Tanzy Kohl's "5, 4, 3..." is a breathless, gripping plunge into the chaotic world of late 90s local news, and the equally tumultuous life of reporter Tina Karen. Kohl masterfully employs short, sharp chapters and multiple perspectives to mirror the frenetic pace of a newsroom, ensuring the reader is perpetually on edge. This isn't a book you leisurely sip; it's a shot of adrenaline.

Tina Karen, on the surface, has it all: the coveted career, the steadfast husband, the journalistic integrity. But Kohl peels back the glossy veneer to reveal a woman entangled in a dangerous dance of secrets and desires. The arrival of a mysterious newcomer ignites a forbidden affair, setting in motion a chain of events that threaten to shatter Tina's carefully constructed world.

The tension in "5, 4, 3..." is palpable. Kohl expertly ratchets up the suspense as Tina's lies multiply, her marriage crumbles, and the threat of exposure looms. The narrative cleverly weaves in the ethical dilemmas of journalism, adding another layer of complexity to Tina's already fraught situation. The question isn't just if her secrets will be revealed, but how far she'll go to protect them.

The 90s setting is rendered with a nostalgic, yet gritty authenticity, enhancing the sense of isolation and desperation that pervades the story. The characters, even the morally ambiguous ones, are compellingly drawn, each harboring their own secrets and motivations.

"5, 4, 3..." is a thrilling ride, a testament to Kohl's ability to craft a captivating narrative that keeps you turning pages well into the night. If you're looking for a fast-paced, suspenseful read with a complex protagonist and a dark undercurrent, this book is a must-read.

the layout of this book was a brilliant idea. it kept you tied into the theme and job of the charcter but also amped up the pressure and tension. i also felt like i was reading a novel but also articles so i was taking it in as both news clipping thinking and a book plot if that makes sense. it kept me spinning this one. i thought i new one thing then the quick chapters and quick info you got could make you think it was something else entirely. i always think i will come down hard on affair plots. but this storyline was good enough to keep my judgmental jugdy-isms at bay haha.