If you had asked me three years ago describe a day in my life, it would’ve been easy. Three years ago, I had just moved to Boston. A new young reporter at a hotshot Boston TV station. Jane Ryland here, reporting for Channel 3.
Things were great, I was doing really well, exclusive investigations, big headlines, and even two Emmys.
(I also met a very cool Boston police detective. But that’s a story for another day. I hope Dru Ann invites me to tell you about him. At least, three years later, we are still “seeing “each other. But you are not supposed to know that.)
Anyway, what happened was, in the midst of my great job as a reporter, tracking down clues, following leads, going undercover and in disguise, and really doing some good stories!–I got a phone call from the woman who told me her secret.
(Turned out she was the other woman, but that is another other story. One you may already know.)
Long story short, as a result of my investigation, my station lost a big money lawsuit and I got thrown under the bus.
Have you ever been fired unfairly? Let me tell you, no matter how happy and successful you are, and no matter how good a career you have in your future, that can sock you right in the gut.
But, I made the best of it, and went to work for a newspaper. I mean—I had to save my reputation, right? And prove I had done nothing wrong? So it worked great, and I got terrific stories. And then my boss got fired. And then the new boss arrived.
Yes indeedy, the new boss.
Did you ever see that movie Horrible Bosses? She could have been the “inspiration,” if you know what I mean.
But truth be told, I’m a team player, and like any good reporter, I’ll do whatever story my boss assigns, especially in these days of budget cuts.
And, looking back on it now, that is where the trouble began.
My photographer and I were covering an eviction. A middle class family unfairly thrown out of their suburban home. “I know it’s legal, but it’s terrible,” you’ll hear me say. (Like, on page 1.) And it got me thinking about how much we all love our homes, and how far we would all go to keep them.
It got me thinking about banks, and mortgages, and how close many people are to losing their homes as a result of one tragedy, or one mistake, or one complication, or one misunderstanding.
Yeah, well that’s what I get for being philosophical.
I had barely turned the page of the day when the deputies found something surprising in the back room of that vacant home.
And then the same thing (you can probably guess what I mean) in another vacant home.
Seemed like a blockbuster story to me. Why were dead bodies being discovered in vacant homes?
I forgot to tell you I now have to share an office at the newspaper with this woman Chrystal. And what she means by “share” is not exactly what I mean by “share.” And when the new boss tells me I have to take over Chrystal’s assignment because she’s got the “flu”—I’m just about thinking my brain is about to explode. But hey–I’ve handled more difficult things than a piece on how banks work, right? And a tough assignment? Hey. Bring it on.
So I’m ready to tell all of this to Jake, he’s the detective I was telling you about, and he springs on me that he has a guy who’s confessed to a twenty year-old cold case murder. But he doesn’t think the guy is guilty. Why would he confess, Jake wonders? But it sure would be good for Jake’s career if he closed this case.
And then, as if things weren’t intriguing enough, an extremely attractive handsome and smart new man enters my life.
Oh gosh, I think we’re out of time.
TRUTH BE TOLD
Families unfairly evicted from their suburban homes, dead bodies found in vacant houses, and a shocking confession in a notorious cold case! Top-notch reporter Jane Ryland digs up the truth on these heartbreaking stories—and discovers a big-bucks scheme and the surprising players who will stop at nothing, including murder, to keep their goals a secret. Financial scheming, the power of money, our primal need for home and family and love. What happens when what you believe is true turns out to be a lie?
You can read more about Jane in Truth Be Told, the third book in the “Jane Ryland” suspense series, published by Forge Books. The first book in the series is The Other Woman.
“In Ryan’s adroit hands, with her brisk prose and appealing protagonists…even foreclosures can be sexy.”
Booklist, Starred Review
“This incredible ‘master of plot’ excels with this tale!” —Suspense Magazine
“Ryan’s latest in her Jane Ryland series is a gem.”
—RT Book Reviews, Top Pick 
“Smart, well-paced…Ryan cleverly ties the plot together, offers surprising but believable plot twists, and skillfully characterizes the supporting cast.” —Publishers Weekly
“Packs a powerful punch…drop everything and binge-read until the mind-boggling conclusion.“
Library Journal, Starred
GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment by 6 p.m. eastern on October 9 for the chance to win a copy of TRUTH BE TOLD. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.
About the author
HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN is the on-air investigative reporter for Boston’s NBC affiliate. She’s won 32 EMMYs, 12 Edward R. Murrow awards and dozens of other honors for her ground-breaking journalism. A bestselling author of 
seven mystery novels, Ryan has won multiple prestigious awards for her crime fiction: three Agathas, the Anthony, Daphne, Macavity, and for THE OTHER WOMAN,the coveted Mary Higgins Clark Award. National reviews have called her a “master at crafting suspenseful mysteries” and “a superb and gifted storyteller.” Her newest hardcover, TRUTH BE TOLD, is a Library Journal Editor’s Pick and RT Book Reviews Top Pick. Plus, starred reviews from Booklist and Library Journal,which says, “Drop everything and binge read!” Her 2013 novel, THE WRONG GIRL, has the extraordinary honor of winning the Agatha Award for Best Contemporary Novel, and the Daphne Award for Mainstream Mystery/Suspense, and is a seven-week Boston Globe bestseller and Anthony nominee. She’s a founding teacher at Mystery Writers of America University and 2013 president of national Sisters in Crime.
Visit her online at HankPhillippiRyan.com, on Twitter @HankPRyan and Facebook at HankPhillippiRyanAuthorPage.
I always look forward to a new book from Hank. Alas, I can’t enter the contest. Good luck to everybody who does!
Thank you, dear Elaine!
This book sounds interesting. Thank you for the chance to win
Oh, crossing fingers, griperang! (But don’t gripe…) xoo
I would love to own this one.
So nice of you, Amy!
Sounds interesting, I’d love to read/win this
I am so excited about it, Debbie. Hope you love it!
I can’t wait to read this!
Thank you Jan! Let me know how you like it, okay?
Count me in.
Counting! Thank you! xo
Another winner for Hank
Ah, LIbby, you are such a good pal. Thank you!
Great post and intro to Jane. I loved Hank’s other series, and see I need to catch up with Jane. Thanks!
OH, holdenj, it was really fun to write! Very thought-provoking! xxo Hope you love it.
Thanks for introducing us to Hank Phillipi Ryan’s style of writing for those of us who have not yet read any of her books. This one will definitely be added to my TBR list.
Great, Robin! Hurray. xo
Hanks writing style is dynamic and this subject is timely. Can’t miss!
Thank you..yes, it is definitely ripped from the headlines–headlines I wrote! Funny, huh?
I have read so much about this book as it was written (Jungle Reds) that a couple times I have had to remind myself that no, those were excerpts and teasers and I haven’t read this book yet, and now the real thing is here. Can’t wait, I know it will be another can’t-put-it-down read.
And clever how Jane got “But if truth be told” into her remarks ;-).
Oh, you noticed, dear Sallycootie! 🙂 xooxo ANd thank you for being such a great Jungle Red friend!
I can’t wait to get this book Thursday when Hank arrives in Ann Arbor for a book signing! I’m getting my other books signed too. 😀 They are FABULOUS and can’t-put-’em-down reads.
Meg! I cannot believe I will see you so soon in Ann Arbor! Amazing..xoxo
Sounds like another great mystery thriller from Hank Phillippi Ryan, something we’ve come to count on. I’d love a copy, thanks for the chance to win one.
Hank’s female leads are the best.
Thank you, Ann! xoxo
Aw, you all are terrific. Thank you! I am so pleased that you love the books..and truly, this one is..well, I love it. Thank you! (can you believe the great reviews? Whew!)
Would love to give this one a try. Thanks for the chance!
Great, LInda..crossing fingers!
I’ve read the first two books in the series and enjoyed them.
Oh, Dru, thank you! zoo ANd thank you for inviting me today!
Love the way Jane’s character and personality come through in this short blurb. Of course, we all know she has a way with words. Truth be told, I can’t wait to read this book! Kudos Hank.
Kait! SO great to see you..and we have a mutual admiration society–I love your book,, too!
Thanks Hank!
I had the good fortune to meet Hank at Killer Nashville in August, and The Other Woman is at the top of my TBR pile as a result! This would be a great addition.
Hello my dear! Wonderful to meet you in NAshville–and thank you for your great Jungle Red post! Good luck with YOUR book!
I’m looking forward to reading this one! Another title added to my book list.
My favorite name! xo
I love this author’s books and I can’t wait to read this one!
Jan! That is the nicest thing! zoo
I love, love, love Hank Phillippi Ryan’s books! Can’t wait to read TRUTH BE TOLD!
Linda! xoxoxo love love love
Sounds like an excellent book
Crossing fingers you think so, Kristen!
Sounds like Jane has had some job bad luck—to the max. I’d love to read this book.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
Thank you, suekey! zoo
Such fun to read these! I am in a pre-book launch frenzy, and all your comments and compliments are making me feel as if I am in a group of lovely friends! Thank you SO much…ah, this is so nice! xoox to all.
Hank’s books are always great! I can’t wait to win–uh, I mean READ–this one! 🙂
lovesdogsandbooks@yahoo.com
I really hope you love it, Carol–thank you!
I have been looking forward to this book! Yay, Hank! Yay, Jane! This will be awesome.
I’ve read all of Hank’s other books. Love the character of Jane Ryland. Definitely on my “to read” list. I even plan to move it to the top of my list when it comes out tomorrow!
Diane, thank you. That is–terrific, and so reassuring. The night before pub day–thank you.
Well, I said that. (But I cannot say it enough.)
Hank’s books ARE winners, and I know this one will only add to the luster of her reputation! Watch for the awards! They are all a pleasure to read, and I would love a copy of this one to spend some time with!! Thanks, Hank, for always keeping us entertained, intrigued and eager for the next in the series!
Elizabeth-I am so thrilled to hear this..I am delighted and grateful. Well, wow. Thank you!
Aw…thank you, Stacy! xoox
I can’t wait to read this. I’m sure it will be spectacular like all of Hank’s books!
Julie, thank you! So wonderful of you.. SO hoping you love it. Let me know, okay?
I can see how many others would like this book; guess I have this affinity for all MA based books from living here for 52 years which included college and married years. Love New England bases mysteries so much as I have been to most of the towns or cities they write about. Thanks for the chance.
Cynthia
Oh, Cynthia, so terrific! You’ll recognize so many places in my books–can’t wait to hear what you think! Let me know, okay? Thank you!
And another “not to be missed” installment by Hank. You are my idol.
Awww..xoxo Thank you..you are too funny..and I am smiling like mad. zoo
This sounds like a good book
Hope you love it, Kaye!
I love how you did this by interviewing Jane. Very nice!
Or being Jane, I should have said! xoxxx
Yeah, it’s one or the other. ANd I’m never quite sure..xoox
A new book by this author is always good news—can’t wait to read it!
This book sounds great, adding another author to my must read list!!
And, Robin, that is my favorite place to be! xo
Another book to add to the TBR list
Yay! Crossing fingers you love it..
Anything by Ryan, I’m in.
Read The other Woman & The wrong girl so I’m definitely reading this one! Wnen I want a more intense mystery that’s also very well written — it’s gotta be Hank Phillippi Ryan!!
Thanks Hank for stopping by and interacting with my readers.
Contest is closed.