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Dot Meyerhoff #2

The Right Wrong Thing

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A SPLIT-SECOND DECISION, A DEAD KID.
AND A HEARTSICK COP… An unfair fight — gun vs. cellphone. A rookie cop shoots an unarmed pregnant teenager in a high-adrenaline situation. Her fellow officers call it “a good shoot”.

But the rookie, a young woman named Randy who is still on probation, is racked with guilt – and self-doubt.

Police psychologist Dr. Dot Meyerhoff’s job, however, is not to determine guilt, but to keep Randy from unraveling. After losing her very first police counseling case to suicide, Dot is working 24/7 not to lose another officer .

As one of only two women in the department – which is a whole other bag of cats – Randy’s unpopular. And Dot has to tiptoe through a testosterone-dominated culture, fraught with personal agendas, political agendas, and PTSD.

Ever insightful and empathetic, she walks a fine line between supporting her officers and staying out of their investigation – until she crosses it. And once she steps from “assessing state of mind” to “collecting evidence”, she’s never been so close to not coming home .

And at the moment, home’s a great place to come home to. The 24/7 demands of her job are straining her relationship with the kindest man she’s ever known. The department calls at the most inopportune moments, and she’s off like a prom dress in May. A good man won’t wait forever and Dot has to wonder – should he have to?

This psychological dance with good old-fashioned detecting will appeal to fans of Jonathan Kellerman, Stephen White, Val McDermid, Abigail Padgett, as well as to readers who admire all smart, thoughtful women sleuths.

294 pages, Paperback

First published October 6, 2015

86 people are currently reading
598 people want to read

About the author

Ellen Kirschman

11 books99 followers
I've been a police and public safety psychologist for thirty-plus years, before I had any gray hair. My work with first responders has taken me to four countries and twenty-two states.

I Love a Cop: What Police Families Need to Know was my first book and, to date, it has sold more than 100,000 copies. I Love a Fire Fighter: What the Family Needs to Know came next, followed by Counseling Cops: What Clinicians Need to Know with two psychology colleagues, both of whom are retired cops.

I also write a mystery series. My protagonist, Dr. Dot Meyerhoff, is a fifty-something year old psychologist who should be counseling cops, not solving crimes. Too dedicated for her own good, she won't give up until justice is served, even when it jeopardizes her own life.

There are five books in the series: Burying Ben, The Right Wrong Thing The Fifth Reflection The Answer to His Prayers and Call Me Carmela. Dive in anywhere, it's. not necessary to read them in order.

I live in the San Francisco Bay Area with my husband, whose entire life I have plagarized for Dot's love interest, Frank. I maintain a website at www.ellenkirschman.com,. Sign up for my occasional newsletter and get a free copy of my mini-memoir as a dance hall girl in Times Square.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
Profile Image for Christine.
620 reviews1,480 followers
March 21, 2016
I would like to thank Net Galley, Oceanview Publishing, and Ms. Ellen Kirschman for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

The Right Wrong Thing was an enjoyable read for me. The plot revolves around the shooting of an unarmed 17-year-old African American girl (Lakeisha Gibbs) by a rookie policewoman (Randy Spelling) when the cop mistook a cell phone in the girl’s hand for a gun. What I liked best was that the story is told from the perspective of a middle-aged police psychologist Dot Meyerhoff who is assigned Randy’s case. Randy is devastated, feels extremely guilty, and is not living well with herself though the incident was officially ruled no fault. I can’t recall ever reading a crime fiction novel from the perspective of a police psychologist, and I loved hearing the story from this viewpoint. The author is actually a former police/public psychologist, making her well qualified to write from this angle. The dialogue between Dot and her clients and Dot and the police staff felt very realistic, as did the arc involving the new female police chief and her struggles gaining respect in the male-dominated force.

There were a few negatives for me. Dot makes some rather unrealistic decisions, which jeopardized not only her job but also her life. I elected to suspend belief though and was thereby able to stay with the story. It also took me a little while to warm up to Dot. I was also disappointed that there was no indication that this book is the second in a series. There is reference back to book 1, Burying Ben, which was helpful, but I now know enough plot points to make me not so eager to go back and read the first one. I suggest making the fact that this is a series more obvious. Finally, I think the story would have benefitted from more backstory on both Lakeisha and Randy. Knowing more about Lakeisha would give the reader a better feel for the tragedy that occurred. And I would love to know what it was in her life that made Randy react so strongly to her mistake.

