Thrilling. Cahalan tells an incredible story * * Telegraph * * Sharp and satiric . . . A fond, imaginatively researched tribute to [ a] free, forever-seeking spirit * * Guardian * * A colourful story, involving love triangles, drug busts and the dramatic jailbreak of Leary . . . well researched * * Financial Times * * [ Rosemary Woodruff's] story is skilfully told in Susannah Cahalan's The Acid Queen. Woodruff's unusual life - which took in communes, drugs, criminal cartels and breaking her husband out of prison - proves more than worthy of posthumous attention -- 'The best memoirs and biographies of 2025' * * Guardian * * The story of a woman who embodied an era of freedom, experimentation and psychedelic adventure. Meticulously reported and beautifully crafted -- SUSAN ORLEAN, author of THE ORCHID THIEF An electrifying portrait of Rosemary Woodruff Leary, who was at the centre of the turbulent and passionate counterculture of the '60s. These star-studded pages give us the life - as criminal, muse, lover and fugitive - of the true "acid queen" and the iconic presence of her era -- JENNIFER CLEMENT, Professor Emerita of PEN International and author of WIDOW BASQUIAT Rosemary Woodruff Leary defied the FBI, the CIA, the American prison system and her famous husband to become a fugitive. But who was she really running from? That fascinating question looms over Susannah Cahalan's insightful, intimate biography - part romance, part thriller, all astounding. An extraordinary life told by an extraordinary author -- MAUREEN CALLAHAN, the SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING author of ASK NOT Cahalan has done the world a service in restoring Rosemary's legacy with this stellar biography, which is rich in sumptuous detail, both personal and historic, and is artfully constructed from the archives. Whether you know anything about the acid scene or are a complete novice, there is so much to enjoy in this excellent book -- KATE MOORE, author of THE RADIUM GIRLS Cahalan shines a light on one of the twentieth century's most amazing untold life stories. Rosemary Woodruff Leary blazed an astonishing trail through the red hot centre of Sixties counterculture - the downtown Beats, the pioneers of hallucinogenics, the Summer of Love, rock and roll royalty, the Weather Underground, the Black Panthers and more. With her captivating storytelling, Cahalan helps us all see this wildly misunderstood epoch of American life with new eyes. An essential read - and an unforgettable trip -- ROBERT KOLKER, author of HIDDEN VALLEY ROAD Cahalan is the perfect guide on this very trippy ride * * Boston Globe * *
