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Charlotte McNally #4
Drive Time
Drive Time (MIRA novel) (Charlotte McNally Mysteries)
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 19, 2010
39 people are currently reading
529 people want to read
About the author
Hank Phillippi Ryan
47 books2,922 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 63 reviews
April 25, 2011
Drive Time is the 4th in the Charlotte McNally series and is nominated for
an Agatha Award-Best Novel, to be awarded this coming Saturday. One of the
things most authors say when asked what one should write about, they say
write about you know. Well in Ryan's case that is exactly what she has
done. She has been an investigative reporter for around 20 years.
Charlotte McNally has recently become engaged to Josh, a professor at a
private school. So Charlie is juggling her reporter career with the new
role of future wife and stepmother. It is coming up for sweeps at the
station and Charlie, her producer and camera are busy trying to think up
something that will win another Emmy. Then Josh shares with her that one of
the secretary's at school has been getting disturbing calls, but that
Charlie is not to get involved or tell anyone about the calls. Josh she is
an investigative reporter. Charlie and her crew had witnessed an automobile
accident on there way to the studio. For some unknown reason the air bags
didn't deploy, and after talking to the driver they find out that his car
was in for safety recall on it's brakes. They stay flowing this information
and soon discover that possibly these rental cars are possibly having their
air bags stolen. So the news crew has their story, but still Charlie is
concerned about what is happening at the school, as two people have met with
questionable death. She does continue to look into the disturbing events at
the school. But as an interested parent, more than an investigative
reporter.
This is a very exciting book and am sorry it took me till book 4 to discover
this series. But that was easily remedied as I now have the first three. I
love a book where I can learn something new and with this one, I learned
just what goes into being an investigative reporter. It's definitely more
than listening to a police scanner and going out to the scene and speaking
into a mike about the events.
Check this series out.
an Agatha Award-Best Novel, to be awarded this coming Saturday. One of the
things most authors say when asked what one should write about, they say
write about you know. Well in Ryan's case that is exactly what she has
done. She has been an investigative reporter for around 20 years.
Charlotte McNally has recently become engaged to Josh, a professor at a
private school. So Charlie is juggling her reporter career with the new
role of future wife and stepmother. It is coming up for sweeps at the
station and Charlie, her producer and camera are busy trying to think up
something that will win another Emmy. Then Josh shares with her that one of
the secretary's at school has been getting disturbing calls, but that
Charlie is not to get involved or tell anyone about the calls. Josh she is
an investigative reporter. Charlie and her crew had witnessed an automobile
accident on there way to the studio. For some unknown reason the air bags
didn't deploy, and after talking to the driver they find out that his car
was in for safety recall on it's brakes. They stay flowing this information
and soon discover that possibly these rental cars are possibly having their
air bags stolen. So the news crew has their story, but still Charlie is
concerned about what is happening at the school, as two people have met with
questionable death. She does continue to look into the disturbing events at
the school. But as an interested parent, more than an investigative
reporter.
This is a very exciting book and am sorry it took me till book 4 to discover
this series. But that was easily remedied as I now have the first three. I
love a book where I can learn something new and with this one, I learned
just what goes into being an investigative reporter. It's definitely more
than listening to a police scanner and going out to the scene and speaking
into a mike about the events.
Check this series out.
February 11, 2013
Book Club selection for October 2012. Couldln't get through it. There was too much relationship angst and excruciating detail about the life of an investigative reporter to wade through before getting to the meat of the mystery and any mystery-solving.
June 4, 2020
So sad that this series is done!!
May 31, 2023
Really liked it, excellent plots with lots of twist and surprises. Also takes place in the Boston area so I know the general area.
December 21, 2012
Charlie McNally is a seasoned TV reporter, recently engaged and looking forward to her future as a wife and stepmother. Nothing in life is ever that easy, though, and Charlie finds herself having to make an important decision that will affect her future at the same time she’s embroiled in two mysteries.
A car accident puts her and her team onto a dangerous VIN-number and airbag-theft scheme; the kind of story that could push Charlie into the big time. The only thing is, she’s already been given an offer by her boss for a network position in New York, but that will have a negative impact on her impending marriage to a private school teacher in Boston. At the same time, just a few things seem hinky at Bexter Academy, where Charlie’s fiancé Josh is on the faculty. Two mysterious deaths have her investigating the staff at the school, even though Josh asked her to stay off the case. Charlie’s inquisitive nature will not allow it, and before long she’s in grave danger because of it.
