False Light: A Novel

By Eric Dezenhall

A thrilling tale of revenge set against the vibrant backdrop of sensationalist modern media

Seasoned reporter Sanford “Fuse” Petty is old-school in every way—anti-technology, anti-Millennial (don’t even mention Gen-Z), and anti-“gotcha” journalism. After Fuse is asked to leave his paper pending a disciplinary investigation, he has plenty of time on his hands. So when his oldest friend approaches him for advice after the man’s daughter says she was sexually assaulted by her boss, a prominent media star, Fuse agrees to help. He gives his buddy the only options he feels are available: report the incident to the police and risk a huge “he said/she said” smear campaign against the girl, or plan something even better—revenge. 

As a journalist, Fuse has a colorful background investigating criminals, politicians, gangsters, drug lords, and all-around shysters—and knows plenty of shady sources—so he’s the perfect person to enact a complex (and ultimately, entertaining) plan to bring the popular media mogul down in the court of public opinion . . . and make him pay.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group
• Release date: Feb 23, 2021
• ISBN: 9781626347502

Eric Dezenhall

Eric Dezenhall co-founded the communications firm Dezenhall Resources, Ltd., and serves as its CEO. His first book of nonfiction, Nail ‘Em!: Confronting High-Profile Attacks on Celebrities and Business, pioneered techniques for understanding and defusing crises. The author novels such as Jackie Disaster, The Devil Himself and Spinning Dixie, he lives in the Washington, D.C. area.

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Reviews for False Light

[readingover50 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a tale of revenge, but reads like a heist movie, or a long con. It involves a convoluted plan with many pieces that all need to fall in the right places. It’s frightening how easy it is for the media to completely ruin someone’s life. The book was exciting and I especially liked the first half when things were in the planning stage. The last half I felt there was too much introspection on the part of the main character, The Fuse, that took away from the revenge plot. The book was well written and enjoyable. I received a free copy from Library Thing Early Reviewers and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

[mrmapcase · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

False Light provides an even-handed look, although fictional, at modern social media, along with an engrossing sense suspense. With a diverse cast of characters, it is a tremendous read.

[draak_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

False Light is about Sanford "Fuse" Petty who is an old school reporter who helps his best friend after his friends daughter is raped by her employer. Knowing that going to the police would do more harm to the daughter Fuse puts together a scheme and a network of people to bring this man down. He calls them the Callous Sophisticates and they talk only to him. This book is fast paced with well described characters. Fuse is someone you really wished you knew in real life. The ending leaves you satisfied with no loose ends and just a hint of hope that there may be more for Fuse and his Callous Sophisticates. I really hope that this turns into a series of books. I received this from LibraryThing Early Reviewers for an honest review.

[jypsylynn · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I received a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own. False Light by Eric Dezenhall is a relevant and timely story of victimization and revenge. A young woman suffers an assault, and as a victim of such an attack, she is scared and confused. Revenge is necessary, however, and it will be exacted in some manner, even if not by the machinations of the victim herself. I liked this story because of its importance and its undertones of karmic power. Definitely recommend giving it a try!

[sheriawilkinson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

False Light by Eric DezenhallSanford "Fuse" Petty is an old school reporter, not too keen on modern ways. But he is an excellent journalist and gets the job done. His good friend (Kurt) comes to him about his daughter Samantha, telling him she was a victim of sexual assault by a prominent social media star Pacho Craig. Fuse steps up to help his friends. He is determined to find the truth, uncover Pacho for who he really is, and help Samantha.A fantastic plot that touches a very real topic. Told with engaging dialog and vivid details pulling me deep into this evolving story. Fuse is a family man with a wife and Daughter. He is emotionally invested in this situation and wants to do right. Kurt wants to seek justice for his daughter, while Samantha struggles with what happened to her.False Light has realistic situations true to our Era. I was able to connect with each charter as they were well developed. Eric Dezenhall hit this (one) out of the park. I enjoyed this read, and highly recommend to all.

[kmjessica · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

If you like to read, you will like this book. Its nice to pick up a book and be intrigued and invested all the way to the end. This was such a book. I liked the main character and his humorous personality. I was even laughing out load at some point. I liked how the story brought back songs from the 70's and reminded me of how music can bring back memories. It took a sad but real tragedy that happens to women and made revenge seem cool. This story was so much more. Its about growing up with an explosive father, to being a parent to a teenage girl. And how they push you away to gain there independence. And yes, about an older journalist and being pushed out of his job. This was a great story I will recommend to every reader I know.

[jfe16 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Review of Advance Reader’s CopyJournalist Sanford “Fuse” Petty is currently on suspension from the “Capital Incursion,” the newspaper where, for decades, he has hung his reporter’s hat, this suspension pending a disciplinary investigation at the behest of one of the paper’s other journalists. So when longtime friend Kurt Rossiter arrives at Fuse’s home to share the devastating news of his daughter [and Fuse’s goddaughter], Samantha, having been sexually attacked by her boss, Fuse instantly agrees to his friend’s request for help. Recognizing that a police report would result in a “he said/she said” campaign [one in which Sammy's boss, a prominent media star, would most likely emerge as the victor], Fuse nevertheless feels compelled to take action to support his devastated goddaughter. Using his contacts from his many years as a reporter, he concocts a plan to get revenge for the young woman by destroying the man’s media star persona in the court of public opinion. Will Fuse manage to bring his audacious plan to fruition? And what will come of the disciplinary investigation at the paper?Divided into four main sections and told solely from Fuse’s point of view, this compelling narrative of payback is, at its heart, a thought-provoking tale of media behavior and responsibility as well as a condemnation of the ever-growing sensationalist media that presents biased impressions to manipulate the truth of a story. The story grabs the reader from the outset and keeps the pages turning. Despite the seriousness of the plot, there are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments as the story twists and turns on its way to what might be a predictable [but definitely satisfying] denouement. The characters are well-developed; there’s plenty of clever repartee between them and Fuse is, by turns, sarcastic and anachronistic. There’s plenty of insightful commentary on politics, news, legal issues, journalism, social media, marriage, jealousy, and more. It’s smart, funny, clever, and completely unputdownable. Highly recommended.I received a free copy of this book through the LibraryThing Early Readers program