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Charlotte McNally #2
Face Time
Veteran TV reporter Charlotte McNally fights for justice, journalism—and the battle against on-air aging. The good news: she's got explosive evidence to free an innocent woman from prison. The bad news: that makes Charlotte—and someone she loves—the real killer's next target.
Charlotte knows she has what it takes to get the story. Unfortunately, the more Charlotte snoops around, the more people turn up dead.
Charlotte knows she has what it takes to get the story. Unfortunately, the more Charlotte snoops around, the more people turn up dead.
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 1, 2007
13 people are currently reading
602 people want to read
About the author
Hank Phillippi Ryan
47 books2,893 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 54 reviews
May 7, 2016
This is book 2 in the Charlotte McNally series and I am enjoyed this book as much as the first. Can't wait for books 3 and 4 later this year.
Charlie is a TV investigative reporter on the wrong side of 40 in an industry where looking youthful matters a lot. Even though she has won Emmy awards for her stories, she is always questioning herself and her abilities even while she is always searching for the next big story. In this story, she is contacted by a local group to help prove that Dorinda Keeler, who confessed to the murder of her husband four years earlier, is really innocent. Even though she finds some information to show that Dorinda may be innocent, Dorinda won't talk and claims to be guilty. Charlie and her producer, Franklin, continue to work on the story to try to prove her innocence. Along with a powerful story line about guilt or innocence, throw in Charlie's mother who has just had plastic surgery and Josh, her new love and his 8 year old daughter who isn't too excited to have Charlie in her dad's life.
This is a fun story and a great read. Book 3 can't get here soon enough!
(Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book for a fair and honest review.)
Charlie is a TV investigative reporter on the wrong side of 40 in an industry where looking youthful matters a lot. Even though she has won Emmy awards for her stories, she is always questioning herself and her abilities even while she is always searching for the next big story. In this story, she is contacted by a local group to help prove that Dorinda Keeler, who confessed to the murder of her husband four years earlier, is really innocent. Even though she finds some information to show that Dorinda may be innocent, Dorinda won't talk and claims to be guilty. Charlie and her producer, Franklin, continue to work on the story to try to prove her innocence. Along with a powerful story line about guilt or innocence, throw in Charlie's mother who has just had plastic surgery and Josh, her new love and his 8 year old daughter who isn't too excited to have Charlie in her dad's life.
This is a fun story and a great read. Book 3 can't get here soon enough!
(Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book for a fair and honest review.)
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July 28, 2020Just can't get into this character or series so I stopped reading this book. Maybe it's a mood thing and I'll come back to it later....or maybe not. I really like this author so I think I'll stick to some of her other writings at this time.
August 27, 2018
Very predictable. I hate to rate it poorly but it was like a Lifetime movie I would not watch again. Could have been worse but could have been better. Did not excite me at all. :(
August 24, 2009
Author Hank Phillippi Ryan is an award-winning investigative reporter at Boston’s NBC affiliate. She has twenty-six Emmy’s and ten Edward R. Murrow Awards, along with dozens of other national and international journalism honors. Her work has resulted in new laws, homes removed from foreclosure, criminals sent to prison, and millions of dollars in restitution. Before her reporting career, she was a proofreader, a radio reporter, an Editorial Assistant at Rolling Stone, and a legislative aide in the US Senate. Other titles include: Prime Time and Air Time (coming September 2009.) She resides just outside of Boston, MA, with her husband.
Veteran TV reporter, Charlotte McNally, is fighting to get a woman wrongfully convicted of murder out of prison. The problem is, the woman the media refers to as “Deadly Dori” confessed to the crime three years ago and has no intention of recanting that. Her lawyer has found new evidence of her innocence, and Charlotte knows this is the story of a lifetime, so why won’t Dori do an interview and why on earth would she want to stay in prison for something she didn’t do? The deeper Charlotte digs into the case, the more people turn up dead, and Charlotte seems to be the next target.
The only complaint I have for the book, which I suppose isn’t really a complaint, is I missed the “Things they don’t teach you in J-school” commentary from the first book, which refers to sarcastic inner thoughts from Charlotte about the things they don’t learn in journalism school.
