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Women’s sports are fighting an uphill battle against our social media algorithms

Women’s sport is more and more getting the attention it deserves. Stadiums are filling, television ratings for many sports are climbing and athletes such as the Matildas’ Mary Fowler, triple Olympic gold medallist Jess Fox and star cricketer Ellyse Perry are becoming household names. Despite this progress, an invisible threat looms, one that risks undoing […]

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Women’s sport is more and more getting the attention it deserves.

Stadiums are filling, television ratings for many sports are climbing and athletes such as the Matildas’ Mary Fowler, triple Olympic gold medallist Jess Fox and star cricketer Ellyse Perry are becoming household names.

Despite this progress, an invisible threat looms, one that risks undoing years of advocacy and momentum.

That threat is the algorithm.

How sports consumption is changing

As more fans consume sport through digital platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and increasingly, AI-curated streaming services such as WSC Sports, the content they see is being selected not by editors but by artificial intelligence (AI).

Algorithms, trained to maximise engagement and profits, are deciding what appears in your feed, which video auto-plays next, and which highlights are pushed to the top of your screen.

But here is the problem: algorithms prioritise content that is already popular.

That usually means men’s sport.

This creates what researchers call an echo chamber effect, where users are shown more of what they already engage with and less of what they don’t.

In sport, this can be deeply problematic.

If a user clicks on highlights from the AFL men’s competition for example, the algorithm will respond by serving up more men’s footy content.

Over time, content from women’s competitions risks being squeezed out, not because it is unworthy but because it has not yet achieved the same levels of engagement.

This is not a glitch, it is a structural flaw in how digital platforms are designed to serve content.

It means women’s sport, already underrepresented in traditional media, risks becoming all but invisible to many users in this AI-driven ecosystem.

Also, generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, Sora and others don’t just curate content, they now create it.

Match reports, fan commentary, video summaries and social posts are being generated by machines. But these systems are trained on historical data, which overwhelmingly favours men’s sport.

So, the more content the algorithm generates, the more it reproduces the same imbalance. What was once human bias is now being automated and scaled across millions of screens.

This may sound abstract, but it has real-world consequences.

Young fans raised on algorithmically curated content are less likely to see women’s sport unless they actively search for it. And if they don’t see it, they don’t form emotional attachments to it.

That has major implications for ticket sales, merchandise, viewership and sponsorship investment.

An uphill battle

In short, visibility drives viability. If women’s sport becomes digitally invisible, it risks becoming financially unsustainable.

A 2024 study in Victoria shows only around 15% of traditional sports media coverage in the state goes to women’s sport. This mirrors a 2019 European Union study across 22 countries, which found 85% of print media coverage is dedicated to male athletes.

And while progress has been made, particularly during events such as the FIFA Women’s World Cup or the Olympics, regular, everyday visibility remains an uphill battle.

AI threatens to compound these historic disparities. A 2024 study found algorithms trained on historical data reproduce and even amplify gender bias.

The very systems that could democratise access to sport content may, in fact, be reinforcing old inequalities.

What can be done?

We can’t turn off the algorithm. But we can hold it to account.

Platforms like YouTube, TikTok and Netflix should be required to undergo independent algorithmic audits.

These would evaluate whether content recommendation engines are systemically under-representing women’s sport and propose changes.

In Europe, the Artificial Intelligence Act, one of the world’s first comprehensive AI regulations, requires transparency and oversight for high-risk AI applications. Australia and other countries should consider similar obligations for content platforms.

Sport organisations and broadcasters need to create intentional pathways for fans to discover women’s sport, even if they haven’t previously engaged with it.

That means curated playlists, featured stories and digital campaigns that surface content outside the fan’s usual algorithmic bubble.

Platforms must balance personalisation with diversity.

We also need better media literacy, especially for younger audiences. Fans should be encouraged to explore beyond what’s served to them, seek out women’s sport channels, and recognise when the algorithm is reinforcing narrow viewing habits.

Teaching this in schools, sport clubs and community programs could make a big difference.

An opportunity for Australia

Australia is well placed to lead this change because our women’s national teams are globally competitive, our domestic leagues are growing and fan appetite is rising.

But without visibility, this momentum can fade. We must remember that algorithms don’t just reflect our preferences, they shape them.

In an age where AI can dictate what we see, the battle for attention becomes even more crucial.

If we want women’s sport to thrive every week, we need to ensure it is seen, heard and valued in the digital spaces where fandom now lives.

