Air Time

Charlotte McNally #3

by Hank Phillippi Ryan

When savvy TV reporter Charlotte McNally enters the glamorous world of high fashion, she soon discovers that when the purses are fakeâ the danger is real. And no one can be trusted!Now Charlotte can't tell the real from the fake as she goes undercover to bring the couture counterfeiters to justiceâ and in her struggle to answer an all-important, life-changing question from a certain handsome professorâ ¦ The one thing Charlotte knows for sure is that the wrong choice could be the last decision she ever makes!

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Crime, Suspense, Romance

394 pages, Paperback

First published August 18, 2009

About the author

Hank 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

Reviews

[Jill Dunlop · Rating 4 out of 5]

Air Time is the third book in Hank Ryan Phillippi's Charlotte McNally mystery series. Charlotte or known to her friends as Charlie is an investigative reporter for a television news station in Boston. This time she is investigating the corruption behind knock-off designer hand bags. Turns out there is big money in fake purses, even the FBI is involved. Charlie's relationship with Josh, the handsome English professor is getting more serious. Although, Josh feels like he plays second fiddle to Charlie's career. Will Charlie be forced to choose between the two?

Air Time is another excellent addition to the Charlotte McNally series. Once again the mystery is all encompassing and gripping. There are a lot of twists and turns to keep fans of the cozy mystery happy. Although, it is in the back of my mind how coincidental that Charlie always happens to be in the right place at the right time. Still I thought the mystery was very good.

One of my complaints about the book would have to be Charlie's relationship with Josh. Josh feels neglected by Charlie, because she tends to put her job before him. I completely feel where he is coming from and if I had to take a side, it would be his. Since I am a romance reader first and foremost, the relationship part of the book is disappointing. I would like to have the relationship be in the foreground, not the background. But hey, that's just me and my own personal preferences. I still really enjoy this series and highly recommend it to fans of the cozy mystery.

[Jeanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just something with this story that seemed to drag on forever. The case was solved with some unexpected culprits, which raised the rating a bit . . . 4 out of 10.

[Wendy Kendall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is really fun. The author has written a fast paced paperback mystery that will keep your detective instincts engaged to the end.

Charlie (Charlotte) McNally is a smart, energetic TV reporter, who’s been in the business almost 20 years. She has a real nose for news, and a cat’s curiosity. There are four novels in this series. “Air Time” is about Charlie on an investigative story about knock off designer purses. She and her intrepid partner at the Boston station charge ahead into the glamorous, and surprisingly dangerous, world of high fashion. The research is fascinating, and you’ll be collecting clues throughout the book. Charlie ends up going bravely, and at times humorously undercover. The other characters in the book are well written and really come to life on the page. That includes Charlie’s intriguing love interest, who is a professor.

As the counterfeit trail unfolds, Charlie travels from Boston to several different cities in America. She analyzes the actions of multiple suspects. While she’s debating different criminal theories, she struggles to balance her drive for adventure and her desire for a healthy, happy personal life.

Author Hank Phillippi Ryan really knows her topic. Born Harriet Ann Sabloski, she is a professional, investigative reporter at a station in Boston, when she is not writing mystery novels. She is widely regarded as one of the most hard-hitting, informative investigative reporters in the region, having won numerous awards for her work. In this novel, her story just glides so easily off the page and into your heart.

Now that I’ve successfully partnered with Charlie in this investigative story, I can’t wait to check out the other books, also award winners, in the series: Prime Time, which is actually the first in the series, Face Time and Drive Time.

Thereby hangs a tale . . . .

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s amazing how the details push a book from great to outstanding. Again the characterization of Botox is excellent (she jumps onto the table and knocks over the water which soaks the cop). Then there’s the description of the newsroom. Quite a few people think TV news is all excitement all the time, but chapter seven reveals the truth. Charlie tests out her hidden camera set-up in the newsroom and describes what she recorded: “I got great shots of a producer searching Facebook, the satellite guy doing a crossword puzzle, and the new morning reporter shopping online for red patent Louboutin pumps. If the camera were set to record audio, I could have also provided slam-dunk proof that our noon anchor was making comments to an intern that Nanette in Human Resources would certainly have frowned upon.” I’m guilty of that third one with embarrassing regularity. In fact, I went to Barney’s and bought those red Louboutin heels! I’ll be looking over my shoulder for reporters testing hidden cameras from now on. Charlie has definitely made her way into my heart. I feel I know her. I’d love to work with her.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlie McNally is at it again. This installment is about the fashion industry and the people who steal designs to make lots of money pirating intellectual property.