This is book two in the Charlotte McNally Mystery series, with Prime Time before it and Air Time after. These books are cozy mysteries with romantic elements. In book one, Charlotte meets Josh, a handsome college professor, and in this one, it follows their budding relationship and the trials Charlotte has with Josh’s eight-year-old daughter, Penny, as well as the investigation. I said it before in my earlier review for the first book, but the author has a dry, witty sense of humor that comes through splendidly in this series. Readers will find themselves not only intrigued by the investigation, rooting for Penny to give in and accept Charlotte, and the romance with Josh, but laughing hysterically in the process. I adore the secondary character, Franklin, who is Charlotte’s gay southern producer, and her mother’s constant pursuit of anti-aging. The dialog between them will have you rolling. Very well-paced, the plot flowed smoothly, without any dead spots. The setting, which is the Boston area, was laid out beautifully. Most of all, you won’t be disappointed by the “real killer.” Recommended!
Kelly Moran,
Author and Reviewer
Veteran TV reporter, Charlotte McNally, is fighting to get a woman wrongfully convicted of murder out of prison. The problem is, the woman the media refers to as “Deadly Dori” confessed to the crime three years ago and has no intention of recanting that. Her lawyer has found new evidence of her innocence, and Charlotte knows this is the story of a lifetime, so why won’t Dori do an interview and why on earth would she want to stay in prison for something she didn’t do? The deeper Charlotte digs into the case, the more people turn up dead, and Charlotte seems to be the next target.
The only complaint I have for the book, which I suppose isn’t really a complaint, is I missed the “Things they don’t teach you in J-school” commentary from the first book, which refers to sarcastic inner thoughts from Charlotte about the things they don’t learn in journalism school.
This is book two in the Charlotte McNally Mystery series, with Prime Time before it and Air Time after. These books are cozy mysteries with romantic elements. In book one, Charlotte meets Josh, a handsome college professor, and in this one, it follows their budding relationship and the trials Charlotte has with Josh’s eight-year-old daughter, Penny, as well as the investigation. I said it before in my earlier review for the first book, but the author has a dry, witty sense of humor that comes through splendidly in this series. Readers will find themselves not only intrigued by the investigation, rooting for Penny to give in and accept Charlotte, and the romance with Josh, but laughing hysterically in the process. I adore the secondary character, Franklin, who is Charlotte’s gay southern producer, and her mother’s constant pursuit of anti-aging. The dialog between them will have you rolling. Very well-paced, the plot flowed smoothly, without any dead spots. The setting, which is the Boston area, was laid out beautifully. Most of all, you won’t be disappointed by the “real killer.” Recommended!
Kelly Moran,
Author and Reviewer
June 10, 2010
Face Time is book two in Hank Phillippi Ryan's Charlie McNally mystery series. Charley McNally is an investigative reporter for a Boston news station. She won numerous Emmy's for her abilities to uncover a story. This time Charley and her producer Franklin have been asked to investigate the likelihood that just maybe the infamous Dorinda Sweeney didn't kill her husband, even though she confessed to the murder. Meanwhile in Charlie's personal life, her mother is getting remarried. But before she ties the knot, she goes in for a face lift. Charlie's mother keeps insisting she should consider plastic surgery. Even though Charlie is 46, she isn't quite sure she wants to go under the knife just yet. Also, Charlie's relationship with Josh is starting to become serious. Serious enough that Charlie is having problems bonding with Josh's eight year-old daughter, Penny.
Face Time is told in first person through Charlie's point of view. Charlie is a character that readers will easily sympathize with right away. She has a no-nonsense way about her, but she also pokes fun at herself. Her tone of voice is an easy one to follow with a descriptive narration. The main focus of this book is Charlie's investigation in to Dorinda Sweeney's murder confession. Yet, the book is also balanced by events happening in Charlie's personal life.
Face Time focuses less on the romance between Josh and Charlie and instead focuses on Charlie's relationship with her mother and Josh's daughter Penny. I personally would have liked more romance, seeing as I am a big squeeing fan girl of romance in my novels, however I really enjoyed seeing Charlie work through her issues with her Mom, which gave a little more insight in to Charlie's character. The mother/daughter relationship was a theme centered throughout the book. Not just the relationship between Charlie and her Mom, but also Dorinda and her daughter and then with Charlie and Penny. Fans of mystery won't want to miss out on this series.
Face Time is told in first person through Charlie's point of view. Charlie is a character that readers will easily sympathize with right away. She has a no-nonsense way about her, but she also pokes fun at herself. Her tone of voice is an easy one to follow with a descriptive narration. The main focus of this book is Charlie's investigation in to Dorinda Sweeney's murder confession. Yet, the book is also balanced by events happening in Charlie's personal life.
