Getting the Truth: Confessions of an Investigative Reporter

Victorian Pocket Watch Spy Camera
Victorian pocket watch hidden camera…we’ve come a long way!
No question, the renegade doctor was looking at my chest. And that presented a major problem. I was wearing thick glasses instead of my usual contacts. My on-air hair had never looked so disheveled. Even my friends wouldn’t recognize me without my usual television makeup. I was undercover and in disguise. But the doctor’s wandering eyes were making me nervous.

A source had told us this guy was lying to patients about his history as an obstetrician. He’d been hammered with malpractice suits, and lost, time after time after time. But state laws at the time didn’t require him to tell that to potential patients. Back then, to find a doctor’s legal history, a patient would have to search court files, which in some cases were sealed. Our TV news story, tentatively titled Private Practices, would explore whether doctors’ legal histories should be easier to check. We thought the public had a right to know.

What I hoped the “doctor” didn’t know: that tiny cigarette burn hole on the front pocket of my rumpled denim work shirt was actually the opening for a tiny camera lens. (We called it a button-cam.) A thin wire snaked down from behind it, under my shirt, and tucked under my belt. Attached to that, and zipped into my goofy-looking fanny pack, was the guts of the hidden camera. I hoped the lens was pointed at his face. I hoped the tape was rolling in my pack. And I sure hoped Doctor X didn’t realize it.

When you’re undercover and carrying a hidden camera, there’s no room for error. But as investigative reporter, you never know. Would this be the time I got caught?

I silently chanted my mantra. Rule number one of undercover shooting:  The target doesn’t know. The target doesn’t know. The last thing this guy figured was that the middle-aged couple sitting in his low-rent office were actually a television reporter and producer posing as husband and wife. But even though what we were doing was perfectly legal, and for the benefit of the public, and on the side of the good guys—when you’re on the reporter side of the camera, there’s never a moment when you feel certain it will work. Every moment is stomach-twistingly tense.

But in television, if it’s not on video, it didn’t happen. And we had to get the video.

He kept looking at my chest. I ignored it. We finished the interview. Bingo. He kept his secret past a secret. And we got outta there.

A few months before, with a fake ponytail sticking out from under a Red Sox cap and wearing a dowdy dress, I had posed as a potential victim at what a source had divulged was a recruitment meeting for a cult organization. A shady group was luring vulnerable young women into handing over their money in return for some “salvation.”

This time, our fancy button-cam was in the engineer’s shop for repairs. But the cult meeting was that night. It was now or never. So I resorted to a more old-fashioned method. And by old-fashioned, I mean risky.

Could one of those ruffles be hiding a camera?
I’d cut a quarter-sized hole in the side of an old purse, and tucked a regular Hi-8 camera inside, using black electrician’s tape to hold the lens against the hole. Then I tied a flowery silk scarf over the strap of the purse. When the scarf was down, the lens was covered. And I’d only have pictures of the scarf. When I moved the scarf aside, the lens would show, and I could get pictures of the cult meeting. Of course, at that point, the lens was also pretty visible.

It was as good as it was going to get.

Out in the parking lot, I pushed the camera’s record button. I adjusted the scarf (and my phony persona), and walked through the door, pretending I was just another guest.

Standing in the back of the room, I assessed the situation, then moved the scarf aside. Rolling with video.

Smiling and soft-spoken girls, looking just out of college, circulated quietly, offering lemonade. One caught my eye from across the room, and I saw her decide to approach me. Closer. Closer. Too close. The scarf went over the lens.

I took the lemonade. I didn’t drink it. I was trying to look like someone who might be vulnerable to being brainwashed, but not too vulnerable. I was a little apprehensive about the lemonade.

The music was loud. The lights were bright. A woman stepped to a podium at the front of the room. I knew my camera was still rolling. I knew the tape inside was only thirty minutes long. Thirty minutes of scarf was not going to cut it.

I moved the scarf aside.

And then—I felt a tap in my shoulder. 

I turned. A man in a suit looked at me through narrowed eyes.

