Al Roker, murder mystery author? Yes, it is true. Find out more about the newly released novel, “The Morning Show Murders,” from the NBC Today Show weatherman, whose setting and characters draw upon his years of experience in television.
The familiar U.S. breakfast TV personality seems ideally suited to bring us the new suspense thriller, a 320-page book published by Delacorte. The two-time non-fiction author’s foray into fiction writing follows a tradition of professionals who can give us a glimpse into a but largely unknown world through their own extensive experiences. He discussed the book in a recent Today Show segment seen in the video below.
The new thriller by Roker was co-written with crime fiction author Dick Lochte, known for his book “Sleeping Dog,” among others. It features a protagonist named Billy Blessing who is highly successful chef who does cooking segments on the fictional morning program, “Wake Up America,” and additionally owns a restaurant in Manhattan. His ideal life is profoundly upset when his executive producer is murdered and he becomes the prime suspect.
The first-time fiction author tells Reuters that he bears some resemblance to the main character.
“He’s black, bald and chubby with a little bit of a sense of humor.”
He went on to acknowledge that he had drawn upon years of working experience in television in crafting other characters in the book, although the plot of the book is purely fictional.
“I’m one of the lucky ones with one of the best jobs in the world. There are always frustrations and writing a murder mystery isn’t going to take those out.”
As for the writing process, which took nine months, Roker gave his co-author Dick Lochte an outline and the two contributed their individual expertise in crafting the book. As for a sequel which is already planned, the famous weatherman said:
“I’m pretty certain Billy will live in the next book. He’ll prevail. He’s a little wiser for it.”
Let us know your thoughts, readers. Will you buy “The Morning Show Murders?” And if you have read it, give us your review. What do you think of Al Roker, murder mystery author?
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