Emma Polen | features editor
Jan. 27, 2022
Pittsburgh-born author Heather Marie Terrell, also known by her pen name Marie Benedict, released her newest novel, “Her Hidden Genius,” on Tuesday.
According to Benedict’s author website, “Her Hidden Genius” is “about the brilliant British scientist Rosalind Franklin who discovered the structure of DNA but whose research was used without her permission by Crick and Watson to win the Nobel Prize.”
“Marie Benedict’s powerful new novel shines a light on a woman who sacrificed her life to discover the nature of our very DNA, a woman whose world-changing contributions were hidden by the men around her but whose relentless drive advanced our understanding of humankind,” the site said.
Benedict herself is a strong woman in her career field. She worked as a lawyer for over ten years, and now she has also become successful for writing a number of best-selling works.
“Her Hidden Genius” is not Benedict’s first story about an overlooked woman from history.
Benedict is known for her historical fictions featuring smart, strong-willed female characters. Other favorites by Benedict include “The Other Einstein,” “The Only Woman in the Room” and New York Times’ bestselling “The Mystery of Mrs. Christie.”
True to her Pittsburgh heritage, Benedict also published “Carnegie’s Maid,” which tells the story of a woman who possibly influenced Andrew Carnegie’s philanthropy.
Benedict will be coming to the area on-tour next month.
Literary fans can visit Benedict at Riverstone Bookstore, McCandless Crossing, on Feb. 18, at 7 p.m.
