Woman at the Top of the Stairs

Woman at the Top of the Stairs #1

by Deidra D.S. Green

Domestic violence is an unfortunate part of many relationships today. Every year more than 1.5 million women are made victims of this relational epidemic. Has domestic violence become so commonplace that it is no longer considered a problem? Have we grown so accustomed to seeing and hearing about it that we not only turn a blind eye but a deaf ear as well? Meet Gina. She is the woman at the top of the stairs who repeatedly hears the cries and screams of the woman who lives below her as she is constantly victimized at the hands of her partner. Bearing witness to Zenobia’s pain reminds Gina of the abusive life she narrowly escaped from. But Gina can’t get away from the nightmares of her past; the tumultuous reminders of how she was battered and nearly broken at the hands of her contemptuous and menacing husband. Will Gina be like the many and turn her back on Zenobia, leaving her to fend for herself, or will she build an alliance with Zenobia to end her suffering once and for all? Find out in this compelling novel, Woman at the Top of the Stairs.

Genres: Suspense, Mystery

284 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2012

About the author

Brief bio

Deidra D. S. Green has frequently been quoted as saying, "Writing is like breathing. Without it, I'd die..."
Deidra officially started her writing journey in 2011 with her first novel published in 2012. She have written roughly 25 full length novels and several novellas and short stories. Deidra has also written a few children's book, self-help projects and contributed to one anthology. She is the co-owner of a family publishing company that has been in business for eight years. Deidra is responsible for new acquisitions and is the editor in chief. Rathsi Publishing Company has published nearly 200 authors. In addition, Deidra is a ghostwriter, and has written for several celebrities and lay people alike. She also does academic writing, editing and consulting.
Deidra continues to be fascinated by the power of the written word. She has always written, and most recently decided to share her craft with the rest of the world.

Literary Works by Deidra include:

* The Twisted Sister Trilogy
* Woman at the Top of the Stairs Trilogy
* Suddenly Single: So Undeserving
* Elite Affairs I: Orchestrated Beauty
* Elite Affairs II: Simple Elegance
* A Letter to My Mother
* The Suddenly Single Series
* When You Wish
* Sick, Sicker, Sickest
* Interstate 64
* The Candy Man

She continues to pen interesting and intriguing tales with several new projects slated to be released in the very near future. You can also keep up with all things Deidra on facebook, twitter, and follow her blog at deidrawritesweebly.com.

Reviews

[Deidra Green]

One of the most recent reviews received on this book. The review was written by Tiana Laveen.

"The Woman at the Top of the Stairs" by Deidra D.S. Green - My Review
by Author Tiana Laveen

*warning, there are a few spoilers*

As most of you reading this already know and I've said it until I was blue in the face, I don't typically leave fellow author reviews due to my own self-imposed ethical codes. These rules are broken when something particularly moves me or the work is not my genre. This is not an erotic romance, therefore, I am free to 'move about the building as I choose' but I am still professional about my tiptoeing on slippery, recently polished review floors. In other words, I have the 'golden rule' in full effect. Initially, I won a contest of sorts that Ms. Green announced on her Facebook wall. I had just logged onto Facebook after taking care of a few errands, and saw a 28 second stamp of time next to her post, something of the sort, "Reading something for free but leave a review." In my haste, I grabbed at the opportunity like the last apple on earth, then snarled as I re-read the requirements...'Leave a review." Hmph....but I don't like being asked to leave reviews, because then well, I'm obligated and what if I don't like it? Just because I personally don't like something doesn't mean it is isn't good and I mean that sincerely. It could be well written, but what if I don't engage with it, then what? I don't 'diss' other authors. I can be honest without being a 'Queen B' about that, and I'm not talking about the kind that go buzzzz around the gardenias. I know how hard this business is - trying to do what you love seems to at times attract all sorts and I refuse to drag someone down the rabbit hole. I just won't do it. Anyhow, fast forward, I see the page count and knew from perusing her prior bio. and her fan/reader comments that she appears to deliver quick punches in her writing style and I shrug and say, "Okay, no biggie. I can get through this in a day, even with my hectic schedule - two days tops, in case something unplanned happens." I had to read it fast because it is loaned from amazon/kindle ...And of course the unplanned did happen...but it didn't matter.

