Lee Strauss's Blog, page 8

February Backlist Blast + Multi-author paperback sale

I can't believe I've been indie-publishing since 2011! In that time I've written and published 44 books (not all currently available) with more coming.

I'm so grateful for this job and for faithful readers like you!

Since 2017, I've focused on the historical cozy mystery genre, but before then I wrote Young Adult, Speculative Fiction, and Sweet Romance. Those books are considered my backlist books (series I'm no longer writing), and for those of you who are curious and would like to check them out, I've put the first in series books on sale for .99. They are all in Kindle Unlimited too, for those of you who subscribe.

If you are a diehard historical cozy mystery fan, I've got good news for you too. I've joined 11 other authors who are offering paperback versions of their books on sale for 9.99 or less. You can get Murder on the SS Rosa in paperback for just 6.99 until February 14.

Click here for Cosy Historical Mystery sales

February Backlist Sales

Clockwise (The Clockwise Series Book 1)

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.

Click here to get Clockwise for 99 cents

Love Song (Light & Love series Book 1)

Katja Stoltz is used to tough times—an abusive stepfather, life on the streets, a musical dream that keeps shattering—but it’s hard to compete with the ghost in Micah Sturm’s mysterious closet.

The Baroque beauty of Dresden Germany can be breathtaking, but it can also be bitterly cold. After being tossed onto the streets by her unfeeling roommates, Katja fears there’s only one recourse left for her. The oldest profession on earth.

Micah’s the one to pick her up, but he surprises her with his no strings offer — a place to stay until she gets on her feet.

If only it weren’t for this undeniable attraction between them, a gravitational pull they both struggle to resist. Katja can't help but fall in love.

But Micah has a secret that could ruin everything.

Will Katja find happiness on her quest for the truth about Micah? Or will she miss out on her Love Song?

Click here to get Love Song for 99 cents

Gingerbread Man (A Nursery Rhyme Suspense Book 1)

When that cute chick you met online is murdered – but shows up for your next internet meeting anyway.

Marlow's just a regular geeky college freshman with little to no experience with girls, so when he has a semi-flirtatious chat with a cute girl online, it's almost more than his nerves can handle.

Then the girl is murdered.
Or is she?
Marlow finds himself teamed up with intelligent and savvy Sage Farrell, a girl so far out of his league he feels blinded in her presence – literally – damned glasses! Together they work to find the identity of @gingerbreadman. Can they stop the killer before he strikes in more worlds than one?

Click here to get Gingerbread Man for 99 cents

Perception (The Perception Trilogy Book 1)

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.

Click here to get Perception for 99 cents

 

Murder at the Dude Ranch cover reveal + High Tide sale

Murder's a wild ride!

Rosa Reed takes a much needed break from her thriving private investigative work by joining her cousin Clarence and Aunt Louisa for a weekend getaway at the Black Stallion Dude Ranch near Santa Bonita, California. It's the beginning of 1957 and Rosa is ready for a fresh start. Newly single, all she needs is time on the trails, and cuddles from her tabby cat, Diego.

The peace and quiet of ranch life is soon disrupted when a horse returns from a trail ride without its rider. When foul play is determined, Rosa finds herself thrust once again into a murder investigation along side her former flame, the handsome detective Miguel Belmonte.

Suspicion falls on many of the guests—the failed investment banker, the laundrymat owner, the heiress, and to Rosa's dismay, her own cousin Clarence. 

Can Rosa prove her cousin's innocence before the cows come home?

Preorder Now

What do you think of the cover? Let me know in the comments.

MURDER AT HIGH TIDE is on SALE this week for .99! 

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!

When a body floats onto the beach at a charity event hosted by Rosa's Aunt Louisa, Rosa's detective instincts kick in. Can she help solve the case and save her aunt's reputation? Even if it means working with her old flame, Detective Miguel Belmonte? Get it for .99!

Driving into Escapism – What does Rum Running have to do with Nascar?

If, during these tumultuous times, you feel like driving into a world of fiction, you're not alone! Sometimes a comfy, cozy escapism is just what a weary reader needs. The next book I have on offer will do just that with an interesting and insightful look at the early days of stock car racing.

The ‘Well Oiled' Roots of Stock Car Racing. 

In the latest Rosa Reed Mystery, Murder at the Races, Rosa finds herself thrust into the world of American stock car racing. She encounters a number of pretty colorful characters and learns about the history of NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Racing). Did you know that NASCAR has its beginnings in prohibition bootlegging?

During the 1930s and 40s, in order to successfully avoid Federal Agents and police, bootleggers needed to turn up the speed.

They needed to make cars that were faster, but they also needed them to look ordinary.  

Keeping the outside the same, all the floorboards and backseats of the cars were removed to store as much liquor as possible. Extra suspension springs were installed to handle the extra weight, and most importantly, the engines were modified to allow for much greater speed.

The illegal liquor was often transported on the backroads at night, usually with the headlights turned off. The “Rum Runners”  behind the wheel needed very strong driving skills, able to to maneuver well along various terrain (even winding mountain roads) with the speedometer cranked up.

In the process, these Runners taught themselves to be the best high-speed drivers of their time. Although Prohibition ended in 1933, illegal whiskey and Moonshine continued to be produced for years afterward to avoid taxes and regulations.

With the continual improvement of fast cars, NASCAR races were introduced in the late 40s, and most of the drivers involved had honed their skills for years transporting illegal liquor.

Some of them had even served prison sentences prior to these races, and their failures here were blamed on flat tires at inopportune moments (for this reason, several companies had developed high-quality tires specifically for the rum-running business).

The first ever winner of a NASCAR race, Red Byron, was a former Moonshine Runner.

 

In Murder at the Races (link), 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.

Did you learn anything new? Let me know in the comments.

Preorder Murder at the Races

The post Driving into Escapism – What does Rum Running have to do with Nascar? appeared first on Lee Strauss.

Hello 2021. I’m cautiously optimistic to meet you.

Often, this time of year, I write a blog about my year in review, but I think I'm going to pass this time. I've never been so eager to see a year leave through the back door as I have for 2020, and I know I'm not alone.

Personally, I lost a longtime, very dear friend to cancer. I know there's been tremendous loss, and my heart goes out to everyone who is grieving right now. You are not alone. There is a time for grief, but we are never without hope.

Because of Covid, our family, like many families, couldn't be together this holiday seasons. The rules in our area state that a single person could have one other person spend Christmas with them, so Norm and I decided I would go to my daughter who presently lives five hours away. (I say presently because she is soon moving back to Kelowna where Norm and I live – yay!) It's the first time in 33 years that we as a couple have spent the holidays apart. Norm spent Christmas with two of our sons. Strange times we live in.

Spending so much more time at home, (and I'm a bonafide homebody already!) has given me more time for contemplation and reflection. Hitting my mid fifties (okay, a little beyond) has also contributed to my reflections on “How then shall we live?”

I've concluded that life is too short and too precious to waste it by being anxious or busy. I'm determined to spend more time outdoors and with my family in 2021. Though I love my work, and of course, there will be more books (!), balance in life is so important. Finding peace in turbulent times is necessary for our mental health and I hope in this year you can find your way to Peace.

Memorable for its simplicity. Tasia, my daughter, spoiled me with a pair of classy sunglasses and a wonderful, super soft scarf. I stayed for several days to help her clean and pack to move.

In book news: 4 maybe 5 Ginger Gold books are coming your way this year along with 3 Rosa Reed. I'm currently working on Ginger Gold 15, Murder at Royal Albert Hall where I delve into the mystery of Ambrosia's past. I think you'll really like this one! It's releasing the end of March. But you won't have to wait that long for a new Lee Strauss release. Murder at the Races, the 6th Rosa Reed is coming this February!

Do you have any goals or plans for 2021? Let me know in the comments.

The post Hello 2021. I’m cautiously optimistic to meet you. appeared first on Lee Strauss.

Murder In Hyde Park Chapter One

Click Here to Get Murder in Hyde Park on Amazon 

Chapter One

The grand Summer Fashion Show, set in Hyde Park, was only one day away, and Feathers & Flair was abuzz with energy. In the back room of the Regent Street dress shop belonging to Mrs. Ginger Reed, last-minute details were being attended to. A red-velvet curtain hid the mayhem from the sophistication of the display room on the other side. Madame Roux, the shop manager, fussed and clicked her tongue, giving clipped French-accented instructions to Millie, the long and lithe model, to dress quickly and see to the customer standing by the tall windows awaiting a demonstration.

“A fashion show may be in our future, Miss Tatum,” Madame Roux said, “but we have customers today!”

Millie, dressed in a new, sparkling silk gown the colour of sea glass and as wispy as seaweed, passed through the velvet curtain to the vast display room with its shiny white-marble floors, high ceilings trimmed in gold, and lit with an electric chandelier. Dorothy West, the young shop attendant who lacked the model’s level of sophistication, assisted.

