Gypsies, Tramps and Weeia

The Weeia Marshals #1

by Elle Boca

Sworn to protect the secrets of their race, marshals are trained to police Weeia hiding among humans. After completing her advanced marshal training, Danni is blown away by her new plum assignment to Paris. But, all is not well in the City of Lights; the offices are a shambles, her boss is apathetic, and her predecessors died under mysterious circumstances; it’s almost like somebody doesn’t want the law there. Despite that she risks her life in the seedy underworld of gypsies and tramps to search for a missing Weeia man.

Genres: Paranormal

262 pages, Paperback

Published February 1, 2016

About the author

Elle is the author of two urban fantasy series about superhumans called Weeia, the Unelmoija Series in Miami and the Marshals Series in Paris. Growing up the only child of a monkey mother and a rabbit father she learned to keep herself entertained and spend time reading. Elle makes her home with her king cat husband in South Florida.


Published ebooks and print books include

Weeia books

Unelmoija Series

Unelmoija: The Dreamshifter
Unelmoija: The Mindshifter
Unelmoija: The Spiritshifter
Unelmoija: The Timeshifter
Unelmoija: Paradox

Novella - In the Garden of Weeia

Marshals Series

Gypsies, Tramps and Weeia
Weeia on My Mind
Smells Like Weeia Spirit
An American Weeia in Paris

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dedicated, new Weeia Marshal, the stars are still in Danni’s eyes. She has visions of capturing the bad guys and keeping the world safe while keeping humans blissfully ignorant of the Weeia around them. When she receives her first posting in Paris, she discovers there is more to the City of Lights than meets the eye, including the nightmare her new home base is. Alone in a strange country, determined to be a good Marshal and frightfully aware of her weight, appearance and gruff manner, life is a struggle for Danni as her absent boss turns out to be a pompous and judgmental, lazy and indifferent leader. Yet her Weeia senses are on high alert, in spite of the disaster she has “inherited” from her deceased predecessors. Follow one determined and internally fragile young woman as she lives for truth, justice and the Weeia way in this exciting new series by Elle Boca. Gypsies, Tramps and Weeia is one more magnetic read to add to Ms. Boca’s accomplishments.

Do you like intrigue and clearly hidden information, as well as a totally dedicated, rough around the edges young heroine? Danni is easy to love, to want to shelter one minute and then just as easily a force to be reckoned with if you are on the wrong side of the Weeia law. Wonderful writing highlights a suspenseful read as characters come and go, and who is actually a good guy is sometimes in doubt. Rarely does a character come across as so human, even if they are Weeia. Great reading, great plot, great characters…and just a little on the fresh, new and different side?

I received an ARC edition from Elle Boca in exchange for my honest review.

Series: The Weeia Marshalls - Book 1
Publisher: Poyeen Publishing
Publication Date: February 1, 2016
Genre: Paranormal Fantasy
Print Length: 275 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Kirsty (Amethyst Bookwyrm) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Elle Boca for giving this book to review.

Danni has completed her training to become a marshal, the police sworn to protect Weeia hiding among humans, and is surprised to receive a good assignment in Paris. However, when she gets there Danni discovers that not all is as she was expecting, with an apathetic boss, an office in shambles and her predecessor Marshals dying under mysterious circumstances. Despite the risks, Danni is determined to do her job, even if some in Paris believe they are above the law.

Gypsies, Tramps and Weeia is an action-packed book set in the Weeia universe. It is enjoyable and really well written, especially when describing Paris. This book also had suspense and humour.

Danni is persistent and determined to do a good job and to prove herself, she also comes across as blunt and abrupt but that is just a front because she is really insecure. There are a few secondary characters but only one really stands out in my mind, Iaen, as he is cocky, charming and a loveable rogue. I liked that Ernie was in this book and I hope he is in more of the future novels.

I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading the next book in this series. I would recommend Gypsies, Tramps and Weeia to fans of the Weeia series.

This and my other reviews can be found at Amethyst Bookwyrm

[Nicholas Rossis · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Boca finished her Unlemoija series, I wondered what direction she'd take next. Her Marshal series was a pleasant surprise. It continues building on her imaginative Weeia world, in a way that makes perfect sense. The story continuity alone is impressive, but Boca also manages to throw in a remarkable new heroine. One who's only too human, despite being a Weeia - and one that emerges all the stronger because of it. From her filthy tobacco-chewing to her occasionally irrational behavior, Danni is a down-to-earth character. A flawed hero who is shaped by her struggles; quite unlike the almost-perfect Unelmoija. That alone makes it easy for readers to identify with.

To me, that was the greatest strength of Gypsies, Tramps and Weeia, and I find Boca's choice of her new heroine to be bold and exciting. If you throw in one of the best depictions of Paris I have seen in a while - warts and all - this is a fresh YA urban fantasy that fans of the genre shouldn't miss. Can't wait to see where Boca brings Danni next.

[Dave Higgins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Boca mixes the shock of moving to a new culture, the frustration of being a cop with a boss who won’t support them, and an urban fantasy world that isn’t filled with the usual creatures to create a tale of magical investigation that is driven by character rather than special effects.

Near identical but gifted with magical abilities, Weeia have always lived among humans in secret. The Marshals exist both to capture criminals and ensure the secret remains. When Danni is offered a placement in Paris straight out of training, she can’t believe her luck. However, with her predecessors dead, the Marshals’ office near derelict, and her boss only interested in her not getting in the way of his life of decadence, she realises her posting might not be what it seemed.

This novel is set in the same world as Boca’s Unelmoija series. However, it neither relies upon nor reveals events in those novels. As such, it both is suitable as an introduction to the world, and can be read in parallel to the Unelmoija arc.

Unlike the focus on mystical heritage and secrets of Unelmoija series, this novel is akin to an urban fantasy detective or police procedural. While it has a large dose of the same unique metaphysics, a substantial part of the plot revolves around using—or subverting—procedures, analysing evidence, and investigating rather than wielding strange abilities and unravelling prophecies. By creating a police service that is similar to those of Western nations but different in a number of key ways, Boca skilfully balances the reader’s desire to solve along with the characters against the use of magic for investigation.

Boca weaves a detailed but not obsessively so thread of Parisian life through these mysteries, adding to the firm foundation created by mundