KJZZ Reporter’s First Novel Is ‘A Love Letter to Phoenix’
First-time novelist and KJZZ reporter Christina Estes (photos via Estes)
A young, gutsy (and hilariously klutzy) TV journalist named Jolene is the hero of “Off The Air,” the first novel from KJZZ reporter Christina Estes, and Arizona is the backdrop for the delightfully page-turning murder mystery.
A rollicking adventure with plenty of humor as Jolene chases a big crime story and fame, the book features nods to both iconic and lesser-known restaurants, businesses and neighborhoods.
“What I learned while writing ‘Off The Air’ is that it’s a love letter to Phoenix, a place I never imagined I would stay,” said Estes, who moved from the Midwest more than 20 years ago and landed at the public radio station, a member of Local First Arizona. “This book very much feels like Phoenix's book, and that's how I hope others will feel.”
Proud to be local
Estes and Chicago Hamburger Co. owner Bob Pappanduros
Estes’ narrative approach exemplifies the pride Local First encourages everyone to have about living in Arizona. The first page even quotes one of our mantras!
Jolene orders a cheeseburger with guacamole and fries at a burger restaurant that serves Arizona-grown beef. "That was enough to attract the ‘Buy local, eat local’ crowd,” the book notes.
Estes is proud that the owner of another restaurant featured in the book, Chicago Hamburger Company in Phoenix, (yes, Jolene likes her burgers), put up a sign about "Off the Air” in his shop to promote its publication.
“That’s a BIG deal because he only allows Chicago memorabilia on his walls,” Estes said.
Estes featured the shop because the owner “treats his employees well, they've all been with him for many, many years, and he agreed to let me follow his business during the pandemic. He was very honest about finances and his emotional roller coaster, and I was honored he would be so open with me.”
Other asides in the book are clever, like Estes’ proposal of adding a sixth “C” for semiconductor chips to Arizona’s traditional five Cs: Copper, cattle, cotton, citrus and climate. And that monsoon dust storms are like Los Angeles car chases — everyone stops to watch.
What’s next
Publishing a mystery novel based in the Valley had been a goal for Estes for 15 years, she said. And now she’s going for more.
Local bookstores have hosted events with Estes
After success launching the book this year, Estes is already writing the sequel, “The Story That Wouldn’t Die,” in which Jolene investigates the death of a beloved small business owner and won’t let the murderer get away.
The second mystery novel will be published in summer 2025 and Estes promises will feature more local Arizona businesses.
Where to buy
Find a local bookstore where you can buy “Off the Air” by searching Local First’s Business Directory.
Look for these Arizona references in ‘Off the Air’
Food: Cerreta Candy Co. (French mints), Dos Vaqueros (carne asada fries), Food City (chips and salsa), Four Peaks (Kilt Lifter), Harlow’s Cafe (Eggs Maximilian), Oregano’s Pizza Bistro, Pita Jungle, Rito’s Mexican Food (burritos), Rock Springs Cafe (apple bourbon pie), Welcome Diner (fruit punch, Little Birdy sandwich, chili fries and fried green tomatoes)
Government and organizations: Arizona Humane Society, Arizona State University, Banner Urgent Care, Burton Barr Library, Friends of the Phoenix Public Library, Maricopa County Medical Examiner, Phoenix Police, Fourth Avenue jail, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, University of Arizona
Rito’s Mexican Food (named for current owner Charlotte Hansen’s father) is featured
News outlets: The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, Phoenix Business Journal, Phoenix Magazine, Phoenix New Times, Telemundo, Univision
Places: Biltmore District, Chandler, Douglas, Garfield Historic District, Laveen, Maryvale, the Melrose District and its rainbow crosswalk, Moon Valley Park, Paradise Valley, Scottsdale, the Sonoran Desert, Sunnyslope, Tucson
Sports: Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, Phoenix Suns, Chase Field, spring training
Unique to AZ: Camelback, Mummy and Phoenix Mountains, Congressman Ed Pastor Freeway (named after the first Mexican-American Arizonan elected to Congress), Johnjay and Rich Show, Metrocenter Mall, Pat Tillman and Pat’s Run, Phoenix Indian School (only Oklahoma had more federal Indian boarding schools than Arizona), Piestewa Freeway, seeking covered parking in the summer, Seventh Street reverse lanes, U.S. Sen. John McCain and Meghan McCain, our large population of refugees ranging from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe
