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Burying Ben Paperback – September 4, 2013

4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 1,259 ratings

     Dot Meyerhoff has barely settled into her new job as a psychologist for the Kenilworth Police Department when Ben Gomez, a troubled young rookie that she tries to counsel, commits suicide without any warning and leaves a note blaming her. Overnight, her promising new start becomes a nightmare. At stake is her job, her reputation, her license to practice, and her already battered sense of self-worth. Dot resolves to find out not just what led Ben to kill himself, but why her psychologist exhusband, the man she most wants to avoid, recommended that Ben be hired in the first place. Ben's surviving family and everyone else connected to him are determined to keep Ben's story a secret, by any means necessary. Even Ben, from the grave, has secrets to keep.
     Right from the start, Dot's investigation efforts get her into trouble. First she alienates Ben's training officer, who is barely managing to hold onto his own job. With the police chief watching over her shoulder, she tries to help the officer with disastrous consequences. After reaching out to console Ben's pregnant--and slightly sociopathic--widow, Dot winds up embroiled in the affairs of her incredibly dysfunctional family. Dot's troubles are compounded by a post-divorce romance, the ex who still has a hold over her, and an unwelcome visit from his new wife. By the time she uncovers the real reasons behind Ben's suicide and brings the people responsible to justice, Dot has not only resurrected belief in herself, she has also acquired some surprisingly useful new skills: impersonating a public official, burglary, and assault with a deadly weapon.
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Editorial Reviews

Review

[A] breathtaking first novel by an author with the writing skills of a seasoned veteran." --Allen R. Kates, author of CopShock: Surviving Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

"A great read. Real life police drama by a real life police psychologist." -- Kevin M. Gilmartin, author of
Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement

"Ellen Kirschman has created what most veteran authors only dream of--compelling characters in a tight-turning plot." -- Mike Orenduff, author of
The Pot Thief mystery series

About the Author

Ellen Kirschman is an award-winning public safety psychologist. She is the author of the best-selling I Love a Cop: What Police Families Need to Know, I Love a Fire Fighter: What the Family Needs to Know, and co- author of the forthcoming book, Counseling Cops: What Clinicians Need to Know. A pioneer in the field of police psychology, her workshops and seminars have taken her to twenty-two states and four countries. She is a lead clinician at the West Coast Post Trauma Retreat for first responders with post traumatic stress injuries and a member of the Police Psychology Sub-section of the International Association of Police Chiefs, the Society for Police and Criminal Psychology, and the International Association of Women in Policing. Burying Ben, her first novel, is drawn from her years of experience working side by side with officers on the street and listening to their secrets in the confines of her consulting room. While Ellen loves cops, she is married to a remodeling contractor. She and her husband live in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Aakenbaaken & Kent; First Edition (September 4, 2013)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 244 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1938436113
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1938436116
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 12.8 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.98 x 0.55 x 9.02 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 1,259 ratings

About the author

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Ellen Kirschman
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I started out writing non-fiction. At some point, I got tired of reality and thought it would be easier to make things up. It's actually harder, but more fun and very therapeutic. Creating characters inspired by real people gives me the opportunity to take pot shots at cops who treated me badly over my forty-year career as a police psychologist, psychology colleagues who did more harm than good, and two of my ex-husbands.

Dr. Dot Meyerhoff, my series protagonist, is a police psychologist. She's been hired to counsel cops, but she cannot resist getting involved in the crimes they investigate—even after her police chief threatens to fire her if she does. Too dedicated for her own good, she never gives up on a client and will risk everything, including her life, to see justice done.

I'm proud to have been given awards by the American Psychological Association and the California Psychological Association for my contributions to police and public safety psychology. And grateful for the advanced praise about my fifth Dot Meyerhoff novel, Call Me Carmela, now up for pre-order. Here are some samples:

"Ellen Kirschman seamlessly brings her expertise and empathy as a therapist for first responders in creating her fully realized amateur sleuth, Dr. Dot Meyerhoff. Call Me Carmela is like the perfect morning coffee, rich, smooth, and nuanced, leaving you craving another cup."

