The Menopause Murders
by Mary Maloney, Ed Markel
This was a good read. Funny in many spots. When menopause hits Debbi Dickerson: a mousy, codependent housewife who, at age forty-seven, feels her life is over. She refuses to take meds for the symptoms, Then anger with hot flashes starts to turn her anger into rage. She becomes like Ted Bundy killing men for her reasons. But they started it men.
Jerry Dickerson, Debbi’s husband: arrogant, insensitive, all-around jerk, whose greatest dream as a homicide detective is to catch a serial killer and be admired, for once. So when a series of strange deaths break out in Tacoma, Washington, Jerry is elated, but the pressure is on to catch the killer. Jerry is what starts the first blow to men by Debbi. He has his own demons to keep up with, so wild ones he is hiding.
I totally enjoyed this book. The ending is where you end the book book. READ IT

This book was everything!! Dark comedy galore. I know that it sounds odd. But I was entranced by this book. I couldn't put it down it was so good.
I just reviewed The Menopause Murders by Mary Maloney, Ed Markel. #TheMenopauseMurders #NetGalley
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Loved this book, it was very descriptive of menopause, a quiet woman who literally loses the plot with a cheating husband, who just happens to be the detective on the job, loved it, excited to read more books from this author

Wildly Humorous..
Debbi Dickerson feels her life is done but when menopause hits she is about to turn it all around as amidst the daily, endless struggles she is about to find the one thing that just may help. Jerry Dickerson, husband to Debbi and frustrated homicide detective, is completely insensitive to his wife and so completely wrapped up in his own world, his own ambitions and considers himself an ultimate martyr. A strange series of murders is about to commence - let the bodies pile! Wildly humorous, dark comedy highlighting those pressures of life which need to be discussed amidst the poignant tale of a woman losing her sh**.

As a woman going through the menopause, i found this book absolutely hilarious. it described so many things that is going on with me perfectly. This book was funny inspiring and I couldn't put it down. I absolutely loved it. The author needs to write more books about menopause and women living through it. Thankfully this book has inspired me to go natural for my own, goodbye to those hot flashes in the middle of the night.

I highly recommend this book to every woman on the planet, whether you are going through menopause or not. I loved reading it.

Finished ✔️ The Menopause Murders by Mary Maloney & Ed Markel

4.5 ⭐️’s
Publish Day: March 1st, 2023
Kindle Unlimited: No
Menopausal serial killer
2 POV
Didn’t think I’d ever hear the worlds menopause and murder put together 😂
I don’t know of this ever happening in real life but I can picture this book being an episode on Law & Order SVU
Definitely held your attention very well.
Id recommend the book 📚

#DeesReading #DeesRecs #DeesBookRecommendations #BookNerds #BookNerdProblems #BookNerdsUnited #BookProblems #BookProblems101 #Bookworms #BookwormProblems #BooksOfFacebook #DeeTheBookReviewer #BookReviewer #NewToMeAuthor #MaryMaloney #EdMarkel #ReadOfTheDay #BookOfTheDay #WomensFiction #NetGalley #TheMenopauseMurders

Anyone going through menopause, has symptoms and feels misunderstood, will see this book for what it is, a good laugh!
I felt for Debbi, her husband is not sympathetic in the slightest and thinks she’s there to be at his beck and call!
The descriptive tone of the story hit the nail on the head, menopause is often a daily struggle.
So, read this book, forget about reality and have a giggle!

Thanks to BooksGoSocial, NetGalley and the authors for the opportunity to read this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Menopause Murders, through poignant comedy, explores deep themes of sexism, ageism, and self-image issues that millions of women (and men!)—particularly those of the baby boomer generation—are facing daily and struggling with, in order to find sense, meaning, and sanity amid the insanity that is our current political and cultural state.
Debi is completely useless in this thread of mania caused by menopause. Jerry is her cheating husband who is a detective on the police force.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

"The Hysterical Uterus"

"It's a slippery slope from hormones to homicide!"

Meet Debbi Dickerson: a mousy, co-dependent housewife who, at age forty-seven, feels her life is over. Her dreams of being an artist have long been discarded in the wake of her failing marriage, and her kids think she's invisible. She's stuck on the hamster wheel, going nowhere. 

That is; until menopause blindsides her. Derailed by one symptom after another, Debbi struggles to find a way to quell the hot flashes, night sweats, sudden panic attacks, and unbridled rage. The gals in her scrapbooking club give her advice on how to survive menopause, but nothing seems to help except killing. 

Meet Jerry Dickerson: Debbi's husband - arrogant, insensitive, all-around jerk, whose greatest dream as a homicide detective is to catch a serial killer and be admired, for once. So when a series of strange deaths break out in Tacoma, Washington, Jerry is elated, but the pressure is on to catch the killer. 

Jerry's boss, Sargent Myra Manners, is also going through menopause, making his life hell. And then there's his teenage daughter dishing out hormones like girl scout cookies. seriously, what's a misogynist to do? Have an affair with some bubblehead of course. 

As the bodies pile up, more than dishes are going to fly. Yet, there is light at the end of the tunnel of menopause and Debbie can see it. But is it a bright future or the headlights of an oncoming train with Jerry's name on it?

The Menopause Murders, Though a poignant comedy, explores deep themes of sexism, ageism, and self-image issues that millions of women (and men!) -particularly those of the baby boomer generation - are facing daily and struggling with, in order to find sense, meaning, and sanity amid the insanity that is our current political and cultural state. 

"Unbelievable. A woman gets emotional, so a man takes her to the doctor to remove her uterus. All because she has a few erratic moods. You don't see women castrating men when they get overly testy, do you? Testy... as in testicles. We're those two words related? 

I liked the author's easy and relaxed writing style from the very beginning and found the book very cathartic, as - at the grand old age of thirty-seven, I am going through perimenopause, and often feel like committing a few homicides myself. I have, however, managed to keep a lid on my self-righteous killing spree - for now... (Be warned)

The chapters are short and each one is named, which I liked. The story is told from the pov's of Debbi and Jerry which kept the story moving and fresh. Although I liked Debbi's pov, I think if we didn't also have Jerry's, there could be a risk of Debbi coming a bit whingy, as it is, you can see exactly why Debbi feels the way that she does! It was interesting seeing Debbi's conversations with her friends and then Jerry's conversations with his in comparison - if this is anything to go by (and I think it is) men and women really are from different planets! Although, having said that - when you dig a bit deeper, it's not really a men vs women issue. It's about people vs prejudice! 

I enjoyed the dark humour in this book and the references to Donald Trump, it gave me feels of the Santa Clarita Diet for some reason - and on that note, if the book were ever adapted for a Netflix series, please, please, please cast Drew Barrymore in the role of Debbie. Please... 

My thanks to the author and BooksGoSocial for my advance copy to read and review via Netgalley. Out now!!

Okay this book wasn’t at all what I had expected, but I have to say I loved it. It’s probably one of the worst serial killer books I have ever read, and trust me I’ve read a lot, but there were so many holes in this side of the book it was unreal.

However as I said above I did absolutely love this book. It tackled a very difficult and sensitive subject whilst at the same time it had so much humour in it that I laughed until my sides hurt.

Onto the plot. Debbi has just him menopause and it seems to have turned her into a completely different person. With the hot flashes, the temper, the night sweats and many more symptoms she is unable to control Debbi finds the one thing that helps her is murdering people.

Okay the first one was an accident but now Debbi has started she can’t stop and the more people she kills the more Debbi enjoys the taste of it.

Then there is Jerry a policeman just turned detective who is about to be landed with a serial killer case. As Jerry begins to investigate he realises that his wife could be the serial killer. At first Jerry is in denial it can’t be Debbi but soon he is able to link her to every single murder case even if the evidence is just circumstantial. How is it possible that Jerrys big case break maybe the thing that undoes his whole career. Has he really been living with a serial killer and not known it as well as hiding evidence that could compromise the whole investigation.

I disliked Jerrys character so much. He has zero interest or compassion for women’s health, he acted all high and mighty but he had a few secrets of his own that he couldn’t afford to come out, but of course he did.

I loved the way this story came out. Jerry got his comeuppance whilst Debbi got her happily ever after. I cannot relate to Debbi and what she went through as I haven’t hit the menopause stage yet but I hope to hell that I don’t suffer the way she did and for anyone who is you have my deepest sympathy.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the authors for an advance copy of this book in exchange for this review.

