Surfacing

“Murders make headlines, but discussion of free speech is a more subdued, often obscured topic. The two go hand in hand in this suspenseful novel. A man is found dead and, as is now quite common, disruptive threats are considered protected speech. Detective/professor Kristen Ginelli and colleagues figure out the murder and push university reform. Policy changes can save lives.”


—Mary E. Hunt, co-director, Women’s Alliance for Theology, Ethics, and Ritual





“Sometimes everything depends upon the presence of a person who listens. Sometimes it is a listener who makes it possible to speak, and speaking makes it possible to tell the truth, and telling the truth makes it possible to open the doors of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Here is a story about how that can happen.”


—W. Dow Edgerton, professor emeritus of ministry, Chicago Theological Seminary





“In Surfacing, Susan Thistlethwaite’s Kristin Ginelli utilizes her experiences as a friend, former cop, and professor as she brings to light and life the horror and trauma of sexual violence while boldly navigating the systems and structures to help solve a murder she knew her friend might somehow be charged with. This book is not simply a ‘who done it’ mystery novel, it demonstrates true friendship, compassion, and a willingness to get involved no matter the cost.”


—Sharon Ellis Davis, affiliate professor, McCormick Theological Seminary





“Susan Thistlethwaite’s mysteries tell compelling stories that always leave the reader in suspense, but each book also provides an important perspective on a current moral issue—in this case, sexual abuse of young people and how society responds, or fails to respond, to that terrible problem. Her books are fun, but also make the reader think.”


—Janet L. McDavid, senior counsel, Hogan Lovells





“Trauma is a pandemic with many causes. In Surfacing, the private journey to recovery of a woman traumatized by sexual abuse morphs into the social trauma that tears apart a university community as it deals with a murder and a struggle over the limits of free speech. Through moments of relief with professor Kristin Ginelli, readers can catch their breath and be empowered to name and begin to heal from the traumas they have encountered in this hurting world.”


—Sharon Ringe, professor emerita of New Testament, Wesley Theological Seminary