... I had been emotionally drawn in. I got past that it was written in first person. My brain has 'issues' with first person, it's a personal problem (nothing to see here, move along) and typically I can't even finish books in first person, especially if they are very long (this isn't - I'm just explaining my troubles) but as I delved deeper into the work, this HAD to be in first person. Deidra had no choice because the main character, Gina, who is a RN, is a unique character that is snatched out of the deep recesses of a domestic violence victims fantasy, hell, MANY women's fantasies! Imagine 'Dexter' as a woman, only, her 'drug of choice' is vengeance, rolled into a hope chest with leather straps, binding the demon that dwells in hell, right below her feet on the lower level.

The initial 'victim', Zenobia, is rescued in a sense, by Gina because of a common bloodied thread of brutal similarities. What goes from the true psychological mindsets of many domestic violence victims, becomes a story wrapped in the how, why and what ifs...You can't beat that with a bat, no matter how mad you are or what 'she made you do'. Not shy of graphic, gritty scenes, I did find myself wincing a few times at some of the 'beat downs'...actual shoe imprints down a woman's body - that's deep...shoe imprints down the side of a woman's body, she was WALKED ON literally, and figuratively - he told her with his body, she wasn't shit and he wanted her spirit to know it as well. Imagine eyes swollen practically shut on another victim...and Gina, literally running for her life at one point time. Domestic violence is domestic terror and the women (and men) that endure this, are forever changed. You can't 'undo' the damage, you can only heal the best you can and get the assistance you need. There is no magical pill to make all that heart wrenching shit that nearly stole your soul disappear. Let me point out some things I really enjoyed about this book, that made it different from many others (and you all know how I love the unique, slightly odd story - I love that, and one with a message gets a blue ribbon, gold star and a sticky pink kiss)

1. Zenobia is not your 'typical' domestic violence victim. We know the spiel, seen it a million times before - she doesn't have a daddy, her mother neglected and/or beat her, she saw her mother get her behind beat by her father or boyfriend. Now, there is no need for originality here because that is more often times than not, a reality. It is not as common for a domestic violence victim to not have had some messed up stuff in her childhood. No one just wakes up and says, "Today is a good day to throw my self respect to the wind and let a mofo beat the living shit out of me." No, it doesn't work that way. Zenobia came from a fairly stable home, though it isn't explained why her brother is also wayward - but of course, the story isn't about him, but you do wonder because you've become invested in these folks. One side note about the typical domestic victim persona: You have to break a person down overtime and their core has to be practically wrecked to shreds so that the soil is fertile for a predator...a predator like the disgusting, dishonorable and at times Neanderthal-like Percy.

Ms. Green made sure that us, as invested readers, hated this man with every fiber of our being. Now, as horrid as it sounds, there are some stories about domestic violence and you at times feel a bit sorry for the guy that is beating the daylights out of the victim. Let me explain - the author may tell us some sordid, horrific tale of how he was strung up like a cat from a clothes line, and beat nearly to death by his old man, or bullied, or his mother was selling her ass right in front of him for a crack habit. You still hate him, but he appears more human for you because you at least understand how he got the way he did. In this story, not so much! Percy is brazen, egotistical, deeply entrenched in illegal activities and if he were a tad bit smarter, you'd vouch that he really was a demon but there is no way the devil would "hire" someone so ignorant, dare I say at times stupid, but I digress.Okay...so I liked that aspect. A lot. I liked that Zenobia's upbringing was not violent, her parents were still together, so on and so forth. I also liked that her reason initially for being with this man was simple and real - he was popular, so SHE was popular if her name was hitched to his. I get it - I understand it, especially since she was only sixteen at the time. That is a typical sixteen year old mentality and I like how that was built upon, from the psychological standpoint. She was impressionable and mold-able...I get it

.2.) I don't know if it was intentional or not, but there was some numerology and spiritual references. Again, I am not certain that the author did this on purpose, but it was there. For example, Zenobia - her name has 7 letters. '7' is supposed to be a number of salvation. Percy, his name has 5 letters. 5 is associated with the Illuminati we keep hearing about - and it was as if Percy had made some deal with the devil, because he was truly an evil entity.