While I enjoyed the mystery aspect of this novel, and Charlie is a likeable character, I did not warm to some of the overdone themes in this book. Charlie becomes a cliché, worrying about aging and fitting her home and work lives together. Some women enjoy novels with this theme, but I generally avoid them like the plague. While they are realistic issues I sometimes consider in my own life, I don’t enjoy reading page after page of ruminations about them, preferring a little more fun in my novels. That aside, this is a decent mystery with likeable characters, just not one that fell into my avenue of interest.
A car accident puts her and her team onto a dangerous VIN-number and airbag-theft scheme; the kind of story that could push Charlie into the big time. The only thing is, she’s already been given an offer by her boss for a network position in New York, but that will have a negative impact on her impending marriage to a private school teacher in Boston. At the same time, just a few things seem hinky at Bexter Academy, where Charlie’s fiancé Josh is on the faculty. Two mysterious deaths have her investigating the staff at the school, even though Josh asked her to stay off the case. Charlie’s inquisitive nature will not allow it, and before long she’s in grave danger because of it.
While I enjoyed the mystery aspect of this novel, and Charlie is a likeable character, I did not warm to some of the overdone themes in this book. Charlie becomes a cliché, worrying about aging and fitting her home and work lives together. Some women enjoy novels with this theme, but I generally avoid them like the plague. While they are realistic issues I sometimes consider in my own life, I don’t enjoy reading page after page of ruminations about them, preferring a little more fun in my novels. That aside, this is a decent mystery with likeable characters, just not one that fell into my avenue of interest.
December 8, 2016
The final book in the Charlotte McNally series combines the main story of Charlie's pursuit of a counterfeit car scam and her own personal life changes.
As Charlie's personal life heads toward marriage to her fiancée Josh, her pursuit of the car scam story is hampered by a new job offer, tension between her and her producer Franklin and life as a stepmom to be.
The private school her stepdaughter attends ends up being involved in the story as a blackmail scheme involving the rich parents who send their kids to the school.
Caught between two stories, Charlie tries to balance her professional and personal commitments and satisfy everyone. But will she be able to avoid the trouble headed her way as a result of her investigations.
While this reissue was obviously the final book in the series, the story also had a sense of finality to it on its own merits. The storylines wind their way to an exciting conclusion and a new direction had the story continued.
This was a fun read and it made you revel in the evolution of Charlie's character. Hank Phillippi Ryan created a great crusading heroine and then gave her more depth as her character's growth evolved through the four book series.
I got into the series via the reprinted volumes but it was a trip well worth taking.
As Charlie's personal life heads toward marriage to her fiancée Josh, her pursuit of the car scam story is hampered by a new job offer, tension between her and her producer Franklin and life as a stepmom to be.
The private school her stepdaughter attends ends up being involved in the story as a blackmail scheme involving the rich parents who send their kids to the school.
Caught between two stories, Charlie tries to balance her professional and personal commitments and satisfy everyone. But will she be able to avoid the trouble headed her way as a result of her investigations.
While this reissue was obviously the final book in the series, the story also had a sense of finality to it on its own merits. The storylines wind their way to an exciting conclusion and a new direction had the story continued.
This was a fun read and it made you revel in the evolution of Charlie's character. Hank Phillippi Ryan created a great crusading heroine and then gave her more depth as her character's growth evolved through the four book series.
I got into the series via the reprinted volumes but it was a trip well worth taking.
February 27, 2010
Investigative TV news reporter Charlie McNally has a lot on her plate: a dangerous car-identity-theft scam; her upcoming marriage; mysterious threatening phone calls, suspicious deaths, and possible blackmail at the private school where her fiance teaches; secrets to keep; frustration at her inability to be in two places at the same time; and an important life decision to make.
It's an intriguing, complex tale, and fortunately Ms. Ryan is a skillful storyteller and a first-rate writer. She also knows her subject well, since she's an award-winning investigative reporter herself. The story, fast-paced, fun, and absorbing, is action-packed, with car chases, stakeouts with hidden cameras, and murder. The characters are engaging, and I enjoyed the interplay between Charlie and her co-workers. Charlie Mac is an intrepid, intelligent heroine, and her fiance, Josh, and her precocious nine-year-old stepdaughter-to-be, Penny, are appealing, smart characters.
