Picture a Kolkata-born doctor weaving gripping historical mysteries that pulse with medical authenticity—meet Ritu Mukerji! This bestselling novelist and practicing internist has captivated readers with her debut novel, Murder by Degrees, a thrilling blend of Golden Age crime fiction and feminist storytelling. With a knack for bringing 19th-century Philadelphia to life, Mukerji’s tales honor trailblazing women in medicine while keeping you glued to the page.
Now living in Marin County, California, Mukerji balances her career as a physician with her passion for storytelling, drawing on her unique journey from a Bay Area bookworm to a Columbia University history graduate and Philadelphia medical student. Her work is a love letter to mystery lovers and history buffs alike, infused with the grit and heart of a doctor who knows life’s stakes.
The Making of Ritu Mukerji
Born in Kolkata, India, Ritu Mukerji grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, where library trips fueled her love for mysteries. From Agatha Christie to P.D. James, she devoured Golden Age crime fiction, planting the seeds for her future as a novelist. After earning a BA in history from Columbia University, Mukerji pursued a medical degree at Sidney Kimmel Medical College in Philadelphia, where she wandered cobblestone streets and discovered the pioneering Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania. These experiences, coupled with her residency at UC Davis and 15 years as an internist, shaped her unique perspective, blending historical curiosity with medical precision.
Ritu Mukerji’s Unforgettable Stories
Mukerji’s debut, Murder by Degrees (2023), is a historical mystery set in 1875 Philadelphia, following Dr. Lydia Weston, a professor at the Woman’s Medical College, as she investigates a patient’s suspicious death. Praised as “fresh and twisty” by Michelle Richmond, the novel weaves medical detail, feminist themes, and a gripping whodunit, earning an Edgar Award nomination for Best First Novel. Mukerji’s vivid prose paints a gritty yet hopeful portrait of post-Civil War medicine, with anesthesia and antisepsis on the horizon.
Her upcoming second novel, set at the 1876 World’s Fair in Philadelphia, promises another thrilling case for Dr. Weston, this time involving a suspicious death during a surgical demonstration. Mukerji’s style shines through her strong female protagonists, meticulous research, and atmospheric settings, making her a standout in historical fiction. Fans of Jacqueline Winspear and Charles Todd will find her work both familiar and refreshingly modern, with a feminist lens that celebrates women’s resilience.
Drawing on her medical expertise, Mukerji crafts scenes—like detailed autopsies—that feel authentic yet accessible, while her love for poetry (inspired by Emily Dickinson in Murder by Degrees) adds depth to her characters’ inner lives. Her stories are as much about unraveling societal constraints as they are about solving crimes, offering readers a rich, layered experience.
Why Ritu Mukerji Matters
Ritu Mukerji’s impact lies in her ability to breathe life into forgotten histories, particularly the stories of women doctors who defied 19th-century norms. By centering characters like Dr. Lydia Weston, she honors the real-life pioneers of the Woman’s Medical College while addressing timeless issues like gender inequality and social justice. Her debut has resonated with readers, earning starred reviews from Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, and Library Journal, and her growing fanbase eagerly awaits her next installment.
As a doctor-turned-author, Mukerji brings a rare authenticity to the historical mystery genre, proving that science and storytelling can be powerful allies. Her work inspires readers to explore the past with fresh eyes, celebrating the courage of those who paved the way for modern medicine and literature.
- Born: Kolkata, India
- Key Work: Murder by Degrees (2023)
- Awards: Edgar Award Finalist, Macavity Award Nominee
- Residence: Marin County, California
Snag Murder by Degrees and dive into Ritu Mukerji’s thrilling world of historical mysteries! With Dr. Lydia Weston as your guide, you’ll uncover secrets, solve crimes, and cheer for women who changed history—one page at a time.