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