Lee Strauss's Blog, page 11
July 2, 2020
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
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Pre-Order Now!
Don't worry Kindle Unlimited readers! It will be available to you very soon after it releases.
AMAZON
BARNES & NOBLE
KOBO
APPLE BOOKS
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This week's freebie from Lee!
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
Grab your FREE copy now! (limited time only)
Don't see a button? Click here.
Now Available in AudioMayhem 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!
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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
Don't see a button? Click here.
The post This week’s freebie + more! appeared first on Lee Strauss.
June 25, 2020
June 11, 2020
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
Pre-Order Now!
Don't worry Kindle Unlimited readers! It will be available to you very soon after it releases.
AMAZON
BARNES & NOBLE
KOBO
APPLE BOOKS
This week's freebie from Lee!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
Grab your FREE copy now! (limited time only)
The post Brighton Pier + Freebie! appeared first on Lee Strauss.
June 6, 2020
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.
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.
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
Grab your FREE copy now! (limited time only)
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New Journal EntryWe 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.
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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.
This week’s Freebie + Journal!
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.
I'd like to introduce you to the littlest member of my writing team - DIEGO!!!! We're so excited to get this new kitten.
He's so much fun and exactly how I imagined him in Rosa Reed's world. You can read all about his fictional counterpart in the next Rosa Reed Mystery, Murder at the Bomb Shelter.
Make sure you're following me on Instagram or Facebook if you'd like to watch Diego grow up. I'll be posting frequently!
Do you have a pet? If so, I'd love to hear about it! Share your favorite picture of your furry (or not so furry) friends with me here.
FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK
FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM
[image error]FLASH SALE! [image error]CALLING ALL AUDIOBOOK LOVERS! [image error]
The audio version of Murder at Hartigan House is on sale for just $1.99 on Chirp!
START LISTENING NOW!
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.
Grab your FREE copy now! (limited time only)
The post This week’s Freebie + Journal! appeared first on Lee Strauss.
May 28, 2020
Murder at the Bomb Shelter is Live!
Rosa Reed's holiday with the Forester Family in Santa Bonita has turned into an extended stay, and Rosa decides to make use of her Metropolitan Police training and sets up a private investigative business ~ just like her mother! But she finds she's not the only one who keeps business in the family, and when one of the members of the prestigious Gainer family is found dead in his bomb shelter, Rosa is invited to take on the case ~ much to Detective Miguel Belmonte's chagrin. If Rosa doesn't find the killer soon, the summer of '56 just might be her last.
Grab your copy now!
Murder on the Boardwalk is available exclusively on Amazon.
Don't read on a Kindle? No problem! Download the FREE 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 free Kindle Reading App HERE.
Happy reading!
Enter to Win!
The post Murder at the Bomb Shelter is Live! appeared first on Lee Strauss.
May 21, 2020
1950s Bomb Shelters + Freebie!
To celebrate the upcoming release of Murder at the Bomb Shelter I'm giving away PAPERBACK editions of the first THREE Rosa Reed Mysteries. Good luck!
ENTER HERE: https://gleam.io/wLohm/murder-at-the-bomb-shelter
I'm so excited about the upcoming release of the third Rosa Reed Mystery, Murder at the Bomb Shelter. That's just four days away! Are you as excited as I am? I sure hope so. 
May 15, 2020
Remembering Little Richard + Freebie!
This week we’re remembering Little Richard. His legacy is well worth noting and has been even more present on my mind as I’ve been researching the 1950s for 3rd Rosa Reed Mystery, Murder at the Bomb Shelter. Click here, or on the video below to watch a live performance of Long Tall Sally - Tutti Frutti.
Starting with Tutti Frutti in 1956, Little Richard’s music made an indelible mark on the music world and pop culture. Although his years of producing chart-topping hits were short-lived, many of the original pop icons such as Bob Dylan and the Beatles attribute much of their formative influence to Little Richard. Among his many nicknames, Little Richard was dubbed (and often referred to himself) as "The Architect of Rock and Roll." He was known for his flamboyant style, energetic stage presence, and lengthy careers as both a musician and minister.
Did you listen to Little Richard’s music? Who are your favorite music icons from the 1950s?
LESS THAN TWO WEEKS UNTIL....