--Naomi Hirahara, USA Today bestselling and Mary Higgins Clark award-winning author of Clark and Division and Evergreen

“Ellen Kirschmann’s front-row criminal justice insight is woven throughout the mystery, and in Dot Meyerhoff, she’s created a hero the world needs: smart, big-hearted, and complex. This is a story that will stick with you long after you close the book.”

--Edgar-nominated author Jess Lourey

"Ellen Kirschman sees into people's hearts: not just those of the victims, or of the good guys, but the hearts of all her characters. With a rare delicacy of language, she lets us know that no one's innocent, but no one's past redemption, either -- except those who refuse to try.

-- SJ Rozan, best-selling author of THE MAYORS OF NEW YORK"

Please stay in touch. If you sign up for my every-other-month newsletter on my website, you'll get a free copy of my mini-memoir as a dance hall hostess as well as book and TV reviews, cooking ideas, and modest mentions of my life as a writer. Follow me at Open Road Media or on Facebook. I post interesting articles from the worlds of writing and psychology. As always, if you like my books and are so inclined, please tell your friends, your local library, your local bookstores and (this really helps writers) post a review on Amazon or Goodreads.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
1,259 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book's story engaging and well-told. They praise the writing quality as smooth and easy to understand. The characters are well-developed and relatable, with a believable protagonist. Readers appreciate the insightful psychology and realistic portrayal of police culture. They describe the book as gripping, touching, and funny with good humor. Overall, customers praise the original perspective and unconventional protagonist.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

59 customers mention "Storyline"59 positive0 negative

Customers find the storyline fascinating and engaging. They describe it as an easy read with a perfect pace that leaves them spellbound. The book is a mystery with many twists and turns that keep the reader engrossed.

"...The story unravels the many events that got him into the academy...." Read more

"A good read. The characters are all so real, flaws and all. And Dr. Dot is one spunky woman. The plot moves right along and is a fast read...." Read more

"...The characters were well developed and interesting. The ending leaves it open for the next book in the series...." Read more

"...I was surprised at that. The investigation was interesting, and here were several elements involved. I enjoyed the mystery." Read more

23 customers mention "Writing quality"23 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality. They find the prose smooth and easy to read, with a knowledgeable and confident author who guides the reader through the events.

"...Kirschman does a great job leading the reader through the maze of events, keeping her audience on the edge of their proverbial seats...." Read more

"Alto did figure it out, it was almost at the end! So well written that I must read more from Ellen!" Read more

"...Lots of fun! Also very interesting and absorbing. Clearly written from someone used to the challenges facing a female psychologist working with..." Read more

"...manages and Kirschman takes us along for the ride with smooth and smarkling prose...." Read more

20 customers mention "Character development"20 positive0 negative

Customers find the characters well-developed and interesting. They describe the protagonist as fascinating with a brain and heart. The characters feel realistic, with flaws like compassion. The protagonist is described as vulnerable but keeps her wits about her. Overall, readers find the book relatable and human.

"A good read. The characters are all so real, flaws and all. And Dr. Dot is one spunky woman. The plot moves right along and is a fast read...." Read more

"...The characters were well developed and interesting. The ending leaves it open for the next book in the series...." Read more

"...a story and keeping the action in the book moving while developing the characters and making the reader want to root for the protagonist to solve..." Read more

"...one dimensional, but gradually reveal themselves as complex and very human...." Read more

20 customers mention "Psychology"20 positive0 negative

Customers find the book provides a realistic and accurate portrayal of law enforcement culture. It features believable characters, an engaging plot, and a glimpse into the world of urban police culture. The book sheds light on psychological issues such as suicide and alcoholism among police officers. However, some readers noted typos in the text.

