Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Jungle Reds Celebrate Hank's Big THE MURDER LIST Day!


RHYS BOWEN: We Reds are having such a fun month. First we danced for joy when Hallie’s book, CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR, and mine, LOVE AND DEATH AMONG THE CHEETAHS, came out and now we have been counting down until Hank’s THE MURDER LIST. 

Well, dear readers, that day is finally here. We are so excited about this book. Already so many stellar reviews. So much buzz. It has to be a huge hit. And we decided to celebrate by making Hank the spotlight of our deep and meaningful questions:


HALLIE EPHRON: It seems like with every book, you push the envelope. Going deeper. More complex. More unexpected. What new turf are you tilling with THE MURDER LIST?

HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN : Here’s a funny thing.  So many of the marvelous and spectacular reviews (yay!) of THE MURDER LIST have called it character-driven, and wow, I love that. Hurray. But in fact, THE MURDER LIST came from the story. Then the characters, like Rachel and Jack, came to populate that story. And happily, they took over.

I was listening to my criminal defense husband discuss a murder case one day. One track of my mind was listening to his narrative, and the other track was thinking—wow, what a good guy he is. The authentic real thing—standing up for the little guy, protecting the rights of the individual against the vast power of the state and the prosecution, making sure the prosecution plays by the rules and that the trial is fair and just.

And then I thought--what does the prosecutor’s wife think about her husband? Certainly she things he’s a good guy—protecting the public, putting miscreants behind bars, keeping criminals off the streets, standing up for law and order.

So how, I thought, can everyone be a good guy? And I started thinking about good, especially when it comes to the justice system. And realized that everyone involved chooses the side they think is the good side. And then they fight it out to see which “good” wins.

And then added to that: the obsession with lawyers--sorry, Jonathan and all--to win. 

You ask a lawyer, “What’s a good case?” And they’ll say “Winnable.” So given that they all think they’re good, and that they all want to win—and they’re always always in a battle with each other—doesn’t that set up perfect conflict? And the question of how far someone might go to win?

And then add a newbie—a young lawyer wannabe who has to choose a side.

So I created law student Rachel, trying to figure out her legal life.  And her influences—her brilliant defense attorney husband and her new employer, the powerful prosecutor. Two sides, battling for the legal soul of this novice attorney.

At least, that’s what they think they’re doing.


LUCY BURDETTE:  Your books are mostly (all?) set in Boston, and they involve reporters and lawyers, all of which are close to home for you. How closely do you stick to reality, with settings and characters and plot?


HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: Yes, they are all set around Boston at least, and yes they involve reporters and lawyers. I'm fascinated by how reporters and lawyers are required to think, seeing every possible side of every possible story, and then sticking to the truth they choose. 

Then, think how much what a reporter says in the story can affect a trial. And how much what a lawyer tells a reporter can affect that story. And yes, no one in my books, reporter or lawyer, does anything that a real person would not or could not do.

THE MURDER LIST, I have to say, is quite realistic. Terrifyingly so.

As for the settings, yes, part of the fun is making it authentic. Now I sometimes drive by places where events occurred in the murder list, and I think oh, that’s where Rachel and Jack first met for coffee. And then I laughed, and remember, oh, I made that up.

If a murder takes place in someone’s house, though. I make up an address or if there is a scene in a restaurant, I make up the restaurant.  Just in case :-)



JULIA SPENCER-FLEMING:  You dig deeper into the legal profession in THE MURDER LIST than you have in any other book, and you have expert help in the form of your husband! (For readers who don't know, Jonathan Shapiro is a VERY distinguished trial attorney.) But what's it like getting him to talk about the messy details of cases? Will Jonathan spill tea? Do you have to wait until X many years after a verdict before he'll disclose what REALLY happened?

HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN:   Well, I have to admit I am incredibly lucky to have having in-house legal counsel. We are also both lucky to have the framework of spousal immunity, and reporter-source confidentiality. Jonathan and I talk about absolutely everything about everything, with the understanding that some of it will never get past the kitchen table. Except very fictionally :-)

In THE MURDER LIST,  all the super conflict, and the super dynamics, and the super inside details, those are all based on reality. Sometimes I say to Jonathan: I cannot believe you have such an interesting life! And he says the same thing to me.  