Ginger turned to her resident seamstress and designer, Emma Miller. A former student of fashion design, Miss Miller showed tremendous potential, and it was Ginger’s secret concern the girl would get a better offer and leave Feathers & Flair.

“They’re a whirlwind of excitement, aren’t they, Emma?” Ginger said.

For what seemed like the thousandth time, Emma scrutinised the rack of frocks—her own designs—ready for the fashion runway.

“Oh, madam, I don’t blame them. I’m quite flushed myself. Whenever I think of the show, and all the famous designers coming . . .” She ran a slender hand across her brow. “Especially Coco Chanel! Will she be there? Have you heard?”

Ginger bit her cheek to keep from grinning. Emma’s nerves shone through her uncharacteristic chattering.

“Mademoiselle Chanel isn’t one to make commitments, I’m afraid,” Ginger said. “Although, I’ve heard from the event organisers that her mannequins and designs are on their way if one can believe the French.”

Ginger often envied the joie de vivre of her French counterparts, their flair for life, and their little regard for rules or propriety. Being English could be rather dull in comparison.

Emma gasped. “Do you think we’ll see the little black dress?”

Coco Chanel had debuted the controversial frock that spring to the dismay of many and the delight of a few. Ginger counted herself among the latter.

“I certainly hope so,” Ginger replied. Her hand rounded her growing belly. The colour black created the illusion of slimness, though at the rate her little one inside was growing, she could hardly imagine that any colour could mask her condition in due time. She was thankful that the current trends were for straight lines that dropped from the shoulder. The earlier cinch-waisted gowns of the previous generation would be far less forgiving.

“I adore her, Mrs. Reed,” Emma said, her eyes glazed over as she placed her palms over her heart. “I shall simply die if she comes.”

This time, Ginger couldn’t hold back her laughter. “Well, that shall never do, Emma. We need you alive and well for this event. We have a lot of work to do.”

Ginger braced herself to face the small mountain of correspondence waiting for her on her desk in the back room’s tiny office. She held in a growing sense of frustration toward her former sister-in-law, Felicia Gold, who Ginger employed to help her in her investigative office around the corner. For this week, however, Ginger had asked for help in the dress shop, and Felicia had reassured her that she’d join in on the effort. But since she’d started stepping out with Lord Davenport-Witt, Felicia’s word had begun to mean nothing. Ginger understood the draw of new love, but that didn’t excuse one from keeping to one’s word and responsibilities.

Wanting to finish her desk work before the afternoon postal delivery and pickup, Ginger picked up her fountain pen and wrote several responses to letters waiting. By the time she’d finished her task, her hand was cramped.

Madame Roux stepped into the office, looking flushed.

“How is everything on the floor?” Ginger asked. “Is everything all right?”

“Oui, oui. It’s busy, and sales are brisk, but a new customer, one I’ve never seen before, has asked for you.” Madame Roux’s ski-jump nose pointed upwards. “She refused service from me. ‘Only the owner,’ she said.”

How odd, Ginger thought. She got to her feet, a little less gracefully than had come naturally before she was with child, and smoothed out her skirt. She wore a pretty powder-blue day frock with a floral pattern and pearl detailing, and when she walked through the velvet curtains to meet their demanding customer, she was glad she looked her best.

Before her stood a petite but formidable-looking lady in a summer hat with a narrow brim, wide ribbon, and an abundance of felt roses. A fringe of grey hair peeked out along her lined forehead. Despite her years, her posture was so straight that only a corset could be responsible. The lines on her face were plentiful and deep; however, it was clear by her high cheekbones and facial structure that she had been a beauty in her youth. And, unlike many women in their later years, this lady had a good grasp of fashion and was wearing a soft-grey silk frock with flaring, pleated leaves and a pleated, low-dropping skirt, tastefully highlighted with rose-coloured trim. Ginger recognised it as an Alice Bernard design she’d seen in a recent La Femme Chic magazine.

“Good afternoon,” Ginger said, a friendly smile pasted on her face. She’d learned to keep her voice low to keep it from carrying along the high ceilings. “I’m Mrs. Reed, the owner of this establishment.”

Ginger held out a hand, gloveless, but with fingers expertly manicured and a row of tasteful rings on her fingers.

The lady hesitated before accepting the handshake. “I’m Deborah, Duchess of Worthington. I was under the impression that a titled lady ran this shop.”

