May I have your advice? I don’t want to tell you my name right now, so I’ll just call myself Tosca. And I’m happy that we can do this privately. I’m a young woman, a student at a prestigious Boston college.
I guess I should’ve known better, I am a senior after all, and an opera student. I always planned to be an opera singer, or some sort of performer, but now I stay home in my little apartment overlooking Boston’s bustling Kenmore Square, barely able to go outside.
It’s a little embarrassing to tell you, but all I do now is watch out the window, looking at the packs of students hustling by, living their fun and busy lives, and I watch for the guy who assaulted me last February. February 21 to be exact.
I awoke one horrible morning, in his dorm room. How did I get there? And what had happened?
Now, in seclusion, I take classes via the internet. And what’s more, I keep track of his every move in a file I have labeled “Someday.” I know his Facebook friends, his Instagram photos, all his new girlfriends and his leading roles and when he’s at the library and Java Jim’s and I’ve even seen his new car parading up Beacon Street. “Someday”? I’m not quite sure what someday means. But perhaps it means someday I will do something about him.
I also check the campus sexual assault websites, because I have to get better someday, right? I need my life back. And the other day I saw a posting from a person who wanted to talk to survivors of campus sexual assault.
I hesitated, and then I called. Turned out it was a reporter named Jane Ryland, who said she was working on a documentary about campus sexual assault.
She wants me to talk to her about what happened. She says it’s time to empower college students, to let them know they have a right to be safe.
And she wants me to tell my story.
I’m pretty sure I’m going to do it, but here’s what I need advice about. There’s something else going on at the college campus, something dangerous, and potentially deadly, and I could be putting my life in danger if I say anything about that. On the other hand, how can I let it continue?
What should I do? Should I tell Jane the truth? She seems like a nice person. . .very sincere and reliable and trustworthy. Or. . . should I say no more?
Say No More is the fifth book in the Jane Ryland mystery series, published by Forge Books, November 2016.
A Boston newcomer watches a murder–but won’t tell police. A college sexual assault victim is trapped in a sinister scheme to force her silence. And after reporter Jane Ryland witnesses a hit-and-run, she discovers that revealing the truth may put her life in danger. What if staying silent is the only thing that keeps the three women alive? Hank Ryan’s newest ripped from her own headlines thriller: SAY NO MORE.
When Boston reporter Jane Ryland reports a hit and run, she soon learns she saw more than a car crash—she witnessed the collapse of an alibi, and now she’s under pressure to tell all to the police. She’s also digging up the inside scoop for an expose of sexual assaults on Boston’s college campuses for the station’s new documentary unit, and is working with a victim to reveal her heartbreaking experience on camera. But, a disturbing anonymous message—SAY NO MORE—has Jane really and truly scared.
Homicide detective Jake Brogan is on the hunt for the murderer of Avery Morgan, a hot-shot Hollywood screenwriter. As Jake chips his way through a code of silence as shatterproof as any street gang, he’ll learn that one newcomer to the neighborhood may have a secret of her own.
A young woman faces a life-changing decision—should she go public about her assault? What’s really going on behind closed doors at a prestigious Boston college? And when will the killer strike again? Jane and Jake—now semi-secretly engaged and beginning to reveal their relationship to the world—are both on a high-stakes quest for answers. Can they handle the consequences of the truth?
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About the author
HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN is the on-air investigative reporter for Boston’s NBC affiliate, winning 33 EMMYs and dozens 
more journalism honors. The bestselling author of nine mysteries, Ryan’s also an award-winner in her second profession—with five Agathas, two Anthonys, two Macavitys, the Daphne, and Mary Higgins Clark Award. Critics call her “a superb and gifted story-teller.” Her What You See is an Agatha and Anthony nominee and Library Journal Best of 2015. Ryan’s newest novel is Say No More — Jeffery Deaver says “Superb!” and a Library Journal starred review says “A fast-paced, edgy mystery.” Hank is a founder of MWA University and 2013 president of National Sisters in Crime.