Zenobia and Gina's apartment numbers were similar, you just switch the numbers around a bit, and this was discussed a couple times in the book - for instance, receiving wrong mail due to it. This symbolized to me, that their stories were mirror images. Not exactly alike, but cut from the same cloth - the apartment numbers even glued them together and it was woven together so perfectly. This battered woman lived BELOW Gina- Gina had shown arrogance at one time in her life, towards other domestic violence victims - thinking she was ABOVE them, like some sort of God. Hell is often described as BELOW us...they lived below her, and he was even referenced once as a (((drum roll))) demon. Even the darn title speaks of this. We talk about in old gospel hymns, going 'up' to heaven, gold staircases - this woman can be reached by climbing the stairs to her apartment. She 'saves' her neighbor and friends, is angel-like because of a common thread they all have and you have an inkling that thirst in her, must be quenched. She HAS to help people, women in particular. It is almost like her calling - the very reason she exists in the world. There are plenty other examples of this, but these are just a few and for one, found it rather intriguing.

3.) Gina didn't start out as likeable or unlikeable. She simply existed. Then, she was loved and revered within a flash because the author built her character swiftly, and let us in in fast steps up to glory. I loved that. She was aloof, odd, quirky and no one would understand why a woman like this would choose nursing as a profession, since all she wanted to ever do was be alone, until we delved deeper into her story...then, all the pieces came together beautifully. Is she still a sociopath? More than likely, but she does care - only about a select population however and in this case, that's just fine with me!

4.) Ms. Green clearly explains how a perpetrator beats his victims down and makes it clear that verbal and emotional abuse are not only 'gateway drugs' to a physical assault, they within themselves, can be just as bad, if not worse in some cases. There are some abusers, who stick to the name calling and putdowns, but it is vicious and it is meant to do the same thing as a hand across the face and I am glad this was addressed because too many times, we see women saying, 'Well, he doesn't hit me, he is just a jerk sometimes.' Then we find out he has been calling her a bitch and whore in front of their children and yet she seems oblivious that that is in fact abuse and is hurting not only her, but the children that were unfortunately around to witness such atrocities. This was a crucial lesson to point out and I am so happy it was addressed.

One of my favorite quotes in this book was, "If I value my life, I had to be the one to save it." - It is a pointed line. It has sharp ends, double meanings and important revelations inside that tiny sentence. IF I VALUE MY LIFE - What truly is valuing your life? Is it treating each day like a gift,or giving that gift to someone else to muck up and destroy via tearing down what the creator made you to be? A mere mortal now has power over your divine spirit when you are actually a decedent from greatness. To me, this is beyond powerful. I HAD TO BE THE ONE TO SAVE IT. -When do WE Save ourselves, from ourselves? When do we become our best cheerleader? When are we OKAY being alone, if we are with the wrong people/person? Why is being alone so scary? Why can isolation exist, even within a relationship? WHOM REALLY NEEDS SAVING?

To me, this is the premise of the entire novel. Gina - is a warrior. She is a savior. She is a laid-back Georgia Peach who knows her way around pitch black back dusty roads and the best spots in downtown Atlanta. She knows how to work a brain over - how to dissect a person from top to bottom and reach in deep, to find out what it is they want, what makes them tick and how she can get what she needs...or, give them what they need. She learned it more than likely from her job but also as a survivor herself, of domestic violence. When you are walking on eggshells all the time, trying to not get your ass beat - your mind constantly races with WHAT DOES HE REALLY WANT SO I DON'T TIP THE BOAT AND MAKE HIM MESS ME UP AGAIN? And then again, we come full circle, "If I value my life..."Well, I valued this story, that much is certain. I enjoyed it, despite the gut wrenching subject matter and gritty details - it made it tangible. I'm a big girl, I can handle it. I don't run from that, no matter how personally uncomfortable it may make me because I know someone out there, it may actually help. I too, have tackled this subject in two of my stories and you owe it, in my opinion, to a reader, to make them be there in that scene with the abuser and the victim. I want you to see the blows, feel the blood trickle, and Ms. Green did an excellent job of this. It wasn't gruesome to just be alarming, it was gruesome because that is REAL. That is the truth. Miscarriages, lost lives and broken ribs are the TRUE consequences from this mess. There is no need to sugar coat domestic violence. There is nothing cute about it an it should be exposed for the filthy travesty and daily, world-wide tragedy that it is. The book had very few grammatical issues, it flowed well, was fast paced, the characters were extremely well developed and I enjoyed having the opportunity to read some of this incredible writer's work. This was my first read from her, but it won't be my last.Get your copy, you won't be disappointed.

