One of the mystery genre’s core magics is immersion in specialized locales or milieus. Ex-journo A.C. Fuller sets his series around his former profession, and “The Last Journalist,” the fifth featuring Alex Vane, is fascinating for its insider status. When one of America’s most revered newsmen plummets to his death after dining with Alex, the race is on to find out why. The protagonist is an engaging hero, as is his co-star for this outing, a feisty independent investigator, and all the many characters are pleasingly portrayed. Seattle comes to life in the novel’s pages. My only grizzle by the end of a satisfying read was a rather humdrum plot denouement. A strong instalment in a strong series.
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