Visit Hank online at HankPhillippiRyan.com, on Twitter @HankPRyan and Facebook at HankPhillippiRyanAuthor.
All comments are welcomed.
Giveaway: Leave a comment below for your chance to win one of Hank’s book – winner’s choice. US entries only, please. The giveaway ends November 14, 2016 at 11:59 AM EST. Good luck everyone!
I would love to win one of your books! Thanks so much for the chance!
Oh, Linda, thank you! Would this be your first one? xooxo
This book sounds very good!
Well, thank you, Jody–I am very proud of it, I must admit..xoo
I need this book. Desperate. I’ll buy the recording. xo
And don’t you love the reader’s voice, Reine? She does Alice Hoffman and BA Shapiro, too..
Due to being retired and on a fixed income, I have to wait for my chance to get your books from the library. It would be a real treat to win a copy of my own.
You know what, Gail? I adore peole to take them out of the library..it is so important! Does your library have it? xox
people, you know I meant “people..”
New author to me but sounds like an exciting read. Thanks for the chance.
Thank you! My goal is that it’s so exciting, you’ll miss your stop on the train!
So nice to hear your kind words! Thank you so much!
Have enjoyed several of Ryan’s books and would love to win a copy of this latest one.
Oh, thank you, Jacki! SO wonderful to hear it!
I love the Charlie books, thanks for the intro to Tosca in Ryan’s other series, and for the chance to win!
Oh, so great to hear from a Charlie fan! I love her, too.. Can’t wait to hear what you think about Jane..and Tosca, of course!
On my TBR pile! Can’t wait to read this!!! after edits. 😀
Yes, dear Meg, edits first!
Have enjoyed all of Hank Phillippi Ryan’s books and now looking forward to her newest release! Thanks for the sneak peek.
Jane, thank you. I cannot tell you how wonderful it is to hear that! Hurray.
Hank’s novels are captivating. Thanks for this great giveaway.
SO great, Elaina! And I am so pleased you like them…let me know what you think about Say No More, okay? Crossing fingers…
Hank Phillipi Ryan’s books are ageless. Thank you for featuring them on your blog today.
What a lovely thing to say! Thank you,robeader!
I love the Jane Ryland series, and all of HPR’s books. She has a way of getting the reader involved in the story and everything else fades away. I can’t wait to read this newest one! Thanks Dru Ann for featuring it today. 🙂 Thanks Hank for your generous opportunity to win a copy of one of your books! 🙂
Thank you, dear Barbara! That’s exactly what I’m hoping will happen… xoxoo
Wow, so truthful. And in its truth horror. Definitely on my TBR list.
Well, l thank you..yes,. it was a fine line to walk, and I am so pleased you think so. xoxoo
Wow! I’ve really enjoyed the Jane Ryland series — Hank is an amazing writer. I would love to have the opportunity to win a copy of Say No More!
Oh, Celia, you are fabulous. xoxo
Thanks for a chance to win a copy. Her books sound fantastic.
Thank you, Elaine. Hope you love them.
!
I Love the edge of your seat writing of Hank Phillippi Ryan! I read the first two in the series and put numbers 3, 4 and 5 in my wish list. I would love to win a copy of Say no More. On my SS budget, I can only purchase so many books at one time! I am hoping to catch up!!!
XOXOO Thank you! Hope your wishes come true–they are lovely wishes!
Oh my goodness! I am hooked! Love the edge of my seat reading.
Thank you, Mary Jane! That’s is my complete goal!
I’ve read it and loved it. I had trouble stopping to eat or sleep. It would be marvelous to win one I haven’t read, yet!!!
Amy, you are so great–thank you! Eating and sleeping are also good, though…but hurray! xoo
Empowering women.
But the women fearing for their lives.
How topical is that?!
Thank you–it’s been called “ripped from the headlines..” But we all know, because of how long it takes to produce a book, that “ripped” is impossible. But I am constantly saddened at how the headlines now are even more focused on it.
