The Line

Deadly Ambition Collection

By: Tim Weaver

Narrated by: Kristin Atherton

A career-making rumor about a Hollywood icon could save a struggling journalist—or destroy her—in this twisting and atmospheric short story by Sunday Times bestselling author Tim Weaver.

Los Angeles, 1985. Journalist Hallie Pitney is fighting to keep her head above water selling minor stories to gossip magazines. She still dreams of her byline on something better—something that could finally launch her career.

Then a whisper reaches her: a legendary movie star may be hiding a devastating secret. For Hallie, this could be the story that changes everything. But a dark choice lurks behind Hollywood’s shuttered gates: the story of a lifetime—or everything she stands for.

Tim Weaver’s The Line is part of the Deadly Ambition collection, stories about greed, control, and the sinister side of making dreams come true. They can be read or listened to in one bingeable sitting.

©2026 by Tim Weaver. (P)2026 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Crossed Line

This is the last short story for the “deadly ambitions series” and it had me on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next. This story is about Hallie, a struggle news reporter trying to desperately “make it”. But it has been so hard that she has had to resort to tabloid stories to make ends meet. That is, until Mousy starts telling her about a story that he says would be the biggest story ever. That may possibly give her the “big story” payday she needs to live. But there’s a catch-another colleague Jordan has had the same story for the last 48 hours. Hallie eventually reaches out to Jordan for his help with the story. Then the situation turns-and a line is crossed. What do you envision happened? Check it out for yourself and listen to what happens.

Run of mill

In the 1980s Los Angeles, Hallie, an ambitious journalist, finds herself at a crossroads. When a tantalizing rumor about a celebrity reaches her ears, she must decide whether to seize the opportunity and risk her integrity. Overall it felt very run of mill, average read.

Not a good story

Story is from 1985, not worth the read. Out of date,
stereotypes,
and just crudeness.
I do not recommend.