Monday, February 8, 2010

Review - Air Time



Title: Air Time
Author: Hank Ryan Phillippi
Publishing Date: 2009
Genre: Mystery
Rating: B
Sensuality: Subtle
Book Disclosure: Received a free copy from publicist.

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.

This book can be purchased in print or kindle format from Amazon.

5 comments:

Lori said...

I keep hearing good things about her books. I NEED to read one. Thanks for adding more to my list, Jill!

Jill D. said...

Hey Lori! If you like mysteries, these are nice and short and the heroine has a good personality. If you give them a try, let me know how you liked it. The first in the series is Prime Time (in case you were wondering).

Hank Phillippi Ryan said...

Hey, Jill! What a great review..thank you! One of the real dificulties of being a TV reporter is juggling relationships and career--if you're going to make it in TV, all else has to be pushed to the background. One of the things I wanted to illustrate is the "true love never runs smooth" reality of such a balance! So I'm so delighted you're empathetic with Josh--of course you are. Terrific that you caught that! Happy endings are always in the future..the problem, however, is getting there.

Lori, do keep in touch, okay? And let me know how you like the books!

Jill D. said...

Hi Hank! Thanks for stopping by and visiting with me! One of the things I am really enjoying about this series is how much the newsroom really comes alive in this series. Even if Charlotte has to be a true reporter and be a work-a-holic at the expense of poor Josh.

I can't wait to see where this series is headed. I have Drive Time sitting on my TBR shelf patiently waiting for me. I noticed it's a little bit thicker than the previous novels. Oh boy!

Hank Phillippi Ryan said...

Oh, fantastic, Jill! Yes, you are so astute--DRIVE TIME is bigger..it's a "bigger" book in many ways. Can't wait to hear what you think!
thanks so much..