Lee Strauss's Blog, page 12
April 23, 2020
Carnivals in the 1950s + Teaser
I don't know about you, but after a month of social distancing, I sure could use a little fun. You, too?
I've been hard at work finishing Murder on the Boardwalk. One of the fun parts of this book has been researching carnivals in the 1950s. If you're nostalgic for the carnivals of the past, you're sure to love this new Rosa Reed mystery. Curious? You'll have to pre-order to find out more! 
April 16, 2020
Go to the beach with Ginger Gold!
Are you looking for books to add to your summer reading list? I've been keeping busy working from home to make sure you have plenty to read.
These novels will add mystery, romance, and adventure to your summer, no matter where you are!
Ginger Gold Cover Reveal
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!
Don't see a button? Click here.
Coming April 28!Murder's such a shock!
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?
Pre-order your copy now!
Don't see a button? Click here.
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April 8, 2020
Join Us for a Live Concert!
Wishing you a Happy Easter in these uncertain times.
Peace and Grace to you and yours.
Join Us for a Live Concert!Hello fellow self-isolators!I'm posting a day early to let you know that Norm and I are doing a house concert tomorrow - April 9 at 11:00AM PST. The early hour is to accommodate our friends in Europe.
So, if you're looking for a diversion and want to see me play the cajón "live" for the first time, then please join us!
SEE REPLAY ON YOUTUBE
Coming Soon...
Murder's such a shock!
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 becomes the next victim?
PRE-ORDER NOW!
ENTER TO WIN $30 CASH + ROSA REED SWAG
NOW AVAILABLE ON AUDIO
Did you know that the first 7 Ginger Gold Mysteries are available on audio?
LISTEN ON AUDIBLE
Search for these audiobooks in your local library's online collection!
LISTEN TO MURDER ON THE SS ROSA & MURDER AT HARTIGAN HOUSE FOR FREE ON HOOPLA!
Sign up for Hoopla and easily find out if your library is affiliated with the program. If so, you can listen to a collection of digital tiles for free!
*You must have an active library card.
*Only libraries affiliated with Hoopla will have access to the promotion.
SIGN UP ON HOOPLA
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April 2, 2020
For a Little Something Different
PRE-ORDER MURDER AT THE BOARDWALK
Now, for a Little Something Different
Some of you might know this, but my husband, Norm Strauss, is a professional singer/songwriter. Before he joined me to work as an author/admin at La Plume Press he toured full time, mostly in Germany. Now that he's home more, we've started singing together, just for fun.
So many performing artists are posting songs and concerts online in an effort to help take some of the sting out of all this self-isolation and self-quarantining going on (we're on day 11 of our quarantine since returning from Mexico). Norm and I thought we put a song out there too, a fun PSA. We hope you enjoy it.
Check out more of our videos on my YouTube Channel!
The post For a Little Something Different appeared first on Lee Strauss.
March 26, 2020
New Release – Murder at High Tide!
HOME!!
A new update of our travels as penned by Norm Strauss:
Well, that was quite a week. We finally made it home after booking one of the very last Westjet flights out of Puerto Vallarta. But we had to spend five days basically hiding out in a hotel by the airport/marina trying not to breathe, touch, eat, cough, sneeze or otherwise come into any contact with any human beings; which is kind of hard. The trip home was a social distancing experiment, to say the least, starting at 3:40 am when the alarm went off. Then we had to check out, a taxi ride and stand in a very long lineup full of retreating snowbirds at the airport.
Anyways, glad to be home where we can be more in control of our environment. Now the fourteen days of quarantine begin. Fortunately, we work from home so it's all good. See you all on the other end of this.
The 1st Rosa Reed Mystery is Here!Murder's all wet!It's 1956 and WPC (Woman Police Constable) Rosa Reed has left her groom at the altar in London. Time spent with her American cousins in Santa Bonita, California is exactly what she needs to get back on her feet, though the last thing she expected was to get entangled in another murder 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!
Grab your copy now!KINDLE
PAPERBACK
Murder at High Tide 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!
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March 19, 2020
Ready to escape your reality? Rosa Reed to the rescue!
Hello, Friends!
What crazy times we're living in. How has the current COVID-19 crisis affected you? Norm and I cut our time in Mexico short and have headed home. It's disappointing, but so many are disappointed right now. And we're required to self-isolate for two weeks. Are you self-isolating?
