy tort that protects people from offensive and false facts stated about them to the public." It's a way for a person to stop character assassination and help restore reputation after particularly inflammatory and inaccurate statements have been made public. Although similar to the charge of defamation, there are some legal differences that make journalistic integrity of paramount importance when breaking a story. This law is extremely important to all of us in this day and age as social media has wreaked havoc and ruined lives through innuendo, speculation, and outright lies. The media is corrupt -- we all know it -- and we suffer each day not knowing how to separate truth from fabrication.

This novel is an amazing social commentary that focuses on a particular and unusual protagonist who is called upon to set a wrong, right. Sanford (Fuse) Petty is a middle-aged journalist who has been working for "Capitol Incursion" for years until he's suspended pending the outcome of an internal investigation brought about by a colleague making some baseless accusations about him because of a story he was digging into. He's an anachronism, anti-technology, and definitely a Don Quixote type who has been married forever to a woman he met in junior high and they have a teen-aged daughter. When his best friend, Kurt Rossiter, calls him for help after his young adult daughter, Samantha, says she was sexually assaulted by a famous man for whom she interned last summer, Fuse kicks into action using all the tools and sources he can find to extract vengeance. The target is Pacho Craig, the star and owner of MyStream - a virtual news network that engages in confrontational blast journalism popular with millennials. "Just understand one thing: perfect vengeance is when the target has no idea who did it to him." What a devious scheme set in motion. NO SPOILERS.

This book was completely unputdownable and I read it over a couple of hours today. To say it is timely is an understatement as it deals with so many current issues including the #metoo movement and an increasing distrust of the news media. The main character is so complex -- he has a way with words, he's witty, sardonic, and so clever. And funny. The interactions Fuse has with the other characters in the narrative show that yes, he's flawed, but he's definitely someone worthy of respect and admiration. The depth of characterization within the pages makes this work stand out as so many issues and situations arise that allow the reader to measure the inherent truth of each person's mettle and motivations. It's alarming to know that the "US has no real laws that prohibit biased and inaccurate reporting."

Just read it. Come away with a new understanding of how to look at what you see and hear from the media. Open your eyes and realize that there is bias and that no one is held accountable. This is definitely a 4.5 star read and worthy of a film adaptation. The author is one I plan to watch.

Thank you to NetGalley and Greenleaf Book Group Press for this e-book ARC to read, review, and highly recommend.

[Erin]

Giveaway Win!

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a goodreads drawing.

A long time Beltway journalist is in the midst of a midlife crisis when the daughter of his friend is raped by a new style internet journalist. In the meantime, he is under suspension for...something from his job, freeing up plenty of time to cook up trouble and plots.

I found the questions at the end helpful, but like many of these books, it casts a blind eye at the vast majority of the country that doesn't live in the beltway. To paraphrase a former POTUS, it was populated by people who believed their own BS. If this is really how beltway journalists think and behave, it's little wonder half the country think they're enemies of the people.

There's quite a bit to digest, but may serve to make you think about a lot of things.

[Yigal Zur · Rating 4 out of 5]

quite interesting thriller. it deals with mainly two issues: the fall of journalism and how to deal with rape and i think he deals with them with interesting point of views. sometimes it a bit long and repeating himself and u found myself jumping pages here and there. so even it is not a griping thriller it is interesting.

[J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to both #NetGalley and Greenleaf Book Group Press for providing me an advance copy of Eric Dezenhall’s latest fiction novel, False Light, in exchange for an honest review.

#FalseLight caught my eye by coincidence. Once I skimmed the premise though, I knew I had to read it. I am not familiar with any of Dezenhall’s prior works, but I am certainly glad I stumbled across this by happy accident because now I have a new author to add to my list.

I finished False Light in one sitting. It is truly the definition of a page-turner. Though some parts were admittedly slow or seemed a tad unnecessary, the vast majority of the story fits perfectly and is entirely captivating.

Before I launch into the plot and all of that other good stuff, there are two significant things that the reader should know: 1. This book is hilarious. 2. It is very well written (which is not surprising since the author is also a damage control expert and is the CEO of a communications firm in Washington, D.C.).

The story is told in first person from the perspective of the protagonist, Sanford “Fuse” Petty. We are quickly introduced to his wife Jenny, his daughter Finn, and his best friend from childhood, Kurt. Despite the fact that Petty is suspended from his prominent position as a journalist at Capitol Incursion, Kurt arrives at his house hoping he can convince Fuse to help him navigate a sensitive matter involving Kurt’s 20-year old daughter, Sammy.

