By Alison Bunis
Around here, we really love our Hank Phillippi Ryan. If you’ve got to ask why, that means you haven’t read her books, in which case, you should probably read them right now.
Still need convincing? Well, they’re incredibly thrilling mysteries with more twists than you’d think possible. Plus, the books are always led by remarkable women. Hank really knows how to write a compelling female character. To help give you a little more incentive to dive into her books, here’s a quick roundup of some of Hank’s top heroines, and the books they’re in.
Trust Me: Mercer Hennessy
Mercer Hennessy is a shell of her former self when Trust Me begins. She’s still mourning her husband and their young son, both of whom were killed in a car crash. Her career as a journalist has been put on hold―perhaps permanently. But then her editor offers her the chance to cover a trial from her living room: no people, no leaving her house, no putting her grief on display. And best of all, it’s the trial of Ashlyn Bryant, accused of murdering her young daughter Tasha Nicole. Grieving mother Mercer cannot imagine anyone who would intentionally kill their own child and is desperate for Ashlyn to get the justice she deserves. But covering this case spins wildly out of control, and as Mercer’s life turns into a dangerous cat-and-mouse game, she has to ask…who can you trust when you can’t even trust yourself?
The Murder List: Rachel North
Rachel North is living a good life, and she’s earned it. She’s a smart, hardworking law student with a fantastic internship at the Boston DA’s office. Her husband is faithful, devoted, and a lion of the Boston defense bar. Their plan to open a practice together when she passes the bar is her dream come true. The problem is, everything Rachel knows to be true is based on a lie. And the battle for justice is about to become a fight for survival.
The Other Woman and others: Jane Ryland
Jane Ryland was a rising star in television news, until her refusal to reveal a confidential source ruined her career. Now she’s a newspaper journalist, and Jane isn’t content to work on the puff pieces that get thrown her way. In five books, starting with The Other Woman, Jane takes on everything from dirty politics to foreclosures to campus sexual assault. She’s a tough reporter who’s no stranger to dangerous investigations, tight spots, and telling the stories that need to be told.
The First to Lie: …who knows?
Now, here’s the thing about The First to Lie: who is really the heroine here? Whose story is it? We don’t really know. So instead of revealing any spoilers about Hank’s newest book (this is a strictly spoiler-free post), here are a few of the options:
Brooke: an affluent daughter of privilege. Lacey: a glamorous, manipulative wannabe. Ellie: a determined reporter, in too deep. Margaret: Ellie’s suspiciously eager assistant. Nora: a pharmaceutical rep who isn’t what she seems. After a devastating betrayal, one of them sets off on an obsessive path to justice, no matter what dark secrets are revealed. But she isn’t the only one plotting her revenge.
Want to figure out who the true heroine is in The First to Lie? Pre-order a copy now!
