The Other Woman by Hank Phillippi Ryan

 Stories that could have some facts based in truth pull me in quickly as realistic actions and fantasy characters play out in an intriguing tale of murder and suspense that is plausible. Author Hank Phillippi Ryan puts these elements together in her latest thriller, THE OTHER WOMAN, with great results.

Narrator Ilyana Kadushin does an excellent job bring the characters to life providing each with their own distinct voice. She has a flare for expressing the emotional ups and downs throughout the story causing you to feel the excitement as the tension mounts.

Protecting one’s source is extremely important to rising T.V. star Jane Ryland. It’s so important she loses her job when she refuses to reveal a source involving charges against a prominent businessman. Landing a job as a newspaper reporter working for a former rival, she’s assigned puff pieces. However, as Jane goes about her job she discovers a candidate for Senate may be hiding a secret mistress just days before a pivotal election and it seems his wife thinks so too.

Meanwhile, Boston Detective Jake Brogan is busy investigating a possible serial killer and trying to keep the media from dubbing the suspect as ‘the bridge killer.’ Two bodies of unidentified women have been found by bridges and Jake isn’t making much progress.

When the body count rises, the third victim turns out to be someone connected to the case involving Jane’s dismissal from T.V. Jane and Jake begin to realize their cases may be related. As they battle their attraction for one another, they each set out to find a ruthless killer bent on silencing a scandal or making a name for himself.

The action is fast-pace and filled with highs and lows true to reporting. Ryan’s detailed descriptions of the Boston area places you in the heart of the action with the characters making the setting a major part of the story. There are twists and turns and just when you have it figured out, another turn takes you in a different direction as dirty politics, revenge, betrayal and seduction lead to murder.

Ryan’s journalism background shines through in THE OTHER WOMAN. She has created a dedicated journalist in Jane as she deals with high standards for reporting and her desire to have a forbidden relationship. Jane has strength and determination, but also a vulnerable side. Jake is a dedicated cop trying to do the right thing as he battles his feelings for Jane.

While at times there appears to be not one but several other women, in the end there is truly only one that is THE OTHER WOMAN. Will it be who you think it is? This is a adrenaline-driven story that will hold you captive from opening paragraph to the last line. Jane and Jake, a crime-fighting duo to rival Lois and Clark.

Author Hank Phillippi Ryan’s website is http://www.hankphillippiryan.com/  

The Other Woman by Hank Phillippi Ryan, Read by Ilyana Kadushin, MacMillan Audio, @2012, ISBN: 978-1427226808, Unabridged, 11 Discs, Listening Time: 13 Hours 30 Minutes

FTC Full Disclosure - This audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

*Side Note: Author Kate McGuinness was scheduled to visit today to talk about her latest release, TERMINAL AMBITION, but was unable to due to unforeseen circumstance. Hopefully we can reschedule her visit for a later date.