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One Wrong Word
A heart-racing new psychological thriller from USA Today bestselling and multiple award-winning author, Hank Phillippi Ryan.
One wrong word can ruin your life. And no one knows that better than savvy crisis management expert Arden Ward. Problem is, she's now forced to handle a shocking crisis of her own. Unfairly accused of having an affair with a powerful client, Arden’s life and dreams are about to crash and burn. Then, Arden is given an ultimatum. She has just two weeks to save her career and her reputation.
Is Cordelia Bannister the answer to her prayers?
Cordelia needs Arden’s help for her husband Ned, a Boston real estate mogul. Though he was recently acquitted in a fatal drunk driving accident, his reputation is ruined, and the fallout is devastating not only to the Bannisters' lives, but the lives of their two adorable children.
Arden devotes her skill and determination—and maybe her final days on the job—to helping this shattered family, but soon, revelations begin to emerge about what really happened the night of the accident. And then—another car crash throws Ned back into the spotlight.
This case is Arden’s final chance to protect her own future and clear her name. But the more she tries to untangle the truth, the more she’s haunted by one disturbing question—what if she’s also protecting a killer?
Gossip. Lies. Rumors. Words like that can hurt you. And Arden knows the reality. Sometimes one wrong word can kill.
One wrong word can ruin your life. And no one knows that better than savvy crisis management expert Arden Ward. Problem is, she's now forced to handle a shocking crisis of her own. Unfairly accused of having an affair with a powerful client, Arden’s life and dreams are about to crash and burn. Then, Arden is given an ultimatum. She has just two weeks to save her career and her reputation.
Is Cordelia Bannister the answer to her prayers?
Cordelia needs Arden’s help for her husband Ned, a Boston real estate mogul. Though he was recently acquitted in a fatal drunk driving accident, his reputation is ruined, and the fallout is devastating not only to the Bannisters' lives, but the lives of their two adorable children.
Arden devotes her skill and determination—and maybe her final days on the job—to helping this shattered family, but soon, revelations begin to emerge about what really happened the night of the accident. And then—another car crash throws Ned back into the spotlight.
This case is Arden’s final chance to protect her own future and clear her name. But the more she tries to untangle the truth, the more she’s haunted by one disturbing question—what if she’s also protecting a killer?
Gossip. Lies. Rumors. Words like that can hurt you. And Arden knows the reality. Sometimes one wrong word can kill.
342 pages, Hardcover
First published February 6, 2024
274 people are currently reading
10696 people want to read
About the author
Hank Phillippi Ryan
46 books2,724 followersHank Phillippi Ryan is the USA Today bestselling author of sixteen award winning novels of suspense. National reviews have called her a "master at crafting suspenseful mysteries" and "a superb and gifted storyteller." SHe is also an investigative reporter for WHDH-TV, winning 37 Emmys for her true crime stories.
Her newest is ALL THIS COULD BE YOURS--an INSTANT USA TODAY bestseller.
Is a debut author’s blockbuster bestseller about to ruin her life? A glamorous book tour becomes a deadly cat-and-mouse chase in this new and captivating thriller!
(Freida McFadden says: "Engrossing! With a main character that I loved, and a twist the left me reeling!" And Jeneva Rose says: I absolutely loved it! This is Hank Phillippi Ryan at her best!”)
Don't miss ONE WRONG WORD, now in paperback. BA Paris says: "A gripping rollercoaster of a read!"
Her 2021 thriller THE HOUSE GUEST (Gaslight meets Thelma & Louise) now in a second printing!
Hank is also an award-winning investigative reporter at Boston's WHDH-TV. In addition to 37 EMMYs and 14 Edward R. Murrow awards, Hank's won dozens of other honors
for her ground-breaking journalism.
She is co-host and co-founder of The Back Room, co-host of First Chapter Fun, and host of CRIME TIME on A Mighty Blaze.
Her previous thriller, HER PERFECT LIFE, received starred reviews from Kirkus and Publishers Weekly, calling it "Stellar."
Her earlier psychological thrillers include,THE FIRST TO LIE (with several starred reviews) an Agatha Award and Mary HIggins CLark award nomination) and THE MURDER LIST, which won the Anthony Award for Best Novel of the year, and was ]an Agatha, Macavity and Mary Higgins Clark Award nominee, a number one legal thriller on Amazon, and a USA Today Bestseller.
Her first psychological standalone, TRUST ME (now in paperback) , is an Agatha Award nominee, and was named BEST of 2018 by the New York Post, Real Simple Magazine, BookBub, Crime Reads, and PopSugar. Mary Kubica says: "Dazzling!" and Lisa Gardner says "Mesmerizing!"
The Booklist *starred review says "...it's a knockout. First-rate psychological suspense."
Her thriller SAY NO MORE, is a Library Journal BEST OF 2016. And this just in: it's a nominee for the AGATHA AWARD and the MARY HIGGINS CLARK AWARD! And now, breaking news, it is also a DAPHNE AWARD nominee! Associated Press calls it "stellar" and Publishers Weekly calls it "thrilling" "unflinching" and "gratifying."
Her 2015 book, WHAT YOU SEE, is a Library Journal BEST of 2015, an ANTHONY and AGATHA Award nominee, and a Top Pick!, dubbed "exceptional suspense." It received a starred review from Library Journal which says: "Readers will find themselves racing to the finish!"
Her 2014 book, TRUTH BE TOLD, won the AGATHA Award for best mystery, and is a Library Journal Best of 2014. It received starred reviews from Booklist and Library Journal, which says, "Drop everything and binge read!"
THE WRONG GIRL won the Agatha Award and the Daphne Award, and is a seven-week Boston Globe bestseller and Anthony Award nominee.
THE OTHER WOMAN won the coveted Mary Higgins Clark Award, and was listed as a Best Book of 2012 by the Kansas City Star, the Sacramento Bee, Suspense Magazine, and The Boston Globe, won the prestigious Mary Higgins Clark Award, and was the only novel nominated for the Agatha, Anthony, Macavity, Shamus and Daphne awards for Best Novel of 2012.
Her first four mysteries, beginning with the Agatha Award-winning PRIME TIME, feature Charlotte McNally, a Boston television reporter. FACE TIME was a BookSense Notable Book, and AIR TIME and DRIVE TIME were both Anthony and Agatha Award nominees for best novel of 2009 and 2010. They are now available in all new editions.
Her journalism work work has resulted in new laws, people sent to prison, homes removed from foreclosure, and millions of dollars in refunds and restitution for victims and consumers. She's been a radio reporter, a legislati
Her newest is ALL THIS COULD BE YOURS--an INSTANT USA TODAY bestseller.
Is a debut author’s blockbuster bestseller about to ruin her life? A glamorous book tour becomes a deadly cat-and-mouse chase in this new and captivating thriller!
(Freida McFadden says: "Engrossing! With a main character that I loved, and a twist the left me reeling!" And Jeneva Rose says: I absolutely loved it! This is Hank Phillippi Ryan at her best!”)
Don't miss ONE WRONG WORD, now in paperback. BA Paris says: "A gripping rollercoaster of a read!"
Her 2021 thriller THE HOUSE GUEST (Gaslight meets Thelma & Louise) now in a second printing!
Hank is also an award-winning investigative reporter at Boston's WHDH-TV. In addition to 37 EMMYs and 14 Edward R. Murrow awards, Hank's won dozens of other honors
for her ground-breaking journalism.
She is co-host and co-founder of The Back Room, co-host of First Chapter Fun, and host of CRIME TIME on A Mighty Blaze.
Her previous thriller, HER PERFECT LIFE, received starred reviews from Kirkus and Publishers Weekly, calling it "Stellar."
Her earlier psychological thrillers include,THE FIRST TO LIE (with several starred reviews) an Agatha Award and Mary HIggins CLark award nomination) and THE MURDER LIST, which won the Anthony Award for Best Novel of the year, and was ]an Agatha, Macavity and Mary Higgins Clark Award nominee, a number one legal thriller on Amazon, and a USA Today Bestseller.
Her first psychological standalone, TRUST ME (now in paperback) , is an Agatha Award nominee, and was named BEST of 2018 by the New York Post, Real Simple Magazine, BookBub, Crime Reads, and PopSugar. Mary Kubica says: "Dazzling!" and Lisa Gardner says "Mesmerizing!"
The Booklist *starred review says "...it's a knockout. First-rate psychological suspense."
Her thriller SAY NO MORE, is a Library Journal BEST OF 2016. And this just in: it's a nominee for the AGATHA AWARD and the MARY HIGGINS CLARK AWARD! And now, breaking news, it is also a DAPHNE AWARD nominee! Associated Press calls it "stellar" and Publishers Weekly calls it "thrilling" "unflinching" and "gratifying."
