When Is A Legal Thriller Not a Legal Thriller?
By Hank Phillippi Ryan
August 12, 2019Is there such a thing as a psychological legal thriller?
When I was a little girl, there was one thing we were not allowed to do in our house: talk during The Perry Mason Show. Seriously. When Perry Mason was on TV, my sister and I were required, if we wanted to watch it and of course we did, not to say a word. During the commercials we could ask my lawyer stepfather questions, like: What does immaterial mean? And do you think they know that Hamilton Burger sounds like hamburger? And we yelled “objection” when our other siblings tried to steal our seats.
But when the actual show started again, back to complete silence. Reverential silence for the story.
Earl Stanley Gardiner’s riveting Perry Mason (and his courtroom colleagues) became the entryway to my love of legal thrillers. I never lost that joy: Scott Turow and John Grisham and Michael Connelly. The incomparable John Lescroart and my hero David Ellis. Anatomy of a Murder and 12 Angry Men and Witness for the Prosecution and Compulsion and Inherit the Wind.
Is my brand new The Murder List a legal thriller? My editor asked me that, and my answer was: not exactly. Yeah, the main characters are lawyers, and it has a courtroom scene or two. And a tiny bit of jury. But mostly? It’s psychological suspense. Gaslighting. Manipulation. Deception. I suppose lawyers do that—and yet…. One early reader said it best: “If John Grisham and Lisa Scottoline had a book baby, this would be it.” Perfect.
The Murder List isn’t about the law. It’s about winning. It’s about three people who use their knowledge of the legal rules to come up with the life verdict they’re seeking: revenge, love, loyalty, and power.
Is there such a thing as a psychological legal thriller? That’s my new genre. A psychological domestic suspense that just happens to include a legal puzzle piece.
I started wondering: when is a legal thriller not a legal thriller?
And I found some perfect cross-genre shelf mates.
Defending Jacob
This isn’t about the law, it’s about family. Take a prosecutor who understands the system and a murder that shocks a suburban town. Take an everyday loving family and the secrets some of the family members hide. And the explosive possibilities that ensue. Though William Landay’s instant classic is full of procedure and testimony and legal wrangling, this heartbreaking story is a clash between love and the law—and how someone sworn to uphold both of them must battle the demons that conflict produces.
A Time to Kill
This isn’t about the law, it’s about racism. A 10-year old black girl is raped by two white men. In a rage, her father kills them. And goes on trial for murder, represented by white lawyer Jake Brigance. A white judge named Omar Noose denies a change of venue—leaving Jake to face an all-white jury deciding the fate of a black man who killed two white people. The Klan shows up. Brigance, disheartened, fears for the verdict. His client tells him that as “one of the bad guys,” he has an influence that a black man won’t. Via John Grisham, Brigance gives a closing argument that is still chilling, eloquent, and so timely that its theme might be used this very minute.
Miracle Creek
This isn’t about the law, it’s about the pressures on immigrant families. And about motherhood. When an explosion at a medical facility ends in tragedy—who is responsible? Angie Kim’s poignantly elegant structure takes us day by day through the entire murder trial—but her shifting points of view make us realize we can never get the entire picture from just one person. That behind each witness’s testimony is a roiling secret life, with dreams and fears and unspoken conflict.
To Kill a Mockingbird
This isn’t about the law, it’s about honor. Okay, and about justice, and racism, and equality. The main character is a lawyer, and a pivotal scene or two takes place in a courtroom. There’s testimony and unfair objections and a jury that’ll chill your soul. And sure, legions of students have chosen law school because they wanted to be just like Harper Lee’s Atticus Finch. But “just like Atticus” doesn’t mean knowing how to Shepardize citations—it means knowing how to be an honorable person.
Erin Brockovich
This isn’t about the law, it’s about the environment. And the toxic injustice of economics. And about how David can beat Goliath. Yeah, in Susannah Grant’s screenplay, David is Julia Roberts, and that might’ve helped. But the real Erin Brockovich has been quoted as saying the movie is about 98 percent accurate—and Julia-as-Erin soldiers not only through the legal quagmire and financial obstacles set by the powerful PG&E, but also the weary defeated attitude of her lawyer-boss, all to battle for the families allegedly harmed by the toxic contamination of their water. This story proves you don’t need to be a lawyer to fight for justice.