Face Time focuses less on the romance between Josh and Charlie and instead focuses on Charlie's relationship with her mother and Josh's daughter Penny. I personally would have liked more romance, seeing as I am a big squeeing fan girl of romance in my novels, however I really enjoyed seeing Charlie work through her issues with her Mom, which gave a little more insight in to Charlie's character. The mother/daughter relationship was a theme centered throughout the book. Not just the relationship between Charlie and her Mom, but also Dorinda and her daughter and then with Charlie and Penny. Fans of mystery won't want to miss out on this series.
September 14, 2009
Face Time finds Charlie back to work after the excitement of Prime Time. Her relationship with Josh is progressing, though she does have to deal with his petulant eight year old daughter who isn't thrilled her dad has a new woman in his life. As for work, a new consultant (an evil that invades all newsrooms) has been brought in to increase the ratings. She's declared that July is the new November. The consultant is insane, but then again they usually are. So although Charlie planned to spend time with Josh and his daughter at his cabin, she instead must work on a sweeps piece branded "Charlie's Crusade" even though the story seemingly falls apart before it begins when the supposedly wrongly convicted woman it all hinges on refuses to be interviewed. Dorinda’s refusal raises some questions. If she killed her husband as she insists she did, why did someone produce a surveillance tape giving Dorinda an alibi? If the tape is legit, why doesn’t Dorinda leap at the chance to get out of prison? Pursuing this story leads Charlie down a dangerous road as people connected to the case start turning up dead.
While Face Time continues to illustrate that Charlie, like so many others, makes sacrifices for her career, it also expands upon the relationships first shown in Prime Time. This time Charlie’s mom is in town, which is good for some additional drama. It also gives the author the opportunity to let readers know that even those related to people working in TV news don’t really understand how it works. It’s exemplary characterization. In fact, even Charlie’s cat’s personality is nailed. I love the fact that Charlie has a pet. Far too many fictional characters don’t; real people have pets, so integrating one into the plot makes fictional characters more real, especially when the pet is fitting for the character’s personality which Botox definitely is for Charlie.
While Face Time continues to illustrate that Charlie, like so many others, makes sacrifices for her career, it also expands upon the relationships first shown in Prime Time. This time Charlie’s mom is in town, which is good for some additional drama. It also gives the author the opportunity to let readers know that even those related to people working in TV news don’t really understand how it works. It’s exemplary characterization. In fact, even Charlie’s cat’s personality is nailed. I love the fact that Charlie has a pet. Far too many fictional characters don’t; real people have pets, so integrating one into the plot makes fictional characters more real, especially when the pet is fitting for the character’s personality which Botox definitely is for Charlie.
June 26, 2012
I knew Hank Phillippi Ryan before I knew her writing. Now I like both. Not only is Hank a journalist's journalist (multi-Emmy-Award winning investigative reporter at Boston's NBC affiliate) but Hank, in my opinion, is also a novelist's novelist. I met her this year at Sleuthfest, the mystery writers' conference in Orlando, then became reacquainted with her a couple months later at the Pennwriters' Conference in Lancaster, PA where we were both speakers -- but she was the keynoter.
I'm a painfully slow reader, whereas my wife is not. Cindy devoured Hank's novel "Drive Time" and has been hectoring me to finish "Face Time" so that I'll hand it over. Now that we're on vacation at the beach, it's mission accomplished. And what a mission!
I really enjoyed "Face Time." As a novelist myself, I appreciate what Hank's been able to accomplish in "Face Time." First and foremost, her writing is a feast because of the telling little details that put the reader inside the scene; next she gives the reader a knowledgeable insider's look behind the scenes of a major market television station and the love-hate relationship between ratings and substance. "Face Time" also worked for me because of Hank's nuanced, character-driven subplots. In those, she conveys just the right touch of self-deprecating humor and emotional tenderness and depth. Oh. And then there's the plot. It crescendos and pays off without having to resort to a gratuitous shoot-out.
I'm looking forward to reading more of Hank Phillippi Ryan's novels, if only my wife would hurry up and finish reading "Drive Time."
I'm a painfully slow reader, whereas my wife is not. Cindy devoured Hank's novel "Drive Time" and has been hectoring me to finish "Face Time" so that I'll hand it over. Now that we're on vacation at the beach, it's mission accomplished. And what a mission!
I really enjoyed "Face Time." As a novelist myself, I appreciate what Hank's been able to accomplish in "Face Time." First and foremost, her writing is a feast because of the telling little details that put the reader inside the scene; next she gives the reader a knowledgeable insider's look behind the scenes of a major market television station and the love-hate relationship between ratings and substance. "Face Time" also worked for me because of Hank's nuanced, character-driven subplots. In those, she conveys just the right touch of self-deprecating humor and emotional tenderness and depth. Oh. And then there's the plot. It crescendos and pays off without having to resort to a gratuitous shoot-out.