“What’s in your purse?” he asked.

In television, you’re only as good as your last story. And, I remember, I briefly wondered if this would be the last story I ever did.

But rule number two of undercover shooting: The best defense is a good offense.

Scarf down. I turned on the charm. I giggled, and in a non-Hank voice chirped, “Yes, my mother always tells me I  carry too much stuff.”  He looked at me, not quite convinced. 

I moved to another tactic. “You’re making me uncomfortable,” I said, making my voice edgier. “Are you supposed to be asking women that?”

He turned on his heel. Outta there.

I hightailed it for the door. Outta there.

The story was a blockbuster. The cult church is no more. And now in Massachusetts, doctors must list their malpractice cases on state-mandated public profiles.

The high stakes and the high-stress. The decisions and the deadlines. And hoping to change the world a bit. After more than thirty years in television, I want my fictional reporter Jane Ryland to show readers the authentic inside scoop on reporting. The good news. And the bad news. And I can say—been there, done that.

Have you ever wished you had a hidden camera? What would you like to get on video? And do you think you’d know if someone were taking your picture . . . right now?

Ruffly purse image via lovemeagan.
Victorian spycam image via x1brett.

 

This sweepstakes has ended. Go to our Sweepstakes page for your chance to enter to win other great prizes!

To enter for a chance to win one of ten advanced reader's copies of Hank Phillipi Ryans’s The Other Woman, make sure you’re a registered member of the site, and then simply leave a comment below.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A purchase does not improve your chances of winning. Sweepstakes open to legal residents of fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia, who are 18 or older. To enter, fill out entry at https://www.criminalelement.com/blogs/2012/08/getting-the-truth-confessions-of-an-investigative-reporter-hank-phillippi-ryan  beginning at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) August 28, 2012. Sweepstakes ends at 11:59 a.m. ET on September 3, 2012 (the “Promotion Period”). Void outside of the 50 US and DC and where prohibited by law. Please see full details and official rules at https://www.criminalelement.com/page/official-rules-the-other-woman-comment-sweepstakes. Sponsor: Macmillan, 175 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10010

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Agatha, Anthony, and Macavity award-winning author Hank Phillippi Ryan is the on-the-air investigative reporter for Boston’s NBC affiliate. Her work has resulted in new laws, people sent to prison, homes removed from foreclosure, and millions of dollars in restitution. Along with her 28 Emmys, Hank has won dozens of other journalism honors. A starred review from Library Journal says her newest thriller, The Other Woman, “[is] a dizzying labyrinth of twists, turns, and surprises. Readers who crave mystery and political intrigue will be mesmerized by this first installment of her new series.” 

Comments

  1. Dani Greer

    Mercy, I don’t know how you handle the stress, Hank! I can (maybe) (sort of) handle the tension of reading about undercover investigations on a blog or in a mystery. But real life? Just shoot me now and get it over with fast. 😀

  2. Judith Starkston

    I would love to read and review The Other Woman.

  3. Jean Jenkins

    Once surreptitiously recorded a fellow employee’s tirade. Several of us had been reporting him to management for weeks but no action was taken. Although what I did was both legal (another party in the room knew I was taping) and illegal (can’t be used in a job action), at least when upper management heard the tape, steps were taken. The cause of our workplace misery was dismissed and our crew was once again compatible. But while you’re taping, it’s sure nervewracking since anything can go wrong — and will probably go more wrong for the taper if discovered. Hank, you’ve got guts!

  4. Katie Feldman

    I wish I had hidden cameras in my car for when I’m driving around with my son and his cousins. They say the craziest things and I have no witnesses! But that’s for a different post.

    As for this post, I always wish I had a hidden camera when I went to automotive shops. I had to go get my car smogged on Saturday and in the back of my mind I wondered if my car would pass or if they would *make* it fail. It did pass but I hate that I had the thought. And I can only imagine how nervous I would have been had I been videotaping! How do you do it?

