FINAL DEADLINE

An embattled journalist finds himself entangled in a horrific hostage situation in Catron’s novel.

Managing editorBecket Thompson has dedicated his life to thePalmetto Press, losing his marriage in the process. The paper was bought by Greene Investment Group, and with that came understaffing, a smaller salary, and layoffs. Becket stands up to the paper’s publisher, a man with familial connections within the investment group, and accuses him of being unethical and selling out, leaving him wondering if he will get fired. The day goes from bad to the absolute worst when three gunmen storm the building and take everyone hostage. The gunmen turn out to be three brothers, led by the eldest, Dalton, who easily dominates the youngest, Colton. But the middle brother, Ray, is quick to anger and could turn an already tense situation into a tragedy. Ray is frustrated by the terrible economic conditions in the United States and has turned to far-right extremism in response to his financial stress. At the beginning of the hostage situation, Ray says the brothers want “the lying media to print the truth about our president” and demands that the newspaper prints stories about how the president was “making America great again.” As the night wears on, tempers flare and Ray uses his power over the hostages to incite fear and pain while Dalton pursues his own secret agenda. Catron’s novel is an exhilarating thriller anchored by a likable hero in Becket, who, throughout the terror of the situation, tries to keep people safe. The three gunmen brothers are compelling antagonists, each with a distinct personality that leaps off the page. Their political associations give the story grounding, and the author ensures they are complex characters instead of one-dimensional strawmen. The ending is a strong combination of thrilling action and sincere dialogue that effectively completes the surviving characters’ arcs.

An intriguing mystery, exciting thriller, and overall satisfying read.