While I do not want to give away too many details since the chapters are short and the book seems to end rather quickly, I will say that this novel contains a little bit of everything, including jealousy, suspense, marital issues, conspiracy, politics, childhood nostalgia, family drama, the news, and #metoo.

Accordingly, readers should be warned that it does touch upon some dark subject matter as well as political issues, but the author is careful to describe events similarly to a newspaper article. In other words, the passages are neither overly emotional nor graphic. It also helps that most dark passages are interrupted by a burst of comedy.

In addition to the witty banter between characters, I think readers will appreciate the author’s sharp insight to the current state of journalism and social issues affecting our country. I did think the climax could have been stronger, but regardless, the journey to that point keeps the reader in suspense and solidifies it as a plot-driven novel (as opposed to lengthy character development).

Also, for those who are legal nerds like myself, the author does a great job in explaining defamation, libel, and First Amendment cases, as well as makes clear the consequences of filing a #metoo lawsuit.

I could continue to prattle on about how this would make for an interesting case study in a non-fiction novel that explores the damages of the news and social media, but I think by now you get the gist. So, go grab/download a copy and clear your schedule because you will not be moving from your reading post until you have reached the last page.

[catherine ♡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

There's a really interesting premise here and I also really like the journalism perspective, but I feel that I didn't really feel that thrilled by it. As the plot goes on it gets more convoluted, and the revenge plot turns out exactly as predicted.

[Mary Ellin · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a journalist, I approached Eric Dezenhall’s new book, False Light, with a reporter’s healthy dose of skepticism. “A thrilling tale of revenge set against the vibrant backdrop of sensationalist modern media,” the book jacket blares. Yeah, right, I thought as I began to read.

While I might not have been “thrilled,” exactly, I was quickly intrigued and soon after, hooked, as protagonist Sanford “Fuse” Petty, a crusty old newsie not unlike some I’ve worked with in my time, systematically pulls out every journalistic trick in the reporter’s notebook to turn a sleazy New Age reporter’s unethical tactics back around to bite him, in a deft bit of revenge after the jerk date-raped a good friend’s daughter. It’s a sting operation worthy of Newman and Redford in the classic movie of the same name, and I found it completely engrossing, and, ultimately, entirely satisfying.

Dezenhall hits the nail on the head in his descriptions of how far journalism has fallen in recent years. Dezenhall accurately explores the way the practice of reporting the news has morphed into something we old-school journalists don’t recognize, with its focus on opinion over fact, sensationalism over substance, and reporters in the limelight instead of in the background, fly-on-the-wall style, which is where they rightly belong. Those who remember, as I do, how journalism used to be practiced, and who bemoan (sometimes loudly, on social media, check my Facebook page for my rants) the way it was in the news business not so very many years ago, will find themselves swiftly turning pages, rooting for Petty and his cadre of “Callous Sophisticates” (Petty’s inelegant name for his partners in crime) to succeed in giving Pacho Craig, this story’s villain, his comeuppance.

But what makes this book so compelling is Dezenhall’s attention to subplot and character. While we’re following the main thread about the intricate plan to bring Pacho down, there’s the side story about Petty’s own struggle at his newspaper, The Capitol Incursion, as he defends himself against an unwarranted disciplinary action – not something Petty can take lying down, of course. And then there’s the wonderfully unlovable character of Petty’s elderly father, Nat, a man so narcissistic and borderline crazy that Petty, in complete frustration, once threw him off a second-story landing, which sounds horrific just reading it here, but when you read it in the book, you can totally see yourself there on the landing with Petty, helping him to push the exasperating Nat over the railing. The scenes between Nat and Petty, on his obligatory visits to his foul-mouthed, control-freak father, are some of the best in the book.

I was surprised by how much I liked this book, after my lackluster first impression (the opening line is entirely forgettable, compared to the much better kickoff I found 28 sentences in – at least it was on the second page). I recommend False Light for anyone who leans toward thrillers, who yearns for better journalism, and who appreciates social commentary. You’ll enjoy this lively romp through the newsroom, the ringside seat at interviews with confidential sources, and the snarky editorial critiques about what masquerades as journalism in 2021.

A fun, easy read. 4 out of 5.