This, the fourth installment in the Charlotte McNally series, is the first book by Ms. Ryan I've read, and it was such a good, entertaining read that I'll lose no time in getting hold of the first three.
It's an intriguing, complex tale, and fortunately Ms. Ryan is a skillful storyteller and a first-rate writer. She also knows her subject well, since she's an award-winning investigative reporter herself. The story, fast-paced, fun, and absorbing, is action-packed, with car chases, stakeouts with hidden cameras, and murder. The characters are engaging, and I enjoyed the interplay between Charlie and her co-workers. Charlie Mac is an intrepid, intelligent heroine, and her fiance, Josh, and her precocious nine-year-old stepdaughter-to-be, Penny, are appealing, smart characters.
This, the fourth installment in the Charlotte McNally series, is the first book by Ms. Ryan I've read, and it was such a good, entertaining read that I'll lose no time in getting hold of the first three.
May 21, 2017
I must quote Calvin Coolidge here. After allegedly going to a Broadway show he was asked how he liked the performance. He replied, "For people who like that sort of thing, they will find this is the sort of thing they like." Ryan is prodigious and popular author with many fans. Sorry, this is not my cup of tea.
March 1, 2010
I Love Charlie Mac! This series is incredible and each book just gets better, and more exciting than the last. Can't wait for the next one!
June 12, 2019
Just could not get interested in this book.
August 21, 2017
Ms. Ryan has really outdone herself on this last installment to the Charlotte McNally series. This time Charlie’s aiming to stop a car scam operation while at the same time, planning for her upcoming wedding. By far the best of the four McNally stories, Ryan has held nothing back in this one. Full of action including high-speed car chases, hidden video, stakeouts, and even her fiancé and stepdaughter get tangled up in the weaving of deception, secrets and murder.
Ryan has a knack for storytelling and her real-life experience in news reporting is highly reflected in her writing. She has a very unique voice and the ability to make each story in her books better than the last one. Though her characters are fictional, you can only suspect that the McNally character reveals many of Ryan’s own qualities, which appears to add humor and hands-on investigation into even to the grimmest of crimes.
Her stories in this series are well written, the plots are intriguing, the characters are extremely realistic and the background settings are right on target. I’ve read all four books in the McNally series and have to admit I’ve loved them all, but this last one, Drive Time, tops them all. A difficult task in outdoing the last great read, Ryan has handled the task with the ability to keep all the characters, old and new, in place – their personalities never faltering.
Also due to her experience in getting the facts and reporting the news, she’s able to use her talents as well to make her stories realistic, allowing the reader into the mind of McNally, and laying out the details to make everything fit into place exactly right, holding the reader in suspense until she lets go of the climatic ending.
What I really enjoy about Ryan’s writing is that you can’t figure out the plot and ending before finishing the book. I just didn’t want to put it down. A real page-turner!
Ryan is an amazing new talent in writing mysteries laced with realism, facts, and plenty of action! I’ll miss the series and hope she will add more later on!
Ryan has a knack for storytelling and her real-life experience in news reporting is highly reflected in her writing. She has a very unique voice and the ability to make each story in her books better than the last one. Though her characters are fictional, you can only suspect that the McNally character reveals many of Ryan’s own qualities, which appears to add humor and hands-on investigation into even to the grimmest of crimes.
Her stories in this series are well written, the plots are intriguing, the characters are extremely realistic and the background settings are right on target. I’ve read all four books in the McNally series and have to admit I’ve loved them all, but this last one, Drive Time, tops them all. A difficult task in outdoing the last great read, Ryan has handled the task with the ability to keep all the characters, old and new, in place – their personalities never faltering.
Also due to her experience in getting the facts and reporting the news, she’s able to use her talents as well to make her stories realistic, allowing the reader into the mind of McNally, and laying out the details to make everything fit into place exactly right, holding the reader in suspense until she lets go of the climatic ending.
What I really enjoy about Ryan’s writing is that you can’t figure out the plot and ending before finishing the book. I just didn’t want to put it down. A real page-turner!
