Trust Me

June 11, 2018
Grief-stricken journalist Mercer Hennessey, the heroine of this intriguing standalone from Mary Higgins Clark Award–winner Ryan (Say No More and four other Jane Ryland novels), believes there are “no more good days” after her husband and three-year-old daughter die in a car crash, until she’s assigned to write a true crime book about the Baby Boston murder trial. She gains a renewed sense of purpose—to avenge two-year-old Tasha Nicole Bryant, whose body was dumped in Boston harbor. Tasha Nicole’s mother, Ashlyn Bryant, is accused of her daughter’s murder, and Mercer is sure she’s guilty. But when Ashlyn is found not guilty, Mercer must write a redemption story instead. After spending time with Ashlyn, Mercer begins to wonder whether Ashlyn is in fact innocent—and whether the book will be Ashlyn’s redemption story or her own. Despite some sluggish moments, this sinister tale twists to a satisfying conclusion. Ryan casts a revealing light on media sensationalism, ethics in journalism, and the nature of truth. Agent: Lisa Gallagher, DeFiore & Co.

Listeners join journalist Mercer Hennessey as she strives to rebuild her life while undertaking a high-profile assignment that connects her with Ashlyn, the mother and accused killer of "Baby Boston." At first, this mystery seems to have a straightforward plot, but, trust me, it doesn't! Saskia Maarleveld's well-paced narration keeps listeners on the edge of their seats throughout the story's many twists and turns, psychological manipulation, and misdirection. She clearly defines each character--from the world-weary editor to the self-assured writer. Her steady narration of the story, told in the first person, is cleverly understated, allowing the mind games to play out in the listener's imagination, which adds to the suspense. K.J.P. � AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine