Rachel is a law student striving to make the murder list. No, not that murder list, the one of prominent defense attorneys chosen to work the murder cases. She just so happens to be married to one but decides to join his arch-enemy prosecutor for her internship. Things go sideways from there. With her deftly written characters, zigzagging plot, and run away freight train pacing, the author has another winner on her hands. Using the POV's of Rachel, her husband, and her new mentor as well as a before and now timeline, I was invested from the start and loved every minute of it. The cat and mouse aspect kept me guessing right up to the thrilling reveal and conclusion. If I had started reading this early in the day instead of late at night it would definitely have been a one sitting read. As it was I finished it in two. I highly recommend this thoughtful legal thriller to those of you who love a great story that really delivers.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC to read, review, and enjoy.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book was a little all over the place for me. I thought it would be more interesting and suspenseful, but I didn't get to that moment.

I wanted to like it, but wasn't a fan.

I don't give many 2 star reviews :(

I received an ARC through NetGalley for review, but the opinions expressed here are my own.
Ms. Ryan’s clever plot will keep you guessing until the end. If you like a good twisty mystery with well-developed characters, this is a great read!
Rachel North is a Harvard Law student married to Boston defense attorney Jack Kirkland. Rachel takes an intern position at the prosecutors’ office with Martha Gardiner, the one prosecutor who can beat Jack. In one funny scene, given that the author is a TV journalist, Martha gives Rachel some advice: “Never. Ever. Talk to reporters.” The bad blood between Martha and Jack creates tension between Rachel and her husband.
The author puts you into the conflict immediately drawing you into the story from the first page. The structure of the book increases the suspense as the author hops back and forth between Rachel’s past involvement in a cold murder case, and the present. I became so invested in the characters that I stayed up past midnight to find out what happened and was absolutely gobsmacked by the last two chapters. I never saw the end resolution coming.

Where to begin with this review? Firstly, I did enjoy the beginning and end of the book, however I struggled to get through the middle bits. I honestly considered DNF'ing, but had gotten too far into it to let myself. I am glad I stuck it out to get to the ending however. I was going to rate this just a 2 star read, but the end brought it up a full star. The ending did feel a bit rushed though. The last chapter/epilogue was the best part of the book, by far!

I don't think this book should be categorized as a thriller, personally. There really wasn't anything thrilling or suspenseful throughout the book. It read like a legal drama to me. Also, something that seemed really unrealistic was the number of women in the book wearing clip on earrings. I just couldn't buy into that at all.

The characters were ok, I did enjoy the rivalry between Martha and Jack. I did enjoy Rachel's character at times as well. I think I went into the book expecting it to be more of a thriller, and that just didn't hold true for me. If you're a legal drama fan, I would definitely recommend giving it a try!

Law student Rachel North has a coveted summer internship in the Middlesex County District Attorney's Office with Assistant District Attorney Martha Gardiner. This is great, except Martha just happens to be Rachel's husband's arch nemesis. Jack, a defense attorney, hates to lose, and it seems like Martha is the only one who can beat him. Jack is on the murder list, a special group of attorneys who represent accused murderers who can't pay for their defense. Once Rachel's internship is over, she'll pass the bar and join in a partnership with Jack, defending those who need them most.

"'Plus we've planned the whole thing. We're gonna be partners. You'll get me on the murder list. And we're a team.'"

Well, this was quite the clever suspense novel, which weaves together two intersecting stories from various time periods. We learn about Rachel's present, interning with Martha, and then her past: her days at the statehouse--when six years ago--she supervised interns of her own. That's when she worked for Senate President Tom Rafferty. These two time periods are far more connected than we'd think--linked together by Jack and Martha as well, both of whom hate each other deeply.

"Two sides. And me in the middle. But why did Gardiner bring me here?"

We hear from Rachel, Jack, and Martha across these differing time periods and vantage points. I won't reveal more, but it's a very intriguing tale. I enjoyed how the two timelines intersected, bringing us a dark story of law, politics, and justice. What is right, what is wrong, and who exactly--if any--of our crew can we truly trust?

There were a few places where I found my eyes glazing over a bit and skimming the pages: a lot of pontificating about law and mostly Jack haranguing Rachel about his hatred of Martha and then Martha rambling about her thoughts about law and hating Jack. That was a bit much for me. But when the book focused on the action (and lies!), it was great. Very crafty and when it finally dawned on me what was going on, I was all in.