This series is absolutely terrific and I’d love to win SAY NO MORE!
Thank you, KAren…that is so great to hear! (all those days and months of writing..so lovely to hear that response!)
Thank you for the opportunity & good luck to all who enter!
Isn’t Dru Ann the BEST?
Thank you
I haven’t read anything by Hank Philippi Ryan’s books and would enjoy reading one of her books. Thanks for the chance.
Oh, Dianne, I hope I can be next on your list! Even thouogh they have the same main character, they are standalones, so you can start anywhere.. xoxo
though. You know I meant “though.”
I love Hank Philippi Ryan’s book. I would love to win a copy of her latest Say No More..
Aw, thank you, Vicki! Keep in touch, okay?
We’re big fans of Ms. Ryan’s books at our house and we’d love to have a copy of Say No More. Please enter my name in the draw.
Carl, that’s so wonderful! Give your family a hug from me! xo
What a powerful & moving story. I really have to read this series. Thanks for the giveaway.
Oh, thank you–I’m so pleased you are responding like that.. xoxoo
I love her books, very realistic and detailed characters. Her stories grab you. Oh I hope to win this book. Thank you.
Well,. so nice of you, Janet! I really work hard on those very elements, so hurray. xox
Thanks for a chance to win one of Hank Philippi’s captivating novels.
Yay Dru Ann, right? xoxoo And Love “captivating”! Thank you!
Rught
Looks like a great read. Another wonderful post. Thanks Dru for the introduction to this author and a new read. A most timely subject. Do we tell or not. Was just talking to my son about this. “Snitching?” Telling people not to snitch is how the criminals got control.
SO interesting, free! Hope you love this book…let me know, okay?
Would be the first book for me by Hank Phillippi Ryan, and I’ve heard good things about her books. Would love to win one.
Thank you! My books are not-quite-cozy–but there’s no graphic sex or graphic violence. THE OTHER WOMAN (the first Jane) won the Mary Higgins Clark award, so that’s a good descriptor. Hope you love it!
SO great to see you all! I was at CrimeBake all weekend..and came back to these wonderful responses..thank you!
Please come find me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/HankPhillippiRyanAuthor/
And keep in touch, okay?
Finished last night! I love how HPR creates so many story threads and then brings them all together for a satisfying conclusion. She never disappoints!
Hurray! Trude, you are such a great pal. Spread the word, okay? xox
Many women can relate to Tosca’s story. Especially in this national moment, friends are facing post-trauma memories from long-ago assaults. I look forward to reading Say No More, and I’d love to win a copy. Thanks!
Oh, fabulous, Gay. Thank you. I’m honored to hear all the stories. xoxoo
I haven’t gotten to this one yet. I love the tie-in to a serious societal issue. I find myself looking for such links as I pick books these days. Would love to win one to put next to my other J&J volumes!
Oh, thank you, Jim! Yes, that is one of the benefits of my dual career, right?
xooxo
Sounds intriguing. But then, I’d expect that.
Aw, thank you! Crossing fingers you love it..
Love your books. Very suspenseful and attention grabbing! Thank you for the chance to win a copy of one of your books
SO lovely of you, johnna! Thank you! xoo
Thanks Hank for dropping by with comments. Love the book.
Thank you, dear Dru. You are a glorious light in mystery world.
Tosca, we women need to be brave if we want to change the world. Standing together with supportive sisters will help with physical and emotional safety. Hugs <3 (Loved the book, wrote a review, and taking the library's copy back for the next in line . . . 😉
Mary, you are a joy. Thank you. And your review is a treasure! I am making a t-shirt out of it. Just saying. oxo
I am honored . . . will there be a photo?
PICKME!!!MEMEMEMEME!!! 🙂 Looking forward to reading this!
You know, there’s a lot to be said for being straightforward. Love this!
Looks very interesting!! Thank u!!