Lee Strauss's Blog, page 10

Murder's a Beach! [image error]

1 like · Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on August 06, 2020 06:00

Murder at Brighton Beach is Here!

THE 13th GINGER GOLD MYSTERY

A family holiday turns deadly at Brighton Beach. When Ginger and Basil and their family check into the Brighton Beach Boutique Hotel on a lovely warm day in June of 1926, a shocking discovery upsets their plans to relax in the sun and surf. There’s a murderer amongst the holidayers: Is it the starlet? The earl? The disgruntled businessman?

In this Agatha Christie-esque addition to the Ginger Gold Mystery series, not only will Ginger not finish her book, she and Basil might not get out of the hotel alive.

★★★★★

GRAB YOUR COPY NOW

_________________________________________________________________________________

Murder at Brighton Beach is available exclusively on Amazon.

Don't read on a Kindle? No problem! Download the Kindle Reading App.

This awesome app allows you to read books from Amazon on devices other than a Kindle.

If you don't read on a Kindle, but would like to read the Ginger Gold books you can do so by downloading the Kindle Reading App HERE.

Happy reading!

The post Murder at Brighton Beach is Here! appeared first on Lee Strauss.

1 like · Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on July 30, 2020 06:00

Don’t miss these new books coming!

I'm so excited to be releasing the 13th Ginger Gold Mystery in just a few days! Early reviewer Kelly Young had this to say about Murder at Brighton Beach: “I really loved this one! I found it very Agatha Christie like.”

Grab your pre-order and to ensure your copy automatically appears on your kindle. I'm listing all the pre-orders for upcoming books in this email for both Ginger Gold and Rosa Reed. Let's get reading!

*****

[image error]

Pre-Order Now

Murder's a Beach!

A family holiday turns deadly at Brighton Beach. When Ginger and Basil and their family check into a Brighton Beach hotel on a lovely warm day in June of 1926, a shocking discovery upsets their plans to relax in the sun and surf.

Not only will Ginger not finish her book, she and Basil might not get out alive.

Murder's a wrap!

Private Investigator Rosa Reed has finally accepted that her girlhood romance with Detective Miguel Belmonte has no hope of being rekindled, but when his actress girlfriend gets embroiled in a murder on her movie set, it's more than a movie schedule that's upsetting. Can Rosa put aside matters of the heart long enough to help Miguel solve the case?

If you love early rock & roll, poodle skirts, clever who-dun-its, a charming cat and an even more charming detective, you're going to love this new series!

Lady Gold Takes The Case in this 4th volume of Ginger Gold's popular short story mystery series! Join Mrs. Ginger Reed~aka Lady Gold, as she adventures with her husband Basil, her sister-in-law Felicia, and her curious dog Boss, to unravel these puzzling mysteries.

Murder is a hit!

It's the summer of 1956 and Private Investigator Rosa Reed (former Woman Police Constable from the London Metropolitan Police) attends her first rock and roll concert featuring the young and upcoming music sensation Elvis Presley. The high note goes sour when a press photographer is found dead onstage and Rosa is called in to investigate. When the apparent suicide is deemed to be a murder, she is once again called upon to work side by side with her former flame, Detective Miguel Belmonte. Will Rosa keep her heart in line and find the killer before she has to sing the blues?

Murder's a fashion faux pas. . .

The summer of 1926 brings high fashion to Hyde Park. Ginger's Regent Street dress shop, Feathers & Flair, is a major sponsor, and when top designer Coco Chanel makes an appearance, the London fashion scene lights up.

Until a model's body is found and Miss Chanel is suspected of murder. The fashion icon hires Lady Gold Investigates to clear her name, but can Ginger discover the murderer before becoming a dead mannequin herself?

Murder is a wreck!

Rosa Reed attends a charity stock car race in Santa Bonita and expects to have exhilarating time shared with family and friends. That ends when a driver inexplicably crashes into a guard rail and dies. When local assistant medical examiner, Dr. Larry Rayburn determines the death is suspicious, Rosa once again finds herself working with the handsome Detective Miguel Belmonte in an awkward and uncomfortable alliance to solve the murder.

Have you entered the contest?

Murder’s a pain in the aria!

When a distant relative of Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha is killed during an opera performance at the Royal Albert Hall, Ginger and Basil are there to take the case. One dead royal is one too many, but can the killer be stopped before the final curtain falls?

I'm giving away a Ginger Gold Coffee Mug and a PAPERBACK edition of Murder at Brighton Beach! I'm also throwing in a $50 Paypal cash bonus.

