In the tradition of The Aviator's Wife and Z: A Novel, the little-known story of Einstein's partner in life and work. Mileva Einstein, a brilliant physicist in her own right, undoubtedly contributed to her husband's work, but in this biographical novel Benedict wonders if that collaboration was much stronger than anyone suspected.

From the publisher: "From the author of <em>The Other Einstein</em>. Clara Kelley is not who they think she is. She's not the experienced Irish maid who was hired to work in one of Pittsburgh's grandest households. She's a poor farmer's daughter with nowhere to go and nothing in her pockets. But the other woman with the same name has vanished, and pretending to be her just might get Clara some money to send back home. If she can keep up the ruse, that is. What Clara does have is a resolve as strong as the steel Pittsburgh is becoming famous for, coupled with an uncanny understanding of business, and Andrew begins to rely on her. But Clara can't let her guard down, not even when Andrew becomes something more than an employer. Revealing her past might ruin her future -- and her family's."

From the publisher: "A powerful novel based on the incredible true story of the glamour icon and scientist whose groundbreaking invention revolutionized modern communication. She possessed a stunning beauty. She also possessed a stunning mind. Her beauty almost certainly saved her from the rising Nazi party and led to marriage with an Austrian arms dealer. Underestimated in everything else, she overheard the Third Reich's plans while at her husband's side, understanding more than anyone would guess. She devised a plan to flee in disguise from their castle, and the whirlwind escape landed her in Hollywood. She became Hedy Lamarr, screen star. But she kept a secret more shocking than her heritage or her marriage: She was a scientist. And she knew a few secrets about the enemy."

From the publisher: "New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Marie Benedict has captivated readers with her gorgeous stories of the women forgotten to history. Now, get four of her acclaimed novels in this specially priced e-book bundle: The Other Einstein, Carnegie's Maid, The Only Woman in the Room, and Lady Clementine PLUS an exclusive excerpt from The Mystery of Mrs. Christie."

From the publisher: "The New York Times and USA Today bestselling author returns with a thrilling reconstruction of one of the most notorious events in literary history: Agatha Christie's mysterious 11-day disappearance in 1926. In December 1926, Agatha Christie goes missing. Investigators find her empty car on the edge of a deep, gloomy pond, the only clues some tire tracks nearby and a fur coat left in the car—strange for a frigid night. Her World War I veteran husband and her daughter have no knowledge of her whereabouts, and England unleashes an unprecedented manhunt to find the up-and-coming mystery author. Eleven days later, she reappears, just as mysteriously as she disappeared, claiming amnesia and providing no explanations for her time away. The puzzle of those missing eleven days has persisted. With her trademark historical fiction exploration into the shadows of the past, acclaimed author Marie Benedict brings us into the world of Agatha Christie, imagining why such a brilliant woman would find herself at the center of such murky historical mysteries."

Former lawyer Marie Benedict quit her prestigious firm to investigate a different kind of case: the hidden histories of remarkable heroines. She writes about women who quietly contributed to some of history’s greatest discoveries and victories, sharing stories of librarians, scientists, politician’s wives, and movie stars. Her recent research brought her to Rosalind Franklin, a brilliant scientist whose work revealed essential information about the double helix and our DNA. There’s no need for a background in biology to enjoy this read: an interest in history and the course of humankind is enough for Benedict to hook you with her expert storytelling.

Confession: I haven't been to New York City's renowned Morgan Library (yet), and before this book's publicity campaign I knew nothing of the woman crucial to its existence and current collection. Belle da Costa Greene was born Belle Marion Greener to a prominent African American family; her father was Harvard's first Black graduate and a noted attorney and activist. When her parents separated, Belle's mother Genevieve moved Belle and her siblings to New York City, where the family decided to pass as white and changed their last name to Greene. (Belle added “de Costa” to her professional name, to substantiate the family's claim that they were of Portuguese ancestry.) This was the backdrop for Morgan's hiring Belle as his "personal librarian," where she enjoyed great and nearly unprecedented power as curator of his precious personal art collection, which became the public Pierpont Morgan Library in 1924. (Belle served as Director until 1948.) This is gripping, fast-paced biographical fiction, narrated by Robin Miles (which definitely influenced my opting for the audiobook). This is our February 2024 selection for MMD Book Club; its flight pick is Belle Greene by Alexandra Lapierre.