Hilarious and relatable, this book brings a new type of protagonist into the mystery genre mix. I really enjoyed the writing style - the author keeps the story moving without compromising the depth of characters and dialogue needed to keep you immersed.

This was an absolutely hilarious take on women with their hot flashes. It's a laugh out loud book which would make bystanders smile at you!
Terrific read!

A definitely a laugh out loud book in places! It was well written with the current situation and feelings on this topic.

For a lot of us, we’re over here trying to be Stacy’s mom. But in the end, we’re all Debbie.

“Debbie just hit the wall, she never had it all
One Prozac a day, husband's a CPA
Her dreams went out the door when she turned twenty-four Only been with one man, what happened to her plan? She was gonna be an actress, she was gonna be a star

Except Jerry is cop not a CPA, and a jerk to boot. And Debbie doesn’t want Prozac.

Ok, I’m officially dying. This book, you have to have a dark sense of humor to “get” this one.

One review I read said this was the worst serial killer book she’s ever read. And I agree. But I took the whole thing almost as a satire.

Jerry is an annoying asshole who gets his just desserts IMO. And our Debbie…well at least she gets her HEA and a makeover.

If you enjoyed Where’d You Go, Bernadette, you’ll love this one.

Thank you to NetGalley and the authors for the ARC copy of this book!

Meet Debbi Dickerson: mousy, codependent housewife who, at age forty-seven, feels her life is over. Her dreams of being an artist have long been discarded in the wake of her failing marriage, and her kids think she’s invisible. She’s stuck on the hamster wheel, going nowhere.

That is, until menopause blindsides her. Derailed by one symptom after another, Debbi struggles to find a way to quell the hot flashes, night sweats, sudden panic attacks, and unbridled rage. The gals in her scrapbooking club give her advice on how to survive menopause, but nothing seems to help ... except killing.

Meet Jerry Dickerson, Debbi’s husband: arrogant, insensitive, all-around jerk, whose greatest dream as a homicide detective is to catch a serial killer and be admired, for once. So when a series of strange deaths break out in Tacoma, Washington, Jerry is elated, but the pressure is on to catch the killer.

Jerry’s boss, Sergeant Myra Manners, is also going through menopause and makes his life hell. And then there’s his teenage daughter dishing out hormones like Girl Scout cookies. Seriously, what’s a misogynist to do? Have an affair with some bubblehead, of course.

As the bodies pile up, more than dishes are going to fly. Yet, there is light at the end of the tunnel of menopause and Debbi can see it. But is it a bright future or the headlights of an incoming train with Jerry's name on it?

Don't miss this hilarious dark comedy caper! Your sides will hurt from laughing.

The Menopause Murders, through poignant comedy, explores deep themes of sexism, ageism, and self-image issues that millions of women (and men!)—particularly those of the baby boomer generation—are facing daily and struggling with, in order to find sense, meaning, and sanity amid the insanity that is our current political and cultural state.

I loved this story from start to finish. Will recommend to others.

Loved this book, as a woman of a certain age it was relatable, fun and honest. One question. Can I use this in my defence should I find myself mid hot flush and murderous?

Weird, wacky and wonderfully entertaining while laced with reality and murder. I picked this up because I like murder mysteries, but I enjoyed it because I am the target audience! Anyone who is going through or has been through menopause will absolutely relate to this book especially if they enjoy dark and exaggerated humor. Now don't get me wrong, menopause does not turn most women into killers, but it very well could if you aren't with a loving partner who is understanding and caring. I laughed a lot reading this book and even yelled a bit as I was reading as there are several parts that are way too real and way too common to actually be funny. I am looking at you medical field and you should be hanging your head in shame!!! The book is definitely a comedic look at murder while also trying to lace it with the reality of the mentality of the time period this book is set in and the opposing views that were and are still being yelled about today. Overall it was a fun read and I will definitely look for more books from this author duo as they obviously had fun writing this book and it shows.