The skin around Ginger’s green eyes tightened. It was true. When she’d opened Feathers & Flair, her official legal title was Lady Gold, as widow of Lord Daniel Gold, a baron. Then she fell in love with Basil Reed. Though the grandson of a viscount, Basil worked as a chief inspector at Scotland Yard, which meant, to some, a slip down the ladder. However, Ginger had readily forfeited the title and the prestige that came with it to spend the rest of her life with him.

Most of the time, Ginger didn’t miss it.

“Yes,” Ginger answered politely. “But now it is run by me. Is there something I can help you find? We can order any of the latest fashions from all the esteemed designers, or our resident designer could help you with an original.”

Ginger didn’t bother to tell the highbrow lady that the upper floor contained racks of factory-made frocks, a new trend followed by the younger generation and those who appreciated the convenience of buying an outfit already sized, and that could be worn that very day.

“Are you new to London?” Ginger enquired. She’d encountered every lady of consequence in the city at some point.

“Until recently, my husband, the Duke of Worthington, and I lived in our villa in Morocco, but with the conflict there . . .” She flicked a hand as if she were bored with the subject. The Rif War between Spain’s colonial power and the regional Berber tribes had been ongoing for six years. Tiring of it, all of Europe hoped for an end to the conflict soon. “The Duke is busy in Barcelona, so I came here.”

She sniffed with an expression of displeasure. “London is still a rather filthy city, isn’t it?”

Propriety insisted that Ginger take the insult to her city on the chin. “There are many lovely places in London, and you might be interested in the fashion show coming to Hyde Park this Friday afternoon. It’ll be splendid.”

“Yes, I’ve heard about the event.” She glanced around the shop and then back at Ginger. “Perhaps.”

“Can I help you with your fashion needs, Your Grace?” Ginger asked, hoping to move this unpleasant encounter along.

“I think not. My driver is waiting in the motorcar. Coco Chanel’s London shop is dazzling, and near my home in Mayfair, where I’m currently staying. Good day, Mrs. Reed.”

Of course, Ginger knew of Coco Chanel’s connections in the area, particularly her alleged affair with Bendor, 2nd Duke of Westminster.

The Duchess of Worthington turned on her heel, never laying an eye on Madame Roux who’d remained several steps behind Ginger, nor the shop girls that watched, wide-eyed, at the back.

“Well,” Ginger said, facing her staff. “I doubt we’ll see her again.” To herself, she thought, good riddance.

The bell above the door rang as the postman entered.

“Dorothy,” Ginger said, “be a brick and grab the outgoing letters on my desk.”

“Good afternoon, Mrs. Reed,” the postman said, handing her a bundle of letters. He waited until Dorothy returned, handing him the outgoing post. “Very good,” he said. “Good day, ladies.”

“He’s a nice man, isn’t he?” Dorothy said with a soft sigh.

“Too short for me,” Millie quipped.

Ginger perused the post, stopping on one letter with a Paris return address. She recognised the neat cursive script. “Oh, Emma. I think it’s her.”

Emma stepped forward, her hands clasped highly in front of her frock. “Her, madam?”

Ginger removed the single card inserted inside and read aloud.

“My dearest Ginger.” Ginger paused on the next word, the pet surname written behind her name, LaFleur. Withholding that, she continued. “I’m pleased to tell you that I shall be returning to London shortly and shall attend your little fashion show along with my entourage. I look forward to sharing a glass of chardonnay with you. And a grotesque basket of your famous fish and chips!”

“You didn’t say that you and Mademoiselle Chanel were friends,” Madame Roux said. “Though I’m not surprised.”

“We met in Paris, long ago—before her Chanel N˚5 perfume shot her to fame and fortune.” Ginger’s mind went back to the moment they had met, before Ginger’s recruitment into the British secret service, during what seemed another lifetime. Ginger would hardly call them friends.

Emma gripped the edge of the sales counter. “Coco Chanel is coming. I think I’m going to faint.”

CLICK HERE to Get Murder In Hyde Park on Amazon

The post Murder In Hyde Park Chapter One appeared first on Lee Strauss.

Little Black Dress + New Journal Entry

Introducing… The Little Black Dress!

Before the 1920s, wearing black was reserved only for mourning.

Then in 1926 Coco Chanel printed a short simple black dress on the cover of Vogue magazine. The little black dress made a bold statement both because it was black and because it was simple. It's the most versatile piece of clothing that can easily be switched up with accessories. Its short length and simplicity also meant that any woman could afford to be chic!