  5. Hank Phillippi Ryan

    Well, quoe2, that’s an interesting question! Yes, it’s very stressful, but the goals are so important, it makes it all worth it. Another conflict–like the one Jane struggles with in THE OTHER WOMAN–is when you think you have a big story, when is it okay to tell? And is it ever better to keep a secret? What if it would ruin someone’s life? and what if you’re wrong? Now THAT’S stress! Thanks so much…

  6. Hank Phillippi Ryan

    Thank you, Jstarkston! I’m very excited about it..there’s a video of The OTHER WOMAN you might enjoy–check my facebook page for more!

    https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hank-Phillippi-Ryan-Author-Page/250706175034817?ref=hl

  7. Peg Cochran

    That’s fascinating! How do you keep your cool? Would love to hear more of your stories.

  8. Kathy Fannon

    I hope no one is taking my picture right now-I’m supposed to be working.
    But can’t wait to read the newest Hank.
    And to meet you in Romeo!

  9. Hank Phillippi Ryan

    Ms. Rewrite–oh, yes, you know exactly how it feels! And…at every moment, something could go wrong.

    In Massachusetts, where I live, you can only take video secretly..recording audio is illegal!

  10. Cynthia Chappelle

    I love your books and can’t wait to read “The Other Woman”. I will check out your facebook page for the video.

  11. cindy rushford

    I am looking forward to reading your book the “Other Woman” . I will also be checking out your facebook page for the video and other tidbits you impart. Have a great day Hank. Cindy

  12. cindy rushford

    I am looking forward to reading your book the “Other Woman” . I will also be checking out your facebook page for the video and other tidbits you impart. Have a great day Hank. Cindy

  13. Kelly Ballenger

    Wow, I don’t know that I could pull off using a hidden camera. I am too honest and would probably be a dead (literally) giveaway that I had one. I column made me a bit antsy for Jane. Wow Hank, you sure know how to hook a reader!

  14. Hank Phillippi Ryan

    Katiefeldmom–yeah, I think about that too. I always wonder–maybe I should secretly mark that part, see if they really replace it. We’ve all gotten suspicious, right? That’s from reading too many mystery novels—wait. Is there such a thing as too many mystery novels?

  15. Dawnna Hale

    Wow exciting and scary Hank! He was a hairstylist and on his 4th marriage. I heard he was good at doing hair. I had met him at a party and he seemed very friendly. I went in his salon and as he was washing my hair he was massaging my neck. He made some off the wall comments during my haircut about be being so nice? How nice was I? When I was ready to leave he put his leather jacket over one shoulder and asked what my plans were for the day, he said he was headed out for some lunch……Ugh! Yeah, kinda wish I could have gotten him on tape. I walked out to my car feeling so weird, not a good feeling at all.

  16. Pam Bishop

    Can’t wait for the new book!

  17. Calum McDonald

    Thanks for this great opportunity to win an ARC copy of your new book! 🙂

  18. Steve Curcuru

    Hi Hank,

    Would love the chance to win an autographed copy of your latest literary hit . . . I’m old enough to remember you way back when !!

  19. Tina Myers

    Can’t wait to read The Other Woman. Watched the video. It was really good..Thanks for the chance to win one of the books…

  20. Hank Phillippi Ryan

    Thank you for the kind words, Starcy! THE OTHER WOMAN is a little different from the TIME books– people have compared it to Harlan Coben and Lisa Scottline. (How exciting is that!) But if you like those, you will like this new series, too! I’m so thrilled with it–and you know the book is an Indie NExt Great Read and a RTBookReviews TOP PICK.

    Hope you love the video–it wa a crazy day shooting it!

  21. Hank Phillippi Ryan

    PegCochran..well, let’s have a cup of tea! I have a million stories..xoox

    And KathyF–I’ll never tell. 🙂 SO excited to see you at the Romeo Library on Sept 8!

  22. Becky Hantsbarger

    Sounds absolutely wonderful! I’d love to read “The Other Woman.”

