Author: Deborah

The Queens of Crime, by Marie Benedict. St. Martin’s Press, 2025, 308 pages.

This 1931 fictional adventure is narrated by Dorothy Sayers, who also explores her complicated relationships with those closest to her. Her character describes her fellow female crime novelists with their signature styles and quirks, and gives us an engaging mystery to solve.

A Podcast focused on classic mystery novels of the “Golden Age,” mostly by women: Shedunnitshow.com delves into the authors and mysteries behind classic detective stories. It is free, though one can join the reasonably-priced Book Club for more in-depth discussions and events.

2/4/25
Harlem Rhapsody, by Victoria Christopher Murray. Berkley Books, 2025. 400 pages.

This inspiring, evocative novel joins several others by the same author about important but forgotten Black women in the first half of 20th century America.

Please see “Reviews – Fiction.”

1/14/25

Death of the Author, by Nnedi Okorafor. Harper Collins, 2025. 484 pages.

At 484 pages, this rich novel-within-a-novel is hardly long enough!
The story of a complex woman, paired with the futuristic novel that brings her fame and fortune, this book is a paean to storytelling – how it happens, who does it, and why it matters.

Please see “Reviews-Fiction”

1/10/25

The Heart is a Star, by Megan Rogers. Central Avenue Publishers, 2025. 272 pages.

Published in Australia in 2023, this moving novel throws us into the disordered lives, secrets and lies of two generations of women.

Please see “Reviews-Fiction”

1/1/2025

The Cure for Women, by Lydia Reeder. St. Martin’s Press. 336 pages.

With wishes for a healthy new year, read this fascinating account of the pioneering women who championed medical training for women in the late 19th century, and the politics and prejudices they faced.

Please see, “Reviews – Non-Fiction”

1/1/2025

12/29/24

Shy Creatures, by Clare Chambers. Mariner Books, 2024. 392 pages.

In this bittersweet novel it is 1964, and psychiatry is beginning to move from the trend of medicating patients to listening to them.

Please see “Reviews – Fiction”

12/13/24

When Women Ran Fifth Avenue, by Julie Satow.  Doubleday, 2024.  476 pages (360 before photos and bibliography).

Journalist and author Satow presents us with a colorful journey through the aisles and offices of three of New York City’s mid-twentieth century upscale department stores, and the lives of the women whose visions and work made their ventures exceptional.

Please see “Reviews – Non-Fiction”

11/26/24

The Cemetery of Untold Stories, by Julia Alvarez.  Algonquin Books, 2024. 227 pages.

This novel introduces us to two very different Dominican-born women, whose lives intersect through a magical tale of untold stories.

Please see “Reviews-Fiction”

Empress of the Nile:  The Daredevil Archeologist Who Saved Egypt’s Ancient Temples from Destruction, by Lynne Olson.  Random House, 2023, 427 pages.

This lively biography of Christiane Desroches-Nobelcourt (1913-2011) reads like an adventure story of successes and stymies, petty problems and great strides, with an intriguing heroine.

Please see “Reviews – Non-Fiction”

10/23/24

Things in Jars by Jess Kidd, Atria Books:  2020, 381 pages

Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield, Atria Books:  2019, 496 pages

Both these books are set in Victorian England, and both are a blend of humor, ghost stories, and the supernatural.  They’re also very moving in their themes of love and