The little black dress continued to be popular throughout the rest of the 20th century.

In 1961, Audrey Hepburn wore the little black dress in Breakfast at Tiffany’s – now considered one of the most iconic looks in cinematic history.

Of course, we can't forget when Princess Diana donned the dress  in 1994.

One British journalist commented, “In that minidress, she oozed confidence, an air of happiness and independence. It was a classic case of a woman wearing the dress and not the other way around.”

Today, the little black dress is often considered essential to a complete wardrobe and has a timeless appeal.

***

Interested in 1920s fashion?

You can revisit these four blog posts on the fashion of the 1920s:

1. https://www.leestraussbooks.com/beachwear-in-the-roaring-20s/

2. https://www.leestraussbooks.com/in-real-life-people/

3. https://www.leestraussbooks.com/fashion-and-murder/

4. https://www.leestraussbooks.com/im-in-love-with-the-1920s/

***

Murder on the SS Rosa – Free Today

It's the perfect time to introduce your friends and family to Ginger Gold. The first of the Ginger Gold series is Free from December 9th to the 11th.

P.S. Don't worry if you missed the deal, SS Rosa will be free again on Dec 21 and 22

Grab your free copy now!

***

New Journal Entry!

Christmas 1915 ~ Daniel experiences a rare truce with German soldiers on the front lines.

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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2 New Contests + Journal Entry

Can you believe it's already December? I suppose many of us are glad to see this year come to an end.

2 Murder in Hyde Park Contests + Thanksgiving

Contest #1 – Gleam

To celebrate the upcoming release of Murder in Hyde Park, I'm giving away a free paperback copy! I'm also throwing in a $50 PayPal cash bonus.

Click here to enter Gleam contest!

 Contest #2 – Goodreads

*Opens for entries on November 27 

Enter for a chance to win one of 10 e-book copies of Murder in Hyde Park!

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 Investigations to clear her name, but can Ginger discover the murderer before becoming a dead mannequin herself?

Click here to enter Goodreads contest! 

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to my American friends! Have a wonderful and SAFE time with friends and family (online or in person) and enjoy your scrumptious turkey dinner.

The post 2 Murder in Hyde Park Contests + Thanksgiving appeared first on Lee Strauss.

New Release – Lady Gold Investigates Volume 4

Are you getting excited for Christmas yet?

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 Christmas themed mysteries.

These short cozies are perfect for snuggling in front of the fireplace with your favourite cup of tea!

Get Lady Gold Investigates Volume 4 on Amazon 

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Get Lady Gold Investigates Volume 4 on Amazon 

The post New Release – Lady Gold Investigates Volume 4 appeared first on Lee Strauss.

Poll results + New deal on Lady Gold Investigates + Journal entry

Poll Results are in!

Thanks to everyone for your feedback on the question ‘How often do you want to hear from me?' The poll results show a pretty even split!

Going forward, I will shoot for sending out two newsletters and posting two blogs per month.

***

Lady Gold Investigates Volume 1: FREE for a limited time!

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Lady Gold Investigates is FREE until November 16th. Be sure to grab your free copy while you can!

Ginger Gold has opened her own private investigation office! This short story companion series to Ginger Gold Mysteries has the clever Mrs. Ginger Reed, aka Lady Gold, and her adventurous sister-in-law Felicia taking on clients who've got all sorts of troubles.

Grab your FREE copy of Lady Gold Investigates Volume 1

***

Pre-Order Lady Gold Investigates Volume 4: Christmas Edition

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Are you ready for Christmas yet??

Lady Gold Investigates 4 is now available for Pre-Order!

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 Christmas themed mysteries

These short cozies are perfect for snuggling in front of the fireplace with your favourite cup of tea!

Pre-Order Lady Gold Investigates Volume 4

***

Friends of Lee book feature!

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I'm sneaking in a Friends of Lee ~ Denise Jaden, whom you might recognize as a co-writer of mine from the Rosa Reed Mystery series, has launched her own cozy mystery series. Check out Murder at Mile Marker 18.

Perfect for fans of Molly Fitz and Christy Barritt… An unlucky amateur sleuth, an adorable cop, and a cat with a hunch…

Get Murder at Mile Marker 18

***

New Journal Entry!

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Ginger takes a dangerous mission across enemy lines and meets Nurse Higgins!

The password is Goldmine. Don't forget to capitalize the ‘G' 

Just a quick caveat: these entries aren't professionally edited.

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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