Because in the age of AI, what we don’t see may be just as powerful as what we do.



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110 Wildcat Student-Athletes Earn the D2 ADA Academic Achievement Award

Story Links CLEVELAND, Ohio – Central Washington University saw 110 student-athletes receive the Division II Athletics Director Association (D2 ADA) Academic Achievement Award the association announced today for the 2024-25 athletics year.   The D2 ADA Academic Achievement Award is in its 18th year and recognizes the academic accomplishments of student-athletes at […]

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CLEVELAND, Ohio – Central Washington University saw 110 student-athletes receive the Division II Athletics Director Association (D2 ADA) Academic Achievement Award the association announced today for the 2024-25 athletics year.
 
The D2 ADA Academic Achievement Award is in its 18th year and recognizes the academic accomplishments of student-athletes at the Division II level. For the first time since inception, there were more than 20,000 student-athletes recognized (22,756) from a record 202 institutions for the 2024-25 Academic Achievement Award. This year’s totals are the highest in the program’s history.
 
CWU’s 110 student-athletes were the second-most in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference with Western Oregon leading the way with 113 total student-athletes honored. Five different GNAC institutions had student-athletes honored.
 
In order to qualify for the Academic Achievement Award, a student-athlete must:
 

  • Have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
  • Have attended a minimum of two years (four semesters) of college level work.
  • Have been an active member of an intercollegiate team during his/her last academic year.

 
The Wildcats had the following breakdown of recipients of each NCAA Division II sport:
 
Baseball – 15
Football – 31
Men’s Basketball – 3

Men’s Cross Country/Track & Field – 7
Softball – 9
Women’s Basketball – 7

Women’s Cross Country/Track & Field – 15
Women’s Soccer – 15
Women’s Volleyball – 8
 
To view the full D2 ADA article click HERE
To view the full breakdown of CWU student-athletes click HERE
 





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Volleyball Utilizing Slow and Steady Approach to Prep For Season

Story Links RIO GRANDE VALLEY – Preseason workouts are looking a little different for The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Vaqueros volleyball team this year.    The NCAA allowed Div. I teams to start a few days earlier than usual in 2025. With the extra days and nine newcomers on the […]

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RIO GRANDE VALLEY – Preseason workouts are looking a little different for The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Vaqueros volleyball team this year. 
 
The NCAA allowed Div. I teams to start a few days earlier than usual in 2025. With the extra days and nine newcomers on the roster, head coach Todd Lowery is using a slow and steady approach to really emphasize things like passing angles, tempo of setting, seam coverage and other fundamentals to make sure everyone is on the same page and working toward the same goal. 
 
The mission behind the new preseason approach is connected to the main goal UTRGV has every year – win a conference championship and reach the NCAA Tournament. In recent seasons, Lowery felt the team often peaked too early and ran out of gas when the season got long. This year, they’re slowing things down to focus on having a higher ceiling and playing their best volleyball late in the year to make a postseason run. 
 
“As we looked through the calendar we had a lot more practice time than we have in the past and it’s allowed us, with nine new faces, to want to get things right before we start throwing them together,” Lowery explained. “Our focus, by really breaking things down, is can we get to perfection by November instead of good enough by October. 
 
“We have the same goals everybody does – to win a championship. But stepping back from that is how do we continue to get better and learn from the things that we didn’t do well last year?” he continued. “That’s been a big focus – how do we collectively buy into this being bigger than ourselves? How does volleyball become our why? Our key is not losing control for a set or two and putting ourselves in bad positions. That’s what slowing things down is also allowing us to do, learning how to reset to our basics and stay disciplined.” 
 

The Vaqueros are doing two practices per day, going two hours in the morning and two hours in the evening, and spending an hour in the weight room after morning practice during the three weeks of preseason. Through the first 10 practices, they haven’t done any live six-on action. They’ve emphasized spot serving, hitting angles, blocking, defense, and will put all those lessons together for the first time during the orange & gray scrimmage. 
 
Lowery has been impressed with the work his team is doing so far. He said the “core group” of returners, including juniors setter Isabella Costantinioutside hitter Nadine Zechand middle blocker Julianna Bryant all came back after spring ball more physical and healthy and ready to take a step up. Junior middle blocker Aaliyah Snead joined the team at midterm and has been a big plus in the gym through spring, summer and preseason workouts. 
 
UTRGV has five freshmen joining the ranks, and Lowery has liked what he’s seen in their first two weeks with the squad. Ana Julia Peixoto, Maria Angeliki Tsagkopoulou and Dimitra Nanou have stood out, but the whole group looks poised to contribute in Year 1 with the Vaqueros. 
 
“I don’t think we’ve been this far ahead with a group of freshmen in as long as I can remember. They bring a lot of good things to the table,” Lowery said. “They’re young and there are some things – serve receive, blocking – that are hard and take time and they might be struggling a bit. But they’re learning the technique that we want them to do in those things. As each of them develop in little things, they’re going to be really good.” 
 
The Vaqueros have developed a quick camaraderie despite over half the team being new. Lowery said they’re a fun group to work with because everyone in the gym truly wants to get better and they’re all pushing each other toward the same goals. UTRGV will continue to focus on the details as they implement more live play into practice as the countdown to match day draws near. 
 

“The back-and-forth in practice has been great with our depth. The block is bigger, the defense is better, and with that, the competition rises in the gym. Everyone is putting in work to get playing time and I think that will translate during the season,” Lowery said. “The big thing that we’re seeing so far is just a hunger to want to get better, and that’s such a breath of fresh air. It’s really nice to have that in the gym, just a group of people going in the same direction and being supportive of each other.”

Support UTRGV Volleyball | Become a Fan on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter | Follow us on Instagram | Follow us on YouTube

 





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Patriot Profile: Jackson Herbert | George Mason University

Jackson Herbert   Year: Junior  Major: Computer Science  Hometown: Ashburn, Virginia  Spending another summer in Southern California playing beach volleyball isn’t just fun in the sun for George Mason University student athlete Jackson Herbert. The nuances and physical demands of the faster-paced beach game are considerably different from indoor volleyball, but he said playing has […]

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Jackson Herbert  

Year: Junior 
Major: Computer Science 
Hometown: Ashburn, Virginia 

Spending another summer in Southern California playing beach volleyball isn’t just fun in the sun for George Mason University student athlete Jackson Herbert. The nuances and physical demands of the faster-paced beach game are considerably different from indoor volleyball, but he said playing has significantly elevated his indoor game. Now Herbert, a junior and men’s volleyball opposite from Ashburn, Virginia, feels he may be primed for a breakout season with the Patriots this year. 

“When I’m playing indoors, I feel like I’m flying because there’s nothing holding me down,” he said. 

Herbert playing beach volleyball in California. Photo provided

Training Is a Beach: This summer, Herbert trained in the Los Angeles area, where his daily regime involved two to three hours of practice in the sand, followed by a dip in the ocean before grabbing a bite to eat, weightlifting, and recuperative time in the hot tub. Before finishing the day, he might have another dip in the ocean. Rinse and repeat. 

Doing It All: Opposites, also known as the right-side hitter, are versatile players who rotate through both the front and back row, with key responsibilities that include hitting, blocking, and occasionally setting. The two-person beach game requires all that, and then some. “You have to be able to pass, set, and serve well,” said Herbert. “You have to be able to do it all.” 

All in the Family: As a kid, Herbert would tag along with his parents who played in a co-ed league for Dulles Beach Volleyball. His mother soon enrolled him in volleyball clinics, and by age 10, he was competing in indoor volleyball. “My love for the sport grew from there,” he said.  

Home Away from Home: When it came time to choose a college, Herbert considered two things: location and brotherhood. As the oldest of three, he wanted to stay close to home so he could be involved in his siblings’ lives, supporting them at their tournaments and games whenever possible. He also values the tight-knit, open-door culture of George Mason’s men’s volleyball team. “I knew some of the guys before committing, and every interaction pulled me closer to George Mason,” he said. “It made the decision really easy.”  

Balancing Passions: A member of the Honors College, Herbert’s interest in technology comes naturally—his dad is a software developer, which inspired him to take cybersecurity and software development classes in high school. Enjoying what he learned, he decided to pursue computer science as a major. 

Herbert with Team USA. Photo provided

All the Way with Team USA: In October, Herbert, who previously played for the U.S. Beach Volleyball U19 and U21 teams, will join the U21 squad to compete in the 2025 FIVB U21 Beach World Championships in Puebla, Mexico. “It was an amazing experience,” he said of his previous opportunity with the national teams. “I’m excited to do this again.” 