I'm looking forward to reading more of Hank Phillippi Ryan's novels, if only my wife would hurry up and finish reading "Drive Time."
April 25, 2016
Face Time is book two in Hank Phillippi Ryan's Charlotte McNally mystery series. In the middle of a contentious election year, Charlie gets tangles up in a story about a woman who has possible been "wrongly" convicted of murder. The story moves through her investigation and discovery of the important details of the case. The thing that sets this story apart from other reporter/crime/mystery books is Charlotte, herself.
Charlotte is not just a reporter; she is a "real" person. She has to juggle all the aspects of her complicated "real" life in addition to the demands of her career. She has a mother going through a mid-life crisis and marriage. Her personal life is complicated by her boyfriend and his daughter from a prior marriage, and even her cat is out to get her. Face Time is about Charlotte's struggle to manage her life with a few dead bodies thrown in to keep things confused.
It is an easy book to read with lots of twists and turns.
Charlotte is not just a reporter; she is a "real" person. She has to juggle all the aspects of her complicated "real" life in addition to the demands of her career. She has a mother going through a mid-life crisis and marriage. Her personal life is complicated by her boyfriend and his daughter from a prior marriage, and even her cat is out to get her. Face Time is about Charlotte's struggle to manage her life with a few dead bodies thrown in to keep things confused.
It is an easy book to read with lots of twists and turns.
December 19, 2016
Hank Phillippi Ryan is by far one of my favorite authors currently writing, and she did not disappoint with this book!
August 21, 2017
Charlotte McNally is at it again, only this time she’s after a boost in the Nielsen ratings when mysteriously, a tape winds up in her possession that will prove confessed killer, Dorinda Sweeney, could not have possibly murdered her husband four years earlier. So why is the convicted woman still professing her guilt?
“Charlie’s” journalistic senses pick up on the story of a lifetime, delving into the seemingly closed case with her witty, yet stubborn determination to shed light on the truth. But the lead prosecutor in the Sweeney case, now running for Governor, is demanding “Charlie” back off. Instead of doing that, though, his persistence only heightens “Charlie’s” instincts that she’s on the right track and there’s no way she’s going to back down on this one
Though the romance is heating up, “Charlie” is also trying to deal with her questionable future with Josh because his daughter defiantly causes friction on their relationship. And with her mother’s demands while recuperating from unnecessary surgery, “Charlie’s” stress level is constantly in “peak mode”.
But when other people involved in the Sweeney case start turning up dead, Charlie knows she’s hit a nerve, but can she prove they have the wrong person behind bars without making herself another target for the real killer first?
I loved the first book in this series, Prime Time, and hoped Ryan would not disappoint me on this second installment. Hank Ryan’s not only written yet another action-packed, suspense novel, she’s outdone herself with Face Time. Having the journalistic background on her side, Ms. Ryan is able to write a “could really happen” gripping storyline with likeable (and not so likeable) characters readers can relate to.
Brilliantly weaving the personal life of her heroine into the background of the story only adds to the strength in Ryan’s writing ability. Her plots are captivating, her characters are realistic and the surprising twists in her storyline draws the reader in to a life behind the scenes of what one won’t see when watching the ten o’clock news report.
I love it when a series only gets better, a difficult task for any writer to accomplish, but Hank Ryan breezes through with top-notch literary skills. Her creativity with her characters is fantastic and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series to see what “Charlie’s” gotten herself entangled into next.
“Charlie’s” journalistic senses pick up on the story of a lifetime, delving into the seemingly closed case with her witty, yet stubborn determination to shed light on the truth. But the lead prosecutor in the Sweeney case, now running for Governor, is demanding “Charlie” back off. Instead of doing that, though, his persistence only heightens “Charlie’s” instincts that she’s on the right track and there’s no way she’s going to back down on this one
Though the romance is heating up, “Charlie” is also trying to deal with her questionable future with Josh because his daughter defiantly causes friction on their relationship. And with her mother’s demands while recuperating from unnecessary surgery, “Charlie’s” stress level is constantly in “peak mode”.
But when other people involved in the Sweeney case start turning up dead, Charlie knows she’s hit a nerve, but can she prove they have the wrong person behind bars without making herself another target for the real killer first?
I loved the first book in this series, Prime Time, and hoped Ryan would not disappoint me on this second installment. Hank Ryan’s not only written yet another action-packed, suspense novel, she’s outdone herself with Face Time. Having the journalistic background on her side, Ms. Ryan is able to write a “could really happen” gripping storyline with likeable (and not so likeable) characters readers can relate to.