Murder's a blast!Rosa Reed's holiday with the Forester Family in Santa Bonita has turned into an extended stay, and Rosa decides to make use of her Metropolitan Police training and sets up a private investigative business ~ just like her mother! But she finds she's not the only one who keeps business in the family, and when one of the members of the prestigious Gainer family is found dead in his bomb shelter, Rosa is invited to take on the case ~ much to Detective Miguel Belmonte's chagrin. If Rosa doesn't find the killer soon, the summer of '56 just might be her last.
PRE-ORDER NOW!
Murder's a Beach!
A family holiday turns deadly at Brighton Beach. When Ginger and Basil and their family check into the Grand Brighton 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.
PRE-ORDER NOW!
This week's freebie from Lee!Almost sixteen-year-old Casey Donovan just wants to survive high school ~ uncontrollable trips to the 19th century do NOT help, especially when you accidentally take the cutest boy in the school back in time!
Casey Donovan’s hair is too curly, her limbs too long, and she barely fills an A cup. She can throw a ball as well as any boy, but for reasons she wouldn’t dare share, she never tries out for any team. Casey nurses a secret crush on the unattainable Nate Mackenzie.
Nate Mackenzie, super jock and quarterback at Cambridge High, hadn’t even heard of Casey Donovan until the night of the Fall Dance. That was when his buddies dared him to ask her to dance. That was when the craziness started.
Grab your FREE copy now! (limited time only)
The post Remembering Little Richard + Freebie! appeared first on Lee Strauss.
May 7, 2020
This week’s Freebie + More!
Mothers are essentially superheroes.
Happy Mother's Day to all you moms — and mother figures!
I'd like to introduce you to the littlest member of my writing team - DIEGO!!!! We're so excited to get this new kitten.
He's so much fun and exactly how I imagined him in Rosa Reed's world. You can read all about his fictional counterpart in the next Rosa Reed Mystery, Murder at the Bomb Shelter.
Make sure you're following me on Instagram or Facebook if you'd like to watch Diego grow up. I'll be posting frequently!
Do you have a pet? If so, I'd love to hear about it! Share your favorite picture of your furry (or not so furry) friends with me here.
FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK
FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM
[image error]FLASH SALE! [image error]CALLING ALL AUDIOBOOK LOVERS! [image error]
The audio version of Murder at Hartigan House is on sale for just $1.99 on Chirp!
START LISTENING NOW!
This week's freebie from Lee!
Praise for SEAWEED: "Fantastic!! Fun read for all ages!"
A teen swim athlete discovers a merfolk world that threatens to keep her out of the ocean forever.
Dori Seward can't wait to get out of Eastcove, a sleepy fishing village on the border of New Brunswick and Maine. She bides her time by hanging out with friends, attending swim club, and holding her biggest competition, Colby-who wants more than just friendship, at arm's length.
Then Tor Riley comes to town and he has everything Dori dreams of in a boyfriend-looks, athleticism and mystery.
But Tor also has a tantalizing secret and Dori is determined to find out what it is. The truth is crazier than her wildest imaginations and more dangerous, too.
Dori has new fantastical enemies, and they will do anything to get to her.
Her life, her dreams and her love for Tor are all weighing in the balance. Will Dori risk it all in order to have it all?
~~~
Clean and wholesome read, enjoyable by all.
Grab your FREE copy now! (limited time only)
The post This week’s Freebie + More! appeared first on Lee Strauss.
April 30, 2020
New Release – Murder on the Boardwalk!
When Rosa Reed—aka WPC Reed of the Metropolitan Police—and her cousin Gloria decide to spend a fun-filled afternoon in 1956 at the fair on the boardwalk in Santa Bonita, California, they're in for a shocking surprise. After a ride assistant's death by electrocution is determined to be murder, Rosa finds herself entangled once again with her high school sweetheart, Detective Miguel Belmonte. Should she catch the next flight to London before she loses her heart again? Or worse, her life?
Grab your copy now!KINDLE
PAPERBACK
Murder on the Boardwalk is available exclusively on Amazon.
Don't read on a Kindle? No problem! Download the FREE 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 free Kindle Reading App HERE.
Happy reading!
The post New Release – Murder on the Boardwalk! appeared first on Lee Strauss.
