Lynda Drews
Lynda gave the commencement speech at UW-La Crosse, her Alma mater. One lesson she shared was “to journal your life.” When Lynda retired from IBM, she followed her own advice. Her true crime memoir, Run at Destruction, was the outcome. Publishers Weekly said, “The author and victim’s shared moments are remarkable.” Netflix adapted her book into a true-crime segment. Lynda recently uncovered two women’s stories which have altered Green Bay’s history. In her Historical Nonfiction, The Maid and the Socialite, Lynda gives these brave women a voice to expose their closet abuser, the city’s famous surgeon.
When Lynda is not writing, she is active in the Brown County Historical Society, the Brown County Community Women’s Club, and Write On, Door County where she teaches classes.
Nonfiction
Run At Destruction: A True Fatal Love Triangle
2009, Titletown Publishing
Run at Destruction explores the true life love triangle between three teachers/runners in small town America and the eventual death of the wife (Pam Bulik) in her own bathtub. Candidly written by Pam's best friend, Run at Destruction exposes the irresistible human passions that make us so vulnerable, and the ultimate price we pay for choosing to act on them. Readers are left to decide for themselves if Pam's death was a murder, a suicide or negligent homicide. Run at Destruction is lust, murder and obsession delivered with the beat of a runner's heart, as the theme of running is woven throughout. This is true crime court drama, and author Drews exposes the characters to such depth that readers will feel like they are reading a novel, only this really happened.
The Maid and the Socialite: The Brave Women Behind Green Bay's Scandalous Minahan Trials
2023, Little Creek Press
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In the shadows of progress, two women's stories were erased. Until now.
What if a respected surgeon could destroy your life with just one diagnosis?
In early 20th century Green Bay, Wisconsin, this terrifying reality was all too true for two women. Mary, an illiterate maid, and Mollie, a college-educated socialite, fell victim to the physical violence and mental abuse of celebrated surgeon Dr. John R. Minahan. To silence them, he claimed they had the shameful and dreaded disease of syphilis.
This is the first full account ever written about Dr. Minahan, whose wealth built a college stadium, science hall, and six-story office building—all named for him—while history lost, or perhaps erased, Mary’s and Mollie’s heroic stories. Until now.
Eerily mirroring contemporary debates around gender equality, misinformation, and wealth disparity, this tale remains alarmingly relevant. It is a story of power, abuse, and the tireless pursuit of justice. Delve into this haunting yet inspiring historical tale to uncover the forgotten stories of Mary and Mollie, two courageous women who dared to stand up against a powerful adversary.
Fiction
Circle of Innocence
2015, Whiskey Creek Press
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In Door County--the "Cape Cod" of Wisconsin--evil is lurking... As Detective Sydney Bernhardt jogs along the limestone cliff, high above the waters of Lake Michigan, she discovers a child-like body floating face down--arms spread--dark hair haloing the head--the power of each wave rhythmically butting it against the deadly wall. This suspicious death sparks Syd into action to uncover the truth behind the victim's sexually confused past--and to reclaim Syd's own life. But as she follows this complex trail through nature's beauty, Syd unknowingly becomes both a confidante and prey for that evil.