Ryan is an amazing new talent in writing mysteries laced with realism, facts, and plenty of action! I’ll miss the series and hope she will add more later on!
June 25, 2017
If you've followed my blog for very long you'll know that Hank Phillippi Ryan is one of my absolute favorite writers. She has a knack for creating real, believable characters and putting them in thrilling situations. It's wonderful, and Drive Time was no let down!
Charlie is everything you'd expect a super-successful reporter to be. She's honest, determined, and unrelenting. It's a wonderful combination! I love Josh, Penny, and J.T. (A new character introduced), but I have to admit that Franklin grated on my nerves for most of this book. Even after some revelations came to light, his mood and overall attitude still rubbed me the wrong way.
The mystery was above average, as always. There were so many things going at once, but at the end they all wrapped up nicely. This book ended with a lot of changes happening in the character's personal lives, and I can't help but feel that this was a good place to end this foursome of books.
Though it ended nicely, I will still read another Charlie McNally mystery the second it comes out (if another one does, indeed, come out). Highly recommend this series and the Jane Ryland series also written by Hank Phillippi Ryan. Do yourself a favor and go buy the first in both series. You won't regret it!
Charlie is everything you'd expect a super-successful reporter to be. She's honest, determined, and unrelenting. It's a wonderful combination! I love Josh, Penny, and J.T. (A new character introduced), but I have to admit that Franklin grated on my nerves for most of this book. Even after some revelations came to light, his mood and overall attitude still rubbed me the wrong way.
The mystery was above average, as always. There were so many things going at once, but at the end they all wrapped up nicely. This book ended with a lot of changes happening in the character's personal lives, and I can't help but feel that this was a good place to end this foursome of books.
Though it ended nicely, I will still read another Charlie McNally mystery the second it comes out (if another one does, indeed, come out). Highly recommend this series and the Jane Ryland series also written by Hank Phillippi Ryan. Do yourself a favor and go buy the first in both series. You won't regret it!
January 22, 2017
Once again, the author has written an engrossing and believable story.
I met her at a Crime Bake conference, and it's hard not to confuse her with the main character. She was so stylish and high-society looking that I was intimidated. But, as she writes 'don't always judge a book by its cover'. I had the opportunity to talk with her and she is so charming and approachable and genuine. That comes through, as well, in the main character - who is relatable and believable.
My thoughts as I was reading were -- the book could have been called 'Secrets Time', with a lot to think about what secrets do you keep and from whom; and how do you balance career and personal life when you can't be two places at the same time (although she 'was' for an instant).
Great read, good plot, lasting things to think about, and an appreciation for the author as a person.
I met her at a Crime Bake conference, and it's hard not to confuse her with the main character. She was so stylish and high-society looking that I was intimidated. But, as she writes 'don't always judge a book by its cover'. I had the opportunity to talk with her and she is so charming and approachable and genuine. That comes through, as well, in the main character - who is relatable and believable.
My thoughts as I was reading were -- the book could have been called 'Secrets Time', with a lot to think about what secrets do you keep and from whom; and how do you balance career and personal life when you can't be two places at the same time (although she 'was' for an instant).
Great read, good plot, lasting things to think about, and an appreciation for the author as a person.
March 16, 2018
tv personality Charlie McNally is preparing for married life and a possible change is work place.
this story centers around the network ratings sweeps week where Charlie and Franklin are working on a story about cars. cars that have parts that have been stolen and cars that are identical.
also as a secondary plot there is mysterious phone calls being made to people associated with Bexter Academy. people are dying but is it accidental or murder.
I thibk this is the last in the series which is sad as I do enjoy Charlie and hope there are more to come.
this story centers around the network ratings sweeps week where Charlie and Franklin are working on a story about cars. cars that have parts that have been stolen and cars that are identical.
also as a secondary plot there is mysterious phone calls being made to people associated with Bexter Academy. people are dying but is it accidental or murder.
I thibk this is the last in the series which is sad as I do enjoy Charlie and hope there are more to come.
August 11, 2019
Charlotte (Charlie Mac) MacNally is a veteran investigative tv news reporter in Boston. She's offered a network job when one of her reports uncovers evidence of a car theft ring involving a local radio station, a garage and a car valet service. Ryan does an excellent job of showing us how Charlie can effectively handle her nerve-racking, sometimes dangerous, sometimes frustrating occupation. While reading, there are enough twists and turns to carry you through to the story's ultimate conclusion.
January 13, 2020
Not sure how to classify this book. I thought it was primarily a mystery with some "coziness" to it. However, there is way too much syrupy romance to it. The mystery gets lost in the heroines anguish over her romance competing with her job. Not to mention all the romantic thoughts and activities.
Read about 1/4 of it and finally gave up. Usually if I start a book, I finish it. Not this one.
I think the plot is interesting, but the syrupy romance/anguish, etc. just buries it.
Read about 1/4 of it and finally gave up. Usually if I start a book, I finish it. Not this one.
I think the plot is interesting, but the syrupy romance/anguish, etc. just buries it.
March 20, 2020
I didn't know anything about this author and, based on the book jacket, was expecting a routine crime thriller. What a pleasant surprise! This is an expertly written, taut and multilayered story of a television reporter investigating a car theft ring while balancing many other personal and professional challenges. The protagonist, Charlie McNally, is gutsy, witty, smart and extremely likable. I am definitely going to read more by this author!
August 13, 2021
I’m going back to four stars for this one, book four of four. It was much more interesting than books two and three, in my opinion. There were multiple mysteries going on throughout the book making it more of a page turner. And I liked how the author tidied up everything to happily end the series with no loose ends. A fun read.
November 22, 2017
I like a good plot with a few twists to it.
March 24, 2019
I loved this entire series. Charlie is a great character. I am worried that this book was written as a finale. Hoping i am wrong
August 6, 2019
3.5 rounded up to 4 just because I like this author, and I enjoyed the story line.
February 21, 2021
Great series, fast moving mystery, good characters. Boston.
July 19, 2013
In DRIVE TIME, the fourth book in Ryan's Charlotte McNally series, TV reporter Charlie McNally stumbles upon a deviously dangerous scheme when she and her producer Franklin stop to help the victim of a highway accident. Declan Ross tells her his vehicle is in the repair shop following a manufacturer's recall notice. He's driving a rental car--now badly damaged--and is furious because the air bags didn't deploy during the crash. Instinct tells Charlie there's a story brewing here, and what better time to investigate it than in the few days left leading up to sweeps week.
Working on the potential car scam report cuts into Charlie's personal time just as life is getting really interesting for her. Engaged to be married, Charlie is learning to become a step-mom to Josh's daughter Penny, and that means getting involved at Bexter, the private school where Josh teaches and Penny will be starting junior high. "Getting involved" isn't supposed to equate with "investigating" though, so when Josh tells Charlie something about Bexter in confidence, she's forced to rein in her natural tendency to snoop.
Conflicted by promises she's made and secrets she must keep, Charlie walks a fine line to keep her private life separate from her professional one. But when Josh becomes involved in an unexplained death, Charlie must use her investigative skills to solve a mystery that hits too near to home for comfort.
Hank Phillippi Ryan's bullet-like prose propels this nicely devised story at breakneck speed along a well-plotted course. Her "bang-bang" style of writing makes for a book that's hard to put down; I wanted to turn just one more page, read one more chapter, before closing the book each night. And despite the heightened pace of the story, Ryan displays great skill at characterization and description, painting pictures of people, places, and events with a minimum of fuss and a maximum of reality. All in all, this was a mystery that grabbed my attention from the first page.
Working on the potential car scam report cuts into Charlie's personal time just as life is getting really interesting for her. Engaged to be married, Charlie is learning to become a step-mom to Josh's daughter Penny, and that means getting involved at Bexter, the private school where Josh teaches and Penny will be starting junior high. "Getting involved" isn't supposed to equate with "investigating" though, so when Josh tells Charlie something about Bexter in confidence, she's forced to rein in her natural tendency to snoop.
Conflicted by promises she's made and secrets she must keep, Charlie walks a fine line to keep her private life separate from her professional one. But when Josh becomes involved in an unexplained death, Charlie must use her investigative skills to solve a mystery that hits too near to home for comfort.
