The Wrong Girl by Hank Phillippi Ryan is the second thriller set in Boston featuring journalist Jane Ryland and police detective Jake Brogan (September 10,2013).
Read on for an audiobook excerpt of Chapter 1 and a chance to win!
Jane Ryland is still adjusting to life as a newspaper reporter, which is quite different from her former life as a television journalist, when an ex-colleague, Tucker Cameron, comes to her for help. Tucker is adopted and has requested to be reconnected with her birth mother. The adoption agency–the Brannigan–finds her mother and reunites them.
The only problem is Tucker believes the agency has paired the wrong mother with the wrong girl.
Across town, Detective Jake Brogan is investigating the murder of a young woman. The scene appears to be a domestic altercation, with two small children involved. The kids are hauled off into the foster care system. But there’s an issue: an empty crib in the apartment and one of the toddlers talking about ‘baby’–a baby the authorities can’t find.
On the surface, the two cases don’t seem to have anything to do with each other. However, as Jane pursues Tucker’s story, she receives threatening phones calls, someone breaks into her apartment, and Detective Jake Brogan –a man she has, as Facebook would say, a ‘complicated’ relationship with–keeps showing up in the same place as her leads.
The Wrong Girl is the second in Hank Phillippi Ryan’s Jane Ryland/Jake Brogan series. The chapters are quick and packed with lots of information, alternating primarily between Jane and Jake. The quick pace of the chapters creates an interesting contrast between the way reporters (Jane) investigate and the way police officers (Jake) investigate. Both methods prove effective.
Jane’s focus is on people, on getting a read on the person she’s interviewing:
“Why don’t I think she’s my birth mother?” Tuck spun her coffee cup between her thumb and forefinger, seemed fascinated by the sound of it scraping on the plastic tabletop. The coffee shop’s morning crush and bustle had dwindled and the three women were the only customers still at a table. The place smelled of fresh coffee and something cinnamon. A TV, mounted in the corner above the cash register, flickered a muted CNN. Jane read the screen scrawl: “Severe weather on the way for New England. Officials warn residents may have to….”
“Well, here’s why,” Tuck dropped her cup-spinning, took a sip, then grimaced.
Remembering something? Jane wondered. Or maybe Tuck’s coffee was cold. They’d been here a good hour, maybe more, looking at documents and listening to Ella explain how foolproof the Brannigan’s system was. That alone was enough to make Jane skeptical. Nothing was foolproof, any reporter could tell you that.
Jake’s focus centers on the environment:
It was four steps across the living room to an archway into the kitchen. Jake paused, getting a read on the place. Sniffed, as he always did. No gas, nothing burning, a sweet fragrance of—maybe some cleaning thing. He surveyed left to right, cataloging the elements, typing notes without looking at the keyboard. Dented white refrigerator, seen better days, but clean, no grubby smudges around the handle. He’d have to check inside it. Two saucepans on a gas stove. Open box of Quaker Oats on the drain board. An open box of Cheerios, on its side, a few pieces spilled on the floor. Cereal. Jake looked at his watch. Five in the afternoon. Huh.
Other characters get some page time between Jane and Jake’s investigations. Ryan shows two agency players–Ella and Niall–sneaking around for various nefarious reasons. But the character crew that is the most entertaining is that of Afterwards–the crime scene cleaning company.
The cleanup crew of Afterwards is always in the wrong place at the wrong time, because they aren’t the brightest bulbs in the box. However, they’re strangely endearing. Kellianne, Keefer, and Kevin bumble around the crime scenes, showing up hours earlier than they’re needed. Their only other form of entertainment, aside from cleaning up after dead bodies, is abusing one another–they’re siblings, after all:
Right now, she was cramped into the incredibly hot back seat of the Afterwards truck, Keefer in the front seat zoned out with his ear buds, Kevin inside the triple-decker. She’d bet ten billion dollars they were too early again. She wiped a place on the car window with her fingers to see out. The news people were still here, for crap's sake, she recognized that hooker-looking girl from Channel 5. And that was absolutely the ME’s white van parked by the hydrant. Long as the ME was still here, they couldn’t go in and start. Even she knew that.
“Yo, team,” Kevin opened the driver’s side door, blasting her with cold air.
Team. What a full-blown moron. Who died and put him in charge? She winced, remembering the morning’s visit to the hospital. Well, their father hadn’t died yet.