But one caveat (!) there is a dashing handsome brilliant defense attorney in THE MURDER LIST, and people wonder if that actually is Jonathan. It most definitely :-) is not. Truly. Trust me. (Hmm. The more I say that the more you won’t believe me. But Jack is not Jonathan!  And I know you have read it, Julia, and I know you recognize that from page 1.)

The murders are not based on any real cases. And, though I worked hard to keep legal jargon at a minimum, all the details are authentic.


DEBORAH CROMBIE: Hank, which came first, wanting to be a reporter or a writer? What were your "aha" moments?

HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN  Oh, Debs, I never wanted to be anything but a lawyer or a disc jockey. Those were my basic ambitions. I kind of wanted to be a detective, too, like Sherlock Holmes. 

My aha moments, and there have been many, came more as a surprise then a quest. My mother always said I was incredibly curious, and she taught me, and I can hear her saying this, to “go and find out. “ so I learned how to do that.

I knew I wanted to be a reporter only after two weeks of being a radio reporter! I went home those two weeks, sobbing, because I had no idea what I was doing. Then one morning I went to the station and I thought wow, this is exciting. And I know how to do this! And I have been a reporter ever since then, 1971, can you believe it?  
Same with television… There was a learning curve, certainly, and then I fell in love with it.

As for investigative reporting, I totally remember that aha moment. I was interviewing the head of the water department from somewhere, and he said “we have no evidence of toxicity in our water.”
And I sort of looked at him, and said: “Have you ever tested for it?”
And he said no. And I thought: whoa. People lie. And I can find out the truth.

As a writer, the aha was when I had the idea for Prime Time. I had absolutely no doubt that would be a good book, and that I could do it. Silly naive me, right? But it turned out to be true.






JENN MCKINLAY:  What was your most embarrassing moment on air?

HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN:  Most embarrassing moment? Such a perfect Jenn question.  Oh, I have two big big big ones. 

One, when I was filling in for the weekend anchor person, and you know, one of the edicts in television is to just read the prompter. So at the end of the newscast, as I was mentally telling myself how good I was, I read the prompter. Which said  Thank you for being with us tonight, I’m Kate Sullivan, have a good evening.”

Which I read, out loud, on live TV. And then I realized, no, I was not Kate Sullivan.

Other one was when I was doing a big investigation into nuclear medicine. And one of the elements sometimes contained in those is krypton. But--I called it kryptonite. Much to the glee of all the scientists who called me to tell me that that was only in Superman.

What can we learn from this? ALWAYS have an editor who is smarter than you are.

RHYS:  And last from me. Everyone else was so literary and career-oriented in their questions. Mine is more mundane. I have always wanted to know about the nickname HANK. Who gave it to you and when? Did you choose it yourself? Are you happy with it? Do you feel it fits your personality? Has it been a help or a hindrance in your career? Have people thought you were a male? Any funny mixups? (I ask because Rhys is also a man’s name and I have been approached with Dear Mr. Bowen).


HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN  Oh, Rhys.  My real name is Harriet Ann. I loathed it, absolutely hated it. I was such a geeky nerdy kid, and Harriet just made it all worse, especially when all the cool girls were Debbie and Linda.  Then my first day of college in 1967, someone said oh, you don’t look like a Harriet, we’ll call you Hank. And it’s been that ever since.(I love Harriet now.)

Honestly? I think other people like it more than I do. If I had a choice, I might be Harriet again. And yes, if it weren’t for my picture on the books, it would be utterly baffling. Because unlike people who use initials, where there is always the possibility of being either gender, Hank is definitely a man. Until they meet me or see the picture. 

Interestingly, The UK version of TRUST ME comes out this Thursday — and my fabulous UK publisher wondered if there was another name I could use instead of  Hank. So in the UK, I will be at Anna Ryan. Cool, huh? I love it! And here is the cover of that book.



But here in the US, Hank it is.  I love it, though, in that it’s at least memorable. You never know what seemingly small decisions are going to change your life!


RHYS:   We are rooting for you and hoping for great things this week, my friend!