Overall, I certainly enjoyed my first book by Hank Phillippi Ryan. It was interesting, smart, different, and a fun tale of intertwining time periods. The characters were a bit too wordy for me at times, but the story made up for it in its surprising twists and turns. 3.75 stars, rounded up here.

When it comes to thrillers Hank Phillippi Ryan does not disappoint. As with her other books, you will be hooked immediately and will be flipping pages quickly to rush to see what is going to happen next. Then you will be in for a surprise as you reach the end and say, "did not see that coming." Highly recommend for anyone that wants to read a very good book that will keep you interested through the end.

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC.

Interesting book. Tom and Rachel are married and she is going to law school and he's a defense attorney and she ends up being an intern in a prosecutor's office.

All in all, long story short, a staffer of where she used to work for a State Senator is murdered. It all evolves from there making you think it was the Senator's wife when it really isn't. A surprise ending which I never thought would be. Did she or didn't she?

Rachel North, the wife of Jack Kirkland, high profile defense attorney, has decided to also study law and when she graduates they plan are becoming partners in his law practice. He is also a member of the Committee for Public Counsel Services or aka The Murder List, where defense attorneys do pro bono cases for indigents that have committed murder. But he isn't too happy that she will be interning under the Assistant District Attorney, Martha Gardiner. As a prosecutor, Gardiner feels that she lost the biggest case of her career against Jack and that loss cost her total embarrassment and possibly a chance to become the next D.A. However, Rachel feels that this internship will help her down the road and an honor since Ms. Gardiner chose her because of the potential, she saw in Rachel.

The story alternates between the present and 6 years earlier when Rachel worked as the Chief of Staff for Senate President Thomas Rafferty. Also during this time she had jury duty and ironically it was a case where Jack Kirkland was defending a person from The Murder List and Martha Gardiner was the prosecutor, which she won.

After this case, Rachel receives a note from Jack asking her to meet him as he would like to get a grasp on what went wrong, what was the jurors' opinions and the reason for the loss. She decides to meet him for coffee and while at the coffee shop, she receives a frantic call from Senator Rafferty, who is also a friend of Jack's, that one of their coworkers has been found murdered and that the police need to talk to her. But this leads to the case that Jack and Martha again go head to head and she loses.

Now 6 years later, while Rachel is interning, Martha Gardiner reopens the case. And then the cat and mouse game begins. Who is manipulating whom? Who really killed Dani? And who is lying about the evidence in this case and who has the most to lose?

This is the first book I read by this author but I have been wanting to for a very long time. And after finishing this book, I am wondering why did I wait so long?

The suspense anxiety is palpable. I kept going back and forth between characters as to who was the biggest conspirator and who was controlling the situation.

This was a white knuckle read at warp speed. A riveting read!! With an ending that was mind-blowing.

Highly, highly recommend! And trust me, I will never put off reading another book by this amazing and esteemed author!

Will be posted to blog on 08/20/19: http://cmashlovestoread.com/?p=20955

A wife and husband lawyer team. Well, I guess, technically they weren't a team at work. But they are trying to possibly solve a murder, while also battling each other (sort of) and battling the wife's boss. I do love legal dramas, and I especially love ones that involve sordid information. But The Murder List, as much as I enjoyed it, did fall flat in some places. It seemed longer than necessary. And maybe even a bit more complicated than necessary. But all in all, still good.

4.5 Stars for an unexpected and thrilling ride.

WOW! Who would have thought?! I was captured from the very start by this thrilling and unpredictable story.

This was my first book by this author and I can't wait to read more from her! The cover of The Murder List drew me in and I was sold by the last sentence from the blurb about it being a cat and mouse game--the battle for justice becoming a battle for survival.

A game it was indeed and although I kept guessing who the culprit was, in the end I had accused almost everyone and still not gotten one right because of the countless possibilities. The story took unexpected turns and it's really the best when you go in knowing as little as possible to get the full experience of this edge-gripping-tension.

I got so lost in this book, the writing, the game, the power-hungry people, the obsession of winning, the sore-loser, selfish people who didn't care about right or wrong, collateral damages, the farce to distract. And it all came down to craziness.

The suspense had its peak when everything fell into place closer to the end and it was killing me how thrilling of a ride it was because although I came up with all kinds of scenarios and questioned every step of the characters, I really did not see it coming. I highly recommend this unputdownable book.

