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Mystery Novel Delves Into Infamous Phoenix Car Bombing

The Bomb Shelter
Poisoned Pen Press
The Bomb Shelter by Jon Talton.

A lot of journalists have taken on the story of Arizona Republic reporter Don Bolles, who was killed in a June 1976 car bombing. The incident led to reporters and editors from across the country coming to Phoenix to finish his work. It also, for many people, signaled the end of an innocent time — however deceptive that may sound — for the young city.

Jon Talton is a native Phoenician and was a longtime columnist for The Republic. He’s also written a series of mysteries featuring Valley historian and detective David Mapstone. Talton’s latest book,  "The Bomb Shelter," features his take on the Bolles bombing.

While Talton spends much of the year in Seattle, he also maintains a residence here in Phoenix and joined us to discuss his latest work.

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Steve Goldstein was a host at KJZZ from 1997 to 2022.