Hank Phillippi Ryan’s The Murder List is a psychological suspense, a legal thriller, and a murder mystery wrapped up in one compelling read. The tangled threads of past and present become ensnarled when law student Rachel North begins an internship with her criminal defense attorney husband’s enemy, the District Attorney. 

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This is a tensely-paced tale that expertly balances action and exposition. The plot is layered and intelligent, and the twists that pepper the pages are surprising. Ryan’s insider knowledge of the criminal justice system is evident, and her insight and details of the finer workings of the system add depth and realism to the story without ever bogging down the momentum. 

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The characters are authentically rounded and completely untrustworthy. A host of unreliable narrators navigate the moral labyrinth of the legal system, guided by their own ulterior motives. Manipulation and driving ambition abound.

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Ryan’s writing is superb. Every detail adds to the characterizations or the plot, and the cat and mouse mystery unfolds at a riveting pace. The Murder List is a clever, perceptive crime thriller that explores the personal agendas of those responsible for ensuring justice is served. 

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Highly recommended for fans of psychological suspense and a murder mystery in the vein of Law & Order