New York City, 1936. In the midst of the Great Depression, the Big Apple is defiantly striving toward an era infused with art, architecture, and economic progress under the dynamic Mayor La Guardia. But those in City Hall know that tumultuous times can inspire both optimism and deadly danger . . .
It’s been six months since Lane Sanders was appointed Mayor Fiorello “Fio” La Guardia’s new personal aide, and the twenty-three-year-old is sprinting in her Mary Janes to match her boss’s pace. Despite dealing with vitriol from the Tammany Hall political machine and managing endless revitalization efforts, Fio hasn’t slowed down a bit during his years in office. And luckily for Lane, his unpredictable antics are a welcome distraction from the childhood memories that haunt her dreams—and the silver gun she’ll never forget.
When Lane gets attacked and threatened by an assailant tied to one of most notorious gangsters in the city, even the mayor can’t promise her safety. The corrupt city officials seem to be using Lane as a pawn against Fio for disgracing their party in the prior election. But why was the assailant wielding the exact same gun from her nightmares?
Balancing a clandestine love affair and a mounting list of suspects, Lane must figure out how the secrets of her past are connected to the city’s underground crime network—before someone pulls the trigger on the most explosive revenge plot in New York history . . .
Character Interview
Evelyn Thorne, welcome to Island Confidential. Aside from the fact that you’re Lane Sanders’ aunt, what else should our readers know about you?
I am an artist at heart, and at a later age than I thought, I acquired a daughter in Lane when her parents were suddenly killed. I was a suffragist and I have friends all over the place. Readers should definitely keep a keen eye on my friends, they might have a pleasant surprise coming at some of my more colorful acquaintances. Something that no one knows, not even Lane nor any readers yet, is that I was married once. I think the dear author will bring that up at some point. She should – it’s an excellent story and accounts for my eccentric personality.
Which character in The Silver Gun do you get along with the best?
My closest friend is Mr. Kirkland. We’ve had a colorful past and he knows me best. I can’t help admire that he came in and adopted Lane just as much as I did. He’s gruff, but his heart is gold. And he bakes a mean scone. I am utterly useless at cooking.
Is there anyone of whom you’re not quite so fond?
I always have concerns where Lane’s friends –and enemies—are concerned. I have my eye on Uncle Louie, the most notorious gang boss in New York City, who has a curious penchant for actually helping Lane. But I also have concerns with Roxy and Lizzie, not to mention Lane’s boyfriends. I want to like Finn, but I’m not sure, he seems to have a lot behind those delightful eyes of his. And then Tucker… I just don’t know.
Just between you and me: What do you really think of your author?
I like her, especially for giving me the scene where Lane and I paint to music. It was quite enjoyable. My favorite thing about Laurie is that she snuck in little features about myself and a “good friend” that is really Amelia Peabody from Elizabeth Peters. I’m obviously more bohemian than dear Amelia, but we are very dear friends. I also like that Laurie has promised not to kill off any of us main characters. Or the dog. At least not for quite a long while. I worry about that sometimes, of course.
What’s next for you?
Well, in book two, The Gold Pawn (release date September 25th), we have quite an exciting journey back to Michigan where Lane has to face the ghosts of her past in the hopes that she’ll discover some clues about her mysterious parents and perhaps shed some light on a new mystery here in New York. Thanksgiving is coming up and oh I have some lovely friends coming over. You might recognize some of them! I am very worried, though, because Lane is really struggling and she isn’t letting me in as much as I’d like. But I know her. She will overcome and be better for it.
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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