    There were times in the past 12 years when I would have loved to videotape or record my husband’s ex-wife. Just to be able to play her words back to her when she denied having said anything would have been priceless. But I didn’t and now the kids are grown, so that part of her inconsiderate, insensitive and ignorant intrusion into our life is over.

  23. Noreen

    I would love to have a cam to tape my children when they are fighting. then show them how crazy it all is ….But really would have loved to have had a hidden cam at a work place when my boss walked up to me and theatened me with physical harm. I had no witness to back up my story it would have been a he said she said situation to report…..
    I must say I am looking forward to reading The Other Woman….
    Thanks Hank for all your hard and sometimes scary work…xox

  24. Storyteller Mary

    You do have nerves of steel — and I love “you shouldn’t be asking me that.” Bold! . . . and you write just as boldly. Thank you!

  25. hankphillippiryan

    Aw..it’s such fun to read these! And it’s giving me ideas for lots of new books..What if a frustrated Mom or wife decides to tape her children fighting, or say, The Other Woman. 🙂 And when she plays back the tape she hears someting that surprises her…and…

  26. MaryC

    I’d like to hve a hidden camera on the MBTA – bus, trolley or train. People talk on their cell phones without takng into account the lack of privacy – I try to block it all out, but it’s not always possible.

    Looking forwrd to reading The Other Woman.

  27. Barbie Kanta

    Ooooh a secret camera would probably made a lot of big differences in my life…ex-husband, co-workers, in-laws…oh the list does go on! However, would I REALLY want to know? Anxiously awaiting another of your great reads!

  28. Sue Robinson

    Can’t wait to read this–I’ll be purchasing if I don’t win! Every time I read or hear of someong taking a video of someone, I think of the ending of Seinfeld….although their camera wasn’t hidden…

  29. Ann Doyle

    I drove Green Line Trolleys and worked on the Red Line trains for over twenty years. I wish I carried a camera in those days to record some of the bizzare sights and insane comments I heard most every day.
    Thanks for the blog. I love a mystery and I love your writing.

  30. Hank Phillippi Ryan

    Oh, the MBTA and the train! Another true confession–I wrote down word for word what someone was saying on her cell phone on the Acela from Boston to New York recently. You’ll see it in an upcoming book! (She’s got to be in custody by now…she sure sounded guilty to me!)

  31. Irene Menge

    I’m eager to read The Other Woman. Uncover investigative reporting is fascinating. I wish someone would report on how many able-bodied people hog handicapped parking spaces and even have handicapped tags hanging on their mirrors. Just last week I observed a 25-35-year-old woman wearing skin-tight garments and 4″ heels walk past me and enter an SUV parked in a handicapped spot. Obviously she was not handicapped in any way. I am not handicapped, but I live in a senior park. Many of the residents are handicapped and I know this is an issue for them.

  32. Clare 2e

    Please Make Sure You’re Logged in if you want to be entered in the sweepstakes–and why wouldn’t you want that?! You’ll know by checking the way your comment appears.

    If your name’s in[b] BLACK, [/b]we’ve got your back!

    If your name’s in [color=#b22222][b]RED[/b][/color], your chances are dead : (

  33. debbi shaw

    how thrilling a job. cannot wait to read!

  34. Rayna Triano

    I’ve never read this author. Looks like a novel I would like.

  35. Clydia DeFreese

    I love a mystery!!!

  36. Allison Moyer

    I’d like to leave a hidden camera on at home in order to watch our pets while we’re away. I wonder if our parrot talks to himself and what he says. I also wonder what the dogs are up to.

  37. Suzanne Gonneville

    So glad to be entering this contest.

  38. Allison Brennan

    I was lucky enough to get an ARC (don’t enter me in the contest!) and I’m also lucky enough to know Hank and what an amazing and beautiful woman (inside and out!) she is. I consider myself blessed to count her as a friend. And she’s an AMAZING storyteller.

    Neither of these stories surprise me! I can totally picture Hank in both scenes 🙂

  39. Lori Lowery

    The Other Woman sounds great! I can’t wait to read it.