Setting His Sights: Herbert hopes to earn spots with the U.S. Collegiate and U23 Beach Volleyball National teams next summer. Beyond college, he would like to play professionally on the Association of Volleyball Professionals tour—the premier professional beach volleyball league in the United States. “I’d like to continue doing this at the highest level.” 



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Telemundo Deportes Ahora FAST Channel Launches Today, August 14 

Streaming Channel Offers 50+ Hours of New and Original Content Each Week, Complementing the Road to FIFA World Cup 26™ and Beyond  Original Programming Lineup Features New Daily Shows and Exclusive Extended Editions of Telemundo’s Sports Coverage  Live Event Coverage to Include Liga MX Femenil and Youth Leagues; Select US Soccer Youth Matches; Básquetbol LATAM; […]

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Streaming Channel Offers 50+ Hours of New and Original Content Each Week, Complementing the Road to FIFA World Cup 26™ and Beyond 

Original Programming Lineup Features New Daily Shows and Exclusive Extended Editions of Telemundo’s Sports Coverage 

Live Event Coverage to Include Liga MX Femenil and Youth Leagues; Select US Soccer Youth Matches; Básquetbol LATAM; CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers; Select MMA Events and More 

MIAMI, Fla. – Aug. 14, 2025 – Telemundo announces the launch of Telemundo Deportes Ahora, its 24/7 Spanish-language Sports FAST channel, debuting today August 14 initially on Peacock, Xumo Play, the NBC News FAST hub, and Telemundo.com, with some content livestreaming on YouTube. Telemundo Deportes Ahora will roll out on additional platforms over the coming months. 

“With Telemundo Deportes Ahora, we’re giving Hispanic audiences another way to connect with the sports they love, complementing our sports offering and enhancing their viewing experience on the road to World Cup and beyond,” said Joaquin Duro, Executive Vice President of Sports, Telemundo.  

This new streaming channel delivers a dynamic, always-on sports viewing experience, with more than 50 hours of new Spanish-language content weekly, including original programming, live shows and select live sporting events, designed for today’s digital-first audiences. And as the countdown to FIFA World Cup 26™ intensifies, Telemundo Deportes Ahora will feature comprehensive coverage across fútbol and beyond, expert commentary and a fresh take on sports storytelling. Telemundo Deportes Ahora will complement Telemundo’s most valuable sports rights with additional properties, such as Básquetbol LATAM, select MMA events, Bare-Knuckle Boxing, and Pro-Paddle League. 

Telemundo’s roster of award-winning sports talent will contribute to FAST channel programming, delivering extended and dedicated coverage. Andres Cantor, Carlota Vizmanos, Diego Balado, and Luis Omar Tapia will expand their Premier League coverage; Jorge Calvo, José Luis López Salido, and Miguel Gurwitz will provide additional Liga MX content; and Isabella Echeverri will supplement U.S. Soccer programming on Telemundo Deportes Ahora.  

Telemundo will premiere new live studio shows exclusively for Telemundo Deportes Ahora. Below are the daily live shows airing Monday through Friday offering real-time coverage of the day’s top headlines, spirited debates, analysis and exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the sports world debuting with the launch:  

  • Telemundo Deportes Al Día – 1 p.m. ET: Hosted by Carmen Boquín, the show kicks off the day with the freshest sports news and a preview of the day’s programming. Carmen delivers key headlines and sets the stage for the rest of the sports coverage. 
  • Puesta a Punto – 6 p.m. ET: An engaging show filled with debate, analysis, and in-depth commentary. Telemundo’s roster of award-winning sports talent brings their experience and insight, inviting audiences to take part in the conversation. 
  • El Pelotazo Ahora – 11 p.m. ET: Hosted by Diego Arrioja, Pablo Mariño, and Verónica Rodríguez with regular contributions by Adriana Monsalve, the show serves as an extension of the network’s late-night sports show with a 360° approach, energetic hosts, guests, and lively debates, delivering a fresh take on the day’s most talked-about sports moments. 

Telemundo Deportes Ahora will also present a suite of original programming designed to keep fans informed and entertained around key sports properties. Shows such as Fútbol MX, Fútbol US Soccer and Tercer Tiempo Ahora deliver the latest stories, biggest goals and expert breakdowns across Mexican, U.S. and global fútbol plus other major sports moments around the games. For Premier League fans, the channel will offer a rich slate of complementary content, including weekly highlight reels (Zona de la Premier League), player profiles (Historias y Leyendas de la Premier League), pre- and post-match analysis (Previa de la Premier League and Repaso de la Premier League), as well as legacy specials (Campeones de la Premier League). 

In addition to its live offerings, Telemundo Deportes Ahora will offer weekly original programming, including: 

  • Panorama Deportivo: A comprehensive look at the U.S. sports landscape, hosted by Jorge Calvo. This informative program dives into national trends with in-depth reporting and analysis, providing audiences with a full, detailed snapshot of the current sports scene. 
  • Somos o No Somos: Hosted by Gurwitz, this is a fresh, energetic, and opinion-driven talk show that brings bold perspectives to the table. Whether the debate gets heated or stays lighthearted, this is the space for passionate takes on the week’s biggest topics. 
  • Mundo PX Sports: A front-row seat to the world of extreme sports. This weekly show features news, highlights, exclusive interviews, mini-docs, and stunning scenery—all produced with a cinematic lens that captures the thrill of adrenaline-fueled action. 

Telemundo Deportes Ahora joins Telemundo’s growing FAST channel lineup, including Telemundo Al Día (news, entertainment, reality, and sports), Noticias Telemundo Ahora (24/7 Spanish-language news), Telemundo Acción (high-energy action series) and Caso Cerrado (Telemundo’s iconic courtroom show). This expansion reinforces Telemundo’s commitment to diverse, on-demand content. For more information on Telemundo Deportes Ahora channel visit www.telemundo.com. 

Telemundo Deportes, the sports division of NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises, is the leading U.S. Spanish-language sports production brand, home to the biggest live events and most relevant sports content across all platforms, including Telemundo, Universo, Peacock, and digital and social media channels. Telemundo Deportes produces 24/7 sports news and entertainment, led by a diverse, award-winning commentary team, and delivers a robust lineup of studio programming and live events, including exclusive Spanish-language coverage of FIFA events, including FIFA World Cup 2026™, and U.S. Soccer through 2026, the Premier League, Chivas de Guadalajara, NFL’s Sunday Night Football, NBA, the Olympic Games, and other major sporting events.  

### 

About NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises:  

NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises leads the media industry in the production and distribution of Spanish-language content for U.S. Hispanics and audiences around the world. The company serves U.S. Hispanics through its national broadcast network, the cable network Universo, and digital platforms including the Telemundo app, a suite of FAST channels, and streaming services, such as Peacock, among others. The Telemundo Network offers Spanish-language entertainment, news, and sports content reaching 95% of U.S. Hispanic TV households in 210 markets through 30 owned stations and 91 affiliate stations. Telemundo also owns an independent station serving Puerto Rico. Anchored on Telemundo Studios, the network is the #1 producer of scripted Spanish-language content in the U.S., and the only network to produce original content specifically for US Hispanic audiences. Offering over 600 hours of reality TV shows a year, and top-rated live specials such as the Billboard Latin Music Awards and Miss Universe, Telemundo is considered the undisputed Home of Live TV in Hispanic media. The network is also the exclusive Spanish-language home of the world’s two most popular sporting events, the FIFA World Cup and the Olympic Games. NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises is a division of NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation. 

Media Contacts:  

Eva Mejicanos; Eva.Mejicanos@nbcuni.com; (786) 459-4057 

Melissa Lopez; Melissa.Lopez1@nbcuni.com; (786) 889-3914 



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Volleyball Tabbed Second in PSAC West Preseason Poll

Story Links LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – The Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) volleyball team went on a storybook run to the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Championship last season. The conference crown was the program’s first since 2002. The Hawks will look to repeat their dream in 2025 under a different head […]

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LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – The Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) volleyball team went on a storybook run to the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Championship last season. The conference crown was the program’s first since 2002. The Hawks will look to repeat their dream in 2025 under a different head coach, Avery Moore. IUP was picked second in the PSAC West preseason poll, receiving three of the eight first-place votes as released Thursday by the conference.
 
While the Hawks will be under new leadership this Fall, Moore is not someone who lacks experience at the highest level. Moore spent the 2024 season as head coach of the West Virginia State program. She led the Yellow Jackets to the program’s first conference championship and was named Mountain East Coach of the Year in her first season as the face of a program.
 
IUP returns the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) ,and PSAC Freshman of the Year, in 6-0 opposite Jessica Neiman. Neiman led the team with 298 kills, averaging 2.55 kills per set. She also led the team with 360.5 points.
 
Another key player returning is junior outside hitter Delaney Concannon. In a year that Concannon had 190 kills and started 16 of 18 matches she played in, she was named to the All-Atlantic Region Tournament Team, for her contributions to the Crimson Hawks reaching the semi-finals.
 
IUP will open on the road for the first two weekends of the season, followed by hosting the Crimson Hawk Classic on Sept. 19 and Sept. 20. The Hawks will face Chestnut Hill, Charleston, Elizabeth City State, and Shepherd in a four-match weekend. IUP will then open PSAC play on Sept. 23 in Johnstown against Pitt-Johnstown.
 
2025 PSAC Women’s Volleyball Preseason Poll (#of first-place votes in parentheses)
 
Eastern Division
 
1. Shepherd (4)
2. East Stroudsburg (2)
3. Shippensburg (2)
4. Bloomsburg
5. Millersville
6. West Chester
7. Lock Haven
8. Kutztown
 
Western Division
 
1. Gannon (4)
2. IUP (3)
3. Clarion
4. Seton Hill (1)
5. Pitt-Johnstown
6. Edinboro
7. Slippery Rock
8. California
 
Follow
For up-to-date information, visit IUPAthletics.com and follow IUP women’s volleyball on X (Twitter) @IUPCrimsonHawks and @IUPVB.
 



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The Bookmonger: Medical suspense solved with frank approach

The Bookmonger: Medical suspense solved with frank approach Published 11:48 pm Wednesday, August 13, 2025 By Barbara Lloyd McMichael After a short, steep hike with my husband that landed us in the midst of a hilltop grove of young madrona trees, we plopped down on a bench to watch a trio of large dragonflies zigzagging […]

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The Bookmonger: Medical suspense solved with frank approach

Published 11:48 pm Wednesday, August 13, 2025

After a short, steep hike with my husband that landed us in the midst of a hilltop grove of young madrona trees, we plopped down on a bench to watch a trio of large dragonflies zigzagging in search of prey across a sunny open space.

Their tireless movement made me think of the suspense novel I’m reviewing this week. In “The Room at the End of the Hall,” the interior ruminations of the two primary characters, a 75-year-old mother and her grown son, dart about in much the same fashion – from chocolate to medical conditions to memories from long ago. Perhaps the dynamic bouncing around of thoughts is actually a pretty accurate reflection of how many of us think.

This latest book from Seattle-based author and doctor Susan McCormick focuses on the plight of orthopedic surgeon Michael Baker, who has to leave his successful career at a prominent East Coast hospital in order to return to Seattle to care for his alcoholic mother, Margaret (Madge) McGillicuddy.

Michael finds new employment at Cascadia Medical Center. It is a smaller and less prestigious hospital than the one he left, but his department chair at Cascadia is soon to retire, and has indicated that Michael’s chances for succeeding him are pretty much a sure thing.

That’s until two of Michael’s patients suffer unusual and dire consequences after he has performed surgery on them. One ends up in the intensive care unit, and the other one actually dies. The family of the ICU patient threatens to sue, and after a medical review, the other patient’s unanticipated death appears to have been the result of a medication screw-up. This traces back to Michael on the chart, although he has reason to believe that the medical record may have been tampered with.

   Making the matter even worse, the patient who died happened to be sharing a room with his mother. (Madge is a frequent in-patient at Cascadia for treatment of a variety of afflictions related to her alcoholism.)

So when Madge asserts, unbidden, that her young roommate had been murdered, nobody pays her much heed – but it does compound Michael’s feelings of embarrassment and anger toward his mom.

However, as other discrepancies begin to stack up, he is forced to take her accusations more seriously.

Author McCormick stocks this story with an abundance of red herrings, and creates an elaborately twisted frame of events. The story can be hard to follow at times, but when scrutinized more closely everything does hold together.

 Likewise, the mother-son relationship is even more complicated than it appears to be at first glance. Madge’s pet name for Michael, “Stinky,” is just the tip of the iceberg.

Those interior musings referenced at the top of this review assist in providing context, but the shared out-loud revelations are key to solving the mystery.

This stand-alone novel is written in a somewhat darker mien than McCormick’s prior “Fog Ladies” murder mystery series – though an unusual pet named Frank is a welcome touch.

The Bookmonger is Barbara Lloyd McMichael, who writes this weekly column focusing on the books, authors and publishers of the Pacific Northwest. Contact her at bkmonger@nwlink.com



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