"...If you are looking for a book that blends crime/police work and psychology, this is the book for you." Read more

"...Kirschman’s portrayal of the Meyerhoff character, who has good psychological insights but doesn’t have x-ray vision...." Read more

"...We have good men and women on the police force and a few that bends the law in their own favor...." Read more

"Enjoyed learning about police psychologist. Well told story. Glad to see that there are 2 more now and a new one in December" Read more

9 customers mention "Gripping story"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the story gripping and engaging. They say it grabs them from the start and they can't put it down until it's completed. The book is described as touching, psychologically intriguing, and funny. Readers praise the author's storytelling skills and how well the book keeps the action going.

"...Ellen Kirschman does a great job of telling a story and keeping the action in the book moving while developing the characters and making the reader..." Read more

"Ellen Kirschman’s Burying Ben snatches you up from the first scene and keeps your eyes fastened on the page until the surprising twist ending...." Read more

"A really gripping read with a ton of good information...." Read more

"Ellen Kirshman has written a wonderfully gripping novel...." Read more

6 customers mention "Pace"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well-written and fast-paced. They say it's a quick read.

"...And Dr. Dot is one spunky woman. The plot moves right along and is a fast read...." Read more

"Absolutely loved this book. Beautifully written and well-paced, I loved both the concept and the execution of having a therapist's perspective in..." Read more

"...Well written, fast paced, realistic police drama. Hard to put down, immensely enjoyable. Lots of twists and a huge surprises in the end." Read more

"...Well written and fast paced. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series" Read more

3 customers mention "Humor"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the humor in the book. They say it's fast-paced with good humor and compassion for the main character.

"...I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mix of seriousness and humor. It's a great mystery novel...." Read more

"I really enjoyed this book, the crisp unpretentious writing and subtle humour really did it for me...." Read more

"...The plot moved me fast to the conclusion with good humor and compassion for the main actors." Read more

3 customers mention "Originality"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's originality. They mention the love story theme is presented minimally and from an original perspective, with an unconventional protagonist.

"An original book from a very original perspective. It was well written and the story line flowed easily...." Read more

"...Her presentation of the love story theme was very originally and minimally presented -- just perfect. Sylvia Randall, Ph.D." Read more

"Unconventional protagonist..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on September 29, 2024
    Burying Ben about a police recruit that should never have gotten accepted due to unfit psychological issues. The story unravels the many events that got him into the academy. Dr. Meyerhoff unravels the mystery of how this unfortunate man got as far as he did, saddled with an ungrateful and lying wife tips him over the edge. Kirschman does a great job leading the reader through the maze of events, keeping her audience on the edge of their proverbial seats. I'm now engaged to read through her series.
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2022
    :A floundering, sensitive young rookie cop steps into Dot’s office. She tries to help him, but after a few sessions, he commits suicide. That is not a good look for a psychologist with a new job. Dot, newly minted police psychologist, is not only sad; she is mortified. She has already discovered counseling cops is not easy. They are uncommunicative and contemptuous of therapy. She did not expect to fail this badly. Freshly divorced and in need of cash, she took the job even though she was not quite prepared for it. The police chief is irascible and lacks respect throughout the department. When a client commits suicide, people tend to blame the therapist. Dot is desperate to find out if she could have prevented it. Her quest takes her over small towns in California, where she finds clues. – Most of the characters in this book have psychological or other personal problems. I was surprised at that. The investigation was interesting, and here were several elements involved. I enjoyed the mystery.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2016
    Ellen Kirschman’s Burying Ben snatches you up from the first scene and keeps your eyes fastened on the page until the surprising twist ending. The protagonist, Dot Meyerhoff, is a clinical psychologist newly hired by the police department. She instantly has to face multiple challenges, like the cops’ skepticism about the value of what she can bring to the table and her boss’s expectation of instantaneous “fixes.” I really like Kirschman’s portrayal of the Meyerhoff character, who has good psychological insights but doesn’t have x-ray vision. In the real world even highly skilled psychologists have to feel their way and adjust their assessments as events or revelations unfold. I also was very taken by Kirschman’s deft unveiling of some of the characters, who at first seemed one dimensional, but gradually reveal themselves as complex and very human. On a last note, I want to mention that Kirschman’s writing is superb and contributes in a large way to creating a compelling read.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2022
    The premise of this book is good - a cop psychologist trying to figure out why/if a cop committed suicide. The characters were well developed and interesting. The ending leaves it open for the next book in the series.