Brilliantly weaving the personal life of her heroine into the background of the story only adds to the strength in Ryan’s writing ability. Her plots are captivating, her characters are realistic and the surprising twists in her storyline draws the reader in to a life behind the scenes of what one won’t see when watching the ten o’clock news report.
I love it when a series only gets better, a difficult task for any writer to accomplish, but Hank Ryan breezes through with top-notch literary skills. Her creativity with her characters is fantastic and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series to see what “Charlie’s” gotten herself entangled into next.
July 27, 2024
Had a hard time getting into this one. It wasn’t great, wasn’t horrible.
Typical reporter and producer looking into a crime that has already been solved (person confessed) but the lawyer felt like he was ineffective (he was) so he went to the reporter to help.
I felt no connection to anyone! Charlotte (Charlie) the reporter. The character was so conflicting. I felt like there should have been more development. I will say this is the second book in a series and I did not read the first one. Maybe that would have helped.
She had three/four relationships going that were hard to understand. Josh/Penny, work, Mother.
Typical reporter and producer looking into a crime that has already been solved (person confessed) but the lawyer felt like he was ineffective (he was) so he went to the reporter to help.
I felt no connection to anyone! Charlotte (Charlie) the reporter. The character was so conflicting. I felt like there should have been more development. I will say this is the second book in a series and I did not read the first one. Maybe that would have helped.
She had three/four relationships going that were hard to understand. Josh/Penny, work, Mother.
April 24, 2021
Enjoyed this book even more than the 1st in the series. Found the corresponding plot with the cosmetic surgery to look younger interesting, too. Surprise ending to discover who the murderer really was as it led the reader to a persuasive plot that the mother (wrongly accused individual in jail) had "confessed" to protect her daughter. Compelling characters as well in developing the relationship with her beau's eight-year-old daughter. Also, appreciated the knowledge the author brought to bear in the narrative insofar as television investigative journalism.
June 2, 2018
Veteran TV reporter Charlotte McNally fights for justice, journalism—and the battle against on-air aging. The good news: she's got explosive evidence to free an innocent woman from prison. The bad news: that makes Charlotte—and someone she loves—the real killer's next target.
Charlotte knows she has what it takes to get the story. Unfortunately, the more Charlotte snoops around, the more people turn up dead.
Charlotte knows she has what it takes to get the story. Unfortunately, the more Charlotte snoops around, the more people turn up dead.
August 20, 2025
Kept me guessing the whole time
Charlie McNally, investigative reporter in Boston, is on the chase to free a person she thinks is incarcerated wrongly. Her life is in danger, but she uses unique ways to escape.i especially love her descriptions of Boston traffic & traveling to the Cape, as I live in Mass.
Charlie McNally, investigative reporter in Boston, is on the chase to free a person she thinks is incarcerated wrongly. Her life is in danger, but she uses unique ways to escape.i especially love her descriptions of Boston traffic & traveling to the Cape, as I live in Mass.
April 26, 2021
An investigative journalist trying to prove the innocence of a woman in prison, who confessed to murdering her husband. In my opinion, character development was lacking, but the story line held my interest. I did find it hard to pick up at times.
June 30, 2019
Very good! Early on I had a good idea who "done it" and then so did Charlie. We were both wrong, as she almost learned the hard way.
August 13, 2021
This is the second book in the series and while the plot was interesting enough, it seemed to drag on a bit. Enjoyed book one more.
January 23, 2023
Characters are interesting but not riveting. The author uses a dirty trick in order to have a murderer. Beware of everything you are told.
May 22, 2023
Excellent read with good plot and great characters. Looking forward to reading more nooks by Ryan.
February 14, 2024
Just started with this author and this series. I'm hoping it gets better in the later books in the series. It's just ok at this point. I'm enjoying the other series she has going.
July 13, 2024
Good story with some twist and turns.
Love, mother/ daughter relationship, politics, intrigue and all tied up in a bow.
Love, mother/ daughter relationship, politics, intrigue and all tied up in a bow.
April 3, 2015
A young woman sits in a jail cell at Framingham-MCI [the oldest women’s prison in the U.S.—these books aren’t just engaging but very educational] in Massachusetts convicted of killing her husband. Investigative reporter Charlotte “Charlie” McNally gets a tip that the Constitutional Justice Project [CJP] believes Dorinda Keeler Sweeney may be innocent and wants Charlotte to help on the case. This will mean huge ratings for Channel 3 and maybe another Emmy for the hard-working reporter. FACE TIME is the second Charlotte McNally novel and Phillippi Ryan falls into an easy-going groove with this one. The characters are becoming more developed and fascinating. Charlotte now has a boyfriend, prep school teacher Josh, who lives in Vermont [and she has to deal with becoming friendly with his 8-year-old daughter].
