Rookie cub reporter for the Seattle Mirror, Jason Wade needs that one big story to secure a full time position with the paper. The first book of the Jason Wade series from author Rick Mofina, "The Dying Hour", is a riveting thriller. Master story teller Rick Mofina spins a crafty thriller about Wade, a community college graduate competing for a newspaper job against several other interns who have four year degrees from prestigious universities. Karen Harding ,24 from Seattle is driving north to visit her sister in Canada. However, her car becomes broken down on a highway in middle of nowhere. The rain storm she's caught in is overwhelming as well. Luckily a good samaritan stops to give her a lift to a garage. By the next morning it seems as if Karen has disappeared into thin air. Karen's car still sitting empty along side of highway. Karen's boyfriend Luke and her sister Marlene both worried why Karen hasn't called begin to try to contact Karen. Is she a missing person ? Rookie Wade by accident picks up on story of Karen's disappearance and runs with it. With dogged determination, Wade defies his bosses, and police to track down the story of Karen's disappearance. A very intense thriller with some quick turning twists make this story sizzle. Well thought out, and developed characters help keep this read a very difficult book to put down at times. Having read many of author Rick Mofina's books, this one is one of my favorites. The Jason Wade series is definitely another fantastic series from Rick Mofina. I'd highly recommend "The Dying Hour", for an intense suspense thriller. Check out any of the incredible thrillers from Rick Mofina. He has several series that are really enjoyable stories. Mofina is a master story teller.
3.5 STARS Jason Wade is an intern in the running for a permanent position at the Mirror but stakes are high as his background is not as impressive as the other interns. He had been working at the local brewery with his alcoholic father and then put himself through community college. Hs mother left them when he was young and recently his own girlfriend left him. He has to win this position as he needs it to survive and keep his sanity. Then on the police scanner he hears about a car is found abandoned on the side of the highway with the driver missing. The competition begins.... I was intrigued with the case as much as Jason was - a woman just vanishing into thin air - there has to be more behind it. Jason is not only the underdog in this race for a permanent position but has everything - everyone - going against him. This was a great suspense/mystery novel.
What do You think about The Dying Hour (2005)?
Canadian thriller maestro Rick Mofina has been popular overseas for years, but his books have only recently become more available downunder. Rookie Seattle crime reporter Jason Wade is part of a cut-throat competitive internship, and finds himself investigating the puzzling disappearance of a college student whose car was found abandoned. When another woman is found murdered in a ritualistic fashion, no-one thinks the cases are connected, except Jason, who embarks on a terrifying journey that causes him to examine himself as much as the ‘case’. A throttle-open thriller with an engaging hero, compelling characters, and enough tension to keep you up late at night.
—Craig Sisterson