Good luck

[image error]

The post Don’t miss these new books coming! appeared first on Lee Strauss.

Murder at Brighton Beach .

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on July 23, 2020 06:54

1920s Swimwear + Journal!

Who doesn't love going to the beach in the summer?

I know, in this year of 2020, the idea of going to the beach can be fraught with anxiety, and with the need to stay physically distant, many beaches are closed. Thankfully, you can go to the beach with Ginger and be perfectly safe!

[image error]

Swimwear was originally made out of wool in the early 1920s. However this wouldn't last for long, it was the roaring twenties after all! Wool was soon replaced with a more a swim-friendly ribbed jersey material, and modest high necklines were exchanged for V-necks. Of course, not everyone supported these new trends, and measures were taken to ensure public decency. In some places, police officers were known to patrol the beach measuring ladies' suits to ensure they weren't showing too much skin. Even so, the age of the modern swimsuit was not to be stopped, perhaps partly due to the creation of bathing beauty pageants.

[image error] [image error]

So what did it take to be fashionable on a beach in the Jazz Age?

The swimsuit was the most important element of proper beach attire. In the early 20's many women wore a swim dress overtop longer shorts that were attached underneath. Some women dared to wear the slightly more risque two-piece unit, referred to as the Jantzen suit. The Jantzen resembled a tank top sewn to a pair of swim shorts that reached midway down the upper leg. These suits were often brightly colored and made of either jersey or cotton material.
For many, swim shoes (or beach boots) were a must. In the early '20s, beach boots were typically lace-up boots that reached just above the calf, but they eventually evolved into smaller more beach-friendly shoes made of Duck canvas.
Most women wore colorfully decorated swim caps to compliment their outfit and to protect their bobbed hair.

All images courtesy of vintagedancer.com.

Follow Ginger and gang as they try to relax on the beach in

Enter to Win!

[image error]

Murder's a Beach!

Seaside at Brighton, a family holiday turns deadly. After Ginger and Basil and their family check into a Brighton hotel on a lovely warm day in June of 1926, a shocking discovery upsets their plans to relax in the sun.

Not only will Ginger not finish her book, she might not get out alive.

★★★★★

Join Mrs. Ginger Reed~aka Lady Gold, her adventurous sister-in-law Felicia, and her curious dog Boss, as they take these new challenging puzzles. Lady Gold Investigates Volume Two presents The Case of the Recipe Robbery and The Case of the Museum Burglary.

[image error]

A companion series to Ginger Gold Mysteries, each volume is approximately 20 thousand words or 95 pages. A bite-size read perfect for a transit commute home, time spent waiting at an appointment, or to settle into sleep at night. Get your coffee, tea, or glass of wine and snuggle in!

*****

New Journal Entry

We are entering the war years! Keep reading the journal to find out how Ginger ends up becoming part of the secret service. If you're not following and you'd like to, the Journal is available to my newsletter subscribers. You can subscribe HERE.

*****

Now Available in Audio

Mayhem All Aboard!

One blustery day in October of 1924, newlyweds Mr. and Mrs. Basil Reed travel aboard the recently christened Flying Scotsman, a high-speed steam engine train that travels from London to Edinburgh, for their honeymoon. With only one short stop at York, Ginger anticipates time with her new husband will fly by.

[image error]

Grab your FREE copy now! (limited time only)

The post 1920s Swimwear + Journal! appeared first on Lee Strauss.

2 likes · Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on July 16, 2020 05:55

Oops – Here are the correct links!

Wishing a Happy Independence day to those of you in America, as well as a happy Canada Day to my fellow Canadians!

I’m so excited about the upcoming release of the 13th Ginger Gold Mystery, Murder at Brighton Beach. Brighton is a historic seaside resort on the south coast of England. One of Brighton’s many historic attractions is the Royal Pavilion which served as a summer home for Prince Regent in 1811, and later King George IV in 1820. It was also used by Queen Victoria, who disliked the Pavilion’s lavish design and lack of privacy. For these reasons, Queen Victoria sold the Pavilion to the city of Brighton in 1850.

Royal Pavilion, Brighton Sussex England UK, on a sunny winter day.

The Pavillion’s design was inspired by Indo-Saracenic architecture, a style that was popular in India throughout the 19th century. After Queen Victoria’s departure, the Pavilion served as a civic center that housed numerous events including the annual children’s ball throughout the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Visiting celebrities often made appearances in the Pavillion, such as the popular American medium, Annie Eva Fay in 1874.