The best part is the little details that Phillippi Ryan adds. Charlotte might be a top notch reporter but she’s worried about losing her job to someone younger, she’s dealing with a mother who’s constantly telling her not to eat and to get face work done, and the pressure of constantly pulling in an Emmy-worthy story certainly adds stress to her life. But she has great friends and takes it in stride. The title FACE TIME has dual meanings: her mom is in the hospital recovering from a face lift and Charlotte struggles each day for that bigger, better story than every other news station and newspaper in Boston gets. She has to be first. What seems like a slam dunk turns out to be a huge challenge for Charlotte and her sidekick producer Franklin. No one wants the truth to come out. There have been cover ups that could cost political positions and if Dorinda were to be set free, someone else has to pay for the crime. But who? During the investigation, Charlotte gets attacked, verbally threatened, and the station comes under fire. But nothing will deter Charlotte from uncovering the truth once she’s started to put some of the pieces together and these pieces really make an absorbing picture. One that will be complicated for the community.
.
FACE TIME provides the reader with a whodunit supreme with everyone under suspicion from the daughter of the accused to the involvement of a politician to an ex-boyfriend. Charlotte grows on you and makes a compelling and often funny [“my hair looks the same on both sides”] crime solver. She’s independent, strong and fierce. Phillippi Ryan keeps the reader flipping pages and asking questions right up to the end. FACE TIME is a thrill to read.
The best part is the little details that Phillippi Ryan adds. Charlotte might be a top notch reporter but she’s worried about losing her job to someone younger, she’s dealing with a mother who’s constantly telling her not to eat and to get face work done, and the pressure of constantly pulling in an Emmy-worthy story certainly adds stress to her life. But she has great friends and takes it in stride. The title FACE TIME has dual meanings: her mom is in the hospital recovering from a face lift and Charlotte struggles each day for that bigger, better story than every other news station and newspaper in Boston gets. She has to be first. What seems like a slam dunk turns out to be a huge challenge for Charlotte and her sidekick producer Franklin. No one wants the truth to come out. There have been cover ups that could cost political positions and if Dorinda were to be set free, someone else has to pay for the crime. But who? During the investigation, Charlotte gets attacked, verbally threatened, and the station comes under fire. But nothing will deter Charlotte from uncovering the truth once she’s started to put some of the pieces together and these pieces really make an absorbing picture. One that will be complicated for the community.
.
FACE TIME provides the reader with a whodunit supreme with everyone under suspicion from the daughter of the accused to the involvement of a politician to an ex-boyfriend. Charlotte grows on you and makes a compelling and often funny [“my hair looks the same on both sides”] crime solver. She’s independent, strong and fierce. Phillippi Ryan keeps the reader flipping pages and asking questions right up to the end. FACE TIME is a thrill to read.
October 12, 2013
#2 in the Charlotte "Charlie" McNally series. "Charlie" appears to be author Ryan's alter-ego, a prize-winning Boston-based investigative reporter. I like "Charlie", her scenes with her boyfriend aren't too mushy and the boyfriends pre-teen daughter escapes her possible demonic role. Charlie's best friend is a newly pregnant, newly promoted sports reporter from whom Ryan could have taken some tips.
When she meets the AG's investigator at the archives on Wednesday at 10AM, the date is nominally 7/6/2009 because the 4th of July was Monday. In actuality the 4th was on a Saturday, so allowing for the 4th to be celebrated on Monday the 6th, Wednesday was the 8th. The archive guard was watching the Red Sox play the Yankees on his TV; the Sox didn't play the Yankees during July 2009, they played Oakland on both the 6th and the 8th - both were night games, and they would never be playing a game at 10AM. I found this to be a very distracting slip in an otherwise good read.
Charlotte "Charlie" McNally series - Veteran TV reporter Charlotte McNally fights for justice, journalism--and the battle against on-air aging. The good news: she's got explosive evidence to free an innocent woman from prison. The bad news: that makes Charlotte--and someone she loves--the real killer's next target. Charlotte knows she has what it takes to get the story. Unfortunately, the more Charlotte snoops around, the more people turn up dead
When she meets the AG's investigator at the archives on Wednesday at 10AM, the date is nominally 7/6/2009 because the 4th of July was Monday. In actuality the 4th was on a Saturday, so allowing for the 4th to be celebrated on Monday the 6th, Wednesday was the 8th. The archive guard was watching the Red Sox play the Yankees on his TV; the Sox didn't play the Yankees during July 2009, they played Oakland on both the 6th and the 8th - both were night games, and they would never be playing a game at 10AM. I found this to be a very distracting slip in an otherwise good read.