Charlie is returning from winning an award when she gets off the plane she is sitting on with Franklin to check a possible plane crash. When she finally gets home she notices that baggage claim slips are being printed and not needed, but also not destroyed. Then she travels up and down the East Coast in and out of airports all the way while learning more about the fashion industry. She witnesses strange occurrences at the baggage conveyor belt and that leads to more questions and a possible lead to fake bags and suburban house parties.

This was a wonderful read and Sue Grafton indeed is correct with her blurb, "Sassy, fast-paced, and appealing. This is first class entertainment."

I recommend this book to any mystery lover!

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

When something a little odd happens with your checked baggage at the airport, most of us just leave relieved (if our bag turns up) or annoyed (if it doesn't). Hank Philippi Ryan, whose other career is as an investigative reporter on a Boston television news program, comes up with an amazing mystery story, full of twists and turns and leading to a scary but ultimately successful conclusion. And it's all about handbags -- a topic that interests me hardly at all except in Ryan's skillful hands.
"Charlie" McNally is perhaps a thinly-veiled autobiographical character; she and her colleagues and friends are often witty and always interesting. If you missed this four-book series in its first go-round, take advantage of its republication since Ryan's success with her new series and spend some enjoyable time with Charlie McNally.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlie is on a story about fashion knock-offs, a big business that really costs everyone involved in the market, including the consumer, in the end. She and Franklin encounter a problem with the flight to Boston, putting Charlie's nose for news into high gear; especially when the airline tries to pawn off a flimsy excuse. Things like that don't happen without a reason. Though she's not sure what's going on, Charlie's instincts tell her someone is deliberately hiding something.

In this third book, Charlie goes undercover, a new twist for the McNally series. Unfortunately, her relationship with Josh is once again strained and Josh wants to move in with her so he can spend more time with her. Charlie is torn between her job and feelings for Josh. He knew what her life was about when they met. Doesn't Josh understand how important her job is to her? Surely he knows her feelings for him. Why wasn't that enough?

Filled with Charlie's unique humor and to-the-point dialogue, she manages to find herself amidst the danger once again as she probes for answers. She's really putting her life on the line this time and someone is not happy about her questions. Someone is aware that she's getting too close. And that someone can't afford to let that happen!

There’s more at stake than Charlie is aware of when she first begins her investigation, including her own personal life. But Charlie will risk anything and everything to get a story. She's not going down without a fight.

Hank Ryan's done it again in yet another suspenseful, romantic story combined with her expertise in the field of news reporting. She knows how to take you behind the scenes in getting a story, including the camaraderie between Charlie and her producer/friend, Franklin, the hectic, fast-paced life of a reporter and the inside view into Charlie‘s personal life, which adds even more realism to the piece

Ryan planted her hook in early when I read Prime Time, kept me turning the pages in Face Time and had me on the edge of my seat in Air Time. I can’t wait to see what kind of trouble Charlie gets into in the next installment in this series, Drive Time.

A highly recommended read for anyone who loves reading mystery and suspense wrapped thoroughly with intense action and mind-boggling storylines.

[Cindy Nagle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was looking for a mystery and had this one on my shelf. I particularly like reading a book that takes place in and around places I have visited/lived/worked near, etc so Boston fit the bill and the author is local as well.

I started reading and didn’t really take the time to know that this is book 3 of a series of mysteries but in no way did I find it difficult to get involved in the story. It was a quick read yet has a lot of detail and paths that are dead ends or have important clues. Who is behind the fake expensive purses? Who is lying? The switchbacks will have you holding onto your seat and second guessing yourself. I couldn’t put this book down!

