Call Me Carmela by Ellen Kirschman

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:

Call Me Carmela won the bronze medallion for domestic suspense by the Public Safety Writers Association and was a Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award Judges’ Top Picks (suspense category)

“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 Café 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

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

Tour Participant Reviews:

‘I found myself instantly drawn into the story. I wish that I could sit down and chat with Dot, I bet that she would have some amazing stories. I felt like Dot was in my head telling me her story. The author has written an engaging story to where you will want to know what happens next.’
~ Because I said so

‘Call Me Carmela is a gripping read. enjoyed this book! Recommended!’
~ 5 Minutes for Books

‘I had no idea the life of a psychologist could be so exciting. 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. Kirschman’s writing style is engaging yet also informative. I have become quite interested in Dot’s work and look forward to reading the next in the series.’
~ Book Reviews From an Avid Reader

‘The author is well versed in writing police procedures and being a police psychologist herself, she writes Dot super perfectly! I really liked her writing style and was thoroughly engaged from the start of the book!’
~ Country Mamas With Kids

‘The author’s personal knowledge and experience greatly enhances the book’s appeal. Call Me Carmela unleashes a devastating secret tied to a young woman’s search for her birth parents.’
~ Novels Alive

‘For me this was a complete page turner! …this author knows how to captivate the reader! ‘
~ Stormy Nights Reviewing & Bloggin’

‘A really well-balanced novel that I thoroughly enjoyed and absolutely worth 5, 10, 50 stars and beyond. Fascinating, compelling, engaging, intriguing and highly, highly relatable. Brilliant!’
~ Ink.Readsalot

‘I loved Dot and her realistic approach to life and her work. She meets clients outside of her office if that is what is best for them. I really enjoyed this book.’
~ Catreader18

Tour Host Info:

Book Formats: ePub, Print, Kindle eBook
Hosting Options: Review
More: According to the author Call Me Carmela does not include: Graphic Violence, Explicit Sexual Scenes, or Rape. However, readers may encounter content that is considered to be another trigger situation. Generally the content is considered to be: PG-13 content. At this time, PICT staff have not yet read this book and cannot give additional information.

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