A Deadly Affection

July 25, 2016
Dr. Genevieve Summerford, the plucky heroine of Overholt’s intriguing first novel and series launch set in early 20th-century New York City, begins a psychotherapy group for women suffering from loss despite her father’s wishes that she practice “real” medicine. When Eliza Miner stops after the class to talk about how she’s still mourning the child she gave up at birth as a teen, Genevieve encourages Eliza to confront the doctor who took her baby. But when the doctor is found dead the following morning—with Eliza standing over him—Genevieve finds that she’s the only one who believes Eliza is innocent. Certain that Eliza was incapable of such brutality, Genevieve begins digging into the doctor’s adoption schemes in an effort to uncover another possible suspect. Old flame Simon Shaw, now a Tammany politician, lends a helping hand. Overholt makes fine use of early psychology in this richly detailed whodunit populated with believable characters. Agent: Victoria Lowes, Bent Agency.

Starred review from August 1, 2016

Dr. Genevieve Summerford is a newly minted psychiatrist in 1907 New York. She opens a clinic in St. Christopher House at Holy Trinity Church and Mission, where she meets with a group of five women, all with psychosomatic illnesses. When one of her patients is accused of murdering a society doctor who took away her baby at birth, a horrified Genevieve questions whether she missed something in her training. She is also burdened with guilt over the death of her brother at a young age. As she investigates the case, Genevieve has to fight both societal norms and her father. VERDICT Initially self-published and winner of ForeWord Reviews' Book of the Year Award and the Next Generation Indie Book Award for best mystery, this superb debut reflects the author's impeccable research with its portrait of turn-of-the-century New York City. Discussion questions at the end focusing on women's rights make this a solid book club choice.

Copyright 2016 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.