Overall, I enjoyed my time with this book. I do recommend The Right Wrong Thing to all readers of crime fiction, especially those interested in a psychological bent. I am interested to see what comes next in this promising series.
Profile Image for Melissa (Mel’s Bookshelf).
518 reviews319 followers
October 4, 2015
3.5 stars.
The Right Wrong Thing is an extremely interesting and entertaining thriller told from a very different perspective.

The story is told through the eyes of Dr Dot Meyerhoff, a psychological consultant with the police department. After recommending that Randy Spelling is psychologically fit to begin working as a police officer, the young officer gets involved in two major incidents, one involving the accidental killing of an innocent pregnant teenager. When Randy attempts to apologise to the distraught family, it has dire consequences. Dr Meyerhoff, then gets herself involved in the investigation and finds herself trying to catch a killer.

What really interested me about this book is the psychological viewpoint. I don't think I have ever read a book where the narrator is a psychologist and is dealing with complex psychological problems of their patients. Having completed half a psychology degree and having an interest in all this mind stuff, I was fascinated with the obviously extensive knowledge of the author. She knows her stuff and it was fascinating.

It was interesting, well written, exciting and thrilling in places, and had interesting twists and turns.

What I didn't like about this book was the stupidity of the main character. Dot got herself in many situations that wouldn't take a clinical psychologist to know, were IDIOTIC. I just found it a bit too unbelievable that she would do some of the things that she did.

The other characters were great. Loved all the police officers and the chief was extremely damaged and a really interesting character. Even Dot was a great character, she just made STUPID decisions!

I really enjoyed that the narrator was an older woman. A refreshing change from the common young characters that I have read in most novels recently. She had life experience, and a head on her shoulders... Which just made her decisions even more unbelievable.

Would I recommend it?

Yes! Despite the things I didn't like, it was still a very enjoyable and fascinating read. I wouldn't mind reading her other stuff, especially the non fiction books!

Thanks to Oceanview Publishing via NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my review.

For more reviews visit my blog
www.booksbabiesbeing.com
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www.twitter.com/BBB_Mel
Profile Image for Carol.
860 reviews567 followers
October 21, 2015
3. 5 Stars

The Hook - Who doesn’t wonder what it would be like to be married to a cop? Years ago I read Ellen Kirschman’s I Love a Cop: What Police Families Need to Know and enjoyed it. When I learned she was writing fiction about a psychologist working as consultant with a police department I was intrigued.

The Line” I can’t stand it when we have these silent fights…”

The Sinker – Ellen Kirschman is a police and public safety psychologist first and an author second. It would be difficult for me to dispute her expertise in either. I enjoyed this fictional outing, the second mystery involving psychologist Dr. Dot Meyerhoff. It is important to remember that Dr. Meyerhoff is not a cop but the person who will counsel the men and women who uphold the law.

A quick summary – The story opens as Randy Spelling is in the last hurdle between her and a rookie position of the Kenilworth Police Dept. Northern California. With all her being she wants the job and they want her. KPD is the only department in the county with no female officers. Spelling makes the grade but early on shoots and kills a pregnant teen. Unlike many female police stories this one does not overly dwell on the woes of women cops in a predominately male profession. It is told more from the perspective of the psychologist who must treat Spelling and those around her, all affected by the shooting.

Dr. Dot Meyerhoff is an interesting and unique characterization. I found myself wondering at some of her choices. The case of the shooting and how all was handled left me scratching my head at times, as it did with some of the characters themselves. Like many books featuring female protagonists, Dot struggles with a romantic relationship. You can easily read this second book without having read the first though I generally like to begin with the start of a series. All in all the The Right Wrong Thing is an interesting read in a series with great potential featuring a character that takes the police procedural to another level.
3.5 Stars






Profile Image for ReadAlongWithSue recovering from a stroke★⋆. ࿐࿔.
2,891 reviews431 followers
November 20, 2015


I am going to be honest here [as always] and say, I loved the blurb.
Then when I started to read it, I wondered why I had chosen it then it really started to pick up.