-Tiana Laveen

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

When started reading the story, I remember being in apartment between two couples. One was quiet never made noise, the other the cops were always knocking on the door. The guy was beating the lady. The lady didn’t want to turn the guy in. So they couldn’t do anything. Until one day he did it in front of us. They handcuffed him and took him in, took our statement on what we saw and heard. Soon we saw the lady moving.
So this stuff really does happen, and some have a hard time getting away, or feel they aren’t good enough. So they accept what they can get. Some one to love them, just a little is better than none. It’s how we think its okay to be abused emotional or physically. Mine was emotional, never good enough and felt like who would want me. So this story hit home on what happens, and how it can push some of us, to take a more drastic decision on solving the problem. Some go into hiding or finally leave, others get even, and then there are the ones that been pushed to much and kill. Is it wrong or is it justice?
I thought the story was well written, and had a nice steady pace to move the story along. The Characters make you feel for them. The ending has me waiting to see what happens next. Loving the authors books and hope to keep reading from them for a long time.
Got ARC for an honest review.
Thank you for sharing your book with me.

[Valerie Hodge · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the name of "woman power", I thoroughly enjoyed this book but the ending was very perplexing. It makes one wonder if the protaganists enlisted the help of sympathetic men into their "handling" of domestic violators



. Woman at the Top of the Stairs by Deidra D.S. Green

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


In the name of "woman power", I thoroughly enjoyed this book but the ending was very perplexing. It makes one wonder if the protaganists enlisted the help of sympathetic men into their "handling" of domestic violators.



View all my reviews

[Pat Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

What's sad about this book is that I read it for entertainment. It deals with a very serious issue, though - abusive relationships. The events depicted were very realistic and I felt for all three women; one who had escaped an abusive spouse, one who was in the throes of an abusive relationship and one who was just starting to experience abuse. But having realized this is not the life they want, the women plan the demise of these men, and not via divorce court either. I reveled in the plot against Percy and my heart pounded reading the details of what they subjected him to. And I prayed they would get away scot free. Obviously this was not a serious take on dealing with domestic violence but the abuse was real and the revenge was needed. But could they truly live free in the aftermath of what they had done? Only the next installment will tell. Very well done. Recommended for those who want to see these abusive men take what they dish out.

[Aviar Savijon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Women At the Top of The Stairs

An emotional gripping tale of injustice towards women and some ways that some get back at their abusers. This is a must read for everyone, it may be a work of fiction. But this is the world's most under reported crime spousal abuse is not in no way something to dismiss. Or to think, it's your fault, it is not ever be your fault for the actions someone takes to harm you. And once they think they can get away with it they will do it over and over. And you are too important to the rest of the world to put up with verbal emotional or physical abuse NO ONE IS! This book may open a few eyes to a horrible crime but it does need to be read and discussed.

[Hope Gerhardstein · Rating 2 out of 5]

The grammar was a turn off for me. I just can’t see how an educated woman, a nurse, would use some of the words in her conversations. I got that she was busy at work as an ER nurse but felt like I was constantly being reminded of this fact. Seems like every woman that Gina comes into contact with is an abuse victim. Zenobia decides to seek revenge and Gina is o co-conspirator. I’m surprised that Zenobia did not try to physically leave her situation before considering what she did. I received a free copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Women at the Top of the Stairs

I really enjoyed this novel twists & turns. So far I have read several books written by Deidra D.S. Green. I read the sick
series was very good . Keep up the great work ....thank you & I have come across several more books I can't wait to get started reading. As for now I'm bout to crack open Woman at the Top of the Stairs part 2 !!!!!!!!! 😀😀😀😀😀😀

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Gina and her battle with domestic violence was gripping. It captured my attention and kept it. The book was so descriptive that I felt like I was there experiencing what Gina was going through. This is a problem that is so often swept under the rug or ignored. Well written and an emotional roller coaster. I received a free copy and voluntarily chose to review it

[Mary Ellen Dryden · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bad Karma

A strange tale of revenge, making the victims into killers. I read the entire book but won't be reading anymore by this author.

