Prime Time

Charlotte McNally, a veteran TV reporter in Boston, investigates a potential insurance scam targeting senior citizens. Her assignment leads her into a web of corporate crime that proves more dangerous than expected. Working against tight deadlines and mounting pressure from her station, Charlotte navigates complex relationships with sources while pursuing the truth. Her personal life becomes entangled with the investigation when she meets a professor whose mother may be connected to the case. The story explores themes of aging in American society and the vulnerability of the elderly to financial predators. Through Charlotte's tenacious reporting and willingness to take risks, the novel examines the role of investigative journalism in exposing corruption and protecting the public interest.

Readers highlight the book's newsroom authenticity, with many noting Ryan's own journalism background adds credibility to the investigative reporting scenes. The fast pacing and two parallel storylines keep readers engaged through multiple twists. Readers appreciate: - Complex female protagonist Charlotte McNally - Realistic depictions of TV news operations - Romance subplot that doesn't overshadow the mystery Common criticisms: - Some find the pacing too slow in the middle sections - Character development feels limited for supporting cast - Several readers mention predictable plot elements Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (1,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (150+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.1/5 (80+ ratings) One reader notes: "The insider knowledge of TV reporting makes this stand out from standard mysteries." Another states: "The romance felt forced and took away from the main plot." Several reviewers compare it favorably to other journalism-themed mysteries while noting it's more procedural than thriller.

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Trust Me by Hank Phillippi Ryan A journalist researches a mother accused of killing her child, leading her through layers of truth and deception that mirror her own past trauma.

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🎯 Author Hank Phillippi Ryan has won 37 Emmy Awards during her career as an investigative reporter, bringing authenticity to her protagonist Charlotte McNally's journalism storylines. 📺 The book draws inspiration from real-life TV news investigations, including scams targeting senior citizens that the author uncovered during her work at Boston's WHDH-TV. 🏆 "Prime Time" won the Agatha Award for Best First Novel and launched Ryan's successful Charlotte McNally mystery series. 👩 The main character, Charlotte "Charlie" McNally, struggles with ageism in television news—a genuine issue in the industry where female reporters often face pressure about their appearance and age. 📚 Despite being Ryan's debut mystery novel, she wrote five other manuscripts before "Prime Time" became her first published book.