I am not giving anything away as its in the blurb already, but when it got to the part where Randy Spelling shot someone, it really did feel like I was not going to be able to put this book down.

Background.

Women find it hard going [even to this day] in a "man orientated job" that was of more leaning to the males than females, and even if there are laws and rules in place, there is always going to be some that think women are not best suited for certain types of work.

This is not different within the Police force that we read about in this book.

We see how women have to not just do a "good" job, but they have to be "perfect and do it above average" because it makes a woman feel they need to 'prove' themselves.

Randy has always wanted to work for the Police and follow her brothers and Fathers footsteps.

She did vigorous training both physical and mental to get where she was within the force.

Until...

She was out on duty and she shot a young girl, a young girl who looked to be pulling out a gun on her.
She shot her dead.

What transpires from this is something so intense, so mind blowingly extensive and so sad, also so dangerous and so intense, I bet you won't be able to put the book down.
I stayed up reading this until I finished it the early hours.

I like to keep my book reading material varied so that I can approach a book and not to compare with another in the same genre.
This book took me by total surprise.

Not having heard of this author before, I am not putting her on a list for "keep an eye out for further books" List.


*Thank you to Oceanview Publishing via Net galley for allowing me to read and review this awesome book *
Profile Image for Louise Wilson.
3,664 reviews1,689 followers
September 8, 2016
All Randy Spelling wanted to be was a police officer following in the footsteps of her father and brothers. Shorty after she joins the police she mistakenly shoots and kills Lakeisha Gibbs, a pregnant teenager.

Randy suffers from post-traumatic-stress-disorder (PTSD) and is desperate to apologise to Lakeisha's family. Her attempt was catastrophic.

Another well written novel which is narrated by the police's middle aged phychologist Dot Meyerhoff who was given Randy's case. Great characters with some twists and turns.

I would like to thank Net Galley, Oceanview Publishing and the author Ellen Kirschman for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Judy Collins.
3,287 reviews442 followers
December 26, 2015
A special thank you to Oceanview Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 4.5 Stars

Ellen Kirschman is in her element with THE RIGHT WRONG THING ---an intense, and compelling exploration into the psychology and the devastation of PTSD, especially with the heavy demands and traumas of law enforcement authorities. A powerful mix of psycho-crime thriller, mystery, and wit; both riveting and inspiring. A fitting title and cover.

The author, a real police psychologist long before she started writing mysteries. As she mentions in her author’s notes, police work is a tough calling and she has counseled cops who feel guilty for something they’ve done, and cops who feel guilty for something they did not do. She sincerely thanks for them sharing their stories and inspiring her to write.

Randy Spelling is a new recruit with the Kenilworth Police Department. Born into a law enforcement family, a star athlete, and recently married to her high school sweetheart who is a sheriff’s deputy.

Shortly thereafter, the rookie cop accidentally shoots a civilian—guilt ridden. A girl she told to stop, she thought she had a gun; however, it turned out to be a cell phone---and shot her by accident. Lakeisha Biggs, a black seventeen year-old pregnant teen.

Dr. Dot Meyerhoff, consultant and department psychologist, comes to her defense and says she needs forty-eight hours to rest as the current research on memory suggests that it is a mistake to interview officers immediately after a shooting. Of course the cops think this is more time for her to concoct a better story.

Spelling is devastated and wants to speak to the girl’s family. Everyone urges her not to. The truth is the facts speak for themselves; a teenage girl is dead and a young officer’s life is forever changed. The media and community are outraged about a child struck down in the prime of her life, defenseless and unarmed, murdered in cold blood by the very people who are charged with protecting her.

She is struck with severe PTSD—panic attacks, unable to sleep eat, or stop thinking about what happened. She cannot leave her house, cannot come back to work until the investigation is complete, not even for light duty—going crazy at home—not daring to go out in public…a prison. She wished she had never taken the call. She is urged to say nothing and admit nothing. She was doing her job. A traumatized officer, she wants to be punished and working hard to punish herself.

