Throughout March we celebrate international women’s day.

The end of the 19th century heralded in early whispers of female independence which has led to a long, ever continuing journey towards equality. In Chicago 1893, during the world fair, the bicycle gained so much popularity that it had a profound social and cultural impact on gender equality. Susan B. Anthony was quoted as saying, "I think the bicycle had done more to emancipate women than anything else in the world." This was in large part due to the mobility offered. Women could travel unaccompanied with ease. The other major factor being over fashion. Corsets, hooped skirts and billowing dresses were simply not practical for the athleticism required to ride. Fashion changes were born from necessity, and as the yards of fabric were sloughed away, the idea of a “New Woman” emerged. Yet, it would still be another 30 years before women were given basic voting rights.

Unfortunately, with new advancements come new dangers. During this time as more and more women began to leave the home, a new breed of predator emerged – the serial killer. In 63rd & Wallace, we follow a young woman, Charlene Weatherford, who embarks on a reluctant journey in search of her lost sister. Charlene is kidnapped by the trusted Doctor Holmes, America’s first serial killer, and she is forced to make a choice – fight or perish. Charlene chooses to fight, armed with only the clothes she’s wearing, and her best asset - ingenuity. Charlene’s story is about personal survival. It is a tale of horror and struggle, mixed with mind bending puzzles.

Throughout the weeks that follow, we hope you will enjoy Charlene's story. Past the intrigue, past the puzzles, and past the history, it is a story about a girl who must fight to become her own hero.