I know sudden change and facing the unknown can be very stressful, so please don't forget to do a little self-care. If there's a silver lining, maybe it's this: life can slow down for a while! More time to communicate with friends and family, even if it's online.
Also, more time to READ! And in that regard, I can help. I'm very excited to present the first book of my brand new 1950s cozy mystery series, Murder at High Tide – Rosa Reed Mystery book 1. It releases on Tuesday!!
Preorder today and make sure it shows up on your kindle, then snuggle in and enjoy! Lots of love, especially during these trying times.
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Ginger Gold's Book Club
This month we're talking about The Wedding! Get your questions ready.
Join us on Thursday, March 26th
If you're new to the club, it's a space where members can talk freely about the books, ask me any question, give advice, ask about my writing process, my personal life, tell me things they find interesting. Anything goes. Spoilers are allowed.
Joining is easy, but you have to be a member of my Facebook Readers' Group to get in.
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Exclusive bonus material for my newsletter subscribers
How it All Began. . .
Like many British children during World War Two, Rosa Reed’s parents, Ginger and Basil Reed, made the heart-wrenching decision to send their child to a foreign land and out of harm’s way. Fortunately, Ginger’s half-sister Louisa and her family, now settled in the quaint coastal town of Santa Bonita, California, was pleased to take her in.
By the spring of 1945, Rosa Reed had almost made it through American High School unscathed, until the American army decided to station an army base there. Until she met the handsome Private Miguel Belmonte and fell in love. . .
ALREADY SUBSCRIBER? START READING NOW!
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March 12, 2020
Famous names of the 1950s!
How many 1950s movie stars can you name?
From Marlon Brando to Marilyn Monroe, the 50s produced some of the most iconic movie stars of the century.
In the 50s Post-war culture, many individuals had more leisure time than in previous decades. This, combined with the rise of middle-class citizens who had disposable income to spend on entertainment created an environment for Hollywood to thrive. Going to the cinema was a popular social past time, with thousands of people flocking to go see classics such as Sunset Boulevard (1950) and Singin' in the Rain (1952).
Films often portrayed highly idealized ways of life, offering viewers a sense of hope and optimism. Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, James Stewart, and Marlon Brando were some of the biggest names in Hollywood at the time. Romantic comedies and musicals were all the rage, with the occasional suspenseful thriller.
Here's quick a look into some of the popular movie stars of the era.
Alexis SmithBorn in Canada, Alexis grew up in Los Angeles where she worked hard to carve out a name for herself in the film industry. She was scouted by Warner Bros while attending college. Although she never enjoyed the critical acclaim akin to that of Audrey Hepburn, Smith developed a notable career in Hollywood throughout the 40s and 50s. She played smaller roles in the films Here Comes the Groom (1951) and The Turning Point (1952), but was most proud of her work in The Young Philadelphians (1959).
Robert John Wagner Jr.Robert began his path to fame when he was discovered by a talent scout in the 1950s. After his role in The Happy Years (1950) Robert was signed by 20th Century Fox, which lead to numerous roles in romances. His role as a shell shocked soldier in With a Song in My Heart (1952) was his first real claim to fame. He went on to take roles in Prince Valiant (1954) and A Kiss Before Dying (1956) where he played a cold-blooded murderer.
Shelley WintersNicknamed the Blonde Bombshell in Hollywood, Shelley's dream of being an actor developed while participating in High School plays. Throughout her teen years she undertook a variety of jobs from being a store clerk to modeling to pay for her acting lessons. By the 1940s her hard work had begun to pay off with minor roles in movies such as Racket Man (1944) and Cover Girl (1944). Her great breakthrough in the film industry was her portrayal of a frumpy-looking Alice Tripp, in A Place in the Sun (1951).
Tony CurtisTony's birth name was Bernard Schwartz. He grew up in an impoverished family and spent some time in an orphanage. His path to fame was far from straightforward, as he spent his early years doing various hard labor jobs as well as a stint in the navy. In 1945 he went to acting school and eventually changed his name. His acting career began to flourish in the 50s, after his significant role in the western film, Sierra (1950).
I'd love to hear from you! Leave a comment and let me know if you learned anything new.
What are your favorite 1950s films?
Follow Me on Pinterest!
If you're enjoying learning about the 1950s, hop on over to my Pinterest Page where you'll see lots of fashion and famous faces from the era.
Check out my 1950s Pinterest Board
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Goodreads Book Giveaway
Murder at High Tide
by Lee Strauss
Giveaway ends March 26, 2020.