  40. Jeanine Elizalde

    I’ve been waiting to read this book. I would love to read (and review) a copy, especially if I win one.

  41. Shana Skaletsky

    Oh, this looks fantastic! I have a writing background, and I majored in journalism in college. I so admire Hank for her moxie and drive to get the true story. I’d love to win a copy!

  42. Marybeth Mank

    This sounds like it would be a good read; I sure hope I win it. 🙂

  43. Anne Joyce

    I’m very interested in your new book “The Other Woman” I would love to read & review it. Just watched the book trailer on facebook and it is good, makes you and the book look terrific!

  44. Anna Mills

    Using fashion sense to hide a camera, undercover disguise, I’m already holding my breath!

  45. John Bychowski

    I would love the chance to read and review the book; here’s hoping 🙂

  46. Kimbrell Scheunert

    I would love to win a copy of The Other Woman! It sounds like a wonderful book!

  47. Kayla Beck

    That is so intense! I can’t say I would never be able to carry a hidden camera (I am a mother), but I don’t think I could do it as a career. You are one brave lady!

  48. peg nittskoff

    Hmmm, a hidden camera. Could save pictures of those uneasy feelings you have about some people. I would love to have one but am a little stressed to know someone could take your picture whenever and do whatever they want with it. Scary… Would love to win a copy of The Other Woman!

  49. Karen Barnett

    I don’t think I’d have the courage to use a hidden camera although at times I’ve wished afterwards that I had had one – and used it!

    Love your books.

  50. Joanne Mielczarski

    Can’t wait to read this book, so winning a copy would be great!

  51. Karl Stenger

    I would love to read this book.

  52. Mary L Allen

    How much fun! I’m not sure how you could be undercover, but it is something I have always though would be a challenge worth undertaking!

  53. Sue Farrell

    I’d love to have a hidden camera on me for the times I’m hearing and seeing something that I know my husband will not believe happened.

  54. Christi Loper

    I would have a nervous break down if I had been in either of those situations! My heart was racing just reading about them. Thanks for letting us chickens in on the thrill!

  55. Rosemary Simm

    Hi Hank,
    How wonderful that your new book will be available soon. Our book club has read all of Charlotte’s escapades and we will be sorry to see her go. It sounds as if you are in high gear with new investigations
    that are risky and dangerous. The Other Woman gives us a peek at what you do in real life. You will have lots to tell us………………!!

  56. Melissa Keith

    I would like to have one of those little cameras for my cat. It would be interesting to see what he does (besides sleep!) all day. If I found out some one was watching me I’d be a story for your newsletter. 🙂
    I’ve read so many good things about this book! I’d love to win it! Thanks.

  57. alicia marie

    There are times I would have liked to have a hidden camera. It would be interesting to see some things that are done when no one’s around. I guess it would be pretty strange if someone was watching me. My life’s not that exciting : ) This sounds like a great book and I’d love to read it!!

  58. D.A. Whittemore

    I wished I’d had a tape recorder to tape the letch at my office. He was always saying inappropriate things to me. When I reported him to HR, the HR director (male) wanted us to have a sit-down! Needless to say, the complaint went no further!

  59. Connie Saunders

    This is a book I would LOVE to read and it sounds like one I can recommend to our patrons!!

  60. Susanne Troop

    I love to read!

  61. alyce poalillo

    This one sounds good and hope you continue to share other stories with us!

  62. Sharon Haas

    Wow I would be terrified to do that but cudos to the brave women who do!

  63. Hank Phillippi Ryan

    Ocalarose! I have such wonderful memories–you were one of the very first book clubs to read my books! I do hope you love THE OTHER WOMAN–Julia Spencer-Fleming says “It belongs at the top of your list!” and Louise Penny says– “Thilling!”

    And yes, cataloger–it has a Library Journal starred review!

  64. Karen Arrowood

    Oh, my. What a nerve-racking, but rewarding job. I work in the health field, and I can tell you that I wish there were more people dedicated to exposing dangerous and fraudulent people/practices. I can’t wait to read this book!

  65. Michelle Fidler

    I don’t own a camcorder or anything else to record video on, but if I did I would install them so I could see which cats are making messes outside of the litter box.

    I liked the picture of you dressed up as Harriet Vane on the Jungle Red website.

  66. Karen Cherubino

    The Other Woman sounds like a very interesting novel offering lots of intrigue and I appreciate the opportunity to win an advanced reader copy. How many books are there going to be in this new series? Not sure I could ever be an undercover investigator, but I’m sure glad there are people like you who can.

  67. Jen

    I would love to have an advance reader of this book. It sounds like a book that would be hard to put down! Fingers crossed!!

  68. Ann Stolinsky

    Hello! You must have nerves of steel to go undercover. I could never do it; everything I’m feeling shows on my face. I’d be way too scared to attempt it! Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of The Other Woman.
    When would I have loved to have a hidden camera? Too many times to mention. Would I want one to film me? No way, although I am of the school of thought that Big Brother is always watching.

  69. jane

    Hope I win a copy of this book, sounds very interesting.

  70. Diane Pollock

    Would love to win!

  71. Jaime Hypes

    I would like a chance to read ‘The Other Woman’. Thanks!

  72. calvin kuhn

    Sounds like a great one. I would love to read it.

  73. Jorge Ribeiro

    Fascinating! I think all current mystery writers need to frequent the local spy shop to find out what’s selling well these days. Lots of eavesdropping stuff available.

  74. Bob Alexander

    Hank! You are a handful. I bet that twisted doctor was having the same thought. Now, about The Other Woman? Oh yah, I want it.

  75. Linda Unruh

    This book sounds like a great read! And the fact that you have compared it to Lisa Scottoline’s books makes it even better, since she is one of my favorite authors.

  76. Taylor Duncan

    YAYY!

  77. Page Traynor

    Have loved your books sincethe first one I reviewed for RT when you were with Harlequin. Wonderful books.

  78. Daniel Vice

    This would be great

  79. Teela Young

    I would think I would know if someone were taking my picture right now, but often have wondered that same question when I’m on the computer. I would like to have a secret camera of my best friend when she’s out w/other friends to see if she talks about me! OMG…did I really write that???I would love to read and review THE OTHER WOMAN! Thanks for the chance to win.

  80. Beverly Price

    This sounds like a great book to read. I have never read this author yet but I would love to read this one.

  81. Jennie Bentley

    I’d pay good money to see you look disheveled, Hank. Just sayin… 😉

  82. Debbie Miller

    just love free books

  83. Joan Emerson

    This brings to mind the hidden camera investigating Charlotte does at the purse party in “Air Time.”

    Don’t know as I’d have the nerve to do that sort of thing, but I think I’d aim my hidden camera at the crazy drivers around here!

    Looking forward to reading “The Other Woman.”

  84. Marie-Louise Molloy

    [color=rgb(64, 224, 208)]Always love a new thriller to keep me in suspense! ‘0)[/color]

  85. Kathy Chiocca

    I lived in Boston for a few years and love reading books set in that city.
    Looking forward to “The Other Woman”.

  86. DARLA KIDDER

    I wish I had a camera to tape people stealing from our bread table at church , and no I probably wouldn’t know if someone was taking my picture unless they told me.

  87. L L

    The book sounds interesting.

  88. Victoria

    I love a good story!

  89. Yvonne Bressani

    Sounds great.

  90. Linda Rodriguez

    Hank! You’ve got nerves of steel! Everyone should go to your Facebook page and see the fabulous trailer for THE OTHER WOMAN. I don’t know if I’d have the nerve to carry a hidden camera into a situation. This book sounds so incredible. I can’t wait to hold it in my hot, little hands. Don’t enter me for the drawing. I’ve already pre-ordered.

  91. Cheryl English

    I would love to read this book. Thanks for the chance.

  92. Johannah Brookwell

    I like the idea of “undercover” but I don’t think I could pull it off… my sister on the other hand was great at fooling people.