--

My thanks to Dezenhall Resources LTD for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Mary Ellin Arch’s professional journalism career spanned more than three decades, including stints at The Associated Press, Gannett Co. Inc., and United Press International.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suspended journalist Sanford Petty, aka Sandy and Fuse, gets a call from his friend Kurt asking for help. Kurt's daughter, Samantha, and Sandy's Goddaughter has been sexually assaulted. Sandy talks to the family about what happened and what recourse they would like to achieve. As a reporter he has seen what happens to women when they report and accuse someone of sexual abuse and rape. He will put together a group called the "Callous Sophisticates" in order to assist him in bringing "Pacho Craig" to Justice. Meanwhile, at his newspaper, The Capitol Incursion, Sandy defends himself against an unwarranted disciplinary action. Two interesting stories tied together.

The quick pace and the rhythm of the language was a struggle to get into at first. Many writers set up the story by describing the sounds, the rooms, the house, the town and so on. But this one focused solely on the people and the story which made this more interesting. I am hoping that this will be a series and we get to see what the "Callous Sophisticates" do next.

I received an advance copy from NetGalley for an unbiased review.

[Serena · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is problematic. This book has an interesting premise, but I hated the main character. The white male savior complex and the woe-is-me attitude and superiority complex was gross. The handling of a sexual assault by repeatedly focusing on and interrogating of the victim to ensure that the word “no” had been said is an issue. As someone who works with victims of assault for a living, I can tell you that saying no is not the only thing that makes rape a violation of the body. The jokes and comments about the #metoo movement and the implied absurdity of stated consent as a prerequisite to sexual encounters was also not at all funny or appropriate. I could not connect with the main character and struggled to finish this book. I acknowledge the failures of the Justice system and the media and found the revenge to be incredibly satisfying and justified in its methods and outcome. Overall, I would not recommend this book at all. The author shouldn’t be writing about sexual assault in this manner. Clearly, the author does not have a good understanding of it at all. I won this in a Goodreads giveaway.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

False Light caught my eye and after reading the synopsis I was intrigued and won a copy. Dezenhall isn’t an author I have read before so I am happy to say I was impressed and will be watching for more of his work in the near future! The character development was on point, and the complex plot kept it interesting and mind boggling. This book touched on real issues, and they were well developed with sensitivity and detailed understanding. Sexual assault can be a hard sell to be written, but Dezenhall nailed it adding in Sanford “Fuse” as the epic journalistic genius that takes his knowledge of what happens to victims of assault and uses that as a guide map to get revenge outside the eye of journalism. Well-crafted story with intricate details to bring it all together by the end! Thank you Goodreads Giveaways for the win and the chance to review a new author I will be sure to follow!

[Maria Dorey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for an advanced copy of false light, this was a cracking read!

First off the character development is brilliant; the tech hating and hysterically sarcastic Sandy may well be my spirit animal.
The plot is complex but exciting and issues of sexual violence, revictimization, and character assassination are well researched. There are some really real issues approached with both sensitivity and lighthearted (wonderful) humour.

My only criticism is that dialogue between the lead character and his friends/family can be lengthy at times and slows down the pace of the story perhaps a little too much.

Otherwise a brilliant read. And Sandy's dog has the most perfect name for crime novel fans.... Readers should look forward to the grin that generates!

[Lisa Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book so much. So many great lines, clever dialogue, revenge on a bad guy.

[LJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was near the end of this book that I received an ARC of from Netgalley when I received an email that I won a Goodreads Giveaway for it as well. So, thanks Netgalley and Goodreads!

This was a quick and timely read and a different look at how journalism works/can work. I loved the main character, Fuse, so much that I hope this becomes a series. I’d love to read about who the Callous Sophisticates take down next.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. The main character, Sandy “Fuse” Petty is a journalist on leave from his job. He is witty and sarcastic and I loved his interactions with others, particularly his playful attitude towards his wife. It was an interesting story about how Fuse used his journalistic background to help a friend’s daughter after a bad situation. Overall, I enjoyed it, but I felt that some parts could have been left out, which caused the story to drag on a bit.

[ManOfLaBook.com · Rating 4 out of 5]

For more reviews and bookish posts please visit: https://www.ManOfLaBook.com

False Light by Eric Dezenhall is a novel about a cynical, old-school journalist being ousted from the occupation, out for revenge to help a friend. Mr. Dezenhall is a businessman and an established author.