The Menopause Murders was a fun and interesting read. The chapters from the points of view of Debbi and Jerry really read in a different tone, which I enjoyed and which makes sense with two authors contributing. As a woman nearing menopause, I really understood Debbi's irriations and was really rooting for Jerry to get his just desserts.

Thank you to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

At 47, fulltime housewife and part-time painter Debbi Dickerson is suffering the worst of menopause. She’s a case study for menopause, suffering all the symptoms relentlessly. Her teenage children, Brad and Chelsea, don’t care about her, and her cop husband Jerry is having an affair, though she doesn’t know that yet.

It seems that there is only one relief from her symptoms and the misery they inflict, and that is giving vent to rage. Very soon, Debbi begins to hear Ted-talks, imaginary talks by Ted Bundy that egg her on. But when bodies begin to drop dead and Jerry is given the case, what’s an upcoming serial killer to do?

The book is set during the presidency of one of the most sexist presidents the US has ever had. This dark comedy has been written in a light-hearted, fantastical vein, that stops short of going into the implications of snuffing life out.

Beneath the breezy tone, there are issues of significance being raised. How there is much ado about sex and not enough emotional connection in marriages.

This was a thriller with a higher goal, to blow the dust off the misconceptions surrounding menopause, albeit in a darkly comic way. The book throws light on how so many of modern pharma’s solution to the travails of menopause are just experimental. It also puts the spotlight on real issues such as opioid addiction, ageing and the rejection and discrimination that menopausal women face.

The authors bring their own female and male gender-centric perspectives to the writing. This is an asset, especially given the exaggerated nature of Debbi’s situation. In fact, between the two of them, Jerry and Debbi represent the pro- and anti-Trump support groups.

The chapter names were fun and funky, often referencing popular songs. The narrative referenced lines and ideas from popular books and movies such as Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds, Dylan Thomas’ poem, Rage, Rage, Against the Dying of the Night, Gone With The Wind, Silence of the Lambs, Aretha Franklin’s songs etc. Lorena Bobbit who added the word, Bobbitisation, to the dictionary, also finds a place here.

The book was very long, but it didn’t feel tedious, thanks to the writing.

The time slipping away like a boat drifting downstream, unnoticed from the docks.

Chocolate and wine were temporary corks.

New wrinkles on her face and neck erupted every day, as if tectonic plates under her epidermis were shifting and pushing up land masses and creating deep trenches in the landscape of her body.

The imagery was graphic. When she kissed him good-bye, he reacted as if she had dog poop on her lips instead of lipstick.

It’s easy to sympathise with Debbi, even though she’s far from perfect. For one, Jerry is no paragon of excellence himself. He is an unabashed racist, faithless in his marriage and secretly a criminal. Egged on by her menopause woes, we find ourselves sympathising with her plight, and watching to see how she reacts to situations around her.

From being an accidental killer, Debbi morphs into a deliberate killer in front of our eyes, and the transformation is believable. Of course, the menopause symptoms described here are highly exaggerated. I doubt any woman suffers every symptom attributed to menopause, certainly not to the heightened extent that poor Debbi suffers.

The authors do not glorify Debbi, letting a minor character do that instead. But Debbi is punished for the impunity with which she kills with the sight of best friend, Ellen, slowly declining in health as cancer ravages her.

There was humour, as in Debbi’s use of the coffee enema. Of course, the humour in this case was slapstick but it worked well.

The book needed some proofreading. In one place, the author refers to a whole ‘gambit’ of symptoms; it should have been gamut.

I never thought I’d root for a killer but that’s just what these two co-authors made me do. I would definitely read other books they write.

A very funny and relatable read that was well written with a compelling storyline and well developed characters that were real and believable

Debbi finally figures out a lot of things. She is horrified to realize the weird physical symptoms she has been having -night sweats, hot flashes, irrational mood swings-are the completely normal process of menopause. She figures out her husband is a jerk and her marriage is unhappy no matter how hard she has tried to be the perfect wife. She figures out she can support herself and be happy.

This book is hilarious and horrifying. As a woman of 'certain age,' I was taken aback when Debbi's rage caused her to murder a$$holes who crossed her path, but also couldn't help giggling through some of the other scenes. Take this one with a grain of salt, sense of humor and appreciate a character like Debbi in books that are seldom written about this part of a woman's life.