See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.
Enter Giveaway
Pre-order Murder at High Tide now!
Exclusive bonus material for my newsletter subscribers
How it All Began. . .
Like many British children during World War Two, Rosa Reed’s parents, Ginger and Basil Reed, made the heart-wrenching decision to send their child to a foreign land and out of harm’s way. Fortunately, Ginger’s half-sister Louisa and her family, now settled in the quaint coastal town of Santa Bonita, California, was pleased to take her in.
By the spring of 1945, Rosa Reed had almost made it through American High School unscathed, until the American army decided to station an army base there. Until she met the handsome Private Miguel Belmonte and fell in love. . .
Join my newsletter!
Already a subscriber? Start reading now!
The post Famous names of the 1950s! appeared first on Lee Strauss.
March 5, 2020
Sneak Peek to New Series!
What’s not to love about 1950s fashion? From Pin Up to Rockabilly there was a style for nearly everyone. Or at least every woman.
Kitten heels, capri pants, poodle skirts, and high waisted jeans were all the rage in this era! New fashion trends in the 50s were introduced by designer Christian Dior, featuring full skirt dresses that accentuated tiny waists. With their husbands at work, many women had more disposable income to spend on fashion than in previous decades.
Here’s a look at some of these iconic styles. Which one is your favorite?
The 50s Swing DressSwing dresses boasted a full skirt, with a shirtwaist top. These dresses were often made out of cotton and came in variety of patterns and colors. The loose-fitting skirt allowed women to go about their housework but could easily be dressed up for outings by throwing on a pearl necklace or hat.
The Pencil DressNearly as popular as the swing dress, pencil dresses were all the rage! These tight-fitted garments generally had pleats built into the back to allow some movement. Large pockets and big buttons were popular features of the pencil dress.
Poodle SkirtsPoodle skirts were highly popular among teen girls. Typically paired with sweaters, these skirts allowed for girls to show their personality with unique cutouts. These cutouts could be sewn or ironed on. Poodles became one of the most popular decorations although Christmas themes and a variety of other images were used.
Capri PantsAlthough pants were no longer illegal by the 1950s, they were still somewhat taboo in pop culture. Even so, many women enjoyed the freedom of wearing slacks at home. As women's pants became more accepted, a variety of new styles emerged. Most 1950s pants featured a high rise with a slim fit. Capri pants that were cut off mid-calf also came into style in a variety of colors and designs.
Kitten HeelsKitten heels had a low thin heel that allowed women to look glamorous while also being sturdy on their feet. They were usually made of soft materials such as suede or velvet with a pointed toe. For day to day use, heels were often brown or black while a more glittery version was donned for evening outings. Many women paid particular attention to making sure that their shoes matched their other accessories.
I'd love to hear from you! Leave a comment and let me know if you learned anything new. Can you think of any other styles that made a significant impact in the 1950s?
Murder at High Tide Sneak Peek!
Murder at High Tide, the first Rosa Reed Mystery will be released on March 24th.
That's less than 3 weeks away- wow!
Here’s a teaser from Chapter 1.
>>> Hugging was a very “un-English” thing to do.
Rosa Reed, rather British through and through, had yet to acclimatize to the exuberance of the American branch of her family and had endured more hugs in the few days she’d been in Santa Bonita, California than she’d had for most of her life growing up in Great Britain, the war years excepted. Now that she and her cousin Gloria had arrived at her Aunt Louisa’s charity event on the beach, Rosa braced herself for even more.
Drinks and cigarettes in hand, a crowd of people milling about, standing or sitting at round tables covered in white linen. Catering staff, all dressed in white, were busy fussing with the food.
“I feel overdressed,” Rosa remarked to her younger cousin Gloria Forrester. Red ribbons adorned Rosa’s white dress that was sprinkled with black polka dots. Short chestnut-colored waves were crowned with a white straw sun hat trimmed with matching red ribbon.
“You’re a Forrester,” Gloria said. With dark hair curled tightly around her ears, and dark lipstick on a bright white smile, Gloria spun to show off the fancy baby-blue crinoline skirt of her party dress. “You’re supposed to overdress.” <<
Read the full excerpt here!
Pre-order now!
Exclusive bonus material for my newsletter subscribers
How it All Began. . .
