September 2026

Hank Phillippi Ryan's MOTHER DAUGHTER SISTER STRANGER opens with Eliza Ramsey hosting her niece, Piper, while her sister, Bea, is out of town. Although Eliza and Bea are very different, they are bonded by a tragic incident from their past. Their parents were killed in a small plane crash that they survived, though both had significant injuries, and they were raised by their Aunt Margaret.

Each year, Eliza and Bea (accompanied by Piper) gather at their parents' graves on the anniversary of their deaths in what they call Remembrance Day. As the day arrives, Eliza cannot locate Bea and notes that Piper's suitcase contains the white dress that she planned to wear to Remembrance Day, which signifies that Bea did not intend to bring her to the event. 

These are the first signals that something is wrong. While the setup seems pretty innocuous, from there Hank ramps up the action quickly. Readers suddenly are taken in numerous directions as to what is actually going on. No angle is off the table. Just when you think you have figured it out, you are moved in a new direction. And all seem perfectly plausible. But the hidden connections that were long buried are uncovered in rapid succession. Be ready to hold on for the ride! 

One more note: I loved the character of Piper. She is witty and alternates between being adult-like and child-like. Many times her humor brings the exact levity that the story needs. 

I interviewed Hank about MOTHER DAUGHTER SISTER STRANGER. Be sure to watch the video here or listen to the podcast here.