Dear readers, check out Hank’s signing schedule on her website. She has a HUGE tour!

And--not being pushy, but we're all pals: you can buy THE MURDER LIST here! 

And who has a question they would like to ask Hank? A signed copy of THE MURDER LIST to her one very lucky commenter!

79 comments:

  1. Thanks for sharing, Kate. ;) This was very fun to read.

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    1. Thank you so much! And yes, I answer to anything these days .. xxxx

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  2. Happy Book Birthday, Hank. “The Murder List” was truly unputdownable. Congratulations . . . .

    Did you know exactly how the book would end when you started writing your story, or did you change your mind about it as the story unfolded?

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    1. Oh, I had no idea! When I thought of the ending, I was so surprised! And that came about… Halfway through, I think. I still have the piece of paper I scribbled it down on…

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  3. Happy release day, Hank! Love the Reds interview. I hope the book is a huge success!

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  4. Yay for Hank! I will pick up my copy today - and hate that I had a prior commitment tonight and can't make the party.

    When you read the wrong name off the prompter, did they "go to commercial" (or whatever you all really say in the biz)? Did you try to fix it or just burst out laughing? I want to know!

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    1. Edith, there's another event in Plainville on Thursday! I mean, if you want to make an even longer drive that is. :D

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    2. I know, Jay - and can't make that one, either!

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    3. Oh, I burst out laughing! And I said… Oh, no, you know who I am :-)

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  5. Happy Book Release Day Hank!

    I'm not picking the book up today because I'm still planning on going to the launch event at An Unlikely Story on Thursday. My spot is reserved and I'm looking forward to it after what I'm sure will be a long drawn out workday beforehand. (Oh, and I'm bringing my copy of Trust Me to have signed as well since I wasn't able to get to any events on your tour for that book!)

    I don't have any questions to ask here, I figure I'll think of something and save it for the signing event.

    Looking forward to it!

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  6. Happy book day, Hank! I have read it and loved it and I'm sure it will be an even huger success than it as already! Loved the interview, too.

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    1. Oh, thank you… So delighted to hear that. It is such a crazy day! ❤️❤️❤️

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  7. Reading is like eating, both are nourishing but reading bathes my soul. Thank you Hank, for such a great mystery. You already know how I feel about The Murder List. Looking forward to a front row seat in Orlando on the 29th.
    My question: We all have 'roads not taken'. What was yours, and where would you be today?

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    1. Oh gosh, you know, I wonder if it would have been law school :-) It is really difficult to speculate, you know? So many things happened so unpredictably .... such a great question! And cannot wait to see you!

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  8. Congratulations, Hank! I'm not going to say "Hope The Murder List is a huge success' because it's pretty clear that it's already on its way!

    You've often shared your writing process here on JRW, but can you estimate what percentage of your writing time flows smoothly when you're in that zone of sweet oblivion versus the times you sit there grinding out every word, sentence, paragraph? I ask because when a writer is as successful as the JRWs, it can appear so effortless--but we know how hard you work at your craft.

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    1. Gosh, I would say about half the time. Does that make any sense? It really depends on where I am in the book. The good days are fabulous, and the bad days are really excruciating :-). End it will be terrible terrible terrible, and then I get a good idea! And then it all accelerates!

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  9. The fact that at the moment there are many reviews of popular people makes this book much in demand because a very large number of people know about it.

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  10. Happy release day, Hank! I'm anxiously awaiting the phone call that tells me my copy is in at Mystery Lovers Bookshop.

    My question: When are you coming back to Pittsburgh????

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    1. Oh, I’d love to! Nothing on the schedule so far, but I am so thrilled with the book tour… So exciting! But yes, cannot wait to come back!

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    2. “The book tour. So exciting.” Said no author ever. :::ducking::;

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  11. You will always be HANK to me, but I'm going to order that UK TRUST ME so that I can have it in my collection - it's an interesting cover as well.

    Good luck with THE MURDER LIST. You know I loved it!

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    1. Yeah, isn't it? SO British! Abd the cover model found me on instagram, isn't that hilarious?

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  12. Brava, Hank, and best of luck with that ambitious book tour. I'm sadly disappointed that the closest you get to us is Naperville, at least five hours away.

