November 1936. Mayor La Guardia’s political future buckles under a missing persons case in New York City. Simultaneously, Lane unravels devastating secrets in the outskirts of Detroit. As two crimes converge, judging friends from enemies can be a dangerous game . . .
Finally summoning the courage to face the past, Lane Sanders breaks away from her busy job at City Hall to confront childhood nightmares in Rochester, Michigan. An unknown assailant left Lane with scattered memories after viciously murdering her parents. However, one memory of a dazzling solid gold pawn piece remains—and with it lies a startling connection between the midwestern tragedy and a current mystery haunting the Big Apple.
Meanwhile, fears climb in Manhattan after the disappearance of a respected banker and family friend threatens the crippled financial industry and the pristine reputation of Lane’s virtuous boss, Mayor Fiorello “Fio” La Guardia. Fio’s fight to restore order leads him into more trouble as he meets a familiar foe intent on ending his mayoral term—and his life . . .
Guided by overseas telegrams from the man she loves and painful memories, only Lane can silence old ghosts and derail present-day schemes. But when the investigation awakens a darker side of her own nature, will she and New York City’s most prominent movers and shakers still forge ahead into a prosperous new age . . . or is history doomed to repeat itself?
Kensington and L.A. Chandlar have a special thank-you gift to anyone who pre-orders THE GOLD PAWN before September 25 and registers here
A limited edition gold author card, swag and a Silver Gun bracelet!
Guest Post
It’s a Man’s, Man’s, Man’s World
Spotlighting the Strong Women of the Thirties
By L.A. Chandlar
The Thirties was very, very male dominated. Of course. But there were incredible women who were making strides anyway. And I love that.
That’s why Lane is Lane. I wanted a strong female character who could hold her own and showed the plucky spirit of the many working women even back in the Thirties. So many of them have stories that haven’t been told. It’s the main reason I bring up the first issue of Life magazine, November, 1936. The front cover photograph was taken by a female photojournalist: Margaret Bourke-White. (I actually have a copy of it!)
I’ve always been irritated by the male-dominated stories from my own mother and her friends who were secretaries from the Fifties on. I’m outraged at the indignity of what they faced. And the scene in THE GOLD PAWN were Roxy is dealing with a meeting where one of the men gets handsy –patting her on the tush as she walks by—was taken from real life. That very scenario was extremely typical. Except Lane’s reaction. Most women feared getting fired even for the slightest of issues, but Lane is Lane. She cracks me up. And Lane’s little moment where she steps on the guys’ foot “by accident” really is a move I created for subway “handsy issues.”
I also adored having the opportunity to introduce Matilda (Dodge) Wilson. She was an amazing and inspirational woman. She was savvy, intelligent, and even though life handed her many curve balls –and some of them utterly tragic– she managed to create a gritty beauty. Her home that she built with Alfred Wilson, her second husband, is Meadowbrook Hall and now owned and operated by Oakland University. It’s a divine place – and I tried to be exacting in my representation. Go on a tour if you get to that neck of the woods in southeastern Michigan! I’ll have a behind the scenes virtual tour on YouTube soon.
This fall, I’ll also be doing a YouTube video on Ophelia Lounge which used to be one of the only stylish and cool women’s-only bars in New York City and possibly the country.
In the later Thirties, they opened it up to men, so Lane takes Finn there in book 3, THE PEARL DAGGER, and they of course have a big adventure scene there. This year, The Ophelia rooftop lounge was refurbished and reopened at the top of the Beekman on the east side in Manhattan. It’s divine and a lot of fun. I highly recommend the Pain Killa and the Purple Tuxedo cocktails. Go have a drink with 360 views of Manhattan, taste the history, remember where we’ve been, and make a toast to the future.
About The Author
L.A. Chandlar is the author of the Art Deco Mystery Series with Kensington Publishing featuring Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia and a fresh take on the innovation and liveliness of 1930s New York City. Her debut novel, The Silver Gun released August 29, 2017, and the sequel, The Gold Pawn, will release September 25th, 2018. Laurie has been living and writing in New York City for 16 years and has been speaking for a wide variety of audiences for over 20 years including a women’s group with the United Nations. Her talks range from NYC history, the psychology of creativity, and the history of holiday traditions. Laurie has also worked in PR for General Motors, writes and fund-raises for a global nonprofit is the mother of two boys, and has toured the nation managing a rock band.
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