By: Hank Phillippi Ryan
Narrator: Lyana Kadushin
Series: (Jane Ryland & Jake Brogan #1)
ASIN: B0085UD054
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Publication Date: 09-04-12
Format: Audio
My Rating: 4 Stars
Hank Phillippi Ryan’s THE OTHER WOMAN, is another winner with a mix of mystery, and a scandalous crime political thriller.
The story begins with Channel 11, News television star, Jane Elizabeth Ryland having lost her job after reporting Grocery Store Magnate Arthur Vick's affair with a high priced hooker. Determined to honor her decision and promise to not divulge her source; the source disappeared and Vick was successful in his million dollar slander judgment that led to her termination.
She currently is starting over, working as a lowly reporter for the Boston Register, a local newspaper, (thanks to connections of friend, Jake) which is not all that exciting, until she gets assigned to the investigation of a candidate in the Senate race - The former Massachusetts governor, Owen Lassiter.
It appears his wife, Moira, is convinced that he is having an affair with a campaign volunteer. Of course the big question is “the other woman" a scandal which could prove devastating to the campaign. He is also running against wealthy Eleanor "Ellie" Mead Gable.
On a six month trial basis, Jane is assigned to the Senate campaign coverage while her desk mate, Tucker "Tuck" Cameron is assigned to cover the murders. The paper is following a story of the "Bridge Killer", after bodies of women are found by various bridges and seem to involve foul play in which Jake is the lead detective. Is there a link between the cases?
Two bodies of unidentified women have been found by bridges and 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 the story develops a total of four young dead women are pulled from the river. Much to the public's dismay, the Boston Police Department is yet to be convinced it is the work of one murderer.
Jane and Jake have an obvious attraction to one another, but know that a potential relationship would be sabotaged by their professional need to keep work related information secret from one another. In addition, there is Hot Alex, her boss.
From their sizzling attraction, Jake and Jane work together to find a ruthless killer for fast- paced action with twists and turns, keeping your guessing, as the candidates' skeletons surface, as the election approaches; with a juicy and scandalous novel of dirty politics, intrigue, infidelity, secrets, revenge, betrayal, and murder.
My first book by Ryan was her latest, TRUTH BE TOLD (Jane Ryland & Jake Brogan #3), highly recommend; I enjoy her storytelling, as compelling and hooks you from beginning to end. I am currently making my way backward to her previous books. The author’s background is definitely reflective throughout the book which makes for a suspenseful and adrenaline high captivating novel.
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator, Ilyana Kadushin delivered a pleasing performance. Look forward to reading more from this Jane/Jake duo-- Ryan has made it to my favorite author list!
