The Other Woman by Hank Phillippi Ryan, a Mysterious Review.

Review: A newspaper reporter and a homicide detective share an uneasy personal relationship during a senatorial campaign that is overshadowed by the work of a serial killer in The Other Woman, a stand-alone mystery by Hank Phillippi Ryan.

Jane Ryland was once a high-profile reporter for a top television station in Boston. But when she refuses to disclose the identity of a source in a murder case, one that is ultimately lost, she loses her job and now works for a newspaper doing human interest stories. Jake Brogan was the detective in charge of the murder investigation, and despite the outcome, still has personal feelings for Jane, which she shares. But they fear they can never express these publicly given the opposite sides they took during the case. Now, women are being murdered, their bodies found under various bridges in the city, and Jake believes that Jane's instincts as an investigative reporter can help him identify the so-called "bridge killer".

Separately, former Massachusetts Governor Owen Lassiter is running against Eleanor Gable for an open senate seat and is widely expected to win. Jane, a friend of Lassiter's wife, is put in the awkward position of being asked to find out if the former Governor is having an affair with a Kenna Wilkes, a volunteer helping him get elected. With the race tightening, and accusations flying back and forth, it appears someone will stop at nothing to start a scandal that will affect both parties.

The Other Woman includes a cast of diverse, yet distinct, characters to tell a compelling story. The author does a fine job of keeping the storylines separate until they inevitably merge, but both unfold in a realistic manner. And while it isn't a surprise they are linked, it is a surprise in the manner they are. It's not clear if this is the first of a series or not, but it would be a shame not to see Jane and Jake work together again in the future.

Special thanks to guest reviewer Betty of The Betz Review for contributing her review of The Other Woman.

Drive Time
Mira Books (Mass Market Paperback), February 2010
ISBN-13: 9780778327974; ISBN-10: 0778327973