Dr. Meyerhoff, thinks back to Ben Gomez and still feels responsible. How can she help someone when she has not cured herself? Of course now everyone thinks she is their own celebrity shrink or BWB (babe with brains).

Then the unspeakable occurs. At about 50% into the book – the intensity heats up; Non-stop action.

The doc is determined to help Randy. Who wanted revenge-- The brothers, the mother, grandmother, or the baby’s father? The police are not getting anywhere, and she wants to know what happened.

This is personal to the doc and she delves into the investigation full force--despite orders from the police chief to back off. She is driven and determined…from uncover work, not only does she disobey orders- she puts her own job and life on the line. She is determined to find the missing homicide suspect. She is putting the investigation in jeopardy-- Frank, and herself in harm’s way. One smart cookie, though--definitely the star of the show!

However is there something more going on? Step into Law and Order! It’s show down, who will be left alive? One you do not see coming. . .

“A police officer’s fate. To be stuck with remorse for what we’ve done, and regret for what we failed to do?”

From a hostage situation, and intimate knowledge of cops, emotions, complex police procedures, sexism, politics, injustice, racial, corruption, dark secrets, hidden motives, manipulation, and women trying to do their jobs in a male dominated world. Who do you really trust?

Things I love
• Dr. "BWB" (Dr. Dot Meyerhoff) - Gutsy
• Also known as: "organization’s stepchild- alternately appreciated, and ignored…to help them get a confession."
• Frank’s 85% rule
• Deal or no deal
• Eddie’s sarcastic wit (some great one liners) . “Just in case God’s got something else to do—“ He pats his weapon, “me and Doc Glock are just around the corner.”

Intense, edgy, and suspenseful! Clever twist with Marvel.

I read the book back in Oct, and happened to be traveling and failed to post my review. My first book by Ellen….looking forward to reading Burying Ben (A Dot Meyerhoff Mystery). Wish her books were available in audio format.

An author to follow! Hope there will be more in the Dot Meyerhoff series---loving her, and the author’s writing style. She knows her stuff!

“Psychotherapy is more art than science, more intuition than deductive reasoning." “Intermittent reinforcement. Because sometimes you win and sometimes you lose.”

JDCMustReadBooks
Profile Image for Linda.
1,655 reviews1,711 followers
March 19, 2016
I received The Right Wrong Thing by Ellen Kirschman from Goodreads for an honest review. Thanks to Goodreads and to Ellen Kirschman and Oceanview Publishing.

This book intrigued me from the onset. It is cut from the headlines of today's news and yet addresses the age old heaviness of taking the life of another....even when you're the one who has signed on to serve and to protect. It is the split second decisions that pivot one's life and the lives of others into a downward spiral. And nothing will ever be the same.

Ellen Kirschman, the author, is a psychologist with many years of service working with the police. She brings her experiential background to the forefront in this novel as the voice of Dr. Dot Meyerhoff. This indeed offers a far different perspective into the investigation of a police shooting of a pregnant African American teenage girl. The reality of the situation reveals that there are a multitude of victims here.

Kirschman takes us on the road of police procedures, but she also reveals the agony felt on all sides of the equation from the victim's family to the officer to the chief of police and to the community. There's far more here than what the usual sensationalized headlines flash. I really liked the honesty of the character of Dr. Meyerhoff who is the voice of the story. However, my only wish was to have known the police officer, Randy Spelling, more in depth. Randy appears to be more of a reactionary here. We are not allowed into her mindset fully and we, the readers, stand as pedestrians only viewing her movements. We know more about Frank and his likes and dislikes than we know about Randy. There's more backstory on the victim's grandmother than there is on Randy or Lakeisha. I suppose the emphasis here was on the ripple effect and the impact the unfortunate deed has on those left behind who are facing the onslaught. But it leaves us with no emotional connection to Randy or to Lakeisha....very little window into just who they were before their identities of victim and shooter.

I enjoyed The Right Wrong Thing and will pick up Burying Ben. Looking forward to more offerings by Ellen Kirschman.



