cover image The Other Woman

The Other Woman

Hank Phillipi Ryan. Forge, $24.95 (416p) ISBN 978-0-7653-3257-8

In this lightweight murder thriller, Ryan (Drive Time and three other mysteries featuring Boston TV investigative reporter Charlotte “Charlie” McNally) introduces Jane Ryland, a former Boston TV investigative reporter, who left Channel 11 in disgrace and is now working as a newspaper reporter. Jane is covering a U.S. Senate race while her desk mate has the more exciting beat, writing about a serial murderer known as the Bridge Killer. Jane spends significant time thinking about the possibilities of her romantic life, dwelling on the various attractions of her cop friend, Det. Jake Brogan; her newspaper editor, Alex Wyatt; and a cute guy campaign worker, Trevor Kiernan. Jane’s campaign reporting soon mixes with the hunt for the serial killer. Misunderstandings, misconceptions, mistaken identities, missed opportunities, and, most egregiously, missed cellphone calls generate more tedium than suspense. Those who care about what Jane is wearing and who she thinks is hot will be most rewarded. Agent: Lisa Gallagher, Sanford J. Greenburger Associates. (Sept.)