I particularly liked the fact that the lead character goes by Charlie when her real name is Charlotte and the author goes by Hank when her real name is Harriet! Nice going!!

[Chris Norbury · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having met the author, who is a TV investigative reporter of note, I can't help but envision her as Charlotte McNally. That adds more "reality" to the story, which is fun. Women will probably like this book more than men because it centers around a fake fashion smuggling ring. Plot gets a bit confusing near the end, but all comes out well for "Charlie" and friends. Realism is there in spades as the author shows what a 21st century TV reporter's hectic life is like. I don't think I could handle the pace and pressure. A solid effort full of craft, style, tension, and fast pace.

[Maria Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story of the big bag

Anyone who likes designer bags will appreciate this story. Charlie gets a whiff of a story about how counterfeit bags are taking sales from makers of the originals. If you have ever brought a real designer bag, you will always know how to tell what is a fake version. Plus the real designer bag holds up over time.
Charlie also gets her man Josh after scoring the big story.

[Brigitte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Once again enjoyed this one in the series better than the first. Very interesting mystery about the "knock off" trade in double designer purses. The pace at the end was filled with tension to get the perpetrator, which was a surprise as to his identity. Amusing simultaneous romance to boot in competition with Charlie's career focus! Definitely recommend.

[Phil · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you like books where the heroine keeps putting herself into dangerous situations, then you'll like Air Time. I don't like those sorts of books. However, I guess the book has a good story line since I did keep reading it and finished it. It was, in fact, an interesting book.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hank Phillippi Ryan's "Air Time" is a quick and entertaining read. Suspense with not a lot of gore and just a touch of good loving makes the plot move quickly. The character of Charlie, the TV reporter, is well drawn.

[Kay Gillis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my cup of tea, but.....

it would make a good 1 hour tv show. It was my first encounter with Charlie McNalley and I just couldn’t find a way to care about the characters or the story line. It is well written and I am sure that it would appeal to many.

[Noreen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlie is ...

Endearing, passionate in her drive to find answers with the right mix of journalist asking the 5 W’s and H and detective!

[Lauren Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is book three in the series…I became interested enough in the characters to continue with it, but this was my least favorite of the four. The plot wasn’t as interesting as the others.

[Gillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun and breezy

[William Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read and an interesting look into fashion designer items and the people that copy them and try selling them as the real deal.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply amazing! Hank Phillippi Ryan never disappoints.

[Kelly Moran · Rating 5 out of 5]

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: Face Time (August 2009) and Prime Time (coming July 2009.) She resides just outside of Boston, MA, with her husband.
Hot on the trail of her next story, veteran TV reporter Charlotte McNally is thrown into the glamorous world of high fashion. Going undercover in an attempt to infiltrate a ring of counterfeit designers, Charlie soon discovers there’s much more at stake than fake purses and rip-off’s. The lies and deception run deep, taking her on a whirlwind through airports, the FBI, and even her own backyard. No one can be trusted and the danger is very real. Even with the danger to her own heart, Charlie must struggle to answer a life-altering question from her handsome professor boyfriend, hoping it’s not the last decision she makes.
This is book three, the last in the Charlotte McNally Mystery series. As stated before in the two other reviews, these are cozy mysteries with romantic elements. In book one, Charlotte meets Josh. In book two, they continue the relationship with his daughter struggling to accept Charlotte. In book three, they are forced to evaluate their relationship when her job begins to come between them. I don’t want to put up a spoiler alert, so I’ll be vague in saying that the only issue I had with the book was the seemingly swift acceptance regarding the relationship at the end. I would have liked a little more bend on both ends as a buffer for compromise.
In saying that, I’ll reverse T.S. Elliot’s quote to say that this book ended with a bang and not a whimper. The action was edge-of-your-seat and fast-paced. The secondary characters, Franklin and Penny, were adorable and added nicely to the story. The investigation, as with the two other books, was spot-on and intriguing. This book was not as laugh-out-loud humorous as the first two, and that’s not a reprimand, because it flowed smoothly with the relationship, her decision, and story at the time. Not that there wasn’t ‘any’ humor, I recall laughing several times, just not ‘as’ humorous.
The entire series is a recommended read!