Profile Image for Petra.
818 reviews92 followers
October 28, 2015
The Right Wrong Thing was a fascinating and very topical novel dealing with issues such as sexism, racism, police brutality and PTSD.
Psychologist Dr. Dot Meyerhoff has been counseling one of the few female police officers on her force and cleared her fit for duty. Shortly after, this officer is involved in the fatal shooting of a pregnant teenager. The officer insists on apologizing to the girl's family, which ends in disaster and pulls Meyerhoff into an unconventional murder investigation.
The writing and the depth of the story reflected the author's long-term experience as a police and public safety psychologist. I found it extremely interesting and really engaging. It was also a nice change for the main character to be a female with life experience and a career. However, because of who and what she was, I found some of her decisions and actions difficult to believe and accept.
This was the second book featuring Dr Meyerhoff. It is not necessary to read them in order though. Having really enjoyed this one, I am keen to catch up and read the first one now.
Thank you to the author and the publisher for providing me with a complimentary copy via NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
Profile Image for Elite Group.
3,112 reviews53 followers
September 29, 2015
The Right Wrong Thing (4 stars) by Ellen Kirschman

Dr Dot Meyerhoff, police psychologist, clears the first female officer to join Kenilworth Police Department. However days later, the officer, Randy Spelling, freezes in the face of danger, risking the life of her partner, and inciting the wrath of the entire department. No sooner has she come to terms with this mistake, when she makes another: fatally shooting a pregnant, unarmed teenager in a routine stop. The consequences of Randy’s actions are far reaching, not least for Dr Meyerhoff who, despite all advice to the contrary, involves herself in the case, risking not only her career, but also her life.

A well-written story that kept me interested from start to finish, The Right Wrong Thing deals with a number of enormously important issues in modern society: sexism, racism, police brutality and post-traumatic stress disorder. But don’t let that deter you; this is still an extremely heartfelt novel. We see each issue as it affects the families and individuals around which the story is crafted. Kirschman cleverly draws you in to each character’s world, makes you feel sympathy or anger or disdain and then completely turns the world on its head so what you knew to be up, is now down, what you were sure was right, is now wrong.

Kirschman herself has more than thirty years’ experience as a psychologist for first responders and this shines through in her writing. Her knowledge of police procedures and department politics gives this novel the depth it needs to carry the drama. The dialogue is smart and moves the story along well, and the characters are interesting enough draw you back for more. Meyerhoff is particularly appealing: she has such a charming humanity about her, aware of her failings and trying hard to do right by the good people in her life. She’s an older, hugely experienced woman working in a very masculine environment. It would’ve been easy for Kirschman to write her as the hard-nosed bitch, but this gentle, yet still hugely capable woman is captivating, and I would argue, extremely relatable to millions of career-minded women in the world.

My only gripe: why is this incredibly intelligent, massively experienced professional risking her career and her life on this one case? Meyerhoff makes a lot of reckless moves that frustrated me to the point of anger. Frankly, it was unfeasible. And the ending was far too cheesy for my liking. But, suspend your disbelief for the duration, and you won’t be disappointed by Kirschman, Meyerhoff or the cops of Kenilworth PD.
~Anouk

Best Selling Crime Thrillers received a copy of this book to review
Profile Image for Glenda Carroll.
Author 4 books50 followers
October 18, 2022
Really interesting book Told from the point of view of a psychologist for policemen. Interesting story and more than interesting protagonist.
Profile Image for Sherry Fundin.
2,305 reviews162 followers
November 9, 2015
The Right Wrong Thing is a great title and once you read the book, you will see how appropriate it is. Ellen Kirschman does a great job with this police procedural novel that tells Randy Spelling’s story, when she does The Right Wrong Thing.

The Kenilworth Police Department needed women officers and Randy Spelling fit the bill. She gets in deep from the getgo and I can see only bad things happening for her. The game of second guessing an officers actions and reactions has begun. Does it play a part in their future actions, causing them to hesitate or jump the gun?

Dr Dot Meyerhoff is a police psychologist for the department and must get involved whenever there has been an incident.