Her 2015 book, WHAT YOU SEE, is a Library Journal BEST of 2015, an ANTHONY and AGATHA Award nominee, and a Top Pick!, dubbed "exceptional suspense." It received a starred review from Library Journal which says: "Readers will find themselves racing to the finish!"
Her 2014 book, TRUTH BE TOLD, won the AGATHA Award for best mystery, and is a Library Journal Best of 2014. It received starred reviews from Booklist and Library Journal, which says, "Drop everything and binge read!"
THE WRONG GIRL won the Agatha Award and the Daphne Award, and is a seven-week Boston Globe bestseller and Anthony Award nominee.
THE OTHER WOMAN won the coveted Mary Higgins Clark Award, and was listed as a Best Book of 2012 by the Kansas City Star, the Sacramento Bee, Suspense Magazine, and The Boston Globe, won the prestigious Mary Higgins Clark Award, and was the only novel nominated for the Agatha, Anthony, Macavity, Shamus and Daphne awards for Best Novel of 2012.
Her first four mysteries, beginning with the Agatha Award-winning PRIME TIME, feature Charlotte McNally, a Boston television reporter. FACE TIME was a BookSense Notable Book, and AIR TIME and DRIVE TIME were both Anthony and Agatha Award nominees for best novel of 2009 and 2010. They are now available in all new editions.
Her journalism work work has resulted in new laws, people sent to prison, homes removed from foreclosure, and millions of dollars in refunds and restitution for victims and consumers. She's been a radio reporter, a legislati
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 715 reviews
February 13, 2024
EXCERPT: 'Are we really having this conversation?'
'Yes,' Cordelia said, 'yes, we are. I'm trying to at least. What happened to Ned . . .'
The corridor almost froze with Bethenny's demeanor.
'What happened? To Ned? What happened to him?' Both careful eyebrows went up. 'It's hardly what happened to him, is it Cordelia? It's what he did. Your husband drank so much he was completely drunk. That did not 'happen' to him. And then he drove his car. That did not 'happen' to him. That was a decision your husband actively made, an imprudent and deadly decision. That poor man could have been any of us.'
'The driver could have been any of us.' Tears were coming to Cordelia's eyes, bitter and baffled, but she could not allow herself to look weak. She had been waiting for this verdict for a year, a solid year, and the jury had said not guilty, and that was certainly, definitely true. Cordelia was sure of it, had always maintained her husband's innocence.
ABOUT 'ONE WRONG WORD': One wrong word can ruin your life. And no one knows that better than savvy crisis management expert Arden Ward. Problem is, she's now forced to handle a shocking crisis of her own. Unfairly accused of having an affair with a powerful client, Arden’s life and dreams are about to crash and burn. Then, Arden is given an ultimatum. She has just two weeks to save her career and her reputation.
Is Cordelia Bannister the answer to her prayers?
Cordelia needs Arden’s help for her husband Ned, a Boston real estate mogul. Though he was recently acquitted in a fatal drunk driving accident, his reputation is ruined, and the fallout is devastating not only to the Bannisters' lives, but the lives of their two adorable children.
Arden devotes her skill and determination—and maybe her final days on the job—to helping this shattered family, but soon, revelations begin to emerge about what really happened the night of the accident. And then—another car crash throws Ned back into the spotlight.
This case is Arden’s final chance to protect her own future and clear her name. But the more she tries to untangle the truth, the more she’s haunted by one disturbing question—what if she’s also protecting a killer?
Gossip. Lies. Rumors. Words like that can hurt you. And Arden knows the reality. Sometimes one wrong word can kill.
MY THOUGHTS: I love a good conclusion, and One Wrong Word has it in spades! And there is nothing so tempting as a good secret - One Wrong Word has more than one; lots more than one! That's not to say that all the secrets are true . . .
The characters in One Wrong Word are every bit as strong as the plot. Everyone lies. And I mean everyone - except maybe the children. And speaking of the children, I absolutely adored Pip. Who wouldn't love him after this? . . .
'You don't really think you're in trouble, do you?' he asked. 'You just want to get their license plate.'
Arden didn't know quite how to answer that. 'Why would you say that?'
'I read books,' Pip said.
Arden had my head spinning with her multiple theories. What starts out as a simple job of handling the 'rehabilitation' of the newly acquitted Ned Bannister into society, becomes anything but. Although he was acquitted by a jury, the general population see him as guilty; as the man who got away with vehicular homicide. Is he guilty? THAT is the million-dollar question. He has never denied running over skateboarder Tanner; just saying he never saw him.
This is a fast-paced and crazy read, which I have come to expect from this author. Once Arden begins investigating, motives simply ooze out of the atmosphere, fueled by rumor, innuendo and half-heard telephone conversations. There are a plethora of red herrings and twists and turns. It is impossible to know who to believe. My brain was twisted like a pretzel and my heart beating overtime as I read. The tension and suspense grows with each page turn culminating in a more than satisfying ending.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#OneWrongWord #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: Hank is a founder of MWA University, host of CRIME TIME on A Mighty Blaze, and co-host of First Chapter Fun and The Back Room. She is also on-air investigative reporter.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Tor Publishing Group, Forge Books, via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of One Wrong Word by Hank Phillippi Ryan for review. All opinions expressed in his review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
'Yes,' Cordelia said, 'yes, we are. I'm trying to at least. What happened to Ned . . .'
The corridor almost froze with Bethenny's demeanor.
'What happened? To Ned? What happened to him?' Both careful eyebrows went up. 'It's hardly what happened to him, is it Cordelia? It's what he did. Your husband drank so much he was completely drunk. That did not 'happen' to him. And then he drove his car. That did not 'happen' to him. That was a decision your husband actively made, an imprudent and deadly decision. That poor man could have been any of us.'
'The driver could have been any of us.' Tears were coming to Cordelia's eyes, bitter and baffled, but she could not allow herself to look weak. She had been waiting for this verdict for a year, a solid year, and the jury had said not guilty, and that was certainly, definitely true. Cordelia was sure of it, had always maintained her husband's innocence.
ABOUT 'ONE WRONG WORD': One wrong word can ruin your life. And no one knows that better than savvy crisis management expert Arden Ward. Problem is, she's now forced to handle a shocking crisis of her own. Unfairly accused of having an affair with a powerful client, Arden’s life and dreams are about to crash and burn. Then, Arden is given an ultimatum. She has just two weeks to save her career and her reputation.
Is Cordelia Bannister the answer to her prayers?
Cordelia needs Arden’s help for her husband Ned, a Boston real estate mogul. Though he was recently acquitted in a fatal drunk driving accident, his reputation is ruined, and the fallout is devastating not only to the Bannisters' lives, but the lives of their two adorable children.
Arden devotes her skill and determination—and maybe her final days on the job—to helping this shattered family, but soon, revelations begin to emerge about what really happened the night of the accident. And then—another car crash throws Ned back into the spotlight.
This case is Arden’s final chance to protect her own future and clear her name. But the more she tries to untangle the truth, the more she’s haunted by one disturbing question—what if she’s also protecting a killer?
Gossip. Lies. Rumors. Words like that can hurt you. And Arden knows the reality. Sometimes one wrong word can kill.
MY THOUGHTS: I love a good conclusion, and One Wrong Word has it in spades! And there is nothing so tempting as a good secret - One Wrong Word has more than one; lots more than one! That's not to say that all the secrets are true . . .
The characters in One Wrong Word are every bit as strong as the plot. Everyone lies. And I mean everyone - except maybe the children. And speaking of the children, I absolutely adored Pip. Who wouldn't love him after this? . . .
'You don't really think you're in trouble, do you?' he asked. 'You just want to get their license plate.'
Arden didn't know quite how to answer that. 'Why would you say that?'
'I read books,' Pip said.
Arden had my head spinning with her multiple theories. What starts out as a simple job of handling the 'rehabilitation' of the newly acquitted Ned Bannister into society, becomes anything but. Although he was acquitted by a jury, the general population see him as guilty; as the man who got away with vehicular homicide. Is he guilty? THAT is the million-dollar question. He has never denied running over skateboarder Tanner; just saying he never saw him.
