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The Murder List    by Hank Phillippi Ryan Amazon.com order for
Murder List
by Hank Phillippi Ryan
Order:  USA  Can
Forge, 2019 (2019)
Hardcover, CD, e-Book
* * *   Reviewed by Hilary Williamson

Here's another intriguing psychological thriller from Hank Phillippi Ryan - The Murder List. Its lead is law student Rachel North, who's been married to renowned Boston defense lawyer Jack Kirkland for six years as the novel opens.

Jack is unhappy when Rachel announces her plan to intern with Assistant District Attorney Martha Gardiner, the nemesis whom he dubs 'Satan in pearls'. Rachel feels it's the path to their plan to become a murder list team once she graduates. He gives in reluctantly, believing that Martha is using Rachel against him.

As Rachel starts working with Martha, the story moves back and forth in time. Rachel used to be an aide for Senate President Thomas Rafferty. We see him visit her apartment and entrust her with a sealed envelope - why? Turns out that that visit triggered all that follows, including a murder.

That murder was never solved. Eventually matters come full circle, as Martha's team takes on the cold case, with a shocking conclusion. Though not my favorite Hank Phillippi Ryan mystery, The Murder List is an engrossing read.

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