OUT OF HORMONE'S WAY, a Mystery by Jane Isenberg

What's a midlife community college prof like Bel Barrett doing in the notorious New Jersey Meadowlands? Leading members of the Urban Kayaking Club as they observe flora and fauna native to the infamous swamp. But before you can say "Jimmy Hoffa," the battered corpse of one of the kayakers turns up, another kayaker is wrongly accused of killing her, and Bel is hellbent on bringing the real murderer to justice. The trail leads from the Secaucus Outlets to the banks of the Hackensack River where, thanks to her wisdom, her wiles, and her estrogen patch, Bel narrowly escapes with her life.

" A trio of menopausal women trade quips and investigate a murder in Isenberg's chatty cozy starring 50-something Bel Barrett. Bel's sleuthing is frequently interrupted by personal concerns, but seeing her deal with them is nearly as compelling as watching her unravel the mystery."

     Publishers Weekly, August 5, 2002

" A Bel Barrett mystery is a real treat.... Jane Isenberg is a talented writer who always uses humor to diffuse the tension of the taut story line. The problems Bel and her friends have to deal with on a daily basis are realistically portrayed and are ones the audience can identify with while appreciating OUT OF HORMONE'S WAY."

     Harriet Klausner for Bookbrowser.com

" Part of the fun of this series is the chapter openings. Each one starts with a chatty email or an informative article that touches on Bel's personal life as well as the murder investigation. The newsy openings show different sides of Bel; her concern for her friend who is newly diagnosed with cancer, her compassion for another friend with family problems, and her own eager anxiety for an upcoming visit from beloved granddaughter, Abbie J. While the reader wonders "who did it?" they also bond with Bel, her family and friends. . . .Jane Isenberg . . . writes with humor, warmth and building suspense."

    L.J. Singleton for Cozies, Capers & Crimes Newsletter

" This is a beautifully told story, with three-dimensional characters and a rising level of tension as the story unfolds. It accurately portrays the dilemma of the sandwich generation, those of us dealing with aging parents and babysitting our grandchildren simultaneously.

In this book, Isenberg has lifted her work to a new level of complexity and depth, while not abandoning the series previous strengths, which include Bel's self-deprecating humor, her passionate pursuit of justice and her willingness to always go the extra mile for her students. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED."

    Eden Embler for I Love a Mystery Newsletter

" This latest outing of middle-aged, urban Bel Barrett will appeal to a large audience. Readers in the throes of midlife will appreciate the way Bel approaches these life changes (menopause, grandmotherhood) with grace and humor. Readers that are nearing midlife will enjoy the lighter look at what is often portrayed as a very depressing time in life. Out of Hormone's Way also tackles the serious issue of breast cancer as Bel and her friends support one of them through the earliest stages of detection and treatment.

Out of Hormone's Way is a fun, quick reading entry in a series with a down to earth, true to life heroine and her friends."

    Jennifer Monahan Winberry for The Mystery Reader

" It is always a pleasure to read about intelligent, mature women who take command of the situation."

    Sara Berger for Mysterious Women

" The series as a whole is appealing in that we see Bel deal with problems that are common in middle age as we watch her solve mysteries. Bel is coping with menopause, worrying about her adult children, and supporting friends through frightening health problems. Through it all she keeps her sense of humor as well as her compassion."

    Jill Long for Reviewingtheevidence.com

" Jane Isenberg makes the subject of breast cancer and middle age her own in a deftly plotted mystery with English professor Bel Barrett and her pals. OUT OF HORMONE'S WAY . . . is a mystery not to be missed with the right balance of murder, sisterhood, troubled waters and good humor."

    Mystery Lovers Bookshop News

" In OUT OF HORMONE'S WAY Jane gives readers a chance to get even better acquainted with a very engaging sleuth. Bel Barrett, estrogen patch in place and post it notes in hand, will strike a chord in any woman over 45 and the men and children who love her. Jane's good sense of story and her down to earch writing style will keep the reader engaged and guessing, right down to the final paragraph. If you haven't met Bel Barrett yet, it is high time you did."

    Stephanie Shea for Mystery Place at TalkCity.com

A Reading Group Guide

1. Illuminada resists joining a breast cancer support group, relying instead on her friends and her husband to sustain her through her ordeal. Is her attitude unusual? What is your opinion of support groups?

2. The New Jersey Meadowlands are full of history and mystery. Is there a place near you that is either historically significant or really scary? What's it like?

3. The lives of Bel, Illuminada, and Wendy are very much entwined with those of their mothers. Does this reflect the experience of midlife women you know? Midlife men?

4. Do you know any dyslexics? In what ways are they similar to Belinda? How are they different?

5. There is a lot of uncertainty in the medical community about the value of mammographies as tools for diagnosing breast cancer. We all recall when doctors endorsed their use unequivocally as Bel does here. Recent studies by scientists have questioned the safety and value of hormone replacement therapy as well. What is the impact of these shifts in medical opinion on the lives and health of midlife and older women?

6. As Bel prepares to baby sit for her granddaughter, she confronts some of the changes in child rearing practices since her kids were young. What seems better now? What seems worse? What has not changed?

7. After reading OUT OF HORMONE'S WAY, would you want to attend community college? Why or why not? What is the community college in your area like?

8. Bel, Illuminada, and Betty go shopping. This excursion accomplishes several purposes and reflects many of the women's values. What makes their shopping typical? What is unusual about it?

9. Bel and Ralph Falco are attracted to one another. What do they have in common? How do they differ? Is their mutual attraction believable? What role does flirtation play in midlife?

10. What characteristics of Bel's aid her in solving the two murders in OUT OF HORMONE'S WAY? Are these characteristics typical of many midlife women? Are they universally admired? Why or why not?

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