  93. Darlene Slocum

    I would like a wrist camera to catch pics of the cute animals that visit my backyard. Most people are not quite so interesting. Interesting people are found in the books I read and your new book seems very interesting.
    Thank you

  94. Brenda Rupp

    I would love to read your book! I could never do “undercover”.

  95. Mamie Eng

    Intriguing, but I’m a terrible photographer!

  96. Sally

    This sounds like a great book, hope I can win a copy, will pass it on when done reading it. I like to think I could do the undercover taping for a good cause, but know I’d be happiest when done filming!

  97. Beth Talmage

    With webcam capabilities these days, I doubt I would know if a camera were trained on me right this minute. I’ve never worn a hidden camera, and think I’d be self-conscious if I did. On the other hand, for work I sometimes was filmed for use as a training guide, and after a few minutes it was relatively easy to focus on my patients and forget about our audience, so maybe I could pull it off.

    Thanks for the giveaway. This sounds like a good book.

  98. Laura McLendon

    Hidden cameras can be useful but they can also be damaging so I have mixed feelings about them. I would have liked proof of things in the past but today you can hardly believe what you see on camera anymore because it can be altered in so many ways. Yes, right now and where I am, I would know if somone were taking my picture!!

  99. Cheryl U.

    If I had a hidden camera, I would be afraid to see what was recorded!

  100. Vernon Luckert

    Would love to win an ARC of this new book!

  101. Cheryl Green

    Would love to read your new book.

  102. Dennis McGough

    I would love to say that I am a fan of this author – I’m not. On the other hand my wife LOVES her. I would be very happy to win one of the ARC’s for my lovely soulmate.
    I am a little confused however, the rules listed above say the contest begins August 28th and ends August 3rd. I am reading that right or am I just dense?

  103. Kim Roberts

    [color=rgb(128, 0, 128)][b]I would LOVE to receive a copy of “The Other Woman”! Looks like a GREAT read, can’t wait to start! :)[/b][/color]

  104. Kimberly Roberts

    [color=rgb(128, 0, 128)][b]Ok, I finally got logged in~am I officially entered into the contest now? I’ve been a registered user of Criminal Element for awhile now, just happened to forget the password for this sight (I know, hard to imagine, huh?).[/b][/color]
    [color=rgb(128, 0, 128)][b]My comment is still ” I would LOVE to receive a copy of ” The Other Woman”! Looks like a GRAT read, can’t wait to start! :)[/b][/color]

  105. Anne Muller

    I love Hank’s series.

  106. Joe Hauser

    Very nice!

  107. Hank Phillippi Ryan

    SO lovely to hear from you all–you made my day. I am very excited about this book–and crossing fingers you love it! (And I bet you won’t figure out the ending!)

    Heianwoman–thank you, I cannot begin to thank you enough. I hope our paths cross in person someday soon!

  108. Hank Phillippi Ryan

    And I must say–I continue to get terriifc ideas for plots from your comments–keep ’em coming!

    I got the idea for THE OTHER WOMAN from a magazine I was reading at the dentist’s office! Proves you never know, right?

  109. runner

    What a neato book to win.

  110. Cindy Compton

    I’ve read all Hank’s books and loved them. Looking forward to the new one as well, and would love an ARC.
    I did some undercover work with the sheriff’s dept. when I was just out of college. Small town, lot of drugs, corrupt law enforcement. It was nerve-wracking, but effective. I also did a little UC work while working as a photojournalist for a couple of years. After getting shot at a couple of times, I gave it up. 😉

  111. Tarah Manning

    This sounds like a great book! 🙂

  112. Hank Phillippi Ryan

    Yeah, macpug, that’ll do it…! Thank you!

  113. Vicky Boackle

    this sounds interesting.

  114. Joan Coussoule

    I would just love it.

  115. Mia Fisher

    Yet another reason why you’re one of the coolest people I know Hank!! :o)

  116. Hank Phillippi Ryan

    OH, its so much fun to come read all these! Thank you!