The story switched between Rachel's first POV and other people's third POV but it was still easy enough to follow and gave a lot more insight on what was happening than would have been the case from only Rachel's view.
Also, the story switched between past and present, between the current murder case and an old one when Rachel met Jack.
Now, this might sound like a lot was going on and that it could be confusing but this was not the case at all. I usually get confused with time changes and different POVs but the author did a fantastic job in handling the story and weaving it all together.

Okay, so, there was one tiny thing that did bother me throughout this story, which was the reason why I couldn’t give this a full star rating. It was the sometimes unnecessary detailing of surroundings and things or various irrelevant and drawn out thoughts from the characters. Since the story already had a rather slow pace for most of the time, the detailing just dragged it down too much. Other than that, I pretty much loved this entire book and will put it on my must-re-read list.

This is the type of book you need to clear your schedule for! Wow! I’m not usually one for legal thrillers but this one was a book I couldn’t put down!
Rachel North is a law student taking an internship with her lawyer husbands biggest rival. Multiple timelines are occurring: before Rachel married her husband and the present. Both timelines are equally fascinating and full of secrets. This book will have you thinking one thing and then totally have you gasping when you find out the truth. And the truth is, this is definitely one of my favorite reads this year! Highly recommended!

I just loved this story from the first chapter. The author has a way with here writing to keep you glued to your kindle and in the edge of your seat to find out what will happen next, why and how everything will unveil in this fast paced story full of twists and turns. Why do people choose to do something different than expected and how they get away with it it's always a mystery.
I will recommend this book to all my friends for the great story overall.

A legal thriller that examines both sides of justice. "The law is all about analysis. About knowing the rules and, more important, how to use them." But when a determined prosecutor faces off against an equally adamant defense attorney, only one side can win.

What it's about: Rachel North is on her way to having it all. A former Chief of Staff for Senator Thomas Rafferty, she's now enrolled in law school and about to do an internship. She's married to a hotshot defense attorney, Jack Kirkland, and will one day be his partner, but she chooses to apprentice herself to Assistant District Attorney Martha Gardiner so she can surreptitiously get some inside information about how the prosecutor works, especially since Gardiner and Kirkland are often on opposite sides in murder cases. Rachel sees plenty of action while with the DA's office and, even though her husband is not happy about her summer experience, Rachel knows that she's finding out exactly how the DA wins her cases. Rachel is a crusader for justice, and she's going to go all in. NO SPOILERS.

Why you should read it: Well done Ms Ryan -- you caught me out on this one! The story builds slowly with the narrative shifting between different points of view and time periods. The writing is on point with vivid descriptions of what goes on in court, in the jury room, and behind closed doors. The passion for the purity of right and wrong despite the lawyers machinations and evasions -- is the person on trial guilty or not guilty? It's not always so simple. The 3 main characters were very well-drawn and I found myself often agreeing with one or identifying more with another depending on the circumstances of the events. I was totally sucked in and went willingly on my errant path. Loved the conclusion. I definitely want to read more books written by this author.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forge/Macmillan Publishing Group for this e-book ARC to read and review.

Wow! This book kept me guessing. Totally riveting! First I thought one character was the bad one, then another, then back to the first, back and forth. The author paced her reveals really well. Her time as an investigative reporter must have come into play with this book.

Winning is the name of the game. Jury tampering, witness tampering…all by someone within the legal system? Can this be true? And perhaps even murder to prevent exposure? The action is dizzying, heart-stopping. Everyone has an agenda…Who can you believe?

I received an advance copy of the book from the author via NetGalley. Opinions are my own.

I love a book in where I did not see that coming!!! The Murder List Is a huge, I did not see that coming! Filled with strong characters and taunt suspense!

The Murder List is a complex, character driven legal thriller set in Massachusetts. I haven’t read a mystery in ages. I requested the book because I met the author at a book signing for Kristen Higgins read last year. I was surprised to learn that one of my favorite news journalists was an author. The characters and the pursuit of justice in this fast-paced novel captivated me and drew me into the story immediately.

Hank Phillipi Ryan crafts a complex storyline in The Murder List. Professional and personal relationships are intertwined in this legal thriller. Rachel North has accepted a coveted summer internship with District Attorney Martha Gardiner. Jack Kirkland is a prominent defense attorney who is married to Rachel. Jack’s relationship with his rival Martha is acrimonious. Jack wonders why Martha is offering the job to Rachel. He does not approve of Rachel’s decision to work with his nemesis.