Fuse Petty is an journalist who despised technology, and technology despises him. Something is going on at his job in the newspaper, he has been asked to leave until a disciplinary investigation has been completed.

In the meantime, an old friend asks for help, and Fuse with plenty of time on his hands agrees.

False Light by Eric Dezenhall takes on a lot of subjects, selective media coverage, communication companies with an agenda, supposedly neutral parties being manipulated, sensationalist reports, revenge, and of course how technology changed not only the news business, but the definition of news as well. This is done through the eyes of an old-time reporter seeing the world change in front of him.

This is a smart book and gives the reader a lot to think about. Frankly, I almost put it down because I thought the book was pushing some sort of agenda in disguise – and I despise that. The more I got to read, though, the less it seem to be pushing an agenda, than astute observations about the broken news cycle that shapes the narrative.

It is difficult to keep up though. It’s almost impossible to ignore the social media algorithms that play to your biases, and keeps feeding you material to keep you in an echo chamber. Many people, especially those who are the protagonist’s age, don’t have the tools to identify misinformation, nor the realization that they are being fed information to enhance their biases. Ironically these are the same people that yelled 30 years ago about how video games will rot our brains, only to allow their own brains to rot by social media. Even I, that try and verify stories, especially ones I agree with, have fallen into the disinformation trap more times than I’d like to admit.
But not as much as many of the people I know.

The novel did open my eyes to many industry practices which I did not notice, and if I did I either dismissed them or didn’t think about them. Mr. Dezenhall credentials about the subject were actually the reason I wanted to read this book, and I’m glad I did.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my review of False Light” by Eric Dezenhall . My thanks to Net Galley , the author and Greenleaf, the publisher, for providing me a free digital edition of the book to read and review.

I was not exactly sure what to expect when I began reading False Light. I do know that within a few pages I was completely captured and held fascinated by the unfolding story. For a hint, but not a spoiler since the author is described as the founder of a crisis management firm which is tasked with helping people who have become the glaring focus of media attention’s gotcha journalism or a reckless prosecution by unfettered attorneys.
The author, then, knows the territory. The book is very much of an eye- opener.

Sandford Petty the protagonist of the novel is fifty-ish happily married, balding and has a rebellious sixteen year- old daughter ( is there any other kind?) who is dating a guitar player. Petty is , or was, an investigative journalist for a Washington newspaper, the “ Incursion” , from which he has been suspended , pending a decision of termination, because he had the temerity to start a quiet inquiry to whether his own newspaper had overstepped ethical responsibility in their scathing expose of a man who eventually committed suicide after having had his reputation ruined.
The story begins when his best friend, Kurt, phones, asking Fuse,as Sandford is known to his friends, to come over to his house immediately. There he finds Ross’s daughter, Samatha in tears. She has been raped by her current date , “Pacho” Craig an extremely creative internet gotcha reporter famous for being famous. Fuse learns her story: a date rape, with Samantha saying “No” but Pacho not stopping. The family, knowing that a formal change of rape will result in Samatha and her family being subjected to the horrors of a very public scrutiny, ask Fuse, the girl’s godfather, to find something that can be used against Pacho to bring him down as he does to others.
This is all set up in the first pages of the book. From then on, the reader is drawn into inexorable increasing danger and tension. I won’t ruin your enjoyment by telling everything that goes on in this fascinating novel of revenge but Mr. Dezenhall paints an unflattering picture of the state of “ journalism” journalistic ethics as practiced today. He obviously has had a lot of experience at dealing in real life with character assassination by innuendo.
Although sometimes dark, the book was, for me, often outright laugh -out- loud funny because of Fuse’s humor. Moreover, Fuse has a fully developed character. The love he has for his wife and family , his odd relationship with his father, and his close circle of old friends all of whom play important parts in the book, make the book more that just another thriller. So does Fuse’s disillusionment with the state of journalism these days which as he describes , is all about getting face time on tv, book deals and awards, and not truth.

By the mid-point of “ False Light” I had grown to like Fuse and worried that something was going to go very wrong. Did It? I recommend that you get a copy of the book and settle in for a completely entertaining and quite exciting novel .
Culture shock warnings: some vulgar, and very funny language. No graphic sexual situations. Often politically incorrect and disrespecting of power and privilege.
Easily earned my five- star rating.

[Wulfwyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. This was my first time reading this author. I was intrigued by the blurb. I quickly found myself engrossed in the story. I like Fuse a lot. I think he was an interesting character who was very believable. I also liked his wife, Joey, and Samantha. I like that the majority of female characters were flawed but strong, smart, likable women. You don’t always get that in a book like this. I liked the way the author wrote the other guys who were a part of the Callous Sophisticates. I like how he showed various sides of his characters. It made them interesting and believable. I’m talking a lot about the characters because I feel this is a character driven book. I am impressed by how much I thought about the characters as I was turning pages. The story moves along quickly, (or maybe I was just so engrossed in the plot). I felt like there was more layers to the plot than I was expecting, which is always a good thing. It was interesting to get the behind the scenes look at journalism and the changes it is going through. Social media and the metoo movement were a part of the story. I thought both those had good intentions that were highjacked. Social media, in my opinion, has become a place where you can make other people’s lives hell and not necessarily be held accountable for it. It is easy to go from stating your opinion to becoming a bully with a wolfpack ready and willing to take down anyone who doesn’t agree to think, believe and act in ways that agree with them. The metoo movement caught me in the beginning. It had the good intention of giving voice to sexual assault survivors and letting them know they aren’t alone. I thought it was powerful until it wasn’t. It unfortunately, in my opinion, became a way to take down men and put them in their place, (wherever they thought it should be). I hate that but I try to stay hopeful that the original intention will return. I did like that the author did not chose to tell you how to feel about either social media or the metoo movement. I think his list of choices for sexual assault survivors was spot on. They are often still the ones being judged. Going to the police is often just setting yourself up to be assaulted over and over. Even going to the hospital is traumatic as, in my opinion, the exam and gathering of evidence, no matter how kind, respectful and gentle the medical staff is, feels like the assault is endless. Then you have the questioning by police and lawyers that can be brutal and can leave you feeling like you are the guilty party. The other route of revenge is not always possible, (which leaves just being silent and trying to move on), but made for satisfying reading. Seeing Pacho taken down made me want to cheer. I had fantasies of a faceless someone else going through the public humiliation and emotional/mental pain that Pacho was subject to. It made me wish I had an Uncle Fuse. I think that the author was very sensitive in his handling of sexual assault, (no graphic blow by blow accounting of what happened). I appreciated so much how Fuse was with Samantha. He kept it real but was gentle. I think this book would make a good book club read as there is so much to think about and examine. I appreciate the Q&A with the author and the discussion questions that are after the story. I am planning to journal my feelings and answers to those questions this week. I would recommend this book to my reading friends.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sizzlingly insightful novel centers around Sandy "Fuse" Petty, a longtime investigative reporter now being investigated himself by his employer, a newspaper that seems to be carrying water for several left-of-center organizations. Petty is depressed and angry about how journalism has descended "from being an instrument of chronicling to an instrument of vengeance," a trend he has watched helplessly for decades. Now, he is using his investigative chops to find out why a young reporter at his paper, Gretchen Kramer, has targeted Petty for professional destruction.

Petty is, however, equally focused on Samantha, the college-age daughter of Petty's closest friends, who was raped by an arrogant, unschooled "reporter" named Pacho Craig, who has become wealthy and famous through careless "gotcha!" online interviews that have destroyed people's lives. The novel follow's Petty's brilliant orchestration in taking down both of these nemeses.

Sub-plots revolve around the complex relationships Petty has with his emotionally abusive elderly father; his beloved wife, Joey; their daughter, Finn; and close friendships with Samantha's parents and another woman named Haddon. They and Joey have been friends since junior high, and lingering romantic attractions continue to burble to the surface. To me, these subplots didn't work as well as they might have.

The novel moves quickly, smartly, with clever, often very funny dialogue. It raises important issues about how even today, rape victims have a very difficult time coming forward to get justice because their own reputations can be similarly violated in the process, making an already traumatic experience that much more brutal. The issues regarding the decline of journalism into an agenda-driven game where journalists no longer cared who they hurt could not be more timely. Toward the end of the novel, Petty says, "I have yet to meet a reporter who admitted, I (bleeped) up. We’re even worse than the people we go after, in that regard; we’re watching them, but there’s nobody watching us. It’s easier to blame dark external forces rather than oneself."