This is a fast-paced and crazy read, which I have come to expect from this author. Once Arden begins investigating, motives simply ooze out of the atmosphere, fueled by rumor, innuendo and half-heard telephone conversations. There are a plethora of red herrings and twists and turns. It is impossible to know who to believe. My brain was twisted like a pretzel and my heart beating overtime as I read. The tension and suspense grows with each page turn culminating in a more than satisfying ending.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#OneWrongWord #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: Hank is a founder of MWA University, host of CRIME TIME on A Mighty Blaze, and co-host of First Chapter Fun and The Back Room. She is also on-air investigative reporter.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Tor Publishing Group, Forge Books, via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of One Wrong Word by Hank Phillippi Ryan for review. All opinions expressed in his review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
January 28, 2024
Words Matter! That is what Arden, a crisis management expert, will need to remember in this gripping new novel by Hank Phillippi Ryan. This book is full of secrets, lies, deception, threats, and betrayal. This book kept me on my toes trying to figure out who to trust in this twist filled book!
Arden just learned that she is losing her job, but her boss has thrown her a bone, a chance to make some money and to fix a messy situation. Cordelia Bannister asks Arden for help. Her husband, Ned, has recently been acquitted in a drunk driving accident which claimed a life. The court of public opinion has sided against them, and Cordelia asks Arden to help repair their reputation. Arden sets out to find out what really happened that night. She will have her work cut out for her!
This is not an action-packed book but a book packed with conversations. Readers will need to pay attention to the conversations as will Arden. I enjoyed trying to come up with my own theories as Arden tried to get to the bottom of things. I always love trying to figure out who can be trusted, who is telling lies, and trying to read between the lines.
Hank Phillippe Ryan delivers once again! I had both the book and the audiobook which made for an engaging and entertaining read!
Gripping, twist filled and well written.
Thank you to Tor Publishing Group, Forge Books, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Arden just learned that she is losing her job, but her boss has thrown her a bone, a chance to make some money and to fix a messy situation. Cordelia Bannister asks Arden for help. Her husband, Ned, has recently been acquitted in a drunk driving accident which claimed a life. The court of public opinion has sided against them, and Cordelia asks Arden to help repair their reputation. Arden sets out to find out what really happened that night. She will have her work cut out for her!
This is not an action-packed book but a book packed with conversations. Readers will need to pay attention to the conversations as will Arden. I enjoyed trying to come up with my own theories as Arden tried to get to the bottom of things. I always love trying to figure out who can be trusted, who is telling lies, and trying to read between the lines.
Hank Phillippe Ryan delivers once again! I had both the book and the audiobook which made for an engaging and entertaining read!
Gripping, twist filled and well written.
Thank you to Tor Publishing Group, Forge Books, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
December 28, 2023
After being falsely accused of having an affair with an important client, crisis management expert/fixer Arden Ward is suddenly facing a disaster of her own. To make matters worse, the wife of said client is demanding her head on a plate. Given one chance to salvage her much loved career, Arden is presented with a difficult case that, if resolved, could fix all of her problems.
With that realization, Arden is introduced to Cordelia Bannister and her husband, Ned. For the last year, she and her family have been under siege by the public following Ned’s fatal drunk driving accident which killed a pedestrian. Recently exonerated by a jury of his peers, they thought everything would quickly go back to normal. On the contrary, however, they have become disdained social outcasts in their community and, if anything, it’s only gotten worse following the verdict.
Known as one of the best in the business, Arden quickly gets to work. Digging up clues in the hopes of nailing down exactly what happened that fateful night, she’s alarmed when Cordelia starts to get threatening texts. Messages that claim there’s more to the story than what was made public in front of the jury. Just as Arden is trying to make sense of it all, however, a second accident brings Ned back into the frame. Suddenly, the police are once again focused on whether he’s innocent—or guilty.
As Arden works double time to reveal the truth, she’s forced to face the fact that it might not be quite as cut and dry as she’d hoped. With her own reputation on the line and more questions than answers, she’s left wondering about her role in the case. Has she been helping an innocent man regain his good name? Or has she been shielding a killer from getting their due?
I knew One Last Word was going to be good. I mean, it was written by Hank Phillippi Ryan, after all. What I wasn’t prepared for, however, was just how magnificently twisty and downright addictive it would turn out to be. From the dynamite characters to the fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled storyline, I was constantly playing catch up with the facts, just trying to put together the pieces before the final reveal. Following the final dramatic turn of events, however, I found that it was shocking but also slotted perfectly into place—a truly masterful combination.
As for those characters, they were both true-to-life and finely layered in a way that felt wholly authentic. Between a witty fixer, her desperate client, and one heck of an impassioned assistant district attorney, the three female narrators presented shrewd viewpoints that kept me engaged and flipping the pages. Add in the innocent—or perhaps guilty—husband at the center of the case, and my mind was running circles trying to see between the cracks. What really transpired and how were all involved? There was no way that I could’ve figured everything out in time.
It was the plot, however, that was the shining star in this mind-blowing book. Rife with heaps of red herrings and deftly obscured clues, this cat-and-mouse game kept me in its thrall until the very last word. Trust me when I say that the underhanded motives and nonstop secrets and lies will keep you guessing throughout. But the twists were the honey in this honeypot of a tale. Shifting the complex storyline in first one way and then the other, no matter how many guesses I made, I found that I was wrong. And take it from me, but each time that happened, it utterly thrilled me to my core.
All in all, Ryan just seems to be upping her game with each novel that she writes. A sublime psychological suspense novel with an expertly crafted crime fiction edge, I’m just praying that the perfectly teed up finale means we’re in store for a sequel. After all, Arden has become one of my favorite characters of note and, IYKYK, but that’s quite a statement. Even better, the ratcheting suspense, explosive climax, and well-plotted storylines meant for a book that gave me definite Charlie Donlea vibes. So be sure to put this book on your TBR ASAP and perhaps even pre-order a copy today. After all, this is sure to be one of the most binge-worthy, buzzed about books of next year. Rating of 5 stars.
Thank you to Hank Phillippi Ryan, Forge Books, and Thriller Book Lovers Promotions for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: February 6, 2024
Scroll down for my potentially plot spoiling trigger list.
Trigger warning: threatening messages, being held at gunpoint, mention of: fatal drunk driving accident, hit-and-run, blackmail, infidelity
With that realization, Arden is introduced to Cordelia Bannister and her husband, Ned. For the last year, she and her family have been under siege by the public following Ned’s fatal drunk driving accident which killed a pedestrian. Recently exonerated by a jury of his peers, they thought everything would quickly go back to normal. On the contrary, however, they have become disdained social outcasts in their community and, if anything, it’s only gotten worse following the verdict.
Known as one of the best in the business, Arden quickly gets to work. Digging up clues in the hopes of nailing down exactly what happened that fateful night, she’s alarmed when Cordelia starts to get threatening texts. Messages that claim there’s more to the story than what was made public in front of the jury. Just as Arden is trying to make sense of it all, however, a second accident brings Ned back into the frame. Suddenly, the police are once again focused on whether he’s innocent—or guilty.
As Arden works double time to reveal the truth, she’s forced to face the fact that it might not be quite as cut and dry as she’d hoped. With her own reputation on the line and more questions than answers, she’s left wondering about her role in the case. Has she been helping an innocent man regain his good name? Or has she been shielding a killer from getting their due?
I knew One Last Word was going to be good. I mean, it was written by Hank Phillippi Ryan, after all. What I wasn’t prepared for, however, was just how magnificently twisty and downright addictive it would turn out to be. From the dynamite characters to the fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled storyline, I was constantly playing catch up with the facts, just trying to put together the pieces before the final reveal. Following the final dramatic turn of events, however, I found that it was shocking but also slotted perfectly into place—a truly masterful combination.
As for those characters, they were both true-to-life and finely layered in a way that felt wholly authentic. Between a witty fixer, her desperate client, and one heck of an impassioned assistant district attorney, the three female narrators presented shrewd viewpoints that kept me engaged and flipping the pages. Add in the innocent—or perhaps guilty—husband at the center of the case, and my mind was running circles trying to see between the cracks. What really transpired and how were all involved? There was no way that I could’ve figured everything out in time.
It was the plot, however, that was the shining star in this mind-blowing book. Rife with heaps of red herrings and deftly obscured clues, this cat-and-mouse game kept me in its thrall until the very last word. Trust me when I say that the underhanded motives and nonstop secrets and lies will keep you guessing throughout. But the twists were the honey in this honeypot of a tale. Shifting the complex storyline in first one way and then the other, no matter how many guesses I made, I found that I was wrong. And take it from me, but each time that happened, it utterly thrilled me to my core.
All in all, Ryan just seems to be upping her game with each novel that she writes. A sublime psychological suspense novel with an expertly crafted crime fiction edge, I’m just praying that the perfectly teed up finale means we’re in store for a sequel. After all, Arden has become one of my favorite characters of note and, IYKYK, but that’s quite a statement. Even better, the ratcheting suspense, explosive climax, and well-plotted storylines meant for a book that gave me definite Charlie Donlea vibes. So be sure to put this book on your TBR ASAP and perhaps even pre-order a copy today. After all, this is sure to be one of the most binge-worthy, buzzed about books of next year. Rating of 5 stars.