[Felicia G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Green has touched on an amazingly sensitive topic, "Domestic Abuse"! And she has done so in a way that you will find yourself wrapped and absorbed into all the characters lives in this story, for real!!!! I laughed, cried AND got totally PIST OFF!! Gina is the woman at the top of the stairs. She is trying her BEST to stay up there in her apartment and mind her own businesses, but fate has other planes. Gina befriends Zenobia, the lady in the apartment below hers. And boy oh boy, THESE two ladies are quickly becoming a trip! Domestic Abuse/Violence is wrong and should NEVER be tolerated!!! However, if you are not the person being abused, it's SO easy to point fingers and judge. Green will have you in your feelings with this one, y'all. Great read. Amazon bound for book two!!!!!

[Artistic Words Publishing · Rating 4 out of 5]

From victim to victory...

This is the first book I've read by this author but it certainly won't be my last. In fact, I'll be going to download the next book as soon as I finish writing this review. Very well written and captivating storytelling. I could actually envision the scenes and some actually made me cringe. Being an editor, there aren't many stories that hold my attention, but this author did not disappoint. Great job!

[Arlena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Woman At The Top Of The Stairs
Author: Deidra D. S. Green
Publisher: Rathsi Publishing
Series: Book 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating Five
Review:

"Woman At The Top Of The Stairs" by Deidra D. S. Green

My Thoughts....

This author really delivered a 'Domestic Violence' read to the readers that was simply off the chain well written. This was definitely a good read of what can happen to any abusive men when the women they has messed with get fed up with what they have been put through as it was for Gina, the characters ..[victims.....Gina, Zenobia and Yvette]. I will say these [perpetrators..Mac Percy and Marlon] are in for some real awakening. The women...Gina, Zenobia had been pushed to the limit and they felt this was the only way in order to survive. Was this too much in what happened to the perpetrators...the abusers? Well, I will say you will have to pick up this read and come to your own conclusion. For me, I thought the author did a good job with this tough subject matter that was so well covered dealing with domestic violence.

[J.L. Sapphire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read..

I came across this book while scrolling through my Facebook newsfeed. It was free, so I got it to support African-American authors and I'm so glad I did. The story drew me in from the very first page. As a victim of domestic violence, I had particular interest in this story, wanting to see how the characters would get away from their abusers. Wow, is all I can say. While I definitely understand why Gina, Zenobia, and Yvette chose to deal with their men, I still couldn't help thinking they were still giving them power over them, because their actions could land them in prison..thus further being in controlled environment and risking having their freedom. At the same time, I was so proud of Zee, especially when she finally got the upper hand against Percy's trifling ass. I can't wait to read part two, and more books by this author

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was well written and the story line had me sweating bullets! Lawd have mercy! Zenobia's sorry excuse for a man was asking to be hurt. I can not stand a man who puts his hand on a woman. Ugh! This book kept me turning pages wondering what was going to happen next, then it ended with a bang! You'll want to put this one on your shelves to read!

[T'challa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The beauty of strong characters pull you in and make you a cheerleader! This story was great. Gina overcame so much only to be compounded by the lives of those around her. She is fearless and compassionate. I can't wait to see what she does next!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Domestic violence is an unfortunate part of many relationships today
Woman at the Top of the Stairs by Deidre Green is book is full of action about a woman’s struggle in an abusive relationship.
This book is very good.
I recommend this book to everyone.

[Keke Chanel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book when it first came out, but since I saw the author at a book festival and bought autographed copies of the second and third book in the series; I knew I needed to reread it.

Be careful how you treat people...

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended and morally Complex, this book really spoke to me

[reneeNaDaCherry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Domestic violence and terror going on in Atlanta, GA.