During the first World War, the Pavillion was used as a military hospital. From December 1914 to January 1916 the makeshift hospital treated injured soldiers from the Indian Army. The former palace housed over 720 beds and had two operating theatres. In April of 1916 the Pavillion was again used as a hospital, but this time for British soldiers who had lost limbs. The hospital closed in 1920 and was returned to the city of Brighton. Since it’s re-opening as a civic center, many of the original furnishings have been returned by Queen Elizabeth and damages repaired. The Royal Pavillion remains a popular attraction, drawing 400,000 visitors each year.

Follow Ginger and gang as they visit the Royal Pavilion in

Murder at Brighton Beach.

ENTER TO WIN

Don't worry Kindle Unlimited readers! It will be available to you very soon after it releases.

AMAZON

BARNES & NOBLE

KOBO

APPLE BOOKS

murder at brighton beach cozy mystery 1920

For fans of Ginger Gold and Basil Reed!!

This is the wedding you’ve been waiting for! The bride and groom prepare for their big day and, of course, things don’t go exactly as planned. Told from the alternating points of view of many of the beloved characters in the world of Ginger Gold, you’ll find yourself holding your breath, anticipating that happy ever after.

This is a mystery, but not a murder mystery.

SALE ENDS JULY 6th

Now Available in Audio

Mayhem All Aboard!

One blustery day in October of 1924, newlyweds Mr. and Mrs. Basil Reed travel aboard the recently christened Flying Scotsman, a high-speed steam engine train that travels from London to Edinburgh, for their honeymoon. With only one short stop at York, Ginger anticipates time with her new husband will fly by.

Start listening now!

It’s a Mystery Podcast with Lee Strauss!

I had the pleasure of joining Alexandra Armor on her mystery podcast to talk about Ginger Gold.

Have a listen and share it with your friends!

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE

The post Oops – Here are the correct links! appeared first on Lee Strauss.

1 like · Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on July 02, 2020 10:51

This week’s freebie + more!

Wishing a Happy Independence day to those of you in America, as well as a happy Canada Day to my fellow Canadians!

I’m so excited about the upcoming release of the 13th Ginger Gold Mystery, Murder at Brighton Beach. Brighton is a historic seaside resort on the south coast of England. One of Brighton’s many historic attractions is the Royal Pavilion which served as a summer home for Prince Regent in 1811, and later King George IV in 1820. It was also used by Queen Victoria, who disliked the Pavilion’s lavish design and lack of privacy. For these reasons, Queen Victoria sold the Pavilion to the city of Brighton in 1850.

Royal Pavilion, Brighton Sussex England UK, on a sunny winter day.

The Pavillion’s design was inspired by Indo-Saracenic architecture, a style that was popular in India throughout the 19th century. After Queen Victoria’s departure, the Pavilion served as a civic center that housed numerous events including the annual children’s ball throughout the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Visiting celebrities often made appearances in the Pavillion, such as the popular American medium, Annie Eva Fay in 1874.

During the first World War, the Pavillion was used as a military hospital. From December 1914 to January 1916 the makeshift hospital treated injured soldiers from the Indian Army. The former palace housed over 720 beds and had two operating theatres. In April of 1916 the Pavillion was again used as a hospital, but this time for British soldiers who had lost limbs. The hospital closed in 1920 and was returned to the city of Brighton. Since it’s re-opening as a civic center, many of the original furnishings have been returned by Queen Elizabeth and damages repaired. The Royal Pavillion remains a popular attraction, drawing 400,000 visitors each year.

Follow Ginger and gang as they visit the Royal Pavilion in

Murder at Brighton Beach.

ENTER TO WIN

Don't worry Kindle Unlimited readers! It will be available to you very soon after it releases.

AMAZON

BARNES & NOBLE

KOBO

APPLE BOOKS

For fans of Ginger Gold and Basil Reed!!

This is the wedding you’ve been waiting for! The bride and groom prepare for their big day and, of course, things don’t go exactly as planned. Told from the alternating points of view of many of the beloved characters in the world of Ginger Gold, you’ll find yourself holding your breath, anticipating that happy ever after.

This is a mystery, but not a murder mystery.

SALE ENDS JULY 6th

Now Available in Audio

Mayhem All Aboard!

One blustery day in October of 1924, newlyweds Mr. and Mrs. Basil Reed travel aboard the recently christened Flying Scotsman, a high-speed steam engine train that travels from London to Edinburgh, for their honeymoon. With only one short stop at York, Ginger anticipates time with her new husband will fly by.

Start listening now!

It’s a Mystery Podcast with Lee Strauss!

I had the pleasure of joining Alexandra Armor on her mystery podcast to talk about Ginger Gold.

Have a listen and share it with your friends!

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE

The post This week’s freebie + more! appeared first on Lee Strauss.

1 like · Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on July 02, 2020 05:53

This week’s freebie + Journal entry

[image error]

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on June 25, 2020 06:00

Brighton Pier + Freebie!

One of my favorite parts of summer is going to the beach. Do you agree?

Even if you can't physically make it to a beach, you can still join Ginger and Basil on their family vacation in Murder at Brighton Beach. If you dare to, that is. Things get a little hectic - but you'll have to pre-order to find out!

Here are some facts about the Brighton Marine Palace Pier, known today as Brighton Pier.

Brighton Pier opened on May 20th, 1899 in place of the old chain pier which had been damaged in a storm. The old pier had mostly been used as a landing stage for passengers alongside a few souvenir kiosks. The new pier was created strictly for pleasure purposes, boasting amusement machines, a concert hall, and vendors. The pier was a wildly popular attraction from its opening day, drawing large crowds. Charlie Chaplin was among several celebrities to perform on the pier.

Brighton Pier was temporarily closed in 1940 during World War II as a security measure. After the war, it was reopened and has been entertaining families ever since.

Do you have a favorite beach or summer getaway?

Share a picture of it here. I'll post mine too!

ENTER TO WIN

Don't worry Kindle Unlimited readers! It will be available to you very soon after it releases.

AMAZON

BARNES & NOBLE

KOBO

APPLE BOOKS

PERCEPTION is a near-future mystery that can be read alone (no cliffhanger!)
ETERNAL LIFE IS TO DIE FOR

Seventeen-year-old Zoe Vanderveen is a GAP—a genetically altered person. She lives in the security of a walled city on prime water-front property alongside other equally beautiful people with extended life spans.
Zoe’s carefree life takes a traumatic turn when her brother Liam is murdered.

The only one who can help her find out what happened is Noah Brody, the last guy on earth she should trust.

Noah Brody is a natural who lives on the outside. He leads protests against the GAPs and detests the widening chasm they’ve created between those who have and those who don’t. He doesn’t like girls like Zoe and he has good reason not to like her specifically. He's not sure why he's agreed to help her, but what he finds out when he does, will change his life forever.

FREE UNTIL JUNE 14

The post Brighton Pier + Freebie! appeared first on Lee Strauss.

2 likes · Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on June 11, 2020 05:25

Apologies + Journal entry!

The wrong blog post went out earlier - my apologies for any confusion!

For readers who like to purchase from vendors other than Amazon, I'm making the preorder of Murder at Brighton Beach available at Barnes & Noble, Kobo and Apple Books. Don't worry Kindle Unlimited readers! It will be available to you very soon after it releases.

Murder's a Beach!

A family holiday turns deadly at Brighton Beach. When Ginger and Basil and their family check into a Brighton Beach hotel on a lovely warm day in June of 1926, a shocking discovery upsets their plans to relax in the sun and surf.
Not only will Ginger not finish her book, she and Basil might not get out alive.

AMAZON

BARNES & NOBLE

KOBO

APPLE BOOKS

This week's freebie from Lee!

Mayhem All Aboard! ~ Book #8

One blustery day in October of 1924, newlyweds Mr. and Mrs. Basil Reed travel aboard the recently christened Flying Scotsman, a high-speed steam engine train that travels from London to Edinburgh, for their honeymoon. With only one short stop at York, Ginger anticipates time with her new husband will fly by.
She’s wrong. Something terrible has happened in the Royal Mail carriage, which forces the train to stop dead in its tracks. There’s been a death and Chief Inspector Reed has been asked to investigate.
It’s a uniquely disturbing murder and Ginger and Basil are eager to puzzle it out together. What do the first class passengers have to do with the dead man? With another crime shortly discovered, Ginger and Basil soon realize they’re not dealing with a run-of-the-mill killer—they’re dealing with a mastermind who’s not done playing with them yet.

FREE UNTIL JUNE 10th

******

New Journal Entry

We are entering the war years! Keep reading the journal to find out how Ginger ends up becoming part of the secret service. If you're not following and you'd like to, the Journal is available to my newsletter subscribers. You can subscribe HERE.

******

Congratulations to Lois A. for winning the Murder on the Bomb Shelter Contest. Thanks to everyone who entered!

The post Apologies + Journal entry! appeared first on Lee Strauss.