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Where Drowned Things Live describes the struggles of an untenured professor, Kristin Ginelli, as she tries to counsel a young woman student at her university and get her to reveal who is abusing her. Kristin fails, and the student is found drowned. As a former Chicago cop who quit the force over sexual harassment and the death of her detective husband in the line of duty, Kristin doggedly investigates this mysterious death, pushing back on foot-dragging by the university and obstruction by the Chicago police. Kristin is almost killed twice, but she does not give up on questioning why this student died.
The novel is wholly fictional. What is not fiction, however, is that often students at colleges and universities around the country are vulnerable to sexual assault and abuse and they can receive very little help from their schools or from law enforcement.
Today more than 300 schools of higher education are being investigated under Title IX for failures to prevent sexual assault and harassment on their campuses, and to deal fairly with reports.
Susan Thistlethwaite is Professor of Theology at Chicago Theological Seminary (CTS). From June 1998 to June 2008, she served as the 11th President of CTS. Prior to the Presidency, she had been a Professor of Theology at CTS for twenty years. She has been an ordained minister of the United Church of Christ since 1973. She is the author or editor of fourteen academic books. This is her first work of fiction.
"Thistlethwaite combines great writing skills, deep knowledge of religion, and the academic settings in which the book is set with her insatiable desire to learn about things she does not already know. Read this book!"
--Harry Knox, Former President and CEO, Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice
"Where Drowned Things Live grabbed my attention from page one. Thistlethwaite captures the narrating character, setting, and taut story line immediately, and manages to delve into a variety of contemporary issues without losing the good-read impetus."
--Jane Fisler Hoffman, United Church of Christ Conference Minister (Ret.)
"In her first mystery novel, Thistlethwaite artfully weaves together her skill in plot, characterization, suspense, and her intelligent and substantive commentary on ethics and the abuse of power. I look forward to more of the policewoman-turned-professor, Kristen Ginelli!"
--Gloria Hopewell, Rector, Grace Episcopal Church, Galena, IL
"Where Drowned Things Live is intelligent, compelling, and thought-provoking. Thistlethwaite's attention to pressing social issues in the midst of a complex mystery sets this book apart from its peers. I enjoyed meeting Kristin Ginelli and look forward to seeing the world through her eyes again."
--Tolonda Henderson, Instruction Librarian, George Washington University
"Thistlethwaite deftly navigates Ginelli--the cop-turned-prof armed with street smarts, grit, and a penchant for philosophy--through departmental politics, single parenting, and murder. This is a great story that winds us from Plato through the University of Chicago and feminist theology. Thistlethwaite is the rare writer who can weave such a skillful and enjoyable read."
--Burke Gerstenschlager, Senior Editor, Berghahn Books
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