Mogul

The Mogul: R.G.Belsky

Review by Fran Lewis

Some mystery thrillers stand out for their potent plots, reminding us of the fine line between fact and fiction. The Mogul is a prime example. Centered on the front-page murder of a young woman outside a Manhattan nightclub, the story captures the media frenzy that sparks a scandal inside a legendary, powerful newspaper. Flashbacks to  2003 an era when print truly ruled, ground the history of the paper as the mystery unfolds.

The opening sets a tense tone, revealing the fears and dangers encountered by narrator Nicholas Marston as we learn about the book’s central crime: the murder of young Sentinel reporterCarrie Anne Cody. Detectives Sally snd Curly  young reporters at the Sentinel lBilly, bought into the paper. Though sales were once down when the news was strictly honest, the ruthless and unpredictable Billy understands that embellishing the truth and manipulating stories boosts circulation. Whether crushing a newsroom strike or winning a Pulitzer Prize alongside star writer Louise Gleason, Billy commands the room. Yet looks and attitudes can be deceiving. At Carrie Anne’s emotional funeral, we also meet Billy’s thirty-something son, William Blaine, who serves as an associate publisher across his father’s empire.

As the plot thickens, another woman, Tanya Greene, is found dead on the street after going to meet a man. The resulting controversy, protests, and collapsing court case showcase Billy’s lack of conscience as an innocent young man is hung out to dry. Meanwhile, Nicholas carries his own devastating burden: the tragic death of his son, Sean, and the guilt that ultimately fractures his marriage.

The media circus intensifies when the Sutton Place Strangler is caught and Billy’s paper mysteriously secures exclusive photos and details to drive up sales. We see just how far Billy’s power reaches when William is arrested on an assault charge, only for Billy to use blackmail and extortion to bend high-ranking police officials to his will.

Was Carrie Anne in the wrong place at the wrong time, or was she killed by someone she knew? As police interview the Sentinel staff and interrogate prime suspect Juan Ortiz, Nicholas searches for Carrie Anne’s mysterious boyfriend and questions his close associate, Vince Moreno, about missing videos. From a tense mayor’s press conference to an uncomfortable barbecue at Billy’s house, hidden motives and dark secrets continue to surface.

The narrative builds toward a shocking courtroom showdown, a heartbreaking medical diagnosis that affects a key figure’s mental health, and a final revelation you will not see coming. How do you frame someone for murder to protect Billy and the paper? Who was Carrie Anne to the narrator, and what truth was he hiding?

The two detectives leading the investigation are Stokes and McGinnis. 

With a unique final chapter and a tear-jerking epilogue, author R. G. Belsky once again hits high marks in this gripping mystery about media power and a young woman who just wanted justice to be served.

Fran Lewis