    Names are funny. It's hard for parents to know who a kid is going to become. My oldest daughter detests her middle name, which is Bernadette, and which I think is lovely. But it really does not suit her as well as her first name does. You can fit into either Hank or Harriet, though.

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    1. Aw, RATS! (It's LAGrange, though, but that's probably not closer..) . Yup, how are parents supposed to do anything but guess and cross fingers? xxoxo

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    2. Karen, someone showed up for me at Andersons from Wisconsin! But I agree five hours is a little far

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    3. Rhys, I was just thinking about you today, and wishing we could chat.

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  13. Big Congrats on your launch. Really must seem a little like a prolonged birth process. I’m lucky enough to have read the book already so I know what a great plot you wove. Lucky folk who are still have it ahead.

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    1. THANK YOU! Yes, it was a process--but I am so thrilled! xooo

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  14. Happy release day! Your covers always catch my eye. Do you have a favorite cover out of all of your books?

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    1. Oh, great question! I love this one, of course.. but also THE OTHER WOMAN, and the hardcover of TRUST ME. I am really happy with all of them, actually, but those stand out. What do you think? Thank you!

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  15. Congratulations Hank! Great book. Prefer the U.S. cover of Trust Me.

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    1. THANK YOU! ANd Dru! You are such a rock star--your amazing review absolutely blew me away. Thank you! (yes, that cover is SO British! Fascinating.)

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  16. Hank, I'm so excited to read this book! Hopefully I'll get my copy at Book Passage where I'm heading for their fantastic annual mystery writing conference. I remember when you were just starting to write this book you already had a title, and I though wow what a great one! THE MURDER LIST. How did you come up with it.

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    1. Oh, that would be wonderful. LONG and fun story about the title--maybe that's a good topic for the next WHat We're Writing!

      Happy travels!

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  17. Great interview, Reds! I loved The Murder List and there will be a lot of happy, satisfied people out there once they've read it. Hank, do you ever write in "cameos" of people who have annoyed you or have gotten your attention due to their actions? Got to run. Eye doctor appointment.

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    1. You know? I really don't. it's truly truly fiction. Isn't that weird? Because it would be easier to crib from real life...
      Good luck at the doc!

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  18. I enjoyed this interesting interview and look forward to your thrilling novel. Congratulations!

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  19. Happy Book Birthday, Harriet Ann, and thank you for letting me have an early reading. What a great story, and what a twist! I'm sad I can't make it to the launch tonight, sick dog and our life is arranged around the availability of our pet sitter. (She tells me she hasn't slept at home all summer!)

    PS, am touting the book on FB and other places I lurk.

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    1. We can be the two Anns! And I am so sad to miss you--but YAY! Thank you for the PR! SO important!

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  20. Congratulations on your new release, Hank! I have your book on my TBR list. Can't wait to read.

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    1. Eager to hear what you think! Crossing fingers.. oxo

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  21. Congratulations on this captivating novel! Your interview was wonderful. Enjoy your celebration.

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    1. Can you believe those great questions? LOVE my darling Reds. Thank you!

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  22. Hank! I will be there at Anderson's Bookstore in Chicago/La Grange on the 26th. I am SUPER EXCITED to buy your book and meet you in person! (I did the same for Rhys Bowen last week!) Congratulations on this book. It sounds great and I cannot wait to read it. Safe travels on your tour!

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    1. Oh, how WONDERFUL!! YAY! You are so fabulous..thank you!

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    2. Thank you for being there for me, Keziah. And what a treat in store for the fans at Anderson's great bookshop!

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  23. I'm still laughing at "This is Kate Sullivan." Which, by the way, would make an EXCELLENT nom de plume if you ever need another alias, Hank!

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  24. Hank, my copy came this morning and I already can't put it down!! Happy happy happy pub day, great interview, and I just looked at your tour schedule and nearly fainted! How on earth do you do that and still write books!

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    1. YAY YAY YAY. I cannot wait to hear what you think! Thank you! (And yes, yeesh, I just don't look at it. One day at a time..xoxo)

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  25. Congrats! Enjoy the day, well-deserved, The Murder List is fantastic. I had to laugh about Debbie and Linda as desired names. There sure were a lot of them back in those days, weren't there? I'm Sally Ann and my mother told me I was lucky to have an interesting name unlike those plain old Debbies and Lindas. I tried to remember that when someone was singing, "Little Sally Saucer."