The childish and, what I consider to be, stupid pranks by the male officers towards the new police chief, Jacqueline Reagan only show their immaturity and chauvinism. I do believe a lot of this still goes on, in light of all the “rogue” incidents we have seen since cell phones and police car cameras.

My emotions let me know they were aIive and well. I was pissed at the disrespect the officers showed to the chief. It doesn’t matter if they are male or female, black or white…it is showing respect for the position and keeping a united front for the public. How confident will we be in their actions, if they play like children in a sandbox?

When the second incident with Randy Spelling happens, all hell breaks loose. It’s really bad and reads as if it really could have happened. The biggest question for Randy, can she live with it?

This review is hard to write because of my cynicism. I am hesitant to believe the victim’s family in a situation like this because I don’t trust their motives and the victim’s innocence. The family is looking for someone to blame.,

In this case…when the cop says STOP…STOP! Why don’t people listen? How many times do we see them run, stick their hands in their pockets, start walking toward the officer…Why do people do that?

As the circus begins, it’s hard to tell who is the slimiest, the media, the lawyers…It reads as if it is nonfiction. Ellen Kirschman’s descriptions of the people, the things they said, the progression of events makes me think I have seen it all before. If the book was longer and more in depth, I think my head would have spun like the girl in The Exorcist. lol

It is awful and tragic but Randy Spelling did nothing wrong. She may not have done everything exactly right, but that is what training, rules and experience are all about. It really surprises me that it doesn’t happen more often.

The Right Wrong Thing takes a twist that adds to the tale. It is a small book, but it contains a wealth of issues, information, and characters covering what happens when…

The Right Wrong Thing by Ellen Kirschman is a thought provoking novel that stayed with me long after the reading was done.

I received The Right Wrong Thing by Ellen Kirschman in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Ana Manwaring.
Author 16 books17 followers
November 22, 2015
The Right Wrong Thing, Ellen Kirschman’s second book in the Dot Meyerhoff series exposes readers to the world of the police department: the culture, the politics, and the whys and wherefore’s of police decisions, actions and the consequences of both. Kirschman’s thirty plus years as a police psychologist shine through, illuminating police work in a way that has given me new understanding and a much deeper sympathy for the heroic men and women who take on the job of keeping us safe.

The book tackles several of society’s big ticket issues: sexism, racism, police brutality and post-traumatic stress disorder—all through the point of view of dedicated and deeply concerned psychologist, Dr. Dot Meyerhoff. After Dr. Meyerhoff has signed off on her pre-employment psychological assessments, rookie cop Randy Spelling accidentally shoots and kills a pregnant black teen. The doctor is determined to do the right thing by Randy and the department, but Randy, already suffering with PTSD and remorse, insists on making amends to the victim’s family, contrary to the advice of the department. The consequences are disastrous. Dr. Meyerhoff, against orders, puts together a small team of misfit allies to investigate, jeopardizing her career with the department and her life.

I admired Meyerhoff’s right-on assessments of the situation and her sometimes brilliant handling of things, and I shook my head in disbelief at her sometimes-stupid moves and her blatant disregard of her superior. The dichotomous aspects of her personality are part of what make middle-aged Dot Meyerhoff an interesting character. She’s intelligent, caring, dedicated, reckless, and stubborn and questions herself the way we all do over a glass of wine. She’s guided by a strong sense of justice and not afraid to go against convention to follow it, even when she’s clearly erring. Dot Meyerhoff is flawed like the rest of us, but she’s willing to speak her mind when it’s unpopular, be kind to people who work against her and learn from her mistakes—although I expect Dr. Meyerhoff will be just as stubborn and reckless in solving her next case. I’m counting on it, in fact.
Profile Image for Andrew O'Hara.
3 reviews
June 6, 2015
After her debut novel, “Burying Ben,” the fictional police psychologist Dot Meyerhoff is back in full force. After pre-employment interviews, she approves a young woman—the first— for a police career on the Kenilworth Police Department, only to see her quickly blacklisted by fellow officers for allegedly failing to stop a melee that resulted in her partner’s injury. With Dot’s help, she just begins to recover from this incident— only to shoot an unarmed, pregnant teenager on a traffic stop. Thus begins an exciting roller coaster ride of intrigue, another shocking killing, and Dot ignoring police department orders to stay out of the investigation. She forms unusual alliances in the community and runs the risk of losing both her career and her life as she races to solve this compelling mystery.

