Call Me Carmela

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.

“Call Me Carmela is a firecracker of a read, a tour de force.” —Deborah Crombie, New York Times–bestselling author of the Duncan Kincaid/Gemma James novels

“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, Edgar Award–winning author of The Mayors of New York

“Stunning mystery novel.” —Foreword

“Compelling, surprising, and a little bit heartbreaking.” —Samantha Downing, bestselling author of My Lovely Wife

“Call Me Carmela is a gripping read.” —5 Minutes for Books

“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

“Fascinating, compelling, engaging, intriguing and highly, highly relatable. Brilliant!” —ink.readsalot

Praise for the Dot Meyerhoff Mysteries

“Riveting, compelling and authentic! Ellen Kirschman's been-there done-that experience makes this a real standout.” —Hank Phillippi Ryan, Agatha Award–winning author of The House Guest

“Psychological thriller writing at its finest.” —D.P. Lyle, Edgar Award–nominated author of the Jake Longly and Dub Walker series

“An inherently absorbing read from beginning to end and marks author Ellen Kirschman as a novelist of exceptional storytelling talent.” —Midwest Book Review

“Gutsy and emotionally anchored in real life.” —Hallie Ephron, New York Times–bestselling author of Careful What You Wish For

“Ellen Kirschman is one to watch.” —Bookreporter.com