Hank Phillippi Ryan's bullet-like prose propels this nicely devised story at breakneck speed along a well-plotted course. Her "bang-bang" style of writing makes for a book that's hard to put down; I wanted to turn just one more page, read one more chapter, before closing the book each night. And despite the heightened pace of the story, Ryan displays great skill at characterization and description, painting pictures of people, places, and events with a minimum of fuss and a maximum of reality. All in all, this was a mystery that grabbed my attention from the first page.
January 29, 2011
This is Book 4 of the Charlotte McNalley Novel series, and as such, the main characters come to us fully formed with personalities intact. Unfortunately for me, this is the first I've read. Author Hank Phillippi Ryan knows what she's about in the world of investigative reporting and television, and in the fictional world of Charlotte, better known as Charley McNalley, her experience comes through. The book, though a novel, rings true and the plot(s) are tight. An accident is witnessed by Charley and her crew which leads to the perfect story for them to blow the lid off a story just in time for ratings week, a deadly race to the deadline. But another story, full of secrets, and considered worthy of ratings week will almost spell the death of our intrepid heroine.
I really liked the plot line of the major investigation, it was well-thought out, driven hard, extremely plausible, and action packed. On the brink of her wedding, Charley and Josh are certainly not inseparable. She has suspects to keep tabs on, does surveillance with her crew at night, spending more and more time away from home. On top of that, she receives an opportunity of a lifetime, which will take her away even further. Will she make the right decisions in time to save her upcoming marriage and new family? Will Josh make the right decisions? Will their secrets tear them apart?
For those who have been following the series, there will be surprises in store. Characters will be leaving the series and new characters will arrive. Who will remain? Who will take up the offers of change and to further their careers? I love a book that keeps you wanting more. This is a series I want to explore from the beginning. Very well written, strong characterizations.
I really liked the plot line of the major investigation, it was well-thought out, driven hard, extremely plausible, and action packed. On the brink of her wedding, Charley and Josh are certainly not inseparable. She has suspects to keep tabs on, does surveillance with her crew at night, spending more and more time away from home. On top of that, she receives an opportunity of a lifetime, which will take her away even further. Will she make the right decisions in time to save her upcoming marriage and new family? Will Josh make the right decisions? Will their secrets tear them apart?
For those who have been following the series, there will be surprises in store. Characters will be leaving the series and new characters will arrive. Who will remain? Who will take up the offers of change and to further their careers? I love a book that keeps you wanting more. This is a series I want to explore from the beginning. Very well written, strong characterizations.
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September 25, 2012Drive Time, by Hank Phillippi Ryan, a-minus, Narrated by Margaret Daly, Produced by Harlequin and Audible Inc., downloaded from audible.com.
This is the third in the Charlie McMally series. In this book, things are more exciting, more challenging, and just as deadly for Charlie and her producer, Franklin. Charlie is now, in addition to living in her own condo, living at least part-time with her fiancée, Josh and his daughter, Penny. Charlie is very committed to making Josh and Penny her family, but this commitment runs into conflict with her profession as an investigative reporter. There are things she knows, for example, about conflicts at the private school where Josh teaches that she can’t relate to anyone at work, even though it might be a good scoop for a news story. And there are things she is learning about, with regard to a car theft and scam ring that she cannot relate to Josh and Penny. On top of all of that, their manager has been offered a network position in New York and will be leaving. He has offered Charlie a chance to move with him to New York-a reporter’s dream to move to a network position, but she is not to tell anyone else, including her own producer about this possibility. Thus, she and her team now have secrets from each other. And she has to determine whether or not she will stay in Boston as she begins married life, or whether she will commute during the week to New York. The car theft scam and the private school scandal both lead Charlie into danger. There are car chases and stakeouts and other thrilling events in this book. I think it’s the best of the three in this series.
This is the third in the Charlie McMally series. In this book, things are more exciting, more challenging, and just as deadly for Charlie and her producer, Franklin. Charlie is now, in addition to living in her own condo, living at least part-time with her fiancée, Josh and his daughter, Penny. Charlie is very committed to making Josh and Penny her family, but this commitment runs into conflict with her profession as an investigative reporter. There are things she knows, for example, about conflicts at the private school where Josh teaches that she can’t relate to anyone at work, even though it might be a good scoop for a news story. And there are things she is learning about, with regard to a car theft and scam ring that she cannot relate to Josh and Penny. On top of all of that, their manager has been offered a network position in New York and will be leaving. He has offered Charlie a chance to move with him to New York-a reporter’s dream to move to a network position, but she is not to tell anyone else, including her own producer about this possibility. Thus, she and her team now have secrets from each other. And she has to determine whether or not she will stay in Boston as she begins married life, or whether she will commute during the week to New York. The car theft scam and the private school scandal both lead Charlie into danger. There are car chases and stakeouts and other thrilling events in this book. I think it’s the best of the three in this series.
April 16, 2012
I came across "Drive Time" in the middle of the Big Storm of 2011. It was a sanity saver at a time of no power and no heat, when food poisoning (restaurant generator failed to keep the food cold enough) rendered me helpless and hopeless. Best part? It gave me food for thought and a story to savor as the pages were read. It's like comfort food for a hungry reader.
Hank Phillippi Ryan creates some wonderful characters. The feisty Charlotte "Charlie" McNally is the savvy investigative reporter on the hunt for a big scoop. Torn between romance and ambition, she works the story while trying to sort out her personal life. From several possible suspects that you're hoping aren't involved, to Penny, the soon-to-be step-daughter who has a lot of influence over her dad's decision, the human interactions make the story feel like a vignette from your own friendly neighborhood. It's hard not to find yourself rooting for Charlie and the man in her life, Josh, as their personal lives become entangled with Charlie's professional life. Should she back off and play it safe or risk moving in for the exposé? Extortion, revenge, and murder all threaten to bring down the rich and powerful, taking the gutsy reporter with them. Charlie's understanding of human nature helps her solve the crime in the end, but she takes you on a wild ride as she sorts it all out with her team. With fast-paced dialogue that moves as quickly as she does, the reader is swept up in the drama behind the news. Best of all? The ending is clever, realistic, and satisfying.
Hank Phillippi Ryan creates some wonderful characters. The feisty Charlotte "Charlie" McNally is the savvy investigative reporter on the hunt for a big scoop. Torn between romance and ambition, she works the story while trying to sort out her personal life. From several possible suspects that you're hoping aren't involved, to Penny, the soon-to-be step-daughter who has a lot of influence over her dad's decision, the human interactions make the story feel like a vignette from your own friendly neighborhood. It's hard not to find yourself rooting for Charlie and the man in her life, Josh, as their personal lives become entangled with Charlie's professional life. Should she back off and play it safe or risk moving in for the exposé? Extortion, revenge, and murder all threaten to bring down the rich and powerful, taking the gutsy reporter with them. Charlie's understanding of human nature helps her solve the crime in the end, but she takes you on a wild ride as she sorts it all out with her team. With fast-paced dialogue that moves as quickly as she does, the reader is swept up in the drama behind the news. Best of all? The ending is clever, realistic, and satisfying.
September 3, 2011
Drive Time (Mira 2010) finds Charlotte “Charlie” McNally, a 40-something TV investigative reporter in Boston, trying to balance the pressures of her job with her desire to spend time with new fiancé Josh and almost-stepdaughter Penny. Since Penny’s mother is in California with her new husband, nine-year old Penny is living full time with her father, and about to enter the second term at Bexter, the exclusive private school where Josh teaches. When Josh tells Charlie that Dorothy Whit, the Head’s assistant, has been receiving anonymous phone threats, he swears her to secrecy, making it difficult for Charlie to do what she does best: investigate the situation. Charlie is good at keeping secrets, but as she looks into the Bexter situation, more people tell her private stories in confidence. Then Charlie’s boss tells her secretly that he is accepting a job offer in New York, and that he wants Charlie to come with him as his senior investigative reporter. Charlie hates not sharing her inability to decide whether to stay or go with her producer Franklin, and throws herself into their sweeps week story: a possible expose of a ring of air bag and car thefts. Ryan’s insider view of television reporting makes Charlie’s suspenseful investigation all too real. This satisfying 4th in the series is a finalist for Agatha and Anthony Awards.
Hank Phillippi Ryan page at SYKM
Hank Phillippi Ryan page at SYKM
February 25, 2013
The reason this one took so long is I had to stop to read 7 other books to judge for the RITA awards (and no, I'm not allowed to post any comments or titles of the books I scored).
