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Book Review: Prime Time by Hank Phillippi Ryan
December 17th, 2009
Prime Time by Hank Phillippi Ryan is the first book in the Charlotte McNally mysteries and it’s a fast and good read that I really enjoyed. It’s a suspenseful thriller based in the journalism world made all the more realistic as Hank Phillippi Ryan is a television investigative reporter herself. What I liked even more is that the main character Charlotte (Charlie) is a forty-six year old woman trying to survive in a world where how you look and how old you are mean a lot. It was really refreshing to read something from the point of view of someone in my age range for once.
Charlie McNally is a character you can relate to. She starts off talking about her hot flashes, hangover and spam on her computer and how she’s never going to be able to get anything done and I was already hooked. Charlie is funny, sassy, intelligent and has a nose for getting the best stories and she has the awards to prove it. She’s not afraid to do whatever she has to in order to get her story – even to the point of risking her own life.
In this installment Charlie is scrambling for her big story for the November sweeps and she still hasn’t come up with anything. She is terrified that she’s on the way out, that she’ll be replaced by someone younger and prettier. Every time her snarly boss Angela phones or pops in her door, Charlie cringes.
As luck would have it Charlie stumbles on a story she wasn’t even looking for. She’s called in to interview the widow of a man who had just been killed in a car accident. She finds out that he had apparently sent her an email before he died so when Charlie heads back to the office she looks for this email and it ends up opening up a whole other can of worms. What seemed to be only spam actually turns out instead to be something sinister with a bunch of corporate firms – something that may have already caused a few deaths and may be putting Charlie’s life in danger as well. Will Charlie uncover what’s going on in time to save her own skin?
Prime Time is a great start to the series. Charlie and her producer Franklin make a great pair and Charlie’s sense of humor adds a spark to the story. There was even time for a little romance for Charlie who all but thought that romance was a dead end in her world. I’m really looking forward to reading the next in the series, Face Time, so keep an eye out for that review soon.
You can visit Hank Phillippi Ryan’s website and learn about all her books and other goodies. You can purchase Prime Time here in the US and here in Canada.
My Thanks…to Nancy Berland Public Relations Inc. for my review copy of Prime Time by Hank Phillippi Ryan
That does sound pretty nice, and I am usually not drawn to these kinds of books
Nice review. I haven't read any of her books yet but your review makes me want to!
It does sound good to read about a an adult who isn't in their twenties. We can be older and gorgeous too, can't we?
Older and gorgeous? Of course, Vivienne!
Thanks, Dar, for your very thoughtful and perceptive review! It's such a treat when people truly understand the books–and you have described PRIME TIME perfectly. I'm very grateful!
Keep in touch, okay? My newest book, DRIVE TIME (Feb 2010), just got a starred review from Library Journal!
Questions? Suggestions? Advice? Let me know! And again, I'm thrilled.
with much gratitude
Hank
I remember Hhank when she was on tv in Boston. Hank: "You're come a long way, Baby!"
This book sounds xcellent, Dar. your reveiw made me want to read it ASAP.
have a good week and happy reading.
Charlie sounds like someone I can really relate to as well! I'll have to look for this series.
I really enjoyed this one too, Dar. I just adore Franklin.
Thanks for your great review.
You didn't tell me Hank stopped in! I adore that woman. She writes good books, too.
My favorite scene in Prime Time was the coffee-and-cell-phone photography. Very slick move, Charlie.
Good review Darlene. I can relate to enjoying a story with someone your own age
Thnaks for the recommendation.
Great review Lady….another series to be on the lookout for!!
I love that the protagonist is 46. I have to read this just because of that!
I love when the character is my own age. I'd love to read this one. Sound good. Thanks Dar.