the staff of the Ridgewood blog
RIDGEWOOD, NJ — July 2025 — After decades as a respected voice in financial journalism, Neal Lipschutz—the former Deputy Editor-in-Chief of The Wall Street Journal and Ridgewood native —has embarked on a new literary journey: mystery fiction. His debut novel, No Write Way to Die, is set to release July 8 and promises suspense, sharp character development, and a plot that explores the lengths a parent will go to protect their child.
A Storied Journalism Career
Lipschutz’s journalism roots run deep. Long before cable news or the internet, he developed a passion for newspapers and columnists, eventually rising through the ranks of Dow Jones Newswires and later The Wall Street Journal, where he also served as the paper’s standards and ethics editor.
“Journalists are responsible for observing important happenings and then letting the world know the story,” Lipschutz says. “It’s a compelling way to earn a living, and I’m fortunate to have been an integral part of the journalistic effort for such a significant period of time.”
A New Chapter: Mystery Writing in Retirement
Now in retirement, Lipschutz is channeling his storytelling instincts into fiction. His first book, No Write Way to Die, is set in Manhattan and Scarsdale, areas familiar to the author, who grew up in Brooklyn and now lives in Ridgewood, NJ, with his wife, Jane Stone.
“It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a while,” Lipschutz says. “Creating imaginary worlds with consistent logic is the opposite of the fact-based discipline in journalism—but incredibly rewarding.”
A longtime Ridgewood Public Library regular, Lipschutz praises the town’s vibrant downtown, excellent schools, and creative atmosphere. “Ridgewood is a fantastic place to live and write,” he adds.
Inside the Story: No Write Way to Die
In his debut mystery, Lipschutz introduces readers to Scott Morgan, a management consultant whose carefully constructed suburban life unravels when a murder victim is found in his daughter’s Manhattan apartment.
The novel explores:
Family loyalty
Generational conflict
Ethical gray areas in crisis
The limits of parental protection
Scott’s life spirals as he becomes entangled with a clever NYPD detective, forcing him to confront demons from his Brooklyn past and utilize a ruthless business mindset to stay ahead.
“The story grew from a short piece about characters with different values and the conflict that arises from their choices,” Lipschutz says. “I believe that how people react in crisis reveals who they truly are.”
The Freedom to Create Later in Life
Starting his fiction writing in his late 60s, Lipschutz encourages others entering retirement to stay active and creative.
“Retirement has phases. What excites you at first may shift. Learn something new. Pursue what you’ve always wanted to do. You get better at being creative as you age.”
No Write Way to Die is the first in a planned series and reflects a broader trend of retirees pursuing passion-driven second careers in writing, art, and storytelling.
Where to Buy No Write Way to Die
Available July 8 at:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Tuckerdspress.com
Lipschutz will make two local appearances – a book signing at Barnes & Noble on Route 17 in Paramus on Saturday, July 19 at 1 p.m., and a reading and Q&A at Ridgewood Public Library on Thursday, July 31 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Registration is required for the library event, and signed copies will be available for purchase at both venues.
Follow the Ridgewood blog has a brand-new new X account, we tweet good sh$t
https://twitter.com/TRBNJNews
https://truthsocial.com/@theridgewoodblog
https://mewe.com/jamesfoytlin.74/posts
#news #follow #media #trending #viral #newsupdate #currentaffairs #BergenCountyNews #NJBreakingNews #NJHeadlines #NJTopStories