  117. Linda Rodriguez

    Ha! I just heard from my great local bookstore that my copy of THE OTHER WOMAN is already in and I can pick it up tomorrow! *dancing around* Guess what I’ll be reading tomorrow night. No sleep here.

  118. Brenda Tucker

    Sounds like a great read- -I like the sneaking around trying to catch the doctor – good luck.

  119. Auriette Lindsey

    Many’s the time I wished I had a hidden camera to catch my old boss’s double-talk. Yes, I know it’s illegal to tape audio without permission, but just once I wanted to be able to call her on it with proof that she’d say one thing one day and the complete opposite thing the next. I’m really looking forward to the new book, Hank; I loved the Charlie McNally mysteries. I think they’re one of the reasons (that, and the double-talking boss, and low non-profit paycheck) I went back to my news career!

  120. Phoenix

    I’ve always been interested in investigative journalism.

  121. KAREN SIMMONS

    SOUNDS LIKE A GREAT READ

  122. Susan Adamson

    I bought “On the House” – which was great! – and got a great preview of “The Other Woman”. I can’t wait to read it, Hank.

  123. Hank Phillippi Ryan

    Nerophilac–that’s terrific ! Thank you! (The ending of On the House suprsied even me..and I wrote it! I’m never sure how my books and stories will end. And it’s always fun to find out.)

    Same with THE OHER WOMAN–when I realized what would happen–I said–whoa! I never predicted THAT! Funny, huh?

  124. Hank Phillippi Ryan

    And you all are too funny! SUCH fun to read these comments!

  125. amanda whitley

    this looks so good

  126. Trudy Yukl

    what a fascinating career! would love to read more!! Continued best wishes!!

  127. Susan Marks

    love to read this book, watch you on tv all the time!

  128. Bonnie Wilks

    Sounds very interesting.

  129. cheryl wong

    would love to read this

  130. Rita Spratlen

    This sounds like a wonderful book to read. I would love to win of course. Thanks for the chance!

  131. Daniel Morrell

    sounds like a fun one!

  132. kathy pease

    Thank you for the great giveaway please count me in 🙂

  133. Edward Vandenberg

    This looks like a well written good book!

  134. Ed Nemmers

    I would like to read “The Other Woman”!

  135. Darcy Odden

    I’d love to read “The Other Woman.” Thanks for the chance.

  136. Joan Troche

    I can’t wait to read this book. Thank you for the giveaway!

  137. Daniel Vice

    I’d love to get this

  138. Trisha McKee

    I am always paranoid of being taped. It’s so easy now with camcorders on cell phones. I respect people’s privacy too much to tape them without their knowledge. Looks like a great read!

  139. Sand Lopez

    I would love to win this!

  140. Buddy Garrett

    This book is at the top of my must read list. Thanks for the giveaway.

  141. Kayce Crews

    Count me in!

  142. cookster77

    sounds likes an interesting book hope I win

  143. Erin Cook

    sounds like an interseting book I hope I win

  144. Peter Tomaszewicz

    i wanna win

  145. Helen Gibbs

    very interesting, would love to win this

  146. Brenda Elsner

    Sounds very interesting!! Thanks for the chance to win this!!

  147. Vickie Canham

    The Other Woman sounds exciting and very intriging. Can’t wait to find out who the woman in the red coat is.

  148. Sally Foster

    Sounds like a page turner! I am looking forward to reading this one!

  149. MARIE BOURQUE-NAMER

    Time for a change. I know, there have been so many but this journey has had surprises…like the book! Please.

  150. Lulu

    I love your books and can’t wait to read “The Other Woman”. Also enjoyed the video!

  151. Mary Ann Brady

    I watched Hank for years of TV. Can’t wait to read this book!

  152. Andrea Wickman

    Would love a copy of this! Please pick me! I’m awesome 🙂

  153. NKK

    Love finding a new author! Pick me! I’m soon to be on holiday and am dying to dive into something fun!

  154. Valerie Wiesner

    I am so looking forward to reading “The Other Woman”. It sounds just perfect for me – my type of book!

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