The Verdict
This isn’t about the law. It’s about power. And money. How much is it worth to the Catholic Church and its mega-hospital corporation to cover up their lability for the death of a patient? Barry Reed’s chilling Boston novel takes us behind the scenes of a seamy battle to win a case by pouring money and influence into it—the sinister power of the legal machine. Though the courtroom testimony is shocking and heartbreaking, it’s the personal struggle of the hapless (and penniless) attorney Frank Galvin that make this a riveting classic.
Inherit the Wind
This isn’t about the law, it’s about the right to think. When John Scopes—named Bert Cates in the play by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee and in the 1960 film—deliberately breaks the law and teaches his class about evolution, the townspeople of Dayton, Tennessee, are scandalized, outraged, and calling for Cates’ head. His trial—which in real life had Clarence Darrow and William Jennings Bryan facing off about the freedom to teach evolution—makes us contemplate freedom of speech and freedom of religion and peer pressure and the right of each person to choose their own beliefs. The screenplay is still widely read, and if you watch the movie, the appearance of Gene Kelly as H. L. Mencken is an extra treat. The stage directions set the time as “not too long ago,” but as the playwrights themselves wrote in 1951: It might have been yesterday. It could be tomorrow.
* * *
Okay, fine. So these great stories, my shelf-mates, are also about the law. And the legal system, too. And, kinda, so is The Murder List. But if you’ve testified, “Oh, I don’t read legal thrillers,” I say: “Objection.” You do.
About The Murder List
Law student Rachel North is the ultimate reliable narrator—she will tell you, without hesitation, what she knows to be true. She’s smart, she’s a hard worker, she does the right thing. She’s successfully married to a faithful and devoted husband, a lion of Boston’s defense bar. And her internship with the powerful District Attorney’s office is her ticket to a successful future.
Problem is—she’s wrong.
Rachel. Jack. Martha. Who is next on The Murder List?
And in this cat and mouse game—the battle for justice becomes a battle for survival.
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Comments
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Poor, deluded reliable narrator!
I loved your back hall scenes. They felt so real!
Oh, thank you! How wonderful! x
A legal thriller includes all the courtroom, cops, and criminal stuff, but it also has a broader moral or social question at its center–as you pinpoint above. It’s the “it’s really about” part that makes them deeper and more fun to read.
sounds like a fun one
Would love to read. Awesome cover.
Clever novel from a very talented and creative author.
I’m not wrong and I want to win.
Murder
I am guilty your honor for reading all these books!
I have been trying to win this book. I so much want to read it. I want to find out what really goes on between the husband and wife.
Legal thriller or not? Let me decide.
I’m now really excited for your book!
This story is unique and extremely intriguing.
sounds like a great thriller to be read by all….
I would love to win!
Sounds like a good read!
love this kind of stories
Very excited to read this book! Looks like a fascinating read.
Sounds good.
Books looks great!
Sounds interesting. I do plan on reading this one!
looks great!
Anything with a shakily-reliable narrator has my vote for a great book! This certainly looks like it will be a bit of a thrill ride!
Sounds interesting!
I would love to win this book.
I would love to read the book.
You mentioned some of my favorite books, so I really want to read yours now!
Sounds right up my alley! Can’t wait to read it. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy.
This sounds amazing!
Good story
Edge of my seat!
looks like a good one!!!
Sounds like a good read!
This makes me think and analyze different stories and what they really are all about.
Digging deeper!
It would be awesome to win this book!
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Sounds really good
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Total intrigue!
Thank you for the opportunity to win.
This new novel sounds great!
I love books with lots of suspense, and “The Murder List” sounds like it’s absolutely brimming with it.
Sounds like a great book
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I would like to read this book.
mamabrownbird@aol.com
I wouldn’t object to reading this book!
Would love to read The Murder List! It sounds like an amazing book that will keep you guessing until the very end!
This sounds like my kind of book…most definitely! Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!
How could I not read this book – “If John Grisham and Lisa Scottoline had a book baby, this would be it.”
This sounds great. I always love your books.
Love this genre
I appreciate not only the review of this book but also the shelf-mates. More good books to read.
