The Murder List

by Hank Phillippi Ryan

Forge Books

Publication Date : August 20, 2019

Pages : 352

Synopsis From Publisher :

Law student Rachel North 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 Boston DA's office is her ticket to a successful future.
Problem is--she’s wrong. And in this cat and mouse game--the battle for justice becomes a battle for survival.

After reading The Murder List I realized I have never read a proper legal thriller. Sure I have read books which feature court room scenes, but I have never read a book in which lawyers and court procedures are the primary plot. I love court room drama; the lawyers obsessed with wining, the clients counting on the attorneys, surprise witnesses, unexpected evidence, I love it all. Ryan’s latest release The Murder List, contains all these things AND… a bit of psychological suspense ; creating a tense and anxiety filled read.

Law student Rachel North is on the fast track to becoming a successful and well known attorney. After she graduates from law school she is hoping to work alongside her husband Jack as a defense team. Jack has already made a name for himself as a criminal defense attorney, defending those who’s chances of receiving quality legal services are slim. To earn her Law Degree Rachel must complete an assigned internship. Rachel has been assigned to the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office. She must work for Jack’s legal rival Martha Gardiner. Torn between her husband and her mentor/boss, Rachel must decide what kind of lawyer she wants become. This conflict intensifies as the stakes become higher and Rachel’s ambition becomes her undoing. 

I have read reviews for legal thrillers like The Murder List. Fellow reviewers and readers complain that legal thrillers lack action and move at a slower pace. This will not be the case for readers who pick up The Murder List. With alternating multiple perspectives and short chapters, almost each page offers a cliff hanger which will keep readers glued to the book, impatiently waiting for the next shoe to drop. 

In addition to writing, Ryan is also an investigative reporter. Ryan’s investigations have led to arrests and new legislation being passed. Ryan’s knowledge of our criminal justice system shines through in The Murder List. I am absolutely fascinated by criminal law, but other readers are not. Ryan does not weigh down The Murder List with legal jargon and technicalities. However those who love courtroom drama will be more than satisfied. 

Ryan is an author who’s name I have seen often on social media and in book stores. I always meant to check out her books but I never did until now. After reading The Murder List I realize I have been totally missing out.  For readers willing to give legal thrillers another shot if the right book presents itself…..The Murder List is that book. 

Murder and Moore Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars