Let me get this out of the way first.  I unabashedly love Hank.  Her books are awesome sure, but she’s also a super awesome human being.

Most of those in my area may know her from being the lead investigative reporter in Boston Channel 7 News.  She brings that same investigative skills to her books as well.  Her Jane Ryland series got me hooked.  Set in Boston, it follows a one time tv reporter to the world of newspapers and of course murder and mayhem.  Plus, the detective Jake is dreamy.  Or he is at least the way I imagine him.

Anyway, so just this past month, she released her newest novel:

Trust Me by Hank Phillippi Ryan

It’s a standalone novel, centered around the court case of a young mother accused of murdering her child.  For those in the Boston area, it is reminiscent of the “Baby Doe” case that gripped the city a few years ago.  The only difference is, the mother more closely resembles Casey Anthony than a drug addicted woman.  While trying to pull herself out of a depression, former reporter Mercer is assigned to follow the case for a potential book.  Everyone knows Ashlyn (the mother) is guilty.  Mercer thinks it as well.  The first part of the book follows the trial and is interspersed with Mercer’s notes/write ups.  They clearly signify Ashlyn’s guilt.

The second part of the book takes a turn as Mercer and Ashlyn are thrown together.  I won’t spoil how, but it has to do with the book.  Ashlyn seems to be a master manipulator, and even the reader starts to wonder if they got everything wrong.

The mystery at the end is wrapped up tidily, which was a bit of a disappointment.  I thought the end could’ve used a little more explanation.  But, at the same time….fans of shows on Discovery ID will like this book for the courtroom drama.  I definitely wanted to read to the end to find out it if the reader ever learns if Ashlyn is really guilty or not.

Hank is so good at making a good beach/winter read.  And as a Massachusetts person, I love reading books set in Boston.  It makes me feel like I’m part of the action!