Author Kirschman has a refreshing gift for storytelling and yet, at the same time, is able to subtly mix into her novel intriguing information about the nature of police psychology, the rules surrounding psychotherapy and the intricacies of the law enforcement culture, particularly at a time when so many law enforcement agencies are under fire for controversial arrests and shootings. She also has a talent for dialogue, employing it effectively to carry the reader along quickly and smoothly. “The Right Wrong Thing” is both enjoyable and informative, making it exciting, realistic reading for those both in and out of law enforcement.
4,119 reviews116 followers
March 24, 2016
Oceanview Publishing and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of The Right Wrong Thing, in exchange for an honest review.

All Officer Randy Spelling ever wanted to do was to follow her father and her brothers into law enforcement. During a takedown with a suspect, Officer Spelling froze, which resulted in injuries to her partner. Dr. Dot Meyerhoff, the police psychologist who gave the approval for Spelling to be on the force, is charged with clearing her back to duty. After a second, more serious incident, PTSD takes its hold on Randy Spelling. Determined to self destruct, can Dr. Meyerhoff help Randy before it is too late?

The biggest problem that I had with The Right Wrong Thing is the transitions between perspectives and situations. At times, it was confusing to figure out the main players in a conversation. The fact that the book was mostly written from the perspective of the police psychologist was unique and interesting, but I found that the major plot line was difficult to follow. Although I did find the story compelling, the way it was presented is the issue. The Right Wrong Thing is an average read for me, but readers who enjoy police procederals might like this novel.
Profile Image for Kat, lover of bears....
611 reviews23 followers
May 2, 2016
This is the second book in the Dot Meyerhoff Mysteries. This book and the book before this one, Burying Ben, contain the same main characters, but each can be read as a standalone book. As with Burying Ben, the characters are realistic and believable. As a medically retired 911 operator/public safety dispatcher, I can attest to the realism in the storyline and characters.

Although Dot puts herself in situations that she probably shouldn't, I could see myself doing the same things if put in her position. She has such a good heart and wants to do the right thing. Even when she was about to endeavor on a dangerous lead or unsafe surveillance, I couldn't fault her. If I were in her shoes, I could see me wanting to help solve the murder of someone I cared about. Dot is strong yet vulnerable, serious yet funny, intelligent and likable. As stated in my review of "Burying Ben," this is why writers should "write about what they know." Top rate crime mystery. I look forward to reading the future books in the series. This is only the author's second fiction publication but she writes like a seasoned, award winning author. Can't wait to read more about Dot Meyerhoff!
Profile Image for CL.
795 reviews27 followers
September 25, 2015
This book was a story about the aftermath of a police shooting and how it impacts the officer and the victim’s family. It draws you in from the beginning and keeps you hooked until the end with it’s range of emotions. Great read. I will read other books by this author specifically the author’s “Burying Ben”. I would like to thank the publisher and Net Galley for the chance to read this ARC.
Profile Image for Ann Gelder.
Author 2 books4 followers
November 13, 2015
A brave, insightful, occasionally funny, and always gripping story of good intentions gone terribly wrong. It's also a nuanced, of-the-moment look at police relations with African Americans. Our psychologist-detective, Dot Meyerhoff, is a delightful, smart, impulsive protagonist who sometimes does the wrong thing, but gets it right in the end.
Profile Image for Patricia Gussin.
Author 15 books95 followers
January 3, 2016
This is a must-read for thriller fans as well as all who realize how much can be learned about reality via fiction. A female cop shoots a pregnant teenage girl. Just what will happen to her is tragic.
Authentic as fiction can get - written by a police psychologist.
Highly, highly recommended.
Profile Image for Simon.
Author 91 books519 followers
May 14, 2015
Very intense and very timely.
Profile Image for Lady Galaxy.
880 reviews
January 2, 2025
One of my new years resolutions was to start clearing out books that have been at the ends of my various collections (sorted by recent) the longest. This book was the least recent of the 197 mysteries, so I read it. I wish I'd decided to start the new year of books with something more compelling. The first strike against it was that it's written in present tense. I hate reading books written in present tense. If the first person narrator is in the middle of a pile of people who are fighting one another, she is not going to be able to pull out her pen or open up her word processing app to start typing the ongoing action. The narrator is telling the reader the story after it has happened—so use PAST TENSE!