Like many British children during World War Two, Rosa Reed’s parents, Ginger and Basil Reed, made the heart-wrenching decision to send their child to a foreign land and out of harm’s way. Fortunately, Ginger’s half-sister Louisa and her family, now settled in the quaint coastal town of Santa Bonita, California, was pleased to take her in.
By the spring of 1945, Rosa Reed had almost made it through American High School unscathed, until the American army decided to station an army base there. Until she met the handsome Private Miguel Belmonte and fell in love. . .
Join my newsletter!
Already a subscriber? Start reading now!
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Goodreads Book Giveaway
Murder at High Tide
by Lee Strauss
Giveaway ends March 26, 2020.
See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.
Enter Giveaway
The post Sneak Peek to New Series! appeared first on Lee Strauss.
February 27, 2020
The 1950s are Swell! Plus Giveaway.
I was born in the mid-sixties, but things must've moved more slowly back in those days because I feel like I remember the fifties. By the time I was cognitive of popular culture, I'd heard of Doris Day, Elizabeth Taylor, and of course, that young and wild, bane of existence of all parents of teen girls in the fifties, Elvis Presley. Though fashions had changed somewhat by the time I cared about them, my dress-up box contained two wonderful crinoline slips that I loved. I knew who Howdy Doody was, and wondered what the hair commercial tag line "Does she... or doesn't she?" meant.
It's been fun revisiting these days in my research for the Rosa Reed Mysteries. For many, the 1950s stir up a little nostalgia for what we like to believe were simpler and more innocent times. (Not true, but it's nice to pretend).
I hope you're as excited about this new series as I am. I can't wait to share Rosa Reed with you all very soon!
PRE-ORDER NOW!
The first Rosa Reed Mystery, Murder at High Tides opens up in the early summer of 1956. These are magazine covers and other bits of history I've been looking at for research. Over the next few weeks, I'll be writing about each of the following topics featuring the 1950s.
Two of the most popular magazines during the 1950s were Life Magazine and Look Magazine. Life magazine was started in 1936 and gained notoriety for its photographic documentation of World War II. Look Magazine was popular for documenting American culture and trends, from fashion to cars.
Kitten heels, capri pants, poodle skirts, and high waisted jeans were all the rage in the 1950s! New fashion trends in the 50s were introduced by designer Christian Dior, featuring full skirt dresses that accentuated tiny waists. With their husbands at work, many women had more disposable income to spend on fashion than in previous decades.
The 1950s marked the birth of sports cars such as the Corvette. With new developments rapidly appearing in the auto industry, there was more competition and more options than ever before. The creation of more economical vehicles also meant that more families were able to purchase cars.
Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, James Stewart, and Marlon Brando were some of the biggest names in Hollywood at the time. Romantic comedies and musicals were all the rage, with the occasional suspenseful thriller.
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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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Goodreads Book Giveaway
Murder at High Tide
by Lee Strauss
Giveaway ends March 26, 2020.
See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.
Enter Giveaway
The post The 1950s are Swell! Plus Giveaway. appeared first on Lee Strauss.
February 13, 2020
Valentine’s Party Today – Join Us!
I've teamed up with talented cozy authors Emily Queen, Shea MacLeod, C. Jane Reid and Beth Byers to host a fun Facebook Party!
Hop-on over to Miss W's Book Chat from 2 pm to 6 pm Eastern Standard Time or 7 pm to 12 am Universal Standard Time for games, giveaways, and good books!
If you can't make it, you can always join the group and check back later. See you there!
JOIN THE VALENTINE'S DAY PARTY HERE
Don't see a button? Join the party here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/misswsbookchat/
~ New Release for 99cents! ~The worlds of Ginger Gold and Violet Carlyle collide in this fun Valentine Mystery short story by bestselling authors Lee Strauss and Beth Byers.
While both Ginger and Violet had plans for a romantic evening of dinner and dancing to celebrate Valentine’s Day with their husbands, something goes terribly awry. One by one, female patrons discover that they are missing jewelry.
In this closed room mystery filled with a brigade of colorful characters, Violet and Ginger join forces to put their skills of deduction to work. Can they unveil the culprit and solve the mystery in time for dessert?
Don’t miss this delectable bite-sized tale. Pairs perfectly with a box of chocolate and a comfy chair!
Grab your copy now for just 99cents!
Congratulations Tammy A. for winning the Murder on Fleet Street Contest.
Thank you to everyone to entered!
You can view the contest here: https://gleam.io/VKDzM/murder-on-fleet-street
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