The competition between prosecutor Gardiner and defense counsel Kirkland is the key element which drove the storyline. Neither attorney wanted to lose when they faced each other in court. Loved how the characters of Rachel, Martha and Jack represent the justice system. Each character believed in his or her version of justice and will use any type of tactic to ensure their version of justice prevailed.

The author employs the flashback technique by setting the chapters in the past and present; providing each characters take on the present situation and past events. I loved this aspect of the novel as it provided intrigue and revealed a little bit about each character. Every time I thought I knew where the story was headed- there was a shift in the plot, a character from the past became a focus and I had to rethink the characters actions and motivations.

The conclusion took me totally by surprise—and I loved it! I admit that I fell for many of the red herrings in this cleverly done thriller. I went back and re read several chapters to figure out the clues.

If you are looking for an excellent summer read—pick up a copy of Hank Phillipi Ryan’s The Murder List. I am going to read the authors Jane Ryland series starting with The Other Woman.

#TheMurderList#NetGalley

The Murder List is the first book I have read by Hank Phillipi Ryan, but it certainly won't be my last. I was glued to this legal/murder/thriller until the wee hours of the morning. And was I rewarded? Yes, by the most mouth dropping ending I have ever read!

The plot is very multi-layered, complex, and fast paced. The story is told from the point of view of the three main. characters, who are fascinating, well developed and complicated. They are also egotistical, self centered, and not very likeable! But what a twisty story!

Rachel, a 36 year old law student at Harvard is married to Jack, a high powered criminal defense attorney, He specializes in defending muderers, commonly known as the murder list. Jack is upset, to put it mildly, when Rachel informs him that she has accepted a summer internship with his arch rival, Martha Gardiner. She is the powerful Assistant District Attorney. Jack and Martha have a long standing rivalry, having gone up against one another many times in the courtroom. Against her husband's objection, she begins working for the DA' s office. The three central characters go back and forth at each other, catching Rachel in the middle. As the plot evolves, other well developed characters join the cat and mouse game.

The story is told by the alternating character's point of view, But the story is also told in different time periods. It alternates between the present and six years earlier. The back and forth between time periods and the lively interaction among the strong characters creates a best seller, in my opinion! The story will catch the reader believing in each central character in turn, and then the tables will turn! The plot is unique and suspenseful since it appears that all the key players are following personal agendas.

Rachel is challenged at every turn, and caught up in a cat and mouse game between her controlling husband and her powerful, demanding employer. Rachel begins to question her marriage, her husband,, her employer, her colleagues, and even herself as the plot plays out. Hold on tight for the ending of this book. It's a real shocker and well worth the read!

I gave The Murder List a five star rating and recommend it to all Ryan fans and to anyone who enjoys a thrilling ride. I also think it would make a fantastic movie! My sincere thanks to Hank Phillipi Ryan, NetGalley, and to the publishers, Macmillan-Tot/Forge for my advanced copy of this novel. All the opinions expressed in this review are my own.





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Almost lawyer Rachel North is married to superstar defense attorney Jack KIrkland and she dreams of being his partner in their own law firm, finding justice for the accused. First though she needs to complete an internship and she has chosen Jack's most hated rival, Assistant District Attorney Martha Gardiner as her new mentor. This starts a cat and mouse game but who is the at and who is the mouse. A twisting, turning, spin you on your head plot that then freaks you out with the shocking ending. Don't miss this book. It is Hank Phillippi Ryan at her most devious.

A Fast paced, complex story that will keep you turning the pages. The characters are well defined and I found myself liking and disliking some of them quickly. Her descriptive writing style makes you feel as if you are right there. Love her stories and highly recommend this one

Hank Phillippi Ryan has a special way of keeping her legal thrillers from taking on a procedural feel - something that is no easy feat in this genre. The Murder List centers on law student Rachel North and her internship with the DA's office - interestingly enough, Rachel's husband is a criminal prosecutor on the other side. While we learn the specifics of Rachel's life and work, it becomes evident that something in her past is going to factor into the present, so we get alternating timelines - a storytelling device that I always enjoy.

Dual timelines keep the story fresh and keep the anticipation building. Ryan does a great job of planting red herrings as well as true clues for the payoff. I found The Murder List to be truly suspenseful and an enjoyable read from start to finish, a mystery I can highly recommend!