I want to read The Murder List.
goldcin@yahoo.com
This book looks like an awesome read. Would love to win The Murder List. Thanks for the chance.
Intrigued
I’ve been hearing so much about this book lately~ sounds great~!!! Already on my GoodReads list!
Sounds interesting.
I can’t wait to read it. I love psychological thrillers!
I am a longtime fan, and I would love to read “The Murder List”! Hank Phillippi Ryan is the Julia Sugarbaker (as played by the unequaled Dixie Carter on “Designing Women”) of the thriller-writer world. Beautiful, stylish, vibrant–also intellectual, whip smart, feminine, and downright fearsome!!! Nobody messed with Miss Julia, and nobody better mess with Ms. Hank. Zap-Zing-Zowie–SHE’S AWESOME!!!
Psychological thrillers are right up my alley
jekrush@bevcomm.net
Love a good mystery
Sounds like a good read.
I love reading books like this!!! I can’t wait to read it!
Psychological Suspense with a little courtroom drama…Sounds like my kind of book! 💜
I’d love to win this book – it sounds great.
That’s a good list.
Can’t wait to read The Murder List
Can’t wait to read this!
This Boston girl would love to read this read all your other books!
I need to read some books by this author
It sounds like a really interesting book. Thank you for the chance.
I would love to win this book.
This mix between legal and psychological thriller sounds fascinating. Thanks for the chance to win
This sounds great, I love the Perry Mason reference!
Love the cover. Sounds interesting!
Thanks for the chance to win……
This sounds so good! I would love to win and read/review this book. Thanks for the chance!
Thanks for the chance to win a copy!
Intriguing! Looking forward to reading this new thriller.
This sounds very good
I used to watch Peery Mason with my grandfather and got hooked on legal thrillers, too. I would love a chance to read a good new one.
I hope to read this book!! Thanks for the chance to win it.
Looking forward to reading this book, nothing better than a thriller.
I would enjoy reading this book.
I loved the last book and look forward to reading this one.
Earl Stanley Gardiner’s Perry Mason! I remember my parents watching the original TV show (black and white), and that the theme would creep me out. Scariest TV theme ever.
Sounds like a book I would like.
This sounds really interesting. Would love to read it
Yes, please!
I’ve been following the talk about this book and I would love to read it.
Please toss my hat in the ring !
We love Hank and her books! Thanks so much for the chance to win The Murder List!!
This one sounds very good! Thanks for the chance.
Love her books.
Please enter me in this sweepstakes.
Thanks!
I read most of those books and would like to add one more to the list.
Looking for a good mystery read.
Ha, Everything legal is psychologically thrilling
I having a book in my hands!
Looking forward to reading this.
Her books are really good.
This really seems like a book that I probably would not want to stop reading. Thanks for the opportunity!!!
Nice list. The book sounds great!
Count me in, please!
Really looking forward to reading this book! Heard so many good things about it! Thanks for the chance to win!
This sound amazing! The Murder List sounds like you book that I will love!
Well now you have my attention! Always up for a good crime/court read!
This sounds like a very intriguing book. I thank you for giving me the chance to win this book. 💜
Sounds interesting, nice prize to win. Thanks
This book will undoubtedly keep me up past my bedtime!
This one sounds really good. Always looking for different authors to read
I would love to read this!
looks interesting
I would love to read and review The murder List!
I’m quite intrigued!
The Murder List sounds like a great thriller loaded with interesting twists and turns. Would love to read it.
List me as a winner! Yes!
This books sounds amazing!
OMg! This book sounds great! What an awesome opportunity!
A wonderful combination of two of my favorites, legal drama I’ve read many of & psychological thriller I’ve read even more of. This sounds so great, I’d love to read it! Please count me in!
Looking forward to The Murder List
Would love to read. Looks aesome. Thank you for the chance!
Sounds like a great read. I’m adding this one to my TBR list!
I love psychological thrillers AND legal thrillers!
I’ve seen this advertised all over and it’s one I have to get my hands on to read!
This one sounds great!
Sounds intriguing
I would like to read a book by this author. Sounds like an awesome story!
Would love to win this book!
My book friends are buzzing about this title. Added to my list!
This book sounds amazing. So far on my TBR list but would love to win a copy to read it sooner.
I also grew up watching (and reading) Perry Mason. I am all for the psychological legal thriller genre!
Sounds like my kind of book!
It’s on my TBR list!!
Your latest book sounds delightful. Congratulations!
Loved the article. Love the author. I can’t wait to read this book.
Sounds intriguing! Thanks for the opportunity to win.
Sounds like an awesome read!
Thanks for the giveaway.
Looking forward to it
Sounds like this one’s right up my alley. I’ll add to my ‘must read’ list.
Looks interesting!
Miss Ryan’s books are well written and very good reading.
Legal thrillers have always been my favorite! Can’t wait to read this one!!
Great list of books. This one looks great also, can’t wait to read it.
Scott Turow is such a fine legal writer, from One L to his novels. Most people list Grisham, but when I see Turow on a list of favorites or influences I know I’m in good hands.
Looks like a great read!
Thank you for the article.
Sounds like a good book to enjoy.
I love this series
Haven’t given legal side a try yet, but this one sounds worth a try!
This looks good
Author Ryan is an amazing writer – another intriguing book I look forward to devouring!
Love your books! You have the ability to pull you in and feel like part of the story. Thanks for the giveaway
Definite. Must. Read. Thriller
jeanne2@uakron.edu
Definitely a book I want to read.
This is my favorite genre. I love to read them and then pass them on to the ladies and gentlemen in the cancer ward or in the low income housing by me that can not afford by me. The smiles are AMAZING!!
I can’t wait!!!
I remember watching Perry Mason and reading some of the books. Good to be reminded about them.
I watched Perry Mason and still do. Thanks.
Intriguing and wonderful. Perry Mason lives on.
I love thrillers of all kinds and have read many of these books. Loved every one that I have read!
This one sounds really intriguing!
Heaven help me, I’m out of books to read..
Sounds suspenseful.
I need a book to read..
I love lists
Would love to read this book.
Would love to read this!
Sounds good!
thanks for the chance to win!
legal thrillers are my favorite. I just finished reading A Nearly Normal Family. Would love to win this book!!
I’m hooked on “unreliable narrator” novels! Sometimes I wonder if I would narrate my own life reliably. Probably not.
interesting post
This sounds like a great read and I would love to have a copy! Thank you for the opportunity!
I so walk to read this , after just listening to the first chapter of this book I was hooked.
Can’t wait to read
Sounds like my kind of read
I want to be on the winner’s list! Yes!
Great!
Yes, please enter me in this sweepstakes.
Thanks —
I love psychological thrillers. The ability to manipulate is frightening and it’s terrifying how sometimes how “the truth” can be a subjective thing. I cannot wait to read your newest book. It sounds delightfully terrifying.
I have had my eye on this one. I like Hank’s books. Very well written.
Sounds intriguing!
I have read all your previous books, and look forward to this one. Keep up the great work
I would add Herman Wouk’s “Caine Mutiny’ to your list of psychological legal thrillers. Junior officers on the USS Caine are called to testify against their captain, who was relieved of duty during a Pacific typhoon when the captain’s orders would have lead to the sinking of their ship. One officer led the mutiny, and now must testify in court against his commander why he committed this crime.
This sounds great
A psychological legal thriller. I love that description and this book sounds right up my alley.
Thanks for adding to my very long tbr list. All of the books mentioned, including yours, sound great. I see some great reading happening this winter.
I would LOVE to read “The Murder List” ~ My favorite genre is psychological legal thriller 📖
Your description of Perry Mason viewing , was MY childhood! When my grandmother and he brother joined us for dinner and to watch the show, I -at 10 years old- was forced to remain silent! Those were the days! Now, during the reruns, my grandson questions me about everything on the show, and I’m loving it again, but not in silence. Thanks for sharing that. Now may I win the book?
I have been wanting to read this book since I first found out about it!!! Would love to win it here!!! 🙂
Been on my list for quite awhile now!
Sounds like a great read!
This looks great
I really want to win this book.
Presumed Innocent had me hooked on this genre. Thanks for the great roundup.
Sounds good.
Would love to win this one!
Thanks,again,for the chance to win!
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