Review of The Other Woman by Hank Phillippi Ryan

The Other Woman is a modern contemporary novel which is politically based.  A deep penetrating look at the modern day political entity is made in this mystery novel about a female investigative reporter who is following the career of a powerful political candidate.  Jane Ryland has been a broadcast journalist who because of her integrity and decency regarding a source of information has lost her job at  Channel 11, a t.v. studio in Boston.  She won't tell her source's identity and therefore, in a court suit, has lost a case which leaves her with egg on her face.  Despite the fact that she has told the truth about the defendant on trial, the juror does not buy into her story, and so she is forced out of her television job to become a print reporter for a friend who believes in her despite her career failure.  She is then positioned to investigate the candidate's wife, who confides in her since she believes she is a trustworthy reporter so that she becomes very involved in the personal lives of the candidate and his family.  In the meantime, bodies of young women are being found near a bridge in Boston which is under investigation by a young bright sharpie of a detective who Jane finds attractive and friendly.  However, since our reporter is full of courage and integrity, she and the detective practice high ethical standards while being drawn deeper and deeper into emotional attraction and dependency.

Adultery in politics is a common household phrase now so that in this novel, Hank refers to Monica Lewinsky, John Edwards and Elizabeth, and several contemporary politicians whose lives have been that of the adulterer.  Ryan makes statements about politics and morality through the use of her characters so that finally in this particular book, our candidate does become somewhat tainted through hearsay but eventually triumphs over the rumors and hearsay evidence about his own personal life.

The murders are connected to the politics but in a twisted and unusual sense...therefore, Jane and her detective friend are thrown together many times while he tries to find the murderer, and she tries to discover the truth about women in pursuit of the candidate.

This is a very fast-paced novel which keeps one in suspense, but entertained all the time.  Hank Phillippi Ryan is an excellent  observer of human nature, has a wry wit, and a discerning mind.  This novel delights in fooling the reader...to the end.  The character of Jane Ryland remains professional and trustworthy despite all the temptations that assail her.  It is an interesting study of modern day American politics in many ways...I encourage anyone who is interested in a modern day woman fighting to save her own career to read this excellent novel.