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    1. As one of those Debbies and Lindas, I'd have loved to be called Hank.

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    2. And of course as kids we never looked at it that way.

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    3. Oh, of course not! We all know better than our parents! xoo

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  26. Happy Book Day Hank. Downloading The Murder List

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  27. LOL! Reading the teleprompter and calling yourself Kate Sullivan. Why do I just know you finessed it beautifully, unlike me, who sang "break for piano solo" in karaoke. Couldn't sing anymore because I was laughing too hard. Hank, I am just absolutely thrilled about the release of The Murder List, which sounds absolutely fantastic! Can't wait for my copy to arrive!!! Yay!

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    1. THAT IS HILARIOUS! (we had a weather guy who read the promoter: "Tease more news."

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  28. Happy book birthday! That's funny about the prompter! Regarding your name Harriet, I wonder if the Duchess of Sussex and Duke of Sussex had a daughter that she would be named Harriet?

    Planning to read The Murder List in October in honor of Halloween.

    Diana

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  29. Hank, I think you already know by my review just how much I love The Murder List. It was a hard review to write though, because, as I opened my review with, sometimes it's hardest to describe something you love the most. The whole question of who is the good guy is fascinating, and that there might be more than one good guy stretches our minds to encompass a new perspective, which is good. I want everyone to read this amazing book. I know that they will love it, too.

    And, your name, Hank. It has a special connection for me. My father's name was Henry, but family and close friends from when he was young all called him Hank. I thought it was such a cool name, and I still do. So, while England may embrace you as Anna, I can't think of you as anything but Hank. I do think I'll be buying the UK copy of Trust Me though, something unique for my shelf. I'm assuming that your other titles will be available as Ann Ryan in the UK, too?

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    1. Crossing fingers! That's all in the works! xoxoo
      And awww...thank you! Your review still has me floating. The best review I have ever read! xoxoo For ANY book! xooo . Here it is, Reds, Please read!
      https://www.readingroom-readmore.com/2019/08/the-murder-list-by-hank-phillippi-ryan.html?fbclid=IwAR1pIdrjIU5Jwx-LVhsglFJxZ9oWejIJlSJ_K-9BEhUqRyI_syIdhMOLmTQ

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    2. You're too kind, Hank. Thank you.

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  30. Hank, big congratulations! Sounds like you have another winner. (Not really a surprise)

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  31. Haven't had the opportunity to read The Murder List yet. However I plan to because I loved all of the Charlotte McNally ones I read Hank.This one has a great plot too.

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  32. Shalom Reds and fans. I checked this morning. THE MURDER LIST had hit my Kindle box. I am finishing another long novel and I have a two ARC’s that I need to read and review. And then Hank, your newest book and TRUST ME are in the queue. (This year, reading has come slow to me.)
    I am now reading THE WEIGHT OF INK. Question: Hank. What was the most recent non-mystery that you have read, if any?

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  33. Congrats and Happy Book Birthday, Hank! I love your name, and could never
    think of you as Anna, or even Harriet. As for names, I was one of those ubiquitous
    Lindas until first grade, a name I never liked, then thanks to my
    youngest brother and my best friend I became Lynn and never looked back! My question
    for you, since you maintain a lovely svelte figure, do you snack or eat
    differently while writing? And what kinds of snacks or foods are your favorites when
    typing away on a book?

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  34. Happy Book Birthday! Hope this is a huge bestseller!

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  35. "People lie. And I can find out the truth." -- and this is why we need you so much. I have corrected people who wondered what you were doing on a list of women writers, but "by any other name," your books are brilliant. <3

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  36. I'm sure launch party was fabulous. It's 7:45 in the evening, California time so I'm thinking it's done or just about to wrap up. My second cousin's first name is Gene. SHE was name for her Aunt Genevieve. She switched to Jean once they started putting her in boys P.E. when she started junior high school.

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    1. SO interesting! Love to hear how those things begin..xooo

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