    But it was not an easy read in terms of paragraphs and chapter breaks. It was confusing at some points because there should have been a new chapter or extra spacing between paragraphs to indicate a different time in the story. Better editing would have helped.
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2014
    I had no idea this was Ellen Kischman's first novel when I bought this book (Ellen and I met so long ago and decided to buy each other's books, although mine is not a novel but a story of my life in Rome) and all I can say is "chapeau"! (Hat's off!). The protagonist is not a forensic scientist or a coroner, not a detective, not a P.I. (we've had enough of all of those) but a psychologist for a police department who is forced to deal with the suicide of a rookie policeman who appears to have blamed her for worsening his problems. This, we know, is not the case but Dot Mayerhoff, the psychologist, is forced to prove this to her ex, her boss, her colleagues and above all to herself. This she manages and Kirschman takes us along for the ride with smooth and smarkling prose. I'm ready for number two, Ellen, and I bet a lot of other people are as well..
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on October 2, 2024
    Alto did figure it out, it was almost at the end! So well written that I must read more from Ellen!
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 7, 2022
    I started reading this novel about Dr. Dot Meyerhoff, Police Psychologist yesterday. I realised at 1:30 am that it was time to get some sleep. Ellen Kirschman's sense of humour tickled my funny bone:

    See these two gems:

    "The supervisor’s shapeless girth spills over the sides of her chair. She extends her hand to me. She has long, painted fingernails and graceful fingers that look as though they belong on someone else’s body. We move to the conference room for privacy. In one hand, she carries a notepad, in the other a mammoth tumbler of soda with a long bent straw that curls into her mouth like an oral IV bag."

    “I always wondered what shrinks do when they need help. Talk to yourself in the mirror?”

    Lots of fun! Also very interesting and absorbing. Clearly written from someone used to the challenges facing a female psychologist working with testosterone-filled Policemen and their superiors who may not always behave ethically. The description of Ben's more sensitive nature made his suicide feel like a personal loss.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on October 3, 2013
    Definitely not your average run-of-the mill police procedural/mystery. Book is extremely well detailed with regard to the treatment of police officers and the problems they face coping with their job. It feels like the people portrayed in the book are all too real, together with all the flaws and nuances that make us human (I had a hard time liking a lot of the characters as a result). Am already 80% done and looking forward to finishing this book tonight. Very good book!***UPDATE***Wrapped it up at 7pm this evening and book itself wrapped up nicely, too. Give it a read! If police procedurals are your thing please see my review for "And Every Man Has to Die" by Frank Zafiro as that book was also very well done!
    8 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • A. Hill
    3.0 out of 5 stars Potentially an excellent book
    Reviewed in Canada on January 1, 2022
    Liked the premise of the story and the story was well developed. I found the writing style staccato, not smooth, time jumped with no fill in as to what may have happened, or left you thinking it was the next day, but then it was written that 3 weeks had elapsed. Jerky.
  • Kindle Customer
    3.0 out of 5 stars Quick read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 18, 2022
    An enjoyable mystery with an engaging protagonist. However she seemed very unobservant for a psychologist. There was a point where someone was an obvious suspect and Dot didn't even think of them until it was revealed to her several chapters later. Unfortunately there is a character who swears every other word, if he appears in later books in the series I won't be reading them
  • pierre montpetit
    4.0 out of 5 stars Pretty good.
    Reviewed in Canada on November 26, 2021
    An interesting read, lots of well done twists and turns that whet our curiosity for where this is heading making it hard to put down.
  • pat goode
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 18, 2022
    I really enjoyed this book,it was easy reading and I liked the characters also ,a different sort of story but I really enjoyed it,The characters were likeable and I could relate to them easily.
  • suzi
    4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 19, 2021
    Quite different to my normal thriller which usually involves serial killers but enjoyable all the same. I must admit though I can't wait to get back to my serial killers.