Thank you to Hank Phillippi Ryan, Forge Books, and Thriller Book Lovers Promotions for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: February 6, 2024
Scroll down for my potentially plot spoiling trigger list.
Trigger warning: threatening messages, being held at gunpoint, mention of: fatal drunk driving accident, hit-and-run, blackmail, infidelity
January 31, 2024
Cordelia Bannister has hired Arden Ward, a skilled PR crisis management expert, to handle the severe backlash that her husband Ned is currently facing. Ned was recently acquitted of a fatal drunk driving accident, but the public seems to be unconvinced of his innocence. The media have been reporting extensively on the case, and Ned and his wife Cordelia have been subjected to negative attention. Cordelia even received threatening texts and calls.
However, just as Arden begins her work, another car accident connected to Ned occurs, leading to renewed scrutiny. As Arden delves deeper into the case, she is faced with the question of whether Ned was truly innocent in the first accident, or whether there is something more to the story that has yet to be revealed.
I found the book to be decent overall, though I did predict the culprit early on which made the story feel a bit slow at times. Nonetheless, the ending was still satisfying thanks to some unexpected twists. I would recommend this book to fans of mysteries, although it may not be as appealing to those who read mysteries frequently.
***Thank you to NetGalley, Hank Phillippi Ryan, and Macmillan Audio for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
However, just as Arden begins her work, another car accident connected to Ned occurs, leading to renewed scrutiny. As Arden delves deeper into the case, she is faced with the question of whether Ned was truly innocent in the first accident, or whether there is something more to the story that has yet to be revealed.
I found the book to be decent overall, though I did predict the culprit early on which made the story feel a bit slow at times. Nonetheless, the ending was still satisfying thanks to some unexpected twists. I would recommend this book to fans of mysteries, although it may not be as appealing to those who read mysteries frequently.
***Thank you to NetGalley, Hank Phillippi Ryan, and Macmillan Audio for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
February 6, 2024
the setup…
Arden Ward is a highly successful crisis management expert working for a top tier company. That is until her boss and mentor finds her expendable when he has to choose between a client’s misguided accusation and supporting her. As if that’s not bad enough, he forces her to take on a client or face being blackballed as she goes out the door. It’s the highest profile case currently on the front pages and the wife of the recently acquitted man who was accused of causing a traffic fatality while inebriated wants her help to rehabilitate their reputation. Arden takes the case but things go sideways almost from the start.
the heart of the story…
Arden was hired by Cordelia Bannister but it’s husband Ned who’s at the center of the controversy. Was he really guilty or the victim of an over zealous prosecutor? Did he really not know the victim or was there a prior relationship as someone is anonymously insinuating? It doesn’t take long for Arden to not know who she can trust and your neck will get sore from the constant whiplash of the back and forth about it. I’ve never experienced so many unreliable narrators in one story and I kept screaming at Arden to just run!
the narration…
I enjoyed Shalan’s storytelling approach because she wasn’t giving a thing away in her performance. I kept listening for a hint as to who might be lying but she gave each character a straight face. It was an exceptional delivery.
the bottom line…
It took most of the story for me to develop a strong supposition and I came really close. It was a tangled, delicious web of lies, half truths and subterfuge like I’ve rarely experienced. Arden has a keen mind and even when she doubted herself, kept her wits about her. This was a gnarly puzzle that gave me brain cramps on occasion but was highly entertaining. What a great ride and even better on audio.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Arden Ward is a highly successful crisis management expert working for a top tier company. That is until her boss and mentor finds her expendable when he has to choose between a client’s misguided accusation and supporting her. As if that’s not bad enough, he forces her to take on a client or face being blackballed as she goes out the door. It’s the highest profile case currently on the front pages and the wife of the recently acquitted man who was accused of causing a traffic fatality while inebriated wants her help to rehabilitate their reputation. Arden takes the case but things go sideways almost from the start.
the heart of the story…
Arden was hired by Cordelia Bannister but it’s husband Ned who’s at the center of the controversy. Was he really guilty or the victim of an over zealous prosecutor? Did he really not know the victim or was there a prior relationship as someone is anonymously insinuating? It doesn’t take long for Arden to not know who she can trust and your neck will get sore from the constant whiplash of the back and forth about it. I’ve never experienced so many unreliable narrators in one story and I kept screaming at Arden to just run!
the narration…
I enjoyed Shalan’s storytelling approach because she wasn’t giving a thing away in her performance. I kept listening for a hint as to who might be lying but she gave each character a straight face. It was an exceptional delivery.
the bottom line…
It took most of the story for me to develop a strong supposition and I came really close. It was a tangled, delicious web of lies, half truths and subterfuge like I’ve rarely experienced. Arden has a keen mind and even when she doubted herself, kept her wits about her. This was a gnarly puzzle that gave me brain cramps on occasion but was highly entertaining. What a great ride and even better on audio.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
February 3, 2024
One Wrong Word by Hank Philippi Ryan
Mystery, psychological thriller.
One Wrong Word can ruin your life. Crisis management expert Arden Ward knows that fact a little too well right now. She’s been fired from her job after being unfairly accused of having an affair with a powerful client. Arden agrees to take on an investigation case of Cordelia and Ned Bannister. He’s on trial for murder. Cordelia wants her family protected and the case investigated. Th more Arden searches and analyzes evidence, the more tangles. She has to question if she is also protecting a killer.
Twists and turns, sabotage or lies? The more she untangles, the deeper the threat.
🎧 I listened to an audiobook version of this story, narrated by Gail Shalan. The performance is well done with the mounting tension clearly being heard and felt. There are distinct voices for the three main voices as well as several secondary characters and all are clear and easily followed. The only one not quite believable was the young boy, but it’s a short part. The timing was average to most audiobooks and I ended up listening at 1.5 which is my preferred. This story has only one POV, which makes the audiobook easier to follow. The twists, turns and reveals of the mystery had me backing up a bit twice while listening to clarify a point.
Drama and suspense and twists kept me reading to figure out what really happened.
Overall a wonderful suspenseful read.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and Macmillan Audio.
Mystery, psychological thriller.
One Wrong Word can ruin your life. Crisis management expert Arden Ward knows that fact a little too well right now. She’s been fired from her job after being unfairly accused of having an affair with a powerful client. Arden agrees to take on an investigation case of Cordelia and Ned Bannister. He’s on trial for murder. Cordelia wants her family protected and the case investigated. Th more Arden searches and analyzes evidence, the more tangles. She has to question if she is also protecting a killer.
Twists and turns, sabotage or lies? The more she untangles, the deeper the threat.
🎧 I listened to an audiobook version of this story, narrated by Gail Shalan. The performance is well done with the mounting tension clearly being heard and felt. There are distinct voices for the three main voices as well as several secondary characters and all are clear and easily followed. The only one not quite believable was the young boy, but it’s a short part. The timing was average to most audiobooks and I ended up listening at 1.5 which is my preferred. This story has only one POV, which makes the audiobook easier to follow. The twists, turns and reveals of the mystery had me backing up a bit twice while listening to clarify a point.
Drama and suspense and twists kept me reading to figure out what really happened.
Overall a wonderful suspenseful read.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and Macmillan Audio.
January 27, 2024
One Wrong Word, a 2024 suspense novel written by Hank Phillippi Ryan, focuses on a fixer who is fired from her job because a client's wife was jealous, but on the way out, the fixer's boss offers one last new client that will provide big bucks, hopefully easing the transition. A local business magnate was supposedly driving drunk after a holiday party and killed a skater in a parking garage. His trial is the opening of the book, and regardless of the outcome, the public continues to eviscerate him. His wife begs for support. As the mystery unfolds, we discover lies, deceit, and a few missing pieces of evidence. What really happened on the night of the accident? I loved this book, as I tend to with Ryan's thrillers. It was a slow build that combusted midway through when it became apparent the driver's wife was a bit obsessed. But could she have something up her sleeve? So many interesting conversations happening, weird, to be honest... but they ultimately connect to the larger story in the end. It was well crafted, showed the flaws of human nature, and left a lot of trouble in the end. Highly recommended.
February 21, 2024
One Wrong Word kept me guessing who did it and why. There is so many layers of lies, people, text, connections, deceit, and drama. From the first page I could not put it down without knowing who was the culprit and why. Did Ned have a connection with the skateboarder in the parking garage or was he a victim himself being played?