Charlotte "Charlie" McNally series - Veteran TV reporter Charlotte McNally fights for justice, journalism--and the battle against on-air aging. The good news: she's got explosive evidence to free an innocent woman from prison. The bad news: that makes Charlotte--and someone she loves--the real killer's next target. Charlotte knows she has what it takes to get the story. Unfortunately, the more Charlotte snoops around, the more people turn up dead
Read
September 25, 2012Face Time, by Hank Phillippi Ryan, B-plus, Narrated by Margaret Baly, Produced by audible inc. and Harlequin Enterprises, downloaded from audible.com.
This is the second book in the Charlie McMally series. Charlie, a veteran reporter in her 40’s is again facing the annual challenge of finding a story which will help her keep her record of winning emmys each year. Also, she is facing the insecurity of wanting to keep her place as an investigative reporter in the comparatively young news culture. In this book, Charlie is approached by a group seeking justice for those held in prison who are innocent. The woman in question seems to have undergone a fairly brief police investigation because she confessed to the murder. But there is evidence she didn’t do it. Charlie wants the chance to put together a story to prove she didn’t do it but initially the woman won’t talk to her at all. Charlie faces the challenge of trying to get the story, keep out of trouble with her new station manager, make time to be with her mother who is having a face lift, and further her own romance which includes getting to know his daughter-an 8-year-old not interested in having a stepmother. Finally, she is facing danger to her own life as she seeks to exonerate the woman as the guilty party. These books are pretty good.
This is the second book in the Charlie McMally series. Charlie, a veteran reporter in her 40’s is again facing the annual challenge of finding a story which will help her keep her record of winning emmys each year. Also, she is facing the insecurity of wanting to keep her place as an investigative reporter in the comparatively young news culture. In this book, Charlie is approached by a group seeking justice for those held in prison who are innocent. The woman in question seems to have undergone a fairly brief police investigation because she confessed to the murder. But there is evidence she didn’t do it. Charlie wants the chance to put together a story to prove she didn’t do it but initially the woman won’t talk to her at all. Charlie faces the challenge of trying to get the story, keep out of trouble with her new station manager, make time to be with her mother who is having a face lift, and further her own romance which includes getting to know his daughter-an 8-year-old not interested in having a stepmother. Finally, she is facing danger to her own life as she seeks to exonerate the woman as the guilty party. These books are pretty good.
May 29, 2016
The reprinting of the 2nd Charlie McNally book from author Hank Phillippi Ryan finds our heroine on the trail of a possibly innocent women convicted of murder.
The fact the woman confessed to the crime of killing her husband is a huge hump to get over at any time, but when the man responsible for convicting her announces a run for governor as a law and order candidate, the stakes are even higher.
As evidence mounts that seemingly points to the woman's innocence, McNally finds herself in more and more jeopardy.
The procedural nature of tracking down a thread to see if it develops into something bigger and far more tangible is well detailed in the story and the two subplots (dealing with Charlie's mom and Charlie's relationship with her boyfriend and his daughter) were perfectly cast within the main story. They served as temporary respites from the main plot without feeling shoehorned in, but rather a natural expansion of the "Charlie-verse".
All in all, discovering the Charlie McNally series for the first time has paid off quite handsomely for me and I can't wait to see where the next book takes me as a reader.
The fact the woman confessed to the crime of killing her husband is a huge hump to get over at any time, but when the man responsible for convicting her announces a run for governor as a law and order candidate, the stakes are even higher.
As evidence mounts that seemingly points to the woman's innocence, McNally finds herself in more and more jeopardy.
The procedural nature of tracking down a thread to see if it develops into something bigger and far more tangible is well detailed in the story and the two subplots (dealing with Charlie's mom and Charlie's relationship with her boyfriend and his daughter) were perfectly cast within the main story. They served as temporary respites from the main plot without feeling shoehorned in, but rather a natural expansion of the "Charlie-verse".
All in all, discovering the Charlie McNally series for the first time has paid off quite handsomely for me and I can't wait to see where the next book takes me as a reader.
