When the celebrity chef from a popular morning news program becomes a prime suspect in a murder investigation, things start to sizzle in this delightful mystery from bestselling author and legendary news personality Al Roker.
Billy Blessing, owner of the popular Manhattan restaurant Blessing’s Bistro, is a regular contributor on the morning news show, Wake Up, America! Now he’s creating a fresh cooking competition show, but finds himself clashing with Rudy Gallagher, the executive producer. Things get heated in the newsroom, and after exchanging some sharp words, both Billy and Rudy walk away feeling burned.
Next thing he knows, Rudy is found dead in his luxury apartment, and Billy is the prime suspect. Determined to clear his name, Billy begins his own investigation, only to discover things are much more complicated than he ever imagined. Unsavory characters start coming out of the woodwork, and before long he stumbles into the crosshairs of an international assassin.
The first in a delicious series, The Morning Show Murders combines the magic of morning show television with the charm of your favorite mysteries, including exciting behind-the-scenes intrigue that can only come from a veteran of network television.
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"This was a very enjoyable book to read. It keep my attention and i at least guessed who one of the bad guys were. I would love to see the character Chef Blessing become a series of books. All of the characters were very interesting. I think there are a lot of secerts behind marvin and the commander. There a lot more in the this book can be explored further. It was a very good read."
— Yvonne (4 out of 5 stars)
“Great fun! Al pulls back the curtain to reveal what really goes on when the cameras go off.”
— Harlan Coben, #1 New York Times bestselling author“Terrific plot, fast, funny, and full of action and adventure with even a touch of steamy romance.”
— Janet Evanovich, #1 New York Times bestselling author“This is a funny, funny, very funny mystery that really gallops along and has several cool twists. Maybe Al Roker should quit his day job.”
— James Patterson“[A] fast-paced murder mystery…Roker is a vivacious narrator who keeps the action moving…The plot is well constructed and fun. Roker is obviously at home in this frenetic world of television, and his characterizations ring true.”
— AudioFile" Pretty good...sometimes slow. Not sure if I will read the midnight one coming out. "
— Vicky, 2/13/2014" This is Al Roker's first fictional novel, and the first Billy Blessing mystery. It is not a great book, but it is good enough. It introduces Chef Billy Blessing, his friends, and his restaurant. In addition to running his restaurant, Billy is a regular on a network morning television show (Like the Today Show), and he has a cable cooking show. While juggling all those responsibilities, one of Billy's friends is murdered and Billy is suspect number one as far as the cops are concerned. In the end, Billy has to face a professional "hit man" who wants to kill Billy and one of the guests on the show. Everything ends well, just in time for a consideration of Book #2. As I said, this is not a work of art, but it is good enough to encourage reading thru to the last page, and that is enough for a positive recommendation. "
— Bruce, 2/9/2014" I tried listening to this book on audio cd. I made it several chapters and finally gave up due to language. With all the books I can choose from, I choose to not listen to or read poor language. I can't say anything about the storyline because I didn't even get far enough for the murder(s). "
— Eden, 2/9/2014" Barely a 3 on the star scale. I guess I was hoping for more. OK story and I liked the twists but something was just a little off. Maybe too slow. "
— Carol, 2/9/2014" I picked this book up because I love Al Roker, and find him hysterical on Today, so I was interested to see how his humor would show itself in fiction. Full of pop culture references, including a few self-deprecating references to Roker himself, there was a lot of unexpected humor for a murder mystery. The characters were very eclectic in personalities and backstories, which gave the story a lot of texture, depth, and interest. It was a fun mystery that brought you in and kept you there. The twists and turns kept me guessing and, until the end, I was completely wrong on the "whodunit" aspect. My only real negative was the main character, Billy Blessing. I sometimes felt that he was almost a bystander in is own life and story, rather than really being an active participant. I would definately recommend this read! "
— Kim, 1/23/2014" Surprisingly enjoyable light read! "
— Lauren, 1/22/2014" Fun read. You can hear Al Roker speaking through his main character's voice. "
— Beverly, 1/10/2014" I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed the book, as I had picked it up because of the author alone! At times, it was hard to keep up with all of the characters, but it was an enjoyable read! "
— Amy, 1/10/2014" An entertaining book, enjoyable read. A book without alot of character development, you don't really know the main characters very well. The writing is lively and the story line is a real good who done it. A good summer read to read on the beach. "
— Pat, 1/4/2014" Thought it was good. I expect more for his second story. "