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of Advance Reader’s Copy

Journalist Sanford “Fuse” Petty is currently on suspension from the “Capital Incursion,” the newspaper where, for decades, he has hung his reporter’s hat, this suspension pending a disciplinary investigation at the behest of one of the paper’s other journalists. So when longtime friend Kurt Rossiter arrives at Fuse’s home to share the devastating news of his daughter [and Fuse’s goddaughter], Samantha, having been sexually attacked by her boss, Fuse instantly agrees to his friend’s request for help.

Recognizing that a police report would result in a “he said/she said” campaign [one in which Sammy's boss, a prominent media star, would most likely emerge as the victor], Fuse nevertheless feels compelled to take action to support his devastated goddaughter. Using his contacts from his many years as a reporter, he concocts a plan to get revenge for the young woman by destroying the man’s media star persona in the court of public opinion.

Will Fuse manage to bring his audacious plan to fruition? And what will come of the disciplinary investigation at the paper?

Divided into four main sections and told solely from Fuse’s point of view, this compelling narrative of payback is, at its heart, a thought-provoking tale of media behavior and responsibility as well as a condemnation of the ever-growing sensationalist media that presents biased impressions to manipulate the truth of a story. The story grabs the reader from the outset and keeps the pages turning. Despite the seriousness of the plot, there are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments as the story twists and turns on its way to what might be a predictable [but definitely satisfying] denouement.

The characters are well-developed; there’s plenty of clever repartee between them and Fuse is, by turns, sarcastic and anachronistic. There’s plenty of insightful commentary on politics, news, legal issues, journalism, social media, marriage, jealousy, and more. It’s smart, funny, clever, and completely unputdownable.

Highly recommended.

[Amanda · Rating 1 out of 5]

I just want to acknowledge that I am not the target demographic for this book. I received it several years ago from a giveaway and finally got around to reading it. The premise sounded interesting enough, but upon actually starting it, I quickly realized it was not for me. I found the main character insufferably annoying and I hated his sense of humor - there are excerpts from this that read like an r/GenX post. And I hated how every person he interacted with had this weird reverence for him even though he's literally just a mediocre middle-aged dude with both a savior and victim complex. The scene where he's on the train and makes a huge deal out of the guy talking on his phone and then the other people on the train actually clap for him gave me full body cringe. This whole book honestly reads like a weird self-insert so the author could play out his fantasies of being a badass.

None of that on its own would lead me to giving this book 1 star. Like I said, it's not meant for me and everything above is relatively harmless. However, I also found this book genuinely offensive in its blase treatment of the #metoo movement and sexual assault in general. He claims to believe his best friend's daughter about her assault, but then consistently casts doubt; he thinks she might be doing it to get back at her dad for his infidelity, or wonders if maybe she initiated, didn't explicitly say no, and then regretted it later. He jokes about how needing to state consent in every sexual interaction is absurd (e.g. jokes with his wife about signing a waiver before putting his hand up her shirt when they were kids). It was all just gross and left a really bad taste in my mouth.

I didn't want to be mean about this book, but there was genuinely nothing I liked about and only things I actively didn't.

[Auds · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first glance, I was really looking forward to read this book. There is something in the title “False Light” and its background picture that I can`t really explain by words. It is a feeling of excitement. And once I started reading it, I did not stop until I finished it. Words that appear in this story is carefully picked as it approaches a topic with such precision that it does not go overboard tackling a sensitive part. It is well-written that the story won`t require you to think of the details of its dystopia. Little imagination would go a long way. The story was as it is as to how the synopsis had been told. But I am not saying that literally. The synopsis was just the beginning, the tip of an awesome story of revenge and a pretense of someone`s revenge.

The story made sense all through the chapters. It was as bright as the daylight, it had some twists and turns but what I loved the most is how it tackles the legal issues. As much as I loved the tv series Suits. This story has also made me more knowledgeable on some legal matters. Suits is more focused on Legal-Drama because it is its core genre but this book had its focus on not just one thing but as if it is carefully thought out that any kind of reader would like and understand this story. The humor and how well-thought this story was its strength and the reason it is recommendable.

[Kay Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

How To Get Revenge While Keeping A Sense Of Humor

Sanford “Fuse” Petty, who is also known as Sandy, is a funny guy. His witticisms and every day dialog will keep you chuckling while he works to "fix" a problem that has hurt a long-time friend's daughter. Kurt's daughter has been attacked by her boss, a well-known celebrity who makes his living “exposing” big shots on TV. Realizing that going to the police will result in a “he said, she said” squabble, Fuse convinces Kurt to let him work his magic to turn the tables on the guy. Sandy is currently on suspension from his journalism job at Capital Incursion while a complaint filed against him by a fellow reporter is being investigated. This gives him plenty of time to concoct a plan to turn the tables on the celebrity.