November 6, 2009
In Face Time, Charlie and her producer Franklin have to deal with hot-shot new news director Susannah Smith-Bagley, who is pushing them to get a scoop for sweeps month. She's a little distracted because her mother is in hospital, her best friend just found out she's pregnant, and her boyfriend wants her to vacation with him and his 9-year-old daughter, but she's sure she can handle all that AND look into the story of a woman who may have been wrongly imprisoned for the murder of her husband 3 years earlier. The investigation is hampered by the fact that Dorinda Sweeney, the convicted woman, refuses to see or speak with Charlie. As a result, Charlie and Franklin are forced to conduct their research in a very roundabout way, which ends up putting both of them in jeopardy.
Both books are gripping reads and I stayed up reading until my eyes couldn't stay open a few nights in a row. I'm looking forward to the third book in the series, Air Time, which was released September 1st, and which I don't have yet. But that's okay, because I really need to catch up on my sleep.
Both books are gripping reads and I stayed up reading until my eyes couldn't stay open a few nights in a row. I'm looking forward to the third book in the series, Air Time, which was released September 1st, and which I don't have yet. But that's okay, because I really need to catch up on my sleep.
July 16, 2011
We met Charlie in Hank Phillippi Ryan's "Prime Time" and we continue with the series in "Face Time". We are learning more of the back story of investigative journalist Charlie McNally and we get wonderful peeks into a very full life.
The book opens up in a hospital where Charlie is visiting her mother after the mother's cosmetic surgery. In this book Charlie is juggling familial obligations, new relationship quandries and her usual work load. In this book, the work load is a woman wrongly accused of murdering her husband.
The questions arising from a possible mistrial and use of photographs in identification of witnesses. However, since she had confessed to the crime and some of the due diligence was not pursued. Hank tried to look at the evidence from the trial but more misadventures followed her throughout the archives and around the small Massachusettes towns.
I think Hank is a wonderful writer who has fast paced stories and great characters. I would encourage anyone who likes suspense and mystery with a shade of romance this series is for you!
The book opens up in a hospital where Charlie is visiting her mother after the mother's cosmetic surgery. In this book Charlie is juggling familial obligations, new relationship quandries and her usual work load. In this book, the work load is a woman wrongly accused of murdering her husband.
The questions arising from a possible mistrial and use of photographs in identification of witnesses. However, since she had confessed to the crime and some of the due diligence was not pursued. Hank tried to look at the evidence from the trial but more misadventures followed her throughout the archives and around the small Massachusettes towns.
I think Hank is a wonderful writer who has fast paced stories and great characters. I would encourage anyone who likes suspense and mystery with a shade of romance this series is for you!
March 11, 2013
The most exciting thing about this book is that I read it as an ebook from my library. How cool is that? OK. I was excited to read this book. Ryan is the new president of SinC; the book won many awards; people love it. I found it OK. The mystery wasn't that compelling--it seemed very Matlock TV, cartoonish. I like the protagonist; she occassionally surprised me, but mostly she didn't. There were characters from work that we weren't supposed to like and for the life of me, most of them, I didn't understand what we had against them. I didn't care enough. The relationship with the mother had possibilities, but didn't go deep enough. Josh was a story book lover; no depth. The book was fine. I don't understand all the attention and the awards. I won't be reading the rest of the series.
March 2, 2014
I really enjoyed reading the fast paced novel, Face Time. This is the second book in the Charlie McMally series. Charlie is a veteran tv news reporter in her 40’s. Ms. Ryan includes interesting details in each scene. She invites the reader into the main character's personal life as well as behind the scenes of a television news station. I also enjoy the sub-plots that involve relationships. The plot leads from idea to idea in a realistic way following a train of thought and reasoning.
I recommend this series to fans of quick reading mysteries with a sensible touch of romance. I look forward to reading more of Hank Phillippi Ryan's novels.
I recommend this series to fans of quick reading mysteries with a sensible touch of romance. I look forward to reading more of Hank Phillippi Ryan's novels.
March 30, 2009
Finished yesterday...very "cute". A little predictable for most of the book, with a little of a twist at the end. Kept me interested though. I would read the sequels (especially since they are FREE!)
Just started this book...Hank came to our Public Library tonite and was a great speaker. I actually won the first 3 books of this series (Prime Time, Face Time, and Air Time). I may hold off continuing Face Time and read them in order. It's a murder/mystery series with an investigative reporter as a protagonist (but supposedly is not autobiographical!).
Just started this book...Hank came to our Public Library tonite and was a great speaker. I actually won the first 3 books of this series (Prime Time, Face Time, and Air Time). I may hold off continuing Face Time and read them in order. It's a murder/mystery series with an investigative reporter as a protagonist (but supposedly is not autobiographical!).
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