I really enjoyed this book - the heroine is the fictional equivalent to the author, Hank Phillippi Ryan - she's an investigative reporter for TV news and so is Charlie McNally. I liked the main character very much - she's smart, agressive (but not pushy or obnoxious) and pro-active. The book is written in first person present tense, so the action feels immediate. Since the author knows her stuff, the details are accurate and just enough to get sense of the world, without being over the top - I loved how she showed that not her job isn't all ar chases and excitement - that sometimes a reporter has to sit in a car for hours freezing her butt off to get nothing. The mystery was complex enough to have me guessing, but I'll admit, I figured a couple things out before the big reveal.
And I'd like to add that Hank is one of the loveliest woman I've ever met! Sweet, kind, smart, etc... She presented on a Friday night at Pennwriter's last year when I was the Sat. Keynote, she stayed for the entire conference (most big name authors leave asap), attended one of my workshops (talk about nervous) and was at my Keynote address. I will buy all her books regardless just because she was so nice! But I was very happy that she's also a good writer :)
I really enjoyed this book - the heroine is the fictional equivalent to the author, Hank Phillippi Ryan - she's an investigative reporter for TV news and so is Charlie McNally. I liked the main character very much - she's smart, agressive (but not pushy or obnoxious) and pro-active. The book is written in first person present tense, so the action feels immediate. Since the author knows her stuff, the details are accurate and just enough to get sense of the world, without being over the top - I loved how she showed that not her job isn't all ar chases and excitement - that sometimes a reporter has to sit in a car for hours freezing her butt off to get nothing. The mystery was complex enough to have me guessing, but I'll admit, I figured a couple things out before the big reveal.
And I'd like to add that Hank is one of the loveliest woman I've ever met! Sweet, kind, smart, etc... She presented on a Friday night at Pennwriter's last year when I was the Sat. Keynote, she stayed for the entire conference (most big name authors leave asap), attended one of my workshops (talk about nervous) and was at my Keynote address. I will buy all her books regardless just because she was so nice! But I was very happy that she's also a good writer :)
March 8, 2010
Another great tale from Hank Phillippi Ryan. Charlie McNally is on the trail of the bad guys again. This time, it's people who steal air bags out of cars and clone VIN numbers to cover car thefts. The scary part, it appears to me that this scam could easily be going on across the country right now! Charlie is alerted when she witnesses a car crash that could have been fatal because the air bags did not deploy in a car that was rented from the Car King agency. Charlie follows the leads and uncovers a car theft ring operating out of the Boston entertainment district: valets park your car, but do they? She follows a stolen car to a garage where the VIN is cloned and the air bags stolen and gets it all on tape. Meanwhile, something bad is happening at Bexter Academy and Charlie's finacee, Josh, wants her to find out what without revealing he told her about it. Talk about having to keep secrets! I truly enjoy these books with great characters, all of whom have changes coming up in their lives.Can't wait to see what develops.
March 26, 2014
#4 in the Charlotte "Charlie" McNally series. Charlie is a somewhat age-obsessed, investigative reporter for a Boston TV station. This entry wraps up this short series and does a better job than most. The prize-nominated novel (Finalist 2010 Agatha Award for Best Novel & Finalist 2011 Anthony Award for Best Paperback) was clearly written to wrap up plot lines and point to a new vista.
Charlotte "Charlie" McNally series - Investigative reporter Charlotte McNally is an expert at keeping things confidential, but suddenly everyone has a secret, and it turns out it is possible to know too much. Her latest scoop--an expose of a dangerous car scam, complete with stakeouts, high-speed chases and hidden-camera footage--is ratings gold. But soon that leads her to a brand-new and diabolical scheme. Charlie's personal and professional lives are on a collision course, too. Her fiancé is privy to information about threats at an elite private school that have turned deadly.
Charlotte "Charlie" McNally series - Investigative reporter Charlotte McNally is an expert at keeping things confidential, but suddenly everyone has a secret, and it turns out it is possible to know too much. Her latest scoop--an expose of a dangerous car scam, complete with stakeouts, high-speed chases and hidden-camera footage--is ratings gold. But soon that leads her to a brand-new and diabolical scheme. Charlie's personal and professional lives are on a collision course, too. Her fiancé is privy to information about threats at an elite private school that have turned deadly.
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