This book is hilarious despite the subject matter. Fuse is a master of weird and funny dialog that will have you laughing out loud, and he plays off the other characters as they respond in kind. I love the way he interacts with people and says whatever comes to mind. If you like a novel that solves serious issues while at the same time makes you laugh, you’re going to love this book, too. This is my first book by author Eric Dezenhall, and it won’t be my last.

Thank you, NetGalley and Greenleaf Book Group for a free Advance Review Copy of False Light.

[Lydia Cox · Rating 3 out of 5]

#goodreadsgiveaway
I liked this book more than I thought I would. It was touted as a 'revenge' novel, and it was, but somehow it managed not to be just another typical plot.
Sandy Petty is on 'leave' from his job as a journalist after looking a little too deeply into a story. While trying to keep occupied, a close friend's daughter is assualted, and he offers to 'take care' of the offender - a high profile media personality.
I think the book did a good job of going over the plus and minus sides for women going to the police after an assault. It's sad that there even has to BE a minus side, but there you have it. It also did a good job of portraying the relationship between Sandy and his wife. The character development on their daughter, Finn, was a little vague, and I don't know if that was deliberately tyring to portray teenage girl hormones, or if it just fell short. And the relationship between Sandy and his best friend Kirk was also confusing - Sandy really doesn't seem to like him much, and he's very jealous of him, which doesn't seem to be a 'best friend' quality to me.
The whole TICU deal (Things I Can't Use) was just annoying. And honestly, just because your phone glitches doesn't mean you can't use any technology. I believe that is a 'thing', but it wasn't necessary to the story.
Overall, it was an enjoyable, quick read and worth the time.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

False Light by Eric Dezenhall

Sanford "Fuse" Petty is an old school reporter, not too keen on modern ways. But he is an excellent journalist and gets the job done. His good friend (Kurt) comes to him about his daughter Samantha, telling him she was a victim of sexual assault by a prominent social media star Pacho Craig. Fuse steps up to help his friends. He is determined to find the truth, uncover Pacho for who he really is, and help Samantha.

A fantastic plot that touches a very real topic. Told with engaging dialog and vivid details pulling me deep into this evolving story. Fuse is a family man with a wife and Daughter. He is emotionally invested in this situation and wants to do right. Kurt wants to seek justice for his daughter, while Samantha struggles with what happened to her.

False Light has realistic situations true to our Era. I was able to connect with each charter as they were well developed. Eric Dezenhall hit this (one) out of the park. I enjoyed this read, and highly recommend to all.

[Lee Woodruff · Rating 5 out of 5]

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. When Fuse is asked to leave his job at the newspaper pending a disciplinary investigation, he has plenty of time on his hands. Enter his oldest friend, whose daughter has been sexually assaulted by her boss, a prominent media star. Fuse gives his buddy advice: report the incident and risk a huge ”he said/she said” smear campaign, or plan something even better: revenge. Fuse’s background investigating criminals, politicians, drug lords, and all-around shysters makes him the perfect person to help bring the popular media mogul down in the court of public opinion . . . and make him pay.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like to read, you will like this book.
Its nice to pick up a book and be intrigued and invested all the way to the end. This was such a book. I liked the main character and his humorous personality. I was even laughing out load at some point. I liked how the story brought back songs from the 70's and reminded me of how music can bring back memories. It took a sad but real tragedy that happens to women and made revenge seem cool. This story was so much more. Its about growing up with an explosive father, to being a parent to a teenage girl. And how they push you away to gain there independence. And yes, about an older journalist and being pushed out of his job. This was a great story I will recommend to every reader I know.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

False Light is about Sanford "Fuse" Petty who is an old school reporter who helps his best friend after his friends daughter is raped by her employer. Knowing that going to the police would do more harm to the daughter Fuse puts together a scheme and a network of people to bring this man down. He calls them the Callous Sophisticates and they talk only to him.

This book is fast paced with well described characters. Fuse is someone you really wished you knew in real life. The ending leaves you satisfied with no loose ends and just a hint of hope that there may be more for Fuse and his Callous Sophisticates. I really hope that this turns into a series of books.

I received this from LibraryThing Early Reviewers for an honest review.