Arden is wrongly accused of having an affair with a client because of the perfume she wears and is given two weeks to help Ned Bannister rehab his name even though he was just found not guilty of killing a man in his parking garage of his business in Boston. Why does he need help from a fixer if he is innocent? as we know the public always has their opinion and the verdict can be mute to the actual truth. Arden is given this last assignment by her boss who tells her she will have a great referral and will be set up for her future if she can help Ned out of this mess. His wife, Cordelia is the one who hired her and wanted her to clear everything up for her family so that she could go back to her perfect and cushy life. Arden gets to work on this and is trying to find the truth but so many inconsistencies keep coming up with twist and turns continue as she digs to find out what really happen. She meets Ned and gets him to see that people have a magnifying glass on him and he needs to work on his perception.
His attorney is hit by a car walking to Ned's office and all eyes are again on Ned. Arden and Ned travel to his childhood home to check on his kids since their Mom has gone radio silent. Arden keeps trying to decide if Ned is guilty or not of both crimes. She begins to pick up new information that will help her decide how to proceed in helping him reinvent his life in the eyes of the public. Nuggets of information are dropped throughout this trip that makes Arden question what she knows to be true. When they return to Boston more confusion of who did what happens. There are so many motives and Arden isn't sure which way to turn. Cordelia returns from her trip and begins flipping the script and acting wackadoodle and this makes Arden question why is she even doing this job.
As the story continues it is clear who killed the skateboarder or is it? I love how Arden didn't take anything for granted and once the answers are unfolded man was it a whopper loaded with so much deception and mind blowing discoveries thanks to Arden's search for the truth.
This was my first Hank Phillippi Ryan book but will not be my last. It was such a fast pace book and I didn't want to stop reading it. The audiobook was well done and the narrator was perfect for this book. I look forward to reading more of her books and being captivated by her story telling and clues she drops through out but kept me guessing. Thank you to Hank Phillippi Ryan, Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for the ARC of this phenomenal book. It will be published Feb 6th, 2024 and I highly recommend that you put this book on your TBR and get to know Arden and her search for the truth.
Arden is wrongly accused of having an affair with a client because of the perfume she wears and is given two weeks to help Ned Bannister rehab his name even though he was just found not guilty of killing a man in his parking garage of his business in Boston. Why does he need help from a fixer if he is innocent? as we know the public always has their opinion and the verdict can be mute to the actual truth. Arden is given this last assignment by her boss who tells her she will have a great referral and will be set up for her future if she can help Ned out of this mess. His wife, Cordelia is the one who hired her and wanted her to clear everything up for her family so that she could go back to her perfect and cushy life. Arden gets to work on this and is trying to find the truth but so many inconsistencies keep coming up with twist and turns continue as she digs to find out what really happen. She meets Ned and gets him to see that people have a magnifying glass on him and he needs to work on his perception.
His attorney is hit by a car walking to Ned's office and all eyes are again on Ned. Arden and Ned travel to his childhood home to check on his kids since their Mom has gone radio silent. Arden keeps trying to decide if Ned is guilty or not of both crimes. She begins to pick up new information that will help her decide how to proceed in helping him reinvent his life in the eyes of the public. Nuggets of information are dropped throughout this trip that makes Arden question what she knows to be true. When they return to Boston more confusion of who did what happens. There are so many motives and Arden isn't sure which way to turn. Cordelia returns from her trip and begins flipping the script and acting wackadoodle and this makes Arden question why is she even doing this job.
As the story continues it is clear who killed the skateboarder or is it? I love how Arden didn't take anything for granted and once the answers are unfolded man was it a whopper loaded with so much deception and mind blowing discoveries thanks to Arden's search for the truth.
This was my first Hank Phillippi Ryan book but will not be my last. It was such a fast pace book and I didn't want to stop reading it. The audiobook was well done and the narrator was perfect for this book. I look forward to reading more of her books and being captivated by her story telling and clues she drops through out but kept me guessing. Thank you to Hank Phillippi Ryan, Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for the ARC of this phenomenal book. It will be published Feb 6th, 2024 and I highly recommend that you put this book on your TBR and get to know Arden and her search for the truth.
December 10, 2023
Hank Phillippi Ryan is an auto read author for me, she always takes the reader on a wild and twisted ride. Sent in Boston, this a book full of unreliable and unlikeable characters that will have you turning those pages to find out what happens next. Every time I thought that I had it worked out, plot twist!!
Arden is a Pr expert on the verge of losing her job. She is given one last client, Ned Bannister. He has just been acquitted of murder but the public perception of him has not changed. His wife is desperate for them to be accepted again so hires Arden. Between Ned and his wife, Arden does not know who is lying and if anyone is telling the truth. It isn’t long before Ned is under the spotlight again for another incident and life certainly gets interesting for them all.
This book will surprise you in so many ways. Get it on your TBR now.
Thank you to Tor Publishing Group and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book. Publishes on February 6th.
Arden is a Pr expert on the verge of losing her job. She is given one last client, Ned Bannister. He has just been acquitted of murder but the public perception of him has not changed. His wife is desperate for them to be accepted again so hires Arden. Between Ned and his wife, Arden does not know who is lying and if anyone is telling the truth. It isn’t long before Ned is under the spotlight again for another incident and life certainly gets interesting for them all.
This book will surprise you in so many ways. Get it on your TBR now.
Thank you to Tor Publishing Group and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book. Publishes on February 6th.
February 5, 2024
One Wrong Word
By: Hank Phillippi Ryan
When a hit and run accident victim mentions one word, “Ned” and then is unable to talk, all speculation is on one suspect!
I loved this novel about Arden Ward. She is a brilliant crisis management expert, but when she ends up handling her own crisis, things get crazy. After she brings in a new client to the business she works for the jealous wife wants her out of the company. Her boss decides to let her go and he knows Arden is not guilty of what she is accused off, but he has to go where the money is.
Her boss gives her one last big client and will let her walk away, but there are strings attached to this agreement. Arden feels she has no choice because he is very powerful and does not want to get blacklisted.
Cordelia Bannister is Arden’s new client and she wants Arden’s help because her husband Ned, who is a big-wig in real estate has been acquitted of a hit and run, but everyone treats them like he was guilty and it is affecting not only their marriage but their kids.
This novel is fast paced and extremely fun to see how Arden comes out of top, despite all the obstacles in her way. I loved the reference to Joy perfume and others brands, and assume Arden was in reference to Elizabeth Arden cosmetics.
Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours and Ryan for this advanced copy.
By: Hank Phillippi Ryan
When a hit and run accident victim mentions one word, “Ned” and then is unable to talk, all speculation is on one suspect!
I loved this novel about Arden Ward. She is a brilliant crisis management expert, but when she ends up handling her own crisis, things get crazy. After she brings in a new client to the business she works for the jealous wife wants her out of the company. Her boss decides to let her go and he knows Arden is not guilty of what she is accused off, but he has to go where the money is.
Her boss gives her one last big client and will let her walk away, but there are strings attached to this agreement. Arden feels she has no choice because he is very powerful and does not want to get blacklisted.
Cordelia Bannister is Arden’s new client and she wants Arden’s help because her husband Ned, who is a big-wig in real estate has been acquitted of a hit and run, but everyone treats them like he was guilty and it is affecting not only their marriage but their kids.
This novel is fast paced and extremely fun to see how Arden comes out of top, despite all the obstacles in her way. I loved the reference to Joy perfume and others brands, and assume Arden was in reference to Elizabeth Arden cosmetics.
Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours and Ryan for this advanced copy.
February 6, 2024
WOW! ONE WRONG WORD is Electrifying! Another stellar psychological thriller winner by Powerhouse (favorite author) Hank Phillippi Ryan, the queen of cat-and-mouse thrillers! Hank DAZZLES.
Fresh, clever, chilling, and INTENSE, ONE WRONG WORD is Hank's best yet!
One WRONG word can ruin your life, and Arden Ward knows this all too well as a savvy crisis PR management expert. However, this time, her challenge is close to home. Words have power, and the wrong words can be devastating.
Unfairly accused of having an affair with a substantial client, her life is about to crash and burn. She is given an ultimatum to save her career and reputation. Is she up for the challenge?
Cordelia Bannister could be the answer to her prayers. She needs her help regarding Ned (her husband), A Boston real estate tycoon. He was recently acquitted in a fatal drunk driving accident, but his reputation is ruined, as well as the entire family and two children.
Arden dives in to help, but soon, things come to light about what happened that night. Then, another crash sends Ned back into the spotlight. Suddenly, the police are again focused on whether he’s innocent—or guilty.