The story itself was not that interesting. I really didn't find myself liking or caring what happened to any of the main characters. I realize this is the second book in the series, but there were enough hints dropped about what happened in the first book that I didn't feel I was at a disadvantage having stepped in past the beginning. I have no plans to read the other books in the series. But at least I've managed to clear one book from the bottom of the pile in mystery. I'll have to roll the dice to see which collection comes next! Fiction, urban fantasy, memoir, YA, non fiction, foodie mysteries, animal mysteries, regional mysteries, sci-fi, self help? Stay tuned!
Profile Image for Linda Thomas.
842 reviews8 followers
March 31, 2022
Dot is phycologist to the police force. This tangles her in a murder and an investigation that almost gets her killed.

Dot is a police phycologist. She works with the new and old policemen and women on the force and tries to keep them from breaking down. This time she almost gets herself killed and several others are involved. By the time it is cleared up Dot is in hospital and there is a big mess. This is a great story with lots of interesting turns and unexpected twists that you don’t see coming.
Profile Image for Sandra Burns.
1,798 reviews41 followers
March 12, 2022
Good read

Dot, the psychologist,treats police officers who have experienced trauma on the job. One female officer, had twice. She was new to the job. She accidentally killed a young pregnant girl. After that, she was messed up emotionally.
Her husband, also in law enforcement, works at the jail. He is tired of his wife's erratic behavior. His wife, ends up murdered.
The suspect, is the boyfriend of the young pregnant girl.
Not everything is as it seems.
Profile Image for Marla Madison.
Author 12 books112 followers
July 10, 2017
Excellent storyline and well-plotted. I enjoyed the character of Dot,and bought into most of her acting out of her role as a psychologist to help solve the death of the young police officer. However, her actions at the end seemed way over the top, especially after she'd been warned off by the police that her role was not that of a police officer. Other than that, a good read.
78 reviews
August 2, 2017
This was a good read about an issue that communities face from time to time. The story was told from the point of view of a psychologist who works with the police department, not from a cop or victim family point of view which made the story less one-sided although she was clearly sympathetic with the cops and she was also concerned about the family's loss.
Profile Image for Lisa.
280 reviews11 followers
October 7, 2018
Full Disclosure: Goodreads giveaway winner

I don't know if this is officially a novel, or actually a novella. Compared to most of my reading, it's a little short - and I usually find short novels missing a lot. Kirschman managed to give us a full story in that length, without seeming to skip important parts. I enjoyed it and look forward to finding more books by her.

87 reviews2 followers
March 11, 2022
My Favorite Police Psychologist

Maybe the only police psychologist in a mystery series, but all I can say is that Dot Meyerhoff is a terrific character. It’s such a nice change reading about police work from a different point of view, instead of from the actual police point of view. Keep these coming, Ms. Kirschman.
Profile Image for Amber Cowie.
Author 6 books286 followers
February 27, 2019
Fascinating read with an exceptionally well constructed protagonist. This book gives deep insight into the horrifying aftermath of trauma and the incredible pressure faced by police officers and the civilians who work with them. Highly recommended.
3 reviews
February 17, 2021
Interesting reading enough to keep you from not putting it down I enjoyed it

Enjoy this book very much I would recommend it to others keeps you interested at all times not dragged out like some books
65 reviews
December 1, 2021
This is her second book in this series and the next is out of stock! I see why. Again the locale and characters are well developed and believable. A great read and now have to wait for the 3rd book!!!
Profile Image for Eirlys.
1,763 reviews16 followers
March 11, 2022
A good read

A mystery that features Dot, a psychiatrist who is retained by the police service. Unusual viewpoint, different from the way that the police officers would normally use. Good characters and some twists.
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