— Cookie, 1/3/2014" I thought this was a very light but entertaining read. The pace was quick and the twists and turns many and interesting if somewhat unbelievable at times. I've got the next book in the series ready to go. "
— GammasWorld, 12/17/2013" I enjoyed this book - probably mostly because I like Al Roker - but it was an easy read and entertaining. "
— Mary, 12/12/2013" Somewhat in the style of Janet Ivanovich. Quick read with lots of characters, twists and turns. "
— Cheryl, 11/27/2013" I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Al Roker can write a pretty good murder mystery. I enjoyed getting to know Billy Blessing and look forward to his next funny, fast-paced, foray into fact-finding. "
— Sandy, 11/24/2013" I like Al Roker,so I thought this was an interesting read since it delves into the business of early morning television as the protagonist -- an anchor -- attempts to solve a murder he's accused of committing. Fun stuff. "
— John, 11/10/2013" Fun easy read - I enjoyed the dialogue and banter which reminded me of Gilmore Girls. "
— Shannon, 11/4/2013" I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this- particularly the pop-culture references. "
— Sherri, 8/16/2013" I enjoyed this mystery/thriller. It is somewhat reminds me of Janet Evanovich's stephanie PLum series in that it has a true mystery but has some fun along the way. This is a "light" mystery but certainly worth the read if you are looking for something that is a quick read with a few laughs. "
— Marianne, 6/24/2013" An entertaining read with an ending I would never have predicted. "
— Librarian2191, 4/10/2013" Did not care for...........dull! "
— Cranbery, 11/27/2012" A fun romp through AM TV. Billy Blessing is a bit TV chef, AM weather and all around friend to everyone. Billy is forced to sleuth around in order to save his own neck. Good plotting, lots of excitement and lots of good food snacks along the way. A delicious read on the plane or the beach. "
— Mascanlon, 11/27/2012" Good but so many characters it got hard to follow at the end "
— Chloe, 10/5/2012" I would have liked it better if I hadn't been listening to Al Roker read it. I really don't like an author reading their own book. He thinks he's funnier than he really is.....you can tell in the voice. "
— Nancy, 9/13/2012" I read this one on my Kindle. It was very good. The plot built to a great ending, the characters were believable and I cared for each one at the end. "
— Anne-marie, 8/31/2012" This was a book I won, and I really enjoyed it. The world of Television is the backdrop for this murder mystery and it was a quick read. There were enough twists and turns in the plot to keep me interested. "
— Rdonn, 8/17/2012" Not a fan; didn't really like the characters though was surprised at the bad guy(s). I don't think I will continue with the series. "
— Cindy, 1/21/2012" I can't believe I wasted my time on this book, hoping through the whole thing that it would get better. Sub-par writing, snore of a "mystery" plot, with a semi-predictable twist at the end. This was my first and last of Al Roker's books. "
— Tara, 9/16/2011" A good story even if a bit predictable. It was a fun read! "
— Jessica, 7/30/2011" Laid back but very competent chef solves a crime in which he is a prime suspect. Includes humor. "
— Jacksonjh, 6/25/2011" This was a surprise. It was a good story with a straight forward plot. The characters were fun and interesting. I will read another of Roker's books, because I liked this one. "
— William, 6/4/2011" Surprise, surprise, surprise. This was a great read. He had me almost till the end before I figured out who dunnit. "
— Christy, 5/31/2011" Barely a 3 on the star scale. I guess I was hoping for more. OK story and I liked the twists but something was just a little off. Maybe too slow. "
— Carol, 3/19/2011" Fun book - light enjoyable reading with some good humor and a slight mystery with a twist or two. Entertaining enough that I will read his other mystery.<br/> "
— Nadeen, 3/3/2011" Pretty good...sometimes slow. Not sure if I will read the midnight one coming out. "
— Vicky, 2/18/2011" I think I read this before. Each chapter sounded familiar, but I didn't know what would happen next, so I kept reading. A fun diversion into fiction, something rare for me. "
— Bob, 2/4/2011" Disappointed. Slower read than expected with a bit of a surprise ending. "
— Stephen, 1/7/2011" I wasn't too impressed with this book -- seemed a little too contrived. Won't bother to read the next one in the series! "
— Linda, 12/30/2010" I was naive enough to follow the path the book was taking me instead of looking for a double cross or a double entendre. Well done first mystery. I doubt Tom Skilling could do better. "
— Christa, 12/30/2010" Thought this would be kind of interesting, negative. "
— Jill, 12/8/2010Al Roker is known to over thirty million viewers each week for his work on NBC’s Today show, a role that has earned him thirteen Emmy Awards. Among his numerous books are the New York Times bestseller Don’t Make Me Stop This Car!: Adventures in Fatherhood and the bestselling Al Roker’s Big Bad Book of Barbecue. The Morning Show Murders marked his first foray into fiction. Al resides in Manhattan with his wife, ABC News and 20/20 coanchor Deborah Roberts, and has two daughters and a son.
Dick Lochte is an award-winning, Los Angeles Times bestselling author of numerous crime novels, including The Talk Show Murders with Al Roker. He and his wife live in Southern California with their dog Hoagy.