This case is her final chance to save her name and career, but what if she is helping protect a KILLER? Soon, Arden is knee-deep in a mystery with lies, secrets, and DANGER.
Can you say twisty plot, addictive, heart-pounding suspense, and fantastic characters—but of course, this is the mastermind pro, HPR!
Complex and multi-layered, the characters come to life in this wild ride! ONE WRONG WORD is fast-paced and action-packed, so buckle up and keep up —because there is something at every page turn, and you do not want to miss a thing!
It is told from the POVs of three strong women as the story unfolds with a web of deceit, lies, mistrust, money, power, greed, blackmail, manipulation, and SECRETS. You will be on the edge of your seat until the end.
Masterfully crafted, as always, it's an unputdownable cat-and-mouse game, and you never know who to trust with suspects and red herrings keeping you guessing. Prime for the big or small screen!
I read the e-book and listened to the audio narrated by the fabulous Gail Shalan for an outstanding performance and listening experience.
Now, the million-dollar question: will there be a sequel? Arden is super and too good to end, so bring her back! Believe all the Buzz...get this gem on your TBR list now! This will be a bestseller for sure!
Stay tuned for my Feb Featured #AuthorElevatorSeries Q&A Interview with Hank on pub day (Feb 6, 2024), where we go behind the book and this award-winning favorite rock star author!
Special thanks to Forge Books, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced digital review copy and an advanced listening copy of this stellar psychological thriller for an honest review.
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Feb 6, 2024
My Rating: 5 Stars +
Feb 2024 Must-Read Books
Feb 2024 #AuthorElevatorSeries QA
Fresh, clever, chilling, and INTENSE, ONE WRONG WORD is Hank's best yet!
One WRONG word can ruin your life, and Arden Ward knows this all too well as a savvy crisis PR management expert. However, this time, her challenge is close to home. Words have power, and the wrong words can be devastating.
Unfairly accused of having an affair with a substantial client, her life is about to crash and burn. She is given an ultimatum to save her career and reputation. Is she up for the challenge?
Cordelia Bannister could be the answer to her prayers. She needs her help regarding Ned (her husband), A Boston real estate tycoon. He was recently acquitted in a fatal drunk driving accident, but his reputation is ruined, as well as the entire family and two children.
Arden dives in to help, but soon, things come to light about what happened that night. Then, another crash sends Ned back into the spotlight. Suddenly, the police are again focused on whether he’s innocent—or guilty.
This case is her final chance to save her name and career, but what if she is helping protect a KILLER? Soon, Arden is knee-deep in a mystery with lies, secrets, and DANGER.
Can you say twisty plot, addictive, heart-pounding suspense, and fantastic characters—but of course, this is the mastermind pro, HPR!
Complex and multi-layered, the characters come to life in this wild ride! ONE WRONG WORD is fast-paced and action-packed, so buckle up and keep up —because there is something at every page turn, and you do not want to miss a thing!
It is told from the POVs of three strong women as the story unfolds with a web of deceit, lies, mistrust, money, power, greed, blackmail, manipulation, and SECRETS. You will be on the edge of your seat until the end.
Masterfully crafted, as always, it's an unputdownable cat-and-mouse game, and you never know who to trust with suspects and red herrings keeping you guessing. Prime for the big or small screen!
I read the e-book and listened to the audio narrated by the fabulous Gail Shalan for an outstanding performance and listening experience.
Now, the million-dollar question: will there be a sequel? Arden is super and too good to end, so bring her back! Believe all the Buzz...get this gem on your TBR list now! This will be a bestseller for sure!
Stay tuned for my Feb Featured #AuthorElevatorSeries Q&A Interview with Hank on pub day (Feb 6, 2024), where we go behind the book and this award-winning favorite rock star author!
Special thanks to Forge Books, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced digital review copy and an advanced listening copy of this stellar psychological thriller for an honest review.
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Feb 6, 2024
My Rating: 5 Stars +
Feb 2024 Must-Read Books
Feb 2024 #AuthorElevatorSeries QA
February 28, 2024
I usually enjoy this author's books, but I couldn't connect with this one. It was slow to get started, repetitious and drawn out. The characters were annoying and the whole cat and mouse game was endless, just going in circles for what seemed an eternity. I had a lot of it figured out early on, so the twists were not particularly surprising, and there were no real thrills. There are many glowing reviews out there, so it's probably just my mood, but I found the book to be underwhelming.
February 13, 2024
I don't even know where to begin with my review of this book. I NEVER give one star reviews. This is supposed to be a psychological thriller? The entire time I was reading this book, I was waiting for it to be "a gripping roller coaster of a read..." as the blurb on the cover promised. I was expecting Space Mountain but this book was more like being on the It's a Small World ride at Disneyland. I was waiting for the excitement to happen and it never did.
SPOILERS AHEAD!!!!!
Arden Ward is a "crisis manager". That is, she is a public relations person for the wealthy. When she was introduced I thought, "Oh! She is like Olivia Pope but in Boston! That sounds neat!". I quickly discovered that Arden sucked at her job. Apparently one of the clients at her firm accused her of having a thing with her husband and Arden's boss, while he doesn't believe the client, decides to let Arden go. He then gives Arden one last job before she departs the firm. She has to help Cordelia Bannister's husband Ned clean up his reputation after he gets acquitted of several charges including *drum roll* vehicular manslaughter.
The story gets ridiculous really quickly starting with why Arden would even entertain taking this job and continue working for an employer who essentially has wrongfully terminated her employment.
There is an assistant district attorney who couldn't get a manslaughter conviction from a defendant who admitted to running over a victim with his car while driving while intoxicated. This same assistant district attorney conducts her own investigations and is everywhere she isn't supposed to be doing everything in her power to lose her fictional bar card. Attorneys on Law and Order don't even do this stuff! ADAs don't do their own investigating. They send cops to do that. While I can typically suspend disbelief when I am reading, this was a little too much for me to let go.
And then of course there is Arden, the Dollar General version of Olivia Pope, who is a "fixer" but makes one stupid decision after another. She goes traipsing about with her client Ned, inviting him into her home, and ordering Uber Eats even though he is suspected of murder and attempted murder. The attempted murder gets weaved in because shortly after he gets acquitted of all of his DUI and manslaughter charges, his high profile defense attorney gets run over by a car and everyone suspects it was Ned who tried to kill her. Suspecting that it was Ned trying to kill his own lawyer made absolutely no sense. There was nothing about Arden's character development that made me believe that she was remotely competent at her job. The ADA was so incompetent that she had a CONFESSION of driving while intoxicated and hitting a guy with a car and still couldn't get a conviction. Every female character in this book was a flaming loser.
I needed Jesus to take the wheel and cut the cables on the brakes for this book. I predicted the end pretty early on. No real plot twists. Heck there really wasn't even a plot.
SPOILERS AHEAD!!!!!
Arden Ward is a "crisis manager". That is, she is a public relations person for the wealthy. When she was introduced I thought, "Oh! She is like Olivia Pope but in Boston! That sounds neat!". I quickly discovered that Arden sucked at her job. Apparently one of the clients at her firm accused her of having a thing with her husband and Arden's boss, while he doesn't believe the client, decides to let Arden go. He then gives Arden one last job before she departs the firm. She has to help Cordelia Bannister's husband Ned clean up his reputation after he gets acquitted of several charges including *drum roll* vehicular manslaughter.
The story gets ridiculous really quickly starting with why Arden would even entertain taking this job and continue working for an employer who essentially has wrongfully terminated her employment.
There is an assistant district attorney who couldn't get a manslaughter conviction from a defendant who admitted to running over a victim with his car while driving while intoxicated. This same assistant district attorney conducts her own investigations and is everywhere she isn't supposed to be doing everything in her power to lose her fictional bar card. Attorneys on Law and Order don't even do this stuff! ADAs don't do their own investigating. They send cops to do that. While I can typically suspend disbelief when I am reading, this was a little too much for me to let go.
And then of course there is Arden, the Dollar General version of Olivia Pope, who is a "fixer" but makes one stupid decision after another. She goes traipsing about with her client Ned, inviting him into her home, and ordering Uber Eats even though he is suspected of murder and attempted murder. The attempted murder gets weaved in because shortly after he gets acquitted of all of his DUI and manslaughter charges, his high profile defense attorney gets run over by a car and everyone suspects it was Ned who tried to kill her. Suspecting that it was Ned trying to kill his own lawyer made absolutely no sense. There was nothing about Arden's character development that made me believe that she was remotely competent at her job. The ADA was so incompetent that she had a CONFESSION of driving while intoxicated and hitting a guy with a car and still couldn't get a conviction. Every female character in this book was a flaming loser.
