ASKING FOR MURDER by GCC's Roberta Isleib

Mysteries were always my first love and here is an exciting new one! ASKING FOR MURDER by Dr. Roberta Isleib (Berkley Prime Crime, September 2008) is the 3rd book involving psychologist-advice columnist-sleuth Dr. Rebecca Butterman.



A clinical psychologist herself, Roberta says the work of the detective in a mystery has quite a bit in common with long-term psychotherapy: Start with a problem, follow the threads looking for clues, and gradually fill in the big picture.



Her advice column series debuted in 2007 with DEADLY ADVICE and PREACHING TO THE CORPSE.Roberta is the president of National Sisters in Crime and the past president of the New England chapter. Her books and stories have been short-listed for Agatha, Anthony, and Macavity awards.



Psychologist/advice columnist/sleuth Dr. Rebecca Butterman plunges into her third mystery when her close friend and fellow therapist Annabelle Hart is found beaten and left for dead. Rebecca is determined to help search for answers. But this time, no one wants her help. Not Detective Meigs, who thinks the crime was either a botched robbery or the result of a relationship gone sour. And not Annabelle’s sister, who makes it clear that Rebecca isn’t welcome in family affairs. The only place where her opinion matters is the therapist’s couch. Rebecca's agreed to see Annabelle’s patients while her friend is hospitalized, but it won’t be easy. Annabelle’s area of expertise is sandplay therapy, which Rebecca knows little about. While she studies the images in the patients’ sand trays and puzzles through Annabelle’s family secrets, another victim is murdered. With a killer on the loose, she can only hope the clues in the sand are buried within easy reach.

Isleib's advice column series debuted in 2007 with DEADLY ADVICE and PREACHING TO THE CORPSE. A clinical psychologist, Isleib says the work of the detective in a mystery has quite a bit in common with long-term psychotherapy: Start with a problem, follow the threads looking for clues, and gradually fill in the big picture.



“Asking for Murder is a charming and sometimes gritty mystery with an appealing protagonist who sleuths, cooks and psychoanalyzes.” Marilyn Dahl, Shelf-Awareness

“Top-notch writing, meticulous plotting – and a heroine who is perfectly imperfect…” Diana Vickery, the Cozy Library

“Dr. Rebecca Butterman, the quirky, flawed, eccentric, funny psychologist and advice columnist in PREACHING TO THE CORPSE, is my kind of protagonist.” Rebecca Rule, Nashua Telegraph

Isleib's series debut shines with wit and suspense, thanks in part to an affable and intelligent heroine. Succinct plotting and expert pacing also help this well-crafted cozy shine. Romantic Times Magazine