Hank Phillippi Ryan

Hank Phillippi Ryan is an award-winning investigative journalist and mystery novelist based in Boston. As a television reporter for WHDH-TV since 1983, she has earned multiple Emmy Awards and Edward R. Murrow Awards for her investigative journalism. Ryan began her career in broadcasting at WIBC radio in 1971, later working as a legislative assistant in Washington, DC and as an editorial assistant at Rolling Stone magazine. Her television career includes positions as a political reporter at WTHR-TV in Indianapolis and WSB-TV in Atlanta before joining Boston's WHDH-TV. As an author, Ryan writes suspense novels and psychological thrillers, including the Charlotte McNally series and Jane Ryland series. Her work has earned numerous accolades including multiple Agatha Awards and Anthony Awards for crime fiction. Ryan's dual career in journalism and fiction writing has influenced her storytelling, with many of her novels drawing from her experiences as an investigative reporter. Her books often feature strong female protagonists working in journalism or law enforcement settings.

Readers consistently note Ryan's authentic portrayal of journalism and newsroom dynamics, drawing from her real-world experience. The fast pacing and plot twists keep readers engaged through her books. What readers liked: - Complex female protagonists, especially in the Jane Ryland series - Accurate details about investigative reporting and police procedures - Tight plotting with surprising but logical conclusions - Boston settings and local details What readers disliked: - Some find the romantic subplots predictable or distracting - Later books in series can feel formulaic - Multiple storylines sometimes create confusion - Character development occasionally sacrificed for plot momentum Ratings across platforms: - Goodreads: Average 3.8/5 across all books - Amazon: 4.2/5 average rating - The First to Lie: 4.0/5 (7,000+ ratings) - Trust Me: 3.9/5 (5,000+ ratings) One reader on Goodreads noted: "Her newsroom scenes ring true because she's lived them." Another wrote: "The mysteries are solid but the romance feels forced."

The Other Woman (2012) Reporter Jane Ryland investigates a Senate candidate's secret mistress while tracking a possible serial killer targeting women across Boston.

Prime Time (2007) TV reporter Charlotte McNally discovers deadly secrets behind seemingly innocent spam emails that could get her killed.

Face Time (2007) Charlotte McNally investigates a woman's prison murder conviction, uncovering corruption that reaches into Boston's highest offices.

Air Time (2009) Charlotte McNally goes undercover to expose a dangerous counterfeit designer goods operation.

Drive Time (2010) Charlotte McNally investigates a car theft ring that leads to murder and corporate corruption.

The Murder List (2019) Law student Rachel North's internship with a DA puts her between her prosecutor boss and her criminal defense attorney husband.

Trust Me (2018) A journalist writing about a mother accused of murdering her daughter discovers truth is elusive as she becomes obsessed with the case.

The First to Lie (2020) A pharmaceutical whistleblower's investigation into a drug company's deception leads to multiple layers of lies and revenge.

Her Perfect Life (2021) TV reporter Lily Atwood's fame and carefully constructed life begin to unravel when an anonymous source threatens to expose her secrets.

Lisa Gardner writes Boston-based crime thrillers with investigative elements and complex female leads. Her background in research and focus on law enforcement procedure mirrors Ryan's journalistic attention to detail.

Alafair Burke combines legal expertise with mysteries featuring professional women in investigative roles. Her experience as a prosecutor informs plots centered on media, crime, and justice system dynamics.

Linda Castillo creates crime fiction with strong investigative elements and authentic procedural details. Her series features a female chief of police solving complex mysteries while navigating professional challenges.

Laura Lippman draws from her journalism background to craft mysteries about investigators and reporters. Her stories explore media ethics and investigation techniques with realistic portrayals of newsroom dynamics.

Jan Burke writes about crime reporters and complex investigations with emphasis on journalistic process. Her work features detailed research and insider knowledge of how reporters uncover stories.