I needed Jesus to take the wheel and cut the cables on the brakes for this book. I predicted the end pretty early on. No real plot twists. Heck there really wasn't even a plot.
July 20, 2024
Ned Bannister, on trial for hitting and killing a man with his car, has been found innocent. But the public isn’t so ready to forgive, which means life is still difficult for him and his family. That’s why his wife, Cordelia, hires PR expert Arden Ward to help. But Arden is having a crisis of her own, with her job on the line after being accused of an affair. When the Bannister’s case takes an unexpected turn, Arden is left wondering who she can trust. Can she figure out a way to help her client and find her future?
This book has an interesting premise, and I was quickly hooked. But then we hit the middle, where we had questions asked multiple times with very few answers of any kind. I would have been happy with lies, even, to advance the story and set up some twists. We do reach a satisfying climax, but the pacing could have been better. One character was whiney, but I found the rest of the characters likeable, and enjoyed spending time with them. Most of the story is told from Arden’s third person point-of-view, which helps us get to know her better, but we get some chapters from other’s view points. I’m wondering if I’m just not having realistic expectations for phycological thrillers. If you like the genre and this premise sounds interesting, definitely give this book a chance.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
This book has an interesting premise, and I was quickly hooked. But then we hit the middle, where we had questions asked multiple times with very few answers of any kind. I would have been happy with lies, even, to advance the story and set up some twists. We do reach a satisfying climax, but the pacing could have been better. One character was whiney, but I found the rest of the characters likeable, and enjoyed spending time with them. Most of the story is told from Arden’s third person point-of-view, which helps us get to know her better, but we get some chapters from other’s view points. I’m wondering if I’m just not having realistic expectations for phycological thrillers. If you like the genre and this premise sounds interesting, definitely give this book a chance.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
December 20, 2023
One Wrong Word is a twisty domestic suspense read told from three points of view. The story focuses on a PR crisis management expert, Arden, who, reeling from her own personal career crisis, is forced by her boss into helping to rehabilitate the image/reputation of Ned, recently acquitted of vehicular homicide. For while he has been acquitted by the court, the public is not so forgiving. Handling his PR case is Arden’s last chance to save her career and reputation.
As Arden works with Ned and his wife to help him, she uncovers secrets and a tangle of lies and then things get worse when Ned’s lawyer gets run down and the car that hits her looks suspiciously like Ned’s. What did Arden get herself into? Is she helping a killer?
The story has red herrings and lots of twists and turns, the pacing is good (with a bit of a slow start which picks up quickly) and Arden is a very likeable character. It would be great to see her in other novels by this author! Although I figured out the ending a bit before the reveal, it was still a solid ending. Recommended for domestic suspense/thriller lovers!
Thanks to @thrillerbookloverspromotions @forgereads and @netgalley for this complimentary copy and to @thrillerbookloverspromotions for having me on this tour. All opinions are my own.
As Arden works with Ned and his wife to help him, she uncovers secrets and a tangle of lies and then things get worse when Ned’s lawyer gets run down and the car that hits her looks suspiciously like Ned’s. What did Arden get herself into? Is she helping a killer?
The story has red herrings and lots of twists and turns, the pacing is good (with a bit of a slow start which picks up quickly) and Arden is a very likeable character. It would be great to see her in other novels by this author! Although I figured out the ending a bit before the reveal, it was still a solid ending. Recommended for domestic suspense/thriller lovers!
Thanks to @thrillerbookloverspromotions @forgereads and @netgalley for this complimentary copy and to @thrillerbookloverspromotions for having me on this tour. All opinions are my own.
February 7, 2024
Well hot dang this one kept me guessing! It was my first by Ryan and there is no doubt it won’t be my last!
I swear, every time I had this one “figured out,” something changed my mind or led me astray. I questioned everyone and everything but just couldn’t figure out how or why it was all connected.
Something felt off about me for some of the characters right off the bat and it was fun to see if my intuition played out or not. There were connections I didn’t think to look for and I loved how the novel was about so much more than just Ned’s acquittal, Nyomi’s accident, or Arden’s work drama. There were layers to every situation and character and the depth paid off and made me incredibly invested.
Arden was a great character and I liked how her mind worked. It was fun working through the mystery with her and getting her insight into things I never would have considered. When Monelle suggested she become an investigator, I wholeheartedly agreed!
It was also a major plus to me that this book took place in Boston. Being part of the Boston legal community myself, this book felt a little like home (minus all the drama!!!) and it was fun knowing the streets and landmarks Ryan described with such detail and authenticity.
This is one that can’t be missed! Thank you to Thriller Book Lovers Promotions and Forge Books for the copy.
I swear, every time I had this one “figured out,” something changed my mind or led me astray. I questioned everyone and everything but just couldn’t figure out how or why it was all connected.
Something felt off about me for some of the characters right off the bat and it was fun to see if my intuition played out or not. There were connections I didn’t think to look for and I loved how the novel was about so much more than just Ned’s acquittal, Nyomi’s accident, or Arden’s work drama. There were layers to every situation and character and the depth paid off and made me incredibly invested.
Arden was a great character and I liked how her mind worked. It was fun working through the mystery with her and getting her insight into things I never would have considered. When Monelle suggested she become an investigator, I wholeheartedly agreed!
It was also a major plus to me that this book took place in Boston. Being part of the Boston legal community myself, this book felt a little like home (minus all the drama!!!) and it was fun knowing the streets and landmarks Ryan described with such detail and authenticity.
This is one that can’t be missed! Thank you to Thriller Book Lovers Promotions and Forge Books for the copy.
January 31, 2024
So, unfortunately, this book just didn’t really work well for me. I was very frustrated with the back-and-forth banter between Arden and Cordelia. I also couldn’t understand why Arden was so dedicated to helping Cordelia when she was so manipulative and in general just not a good person. I did not enjoy the fact that the characters names first and last were repeated several times within even one page. All of the characters were annoying, very wordy with their descriptions, argued back-and-forth over the same repetitive things, and in general, I didn’t like them. Arden was so upset about her position at work and losing her job and very repetitive about this. The only redeeming character, pip, the son of Cordelia, whom I found to be a nice addition to the story.
I have read other books by this author, and love them, so I am not sure exactly why this one rubbed me so the wrong way.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Forge books for my electronic advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
I have read other books by this author, and love them, so I am not sure exactly why this one rubbed me so the wrong way.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Forge books for my electronic advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
January 6, 2024
One Wrong Word by Hank Ryan Phillippi. Thanks to @forgebooks for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Arden does PR wonders to damaged reputation. When she starts working with Ned Bannister, acquitted of murder, she knows she can help his reputation recover from the trial and gossip. However she starts suspecting there is more to the story.
This was a twisty tale that those interested in PR and journalism will be into. For me, it was long winded at times and a lot longer than it needed to be. It probably could have been chopped in half, especially a lot of the dialogue and I would have enjoyed it a lot more. Not my favorite of Phillippi’s but still a good read.
“Words could be as deadly as a gun or a knife if your reputation is murdered.”
One Wrong Word comes out 2/16.
Arden does PR wonders to damaged reputation. When she starts working with Ned Bannister, acquitted of murder, she knows she can help his reputation recover from the trial and gossip. However she starts suspecting there is more to the story.
This was a twisty tale that those interested in PR and journalism will be into. For me, it was long winded at times and a lot longer than it needed to be. It probably could have been chopped in half, especially a lot of the dialogue and I would have enjoyed it a lot more. Not my favorite of Phillippi’s but still a good read.
“Words could be as deadly as a gun or a knife if your reputation is murdered.”
One Wrong Word comes out 2/16.
February 13, 2024
I don’t know how Hank keeps upping her game with each new book!!! This one had me mesmerized and I thought I had it figured out and she would send me on a totally different path!!!
Arden is a crisis management expert and she is very good at what she does!! One day, her boss fires her because of an affair with a client that did not happen. She has been given one more client and this is going to be a tough one!! A wealthy husband is found not guilt of killing someone but their good name is now tarnished. His wife and children are suffering. There are lies and rumors circulating. What can Arden do to help this family and is she being told the truth.
Highly recommend this book that will be out on Feb. 6,
Arden is a crisis management expert and she is very good at what she does!! One day, her boss fires her because of an affair with a client that did not happen. She has been given one more client and this is going to be a tough one!! A wealthy husband is found not guilt of killing someone but their good name is now tarnished. His wife and children are suffering. There are lies and rumors circulating. What can Arden do to help this family and is she being told the truth.