In their thrilling novel, "The Menopause Murders," authors Mary Maloney and Ed Markel weave a tale that combines the challenges of menopause with the unexpected twists of a gripping murder mystery. Centered around the lives of Debbi Dickerson and her husband Jerry, the story delves into the complexities of midlife struggles, strained relationships, and the dark allure of revenge. Debbi, a seemingly ordinary housewife, finds herself trapped in a monotonous existence. Her dreams of artistic expression have long been overshadowed by a failing marriage and a sense of invisibility. However, everything changes with the onset of menopause, which completely blindsides her and sends her life spiraling into chaos. As she grapples with relentless hot flashes, unnerving night sweats, panic attacks, and an uncontrollable rage, Debbi becomes desperate to find solace. Surrounded by well-meaning but ineffective advice from her scrapbooking club friends, her journey takes a sinister turn when she discovers an unexpected remedy for her suffering: killing. Meanwhile, Jerry, a pompous and insensitive homicide detective, dreams of catching a serial killer to finally gain admiration and recognition. As a series of peculiar deaths unfold in Tacoma, Washington, Jerry's excitement grows, but he soon finds himself entangled in a web of personal and professional challenges. His boss, Sergeant Myra Manners, adds to his troubles as she navigates her own menopausal journey, making life increasingly difficult. To complicate matters further, his teenage daughter unleashes hormonal chaos upon the household, leaving Jerry to contend with his own misogynistic tendencies and seek solace in an affair with a vapid woman. As the body count rises, tension escalates, and not just in the form of domestic disputes. The authors masterfully create a sense of impending doom, with the question of whether Debbi's newfound clarity amidst menopause will lead to a brighter future or a catastrophic collision with Jerry's looming fate. The intricate blend of menopausal struggles juxtaposed with a murder mystery creates a unique and captivating narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Maloney and Markel skillfully develop the characters, particularly Debbi and Jerry, who undergo substantial growth throughout the story. Debbi's transformation from a meek, overlooked woman to a force to be reckoned with is both empowering and unsettling. Jerry's journey is equally intriguing as he battles his own demons, navigating the complexities of his personal and professional life. The authors expertly explore the nuances of midlife experiences, shedding light on the challenges faced by individuals in this phase of their lives. "The Menopause Murders" is a riveting page-turner that seamlessly blends the struggles of menopause with an engaging murder mystery. Maloney and Markel's sharp storytelling captivates readers from the very first page, weaving a narrative filled with suspense, dark humor, and unexpected twists. With its unique premise and well-crafted characters, this novel stands out as a must-read for fans of both crime fiction and women's literature. Prepare to be enthralled by the thrilling journey these characters undertake as they confront their respective crises while entangled in a web of mystery and murder.

I enjoyed this story with all the characters within. The main characters were Debbi Dickerson and Jerry Dickinson.

Debbi Dickerson is a house wife that has two kids and a husband.When she turns forty- seven she start having menopause problems. She not sure how to handle this new changes in her life. She asks her friends that she been scrapbooking with to give some advice on how to survive this but nothing seems to help but one thing.

Jerry Dickinson lives with his wife and their two children.  He work as a homicide detective. While at work he is sent on an assignment to find out what has happened close by. But the more he looks into this assignment he becomes more puzzled by it.

This was a fun story to read. It had action, adventure and suspense throughout. There were quite a few laughs throughout.

I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. This is my honest unbiased opinions.

Oh my, menopause has a lot to answer for!
Whilst most of us will not resort to murder, it is a funny, dark, humorous reflection on the hormonal changes that affect many women during menopause. I loved this book, Perhaps it should be left on the coffee table for the next time the husband asks why I am being ratty!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion.
This book takes a basic plot of serial killing and the authors mix in realistic observations of menopausal symptoms and behaviours, discriminatory behaviour and topical subjects to create an amazing, unique novel. It's so hard to describe but the content took me from laughing at Debbi's feelings and reactions to strong emotions over Ellen's illness and everywhere inbetween. I enjoyed every incredible page, something completely different.

This book had all the feels. It made me laugh, and wonder if I'm going to be like that. If you like the Golden Girls, you will like this book.