CORRECTION NOTE: This is the third book in the series, but not the last. DRIVE TIME to be released soon.

Kelly Moran,
Author and Reviewer

[Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Given that my idea of high fashion is buying a new heavy metal T-shirt at a concert merchandise stand, counterfeit high end women's purses fueling the 3rd Charlotte McNally story is probably a bit lost on me.

I get that the fakes cost legitimate businesses millions of dollars and all, and of course they should protect their brand. But it is a little hard for me to work up that much outrage over it.

That said, once Hank Phillippi Ryan's story sets off into investigating this crime, things really do pick up. Charlie and Franklin find themselves working against criminals, the police, the feds and even their own bosses as they look to track down and break a major story. Missing persons, a murder and trouble in Charlie's personal life keep the proceedings taut and tension filled.

The climax of the story was nicely written and there was definitely a feeling of excitement as I turned the pages towards the big reveal of the Big Bad behind the conspiracy and the explosive conclusion.

I'm only getting into this series due to the reprints because I missed them the first time the novels were published. But being late to the party means I get to read these stories all brand new and shiny for the first time. And Ryan never fails to tell a pretty compelling tale of mystery and intrigue.

[Ed · Rating 3 out of 5]

#3 in the Charlotte "Charlie" McNally series. Finalist 2009 Agatha Award for Best Novel and Finalist 2010 Anthony Award for Best Paperback. "Charlie" has too much personal angst - it keeps me from enjoying the series more and giving it a higher rating. This time out she's not as worried about her age and screen appearance but she still worries about the balance of time on the job versus time spent with her boyfriend. A serviceable and enjoyable series, but it could be made better more by subtraction than addition.

Charlotte "Charlie" McNally series - When savvy TV reporter Charlotte McNally enters the glamorous world of high fashion, she soon discovers that when the purses are fake--the danger is real. And no one can be trusted! Now Charlotte can't tell the real from the fake as she goes undercover to bring the couture counterfeiters to justice--and in her struggle to answer an all-important, life-changing question from a certain handsome professor

[Mark Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Investigative reporter finds that knock offs of designer purses are serious business when her story about them leads to murder. Meanwhile, her relationship with her boyfriend hits a rather serious hurdle. I'm a guy, so I had a hard time getting into the plot about the purses, but eventually, I did. Overall, I did enjoy the book.

Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.

[Viccy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlie McNally is an on-air personality for Channel 3 in Boston. She is on the trail of folks who counterfeit designer goods. It leads through Atlanta to Baltimore and Greater Barrington, MA. Meanwhile, Charlie cannot decide how to make her relationship with Josh work. Is she really married to her job? I am already anxious to read the next in the series

[Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hank's best to date. The author is not only a lovely and gracious lady, but a truly burgeoning author. The plot deals with the huge market in knock-off designer handbags. I never thought that would be a subject that would interest me in the least, but...surprise! I dug it, and I learned something in the process. An excellent mystery. Go Hank.

[Deborah Wall · Rating 4 out of 5]

TV News and getting the Story

Charlotte McNally is one of those great characters, strong when needed in spite of her human frailties. She reminds me of the characters Harrison Ford plays, the ordinary man driven to courageous acts. McNally is pursuing a story on fake designer bags when it suddenly turns dangerous. A good plot with twists and turns.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great ride with Charlie McNally-I can't wait until Dead Time is out on 2/1! After reading this one I'm never checking a bag at the airport again! This whole series is so tightly written and filled with great, relatable characters that it's hard to put them down!

[Tulara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't know much about this series - but I started this one today - I liked the title and it was on sale.
Well, I didn't really care about fake purses - anyone who spends more than $40 on a purse is nuts.

[Kim Rader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had trouble getting into this. Didn't realize it was #3 in a series. But today I nearly missed my stop on the train because I was so deep into it. It definitely picks up and gets twisty at the end.

[Homerun2 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Enjoyable series. This one had a bang-up ending that was a little over the top, and a fair amount of romantic angst along the way. But it still managed to entertain. Charlie Mac and her series are good company.