Highly recommend this book that will be out on Feb. 6,
February 29, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
February 11, 2024
This book didn't just contain one wrong word, it contained several. However, the one RIGHT word is "unrealistic."
I don't hand out one stars lightly or often, but I needed Great Value Olivia Pope to do better. The characters were so unbelievable. The DA's talk with the main character would never happen. The wife just seemed so incredibly overdramatic. Like Alexis from Dynasty bad. Cordelia's little nice nasty "I am so concerned for my husband" is so thinly veiled. Everybody violating confidental privilege. Everyone in this book is completely incompetent. The decisions made by the characters are ridiculous. Logic and reason were non-existent. There are so many 2+2=jello moments that I was offended these characters were supposed to be professionals. (For example, Person A wears X perfume. Person B wears X perfume. Then Person A's husband must be sleeping with Person B. 🙄 OR perfume is mass produced and thousands of people wear the same perfume, especially if it's trendy).
Arden is unreasonably stupid and just generally a weak character. At no point in time was she really doing the job that she was hired to do. She spends 100 pages because she won't ask the man where the hell he gets his haircut. The dialogue is laughably bad at times. Arden and Ned's dynamic was weird and inappropriate from the beginning. And if I heard "Not Ned. Definitely not Ned" one more time. 🤬The ADA is running around conducting her own investigation (ya know, as they do). No real professional would do ANY of the things she did. The entire story was unnecessarily repetitive. Like when you were in school and you just keep repeating and extrapolating on the same point because you have to reach a set word count.
I don't hand out one stars lightly or often, but I needed Great Value Olivia Pope to do better. The characters were so unbelievable. The DA's talk with the main character would never happen. The wife just seemed so incredibly overdramatic. Like Alexis from Dynasty bad. Cordelia's little nice nasty "I am so concerned for my husband" is so thinly veiled. Everybody violating confidental privilege. Everyone in this book is completely incompetent. The decisions made by the characters are ridiculous. Logic and reason were non-existent. There are so many 2+2=jello moments that I was offended these characters were supposed to be professionals. (For example, Person A wears X perfume. Person B wears X perfume. Then Person A's husband must be sleeping with Person B. 🙄 OR perfume is mass produced and thousands of people wear the same perfume, especially if it's trendy).
Arden is unreasonably stupid and just generally a weak character. At no point in time was she really doing the job that she was hired to do. She spends 100 pages because she won't ask the man where the hell he gets his haircut. The dialogue is laughably bad at times. Arden and Ned's dynamic was weird and inappropriate from the beginning. And if I heard "Not Ned. Definitely not Ned" one more time. 🤬The ADA is running around conducting her own investigation (ya know, as they do). No real professional would do ANY of the things she did. The entire story was unnecessarily repetitive. Like when you were in school and you just keep repeating and extrapolating on the same point because you have to reach a set word count.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2024
This is my first book by this author, and after devouring One Wrong Word, it won’t be my last!
I haven’t read about an MC being a crisis manager, so I found the storyline fresh and unique. Our MC Arden is just that … until she faces her own crisis and needs to go into overdrive to save herself.
Arden has been wrongly and unfairly accused of wrongdoing with a powerful client. Her boss makes the decision to believe the client and lets her go … but not before giving her one final client to work with. The socialite client is on trial for murder, and while Arden searches for evidence to protect her client, she realises that not only is there a web of deceit being strung but also if she is protecting a killer.
Full of secrets, lies and betrayals and subterfuge, I found myself rooting for Arden - she’s such a likeable character. Just when I thought I may have figured it out there was another wickedly clever twist. I love the whole rich people behaving badly and this novel has all the salacious, entertaining, cleverly plotted storyline to draw me in hook line and sinker.
The audiobook, narrated by Gail Shalan was fantastic. With clear, distinct voices it was easy to follow.
❤️ Many thanks to @macmillan_audio @forgereads @netgalley for ALC 🎧 and e-arc 💌
I haven’t read about an MC being a crisis manager, so I found the storyline fresh and unique. Our MC Arden is just that … until she faces her own crisis and needs to go into overdrive to save herself.
Arden has been wrongly and unfairly accused of wrongdoing with a powerful client. Her boss makes the decision to believe the client and lets her go … but not before giving her one final client to work with. The socialite client is on trial for murder, and while Arden searches for evidence to protect her client, she realises that not only is there a web of deceit being strung but also if she is protecting a killer.
Full of secrets, lies and betrayals and subterfuge, I found myself rooting for Arden - she’s such a likeable character. Just when I thought I may have figured it out there was another wickedly clever twist. I love the whole rich people behaving badly and this novel has all the salacious, entertaining, cleverly plotted storyline to draw me in hook line and sinker.
The audiobook, narrated by Gail Shalan was fantastic. With clear, distinct voices it was easy to follow.
❤️ Many thanks to @macmillan_audio @forgereads @netgalley for ALC 🎧 and e-arc 💌
January 20, 2024
Thank you @forgebooks @netgalley for a copy of this book. I have enjoyed books from the author and this premise sounded interesting. Unfortunately this was a miss for me and I should have DNF it. Once Arden was given an ultimatum about her job, she should have said F this place and sue them for wrongful termination.
There is a lot of misdirection in the story between Ned and Cordelia. I had a hard time understanding why Arden was so dedicated to helping them with repairing their image when she was so upset with her job situation. I was annoyed with all the characters other than Pip who sounded like a cute kid.
There is a lot of misdirection in the story between Ned and Cordelia. I had a hard time understanding why Arden was so dedicated to helping them with repairing their image when she was so upset with her job situation. I was annoyed with all the characters other than Pip who sounded like a cute kid.
December 6, 2023
One Wrong Word is full of endless twists. Just when I think I had it figured out Hank took us in a new direction, then another, again and again.
Written in multi POVs, it was an expertly crafted story. I liked the back drop of rich people behaving badly and there were so many.
I loved the MC, Arden, the fixer of sorts. She was truly a fantastic character and I would love to see her in future books, especially with some potential romance (hint hint 😉😉 in case Hank Phillippi Ryan is reading this😁)
Written in multi POVs, it was an expertly crafted story. I liked the back drop of rich people behaving badly and there were so many.
I loved the MC, Arden, the fixer of sorts. She was truly a fantastic character and I would love to see her in future books, especially with some potential romance (hint hint 😉😉 in case Hank Phillippi Ryan is reading this😁)
January 2, 2024
I started my New Year off with exactly the right book! Oh my! You do not want to miss this twisty thriller! It was written in multiple POVs and set in the city of Boston. I loved Arden’s character of being a fixer. The pacing was perfect and who doesn’t love a book full of gossip, lies and suspense. Don’t miss this one!
Thank you to @thrillerloversbookpromotions for the #gifted copy.
Thank you to @thrillerloversbookpromotions for the #gifted copy.
March 14, 2024
Words absolutely matter! This fast paced book had me flying through it from the first page to the last!! More to come!
March 16, 2024
One Wrong Word is Hank Phillippi Ryan’s best novel to date. It’s written from Ryan’s heart and soul.
It’s absolutely brilliant.
I highly recommend One Wrong Word!
It’s absolutely brilliant.
I highly recommend One Wrong Word!
March 7, 2024
(3.5) A little predictable. A little repetitive. The theories & the wild goose chases went on a bit long for me. But.. It went down easy. I finished it quickly so obviously there was something to it. Just not sure if this author is a good fit for me.
February 7, 2024
My first Hank Phillippi Ryan was a WINNER 🏆
Thank you Macmillan Audio for my gifted ALC 💗 review to come
Thank you Macmillan Audio for my gifted ALC 💗 review to come
February 10, 2024
This was such a drama filled, suspenseful read that will having you turning the pages. I was so engaged and entranced in the mystery that while it was untangling, my mind was going a mile a minute trying to figure out where this was going. Every time when I thought I had it figured out, I was totally WRONG.
I went between reading the book and listening to the audiobook, because that is my favorite way to read. The audiobook is narrated by Gail Shalan and she did a wonder job. I loved the amateur sleuth aspect of the book.
This surprising book was so entertaining that you won’t be disappointed in this book.
****Many thanks to Suzy Approved Book Tours, Hank Phillippi Ryan, Macmillan Audio and Net Galley for my gifted ARC/ALC in turn for my honest review.
I went between reading the book and listening to the audiobook, because that is my favorite way to read. The audiobook is narrated by Gail Shalan and she did a wonder job. I loved the amateur sleuth aspect of the book.
This surprising book was so entertaining that you won’t be disappointed in this book.
****Many thanks to Suzy Approved Book Tours, Hank Phillippi Ryan, Macmillan Audio and Net Galley for my gifted ARC/ALC in turn for my honest review.
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