CALL ME CARMELA
by Ellen Kirschman
November 11 - December 6, 2024 Virtual Book Tour
Synopsis:
A Dot Meyerhoff Mystery
Police therapist Dot Meyerhoff helps a young woman find her birth parents and unburies dark family secrets in this psychological thriller.
Police psychologist Dot Meyerhoff’s caseload is usually filled with cops—which is why she’s hesitant to help an adopted teenager locate her birth parents. But the teen’s godmother is Dot’s dear friend Fran and a police widow to boot. How could Dot possibly say no?
Once Dot starts digging into the case, though, she’s drawn into a murky world of illegal adoptions and the choices a young pregnant woman might make as a last resort. Soon there’s only one thing Dot knows for sure: the painful truth of what happened all those years ago might heal one family—but it’s certain to destroy another.
Praise for Call Me Carmela:
"Ellen Kirschmann’s front row criminal justice insight is woven throughout the mystery, and in Dot Meyerhoff, she’s created a hero the world needs: smart, big-hearted, and complex. This is a story that will stick with you long after you close the book."
~ Edgar-nominated author Jess Lourey
"Have a seat in Fran and Eddie’s CafĂ© and you are among friends who care about what happens to a teen desperately seeking the truth of her adoption. Ellen Kirschman seamlessly brings her expertise and empathy as a therapist for first responders in creating her fully realized amateur sleuth, Dr. Dot Meyerhoff. Call Me Carmela is like the perfect morning coffee, rich, smooth, and nuanced and leaving you craving for another cup."
~ Naomi Hirahara, USA Today bestselling and Mary Higgins Clark award-winning author of Clark and Division and Evergreen
"Ellen Kirschman sees into people's hearts: not just those of the victims, or of the good guys, but the hearts of all her characters. With a rare delicacy of language she lets us know that no one's innocent, but no one's past redemption, either -- except those who refuse to try."
~ SJ Rozan, best-selling author of The Mayors Of New York
"Call Me Carmela is a firecracker of a read, a tour de force that immerses you in the characters' lives with empathy and insight. I couldn't put it down until I reached the very last page--I will be back for more Dot Meyerhoff. Highly recommended!"
~ Deborah Chrombie NYT bestselling author of the Duncan Kincaid/Gemma James novels
"This latest in the Dot Meyerhoff series gets everything right, as we've come to expect from author Ellen Kirschman. Psychologically astute, its blend of intriguing mystery, topical subject matter and well-rounded characters make this a must-read for anyone who loves a great story."
~ Dennis Palumbo, psychotherapist and author of the Daniel Rinaldi mysteries
My Review:
Kirschman explores a number of personal issues in this novel. Identity is a big one as psychologist Dot Meyerhoff helps an adopted girl in the process of establishing her own identity. Does Ava need to discover her birth parents to know who she is? She thinks so. But her pursuit uncovers long hidden secrets and people who want to keep those secrets hidden at any cost. Compassionate Dot is willing to put herself in harm's way for those who really need her help. Kirschman ratchets up the action in the last quarter of the book as the suspense builds.
I had no idea the life of a psychologist could be so exciting. Kirschman's writing style is engaging yet also informative. We readers get a good dose of the healing and other benefits only counseling can bring. Dot is a well crafted character. I like how she advocates for Ava and her pursuit of the truth while struggling with her own responsibilities to the police department and her husband. This is the latest in the series featuring Dot but reads well on its own. I have become quite interested in Dot's work and look forward to reading the next in the series.
My rating: 4/5 stars.
Book Details:
Genre: Psychological/Domestic Suspense
Published by: Open Road Media
Publication Date: November 26, 2024
Number of Pages: 292
ISBN: 9781504095754 (ISBN10: 1504095758)
Series: A Dot Meyerhoff Mystery, #5
Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | Open Road Media
Read an excerpt:
Author Bio:
Ellen Kirschman, Ph.D. is a police psychologist. and clinician at the First Responders Support Network. She is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, The American Psychological Association, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and the Public Safety Writers Association. She is the recipient of the California Psychological Association’s award for distinguished contribution to psychology as well as the American Psychological Association’s award for outstanding contribution to the practice of police and public safety psychology. Ellen brings her expertise and decades-long experience to both fiction and non-fiction. She is the author of three non-fiction books and a five-book mystery series featuring police psychologist Dot Meyerhoff.Catch Up With Ellen Kirschman:
EllenKirschman.com
Goodreads
BookBub - @EllenKirschman
Instagram - @ellen.kirschman.copdoc
Facebook - @ellen.kirschman
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(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)