The combination of humor, horror, and tension makes Ryan’s The Wrong Girl a very entertaining read. Not only does The Wrong Girl have an intriguing mystery, but Ryan takes truly heartbreaking situations–kidnapping, the dissolution of families, the possibilities of never truly knowing who you are or where you come from–and examines them from several different angles: foster families, adoption, blood relations, and the bonds you form throughout your life. Ryan has created quite a mosaic of destruction and redemption.
Intrigued? Listen to an excerpt from Chapter 1 of the audiobook:
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The Wrong Girl Audiobook Comment Sweepstakes: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A purchase does not improve your chances of winning. Sweepstakes open to legal residents of 50 United States, D.C., and Canada (excluding Quebec), who are 18 years or older as of the date of entry. To enter, complete entry at https://www.criminalelement.com/stories/2013/09/fresh-meat-the-wrong-girl-hank-phillippi-ryan-jany-ryland-jake-brogan-boston-audiobook-jenny-maloney beginning at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) September 8, 2013. Sweepstakes ends at 6:59 p.m. ET September 15, 2013. Void outside the United States and Canada and where prohibited by law. Please see full details and official rules here. Sponsor: Macmillan, 175 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10010.
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Jenny Maloney is a reader and writer in Colorado. Her short stories have appeared or are forthcoming in 42 Magazine, Shimmer, Skive, and others. She blogs about writing at Notes from Under Ground. If you like to talk books, reading, publishing, movies, or writing feel free to follow her on Twitter: @JennyEMaloney.
I am really looking forward to this book. That and going to the release party in Brookline on Tuesday to meet Hank and get my copy signed!
Loved the first Jane Ryland book – can’t wait to read The Wrong Girl!
Wasn’t aware of this series – looks interesting.
Loved “The Other Woman” – can’t wait for this book.
This series is new to me and I’ve added the books to my TBR … they sound good!
Sounds interesting. The Other Woman was a good read, so this one definitely goes on my list.
I can’t wait to read this. I love the series.
Sounds great!
This sounds like a book for me.
Sounds different
read a book similar to this ages ago and loved it—scary that it could be true.
Loved Hank’s last book, The Other Woman. Can’t wait to read this one.
A dectective thriller/mystery that has suspense written all over-it. The kind of book one wants to curl up with and spend reading non-stop from page one right to the last. Now this is my kind of read from a master story-teller that know’s mystery, and especially suspense. Well done Hank Phillippi Ryan.
Sounds really good!
this does sound like a good book to check out.
I’ve been looking forward to this book. I’m sure it’s a winner.
would love this
Groovy Wrong Girl!
Sounds like a great read!
Hank Phillippi Ryan has crafted a superbly-crafted thriller . . . a masterpiece that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Count me in on this one. Looks great!!
Sounds like a great read!
Thanks for the contests!
Looks interesting. Count me in…
sounds interesting.
The Other Woman was awesome! This one looks good as well!
Sounds great!
Please enter me.
This looks really good for my book club, just what I was looking for.
Sounds like fun.
Haven’t heard of the series, but it looks great.
I would love to read this one!
Cool!
Sounds intriguing! Haven’t listened to an audiobook in quite some time, good for the long bus commutes!
I would love to read this novel
I’ve never listened to an audiobook but happy to try it/
This sounds like an awesome book, and to hear it as an audiobook, that would be amazing!
Love Hank and would love to win this. Thx.
Looks good!
I have read the good reviews of this book. I would love to read it!
Cant wait to get started reading it.
Sounds great!
This sounds amazing. I’m looking forward to reading my first Hank Phillippi Ryan.
Have loved all Hank Phillippi Ryan’s books so far. Can’t wait to read this one.
Would be intrigued to read – haven’t yet read Ryan.
Thanks for the sound sample. Better than the print since I listen more often than read.
A new to me author and the kind of story I like to listen to when I’m driving to see my kids or to out-of-town meetings. Hope I win. Then eventually I would donate it to our local library.
She rescues a cat; that’s all the hook I need!
would love to try out a new author
It sounds like a very different type of mystery than I am used to reading, but would love to give it a go.
Sounds great. Thank you for the giveaway.
Totally looking forward to this book and to seeing Hank next week at Bouchercon 2013.
Would like to read this one!!
Boston Loves Hank!
Sounds like an interesting story!
another great one!
Thanks for the excerpt and the opportunity!
Sounds great! Thanks for the chance!
Have enjoyed reading her other books. I know I would like this one too.
Looking forward to reading more about this series
Adoption intrigue—I’d love to read about it.
Sounds like the right girl to me! Yes!
I loved her first book and it looks like this one will be just as good. Would love to win a copy.
Sounds like a great listen!!!
This is on the “must read” list.
Sounds interesting.
Sound interesting. Hadn’t read the 1st one, but now I will.
[b]Love my detective stories and this one is now on my wish list![/b]
I like books with a female lead character!
I have not read the first installment. This looks like a great read.
ky2here at msn dot com
i’ll have to checkout this series
“the possibilities of never trulyknowing who you are” been there and the book sounds GRAND.
Sounds like a great book.
I like Hank Phillippi Ryan as an author and this one sounds interesting.
sounds awesome! Thanks for sharing!
sounds intriging. would love to read.
sounds intriging. would love to read.
I’d love to read this!
This is the first I heard of this series. Enjoyed the audio clip and look forward to reading it.
Wow, this sounds interesting. I’m putting it on my “look for” list! But would love to win!
Love this author and would really like to have the audiobook
sounds interesting. haven’t read any of this series yet. wouldn’t mind starting with this one.
Count me in.
Loved “The Other Woman” looking forward to this book.
I’m looking forward to reading The Wrong Girl. I loved The Other Woman.
The cover even entices me!
I’ve heard great things about this writer.
This one sounds really good.
I like the excerpts – sounds like it will be a good read!
The Wrong Girl, right book
This sounds like another winner for Hank Phillippi Ryan!
Now I’ve got to look for the first book and start on it immediately!
do not send me any more comments, too much info.
wow – looks interesting
thanks for the giveaway
Can’t wait to hear/read The Wrong Girl!
Sounds great!
The Wrong Girl sounds like the “right ” read. Thanks.
Count me in, please!
It’s just my kind of book!
Thanks for the entry!
Loved THE OTHER WOMAN! Can’t wait to read THE WRONG GIRL!
A new series for me. Looking forward to listening to it. Thanks.
I have enjoyed all your books and you just keep ’em coming! Whew!
I adored Hank Philippi Ryan’s first book in this series…
I would love to read this second book!
Many thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com
Yep, I’m hooked!
Have never read this series. Sounds like it would be a good one to start.
I seem to be drawn to Boston mysteries lately, having reviewed 2 in just the last month. This one looks excellent – hope I win!
I can’t wait to read this!
I like the idea of having two disparate stories coming together.
Just was looking over the copy we got at the library today – would love to win the audiobook!
I didn’t realize this was a series; loved book one! Thanks.
Have Hard copy of The Other Woman…Should Read it soon…Will enter for The Wrong Girl…I like Hanks style…
Thank you for an opportunity to win an audiobook.
Would love to win this audiobook.
Would love to have this, thanks
I have read all of Hank’s books to date, but have not tried any of her audiobook’s. Would love the opportunity to see how her stories flow when read aloud. Great way to find out.
Sounds like another wonderful book from Hank! Loved the Wrong Girl, sure I’ll feel the same about this one.
It sounds really interestig 🙂
interesting… looks like a good read.
looks like a awesome movie
sounds like a fun one!
This sounds interesting, and I love that it is an audio book, I can listen to it in my car. Thanks for the review 🙂
The Wrong Girl sounds right to me! Yes!
I would like to read the work of Frank Phillippa Ryan!
Thank you for the great giveaway please count me in 🙂
perfect gift idea … thanks
Looks great!
This sounds like an awesome read!
Sounds great!! I would love to read this!!
Loved the excerpt, thanks for the chance.
I would love to read this!
Hmmm, mysterious! Would love to hear it from beginning to end!
I am entering your giveaway.
It would be great to win
the Audiobook of The Wrong Girl by Hank Phillippi Ryan.
Thank you for having this giveaway!!!!!!
I want to read this book. It sounds interesting.
Would love to read this or listen to it!!
A new series to start, would love a copy of this book
Sounds like a great read.
i’m new to this site but, this sounds like a good one
yes i would love this, thanks for the chance to win!
I love Hank Phillip Ryan. I like Hank Investigates.
It looks like a good read.
Looking forward to reading it.
I would love to win this book! I would listen to it on the way to work!
This sounds like a great book!
This book sounds like a good read.
Sounds like something I’d enjoy–and I hardly ever pass up a free mystery!
looks like a great read
definitely sounds like a good read and I would love to own the audiobook. Thank you
I would like to read this book.
would love to win this book :0