Dying to Be Heard — M. Maria Creel

Dying to Be Heard is a fictional Novella that tells the story of Maryland born mystery writer Jessica Kolby Robinson who is 37 years old. Jessica is married to psychologist Dr. Michael Robinson, and they live in New York. Jessica is the daughter of world renowned Johns Hopkins heart surgeon, Dr. Jonathan Kolby and pediatrician, Judith Kolby. Jessica is an African American, wealthy woman who had a privileged upbringing in regards to education and material goods. When Jessica learns that her estranged father has had a heart attack and is in Hopkins ICU, she is forced to relive her childhood nightmare. She is the victim of child sexual abuse at the hands of her father who is well respected in his community. She is also a victim of a mother who ignored the abuse. Jessica recalls every detail of the abuse that started as far back as 4 years old. However, Jessica cannot remember what happened to her the year she turned 17. Jessica attempts to come to terms with the abuse by speaking up for herself as she embarks on a personal journey to reveal her abuser to the world. She seeks the help of family and friends to solve the mystery of her seventeenth year. Jessica's journey for peace and the truth end in an unsuspected tragedy that changes the lives of her friends and family forever.