Ritu Mukerji

Ritu Mukerji is an American physician and author who writes historical mystery fiction. Her debut novel, *Murder by Degrees* (2021), introduces Dr. Lydia Weston, one of the first female doctors in 1870s Philadelphia, who becomes entangled in solving murders while navigating the male-dominated medical profession. The novel draws on Mukerji's background as a practicing infectious disease specialist and her interest in medical history. Her writing combines meticulous historical research with compelling mystery plotting, exploring themes of women's advancement in medicine, social justice, and the constraints faced by pioneering women in the Victorian era. The book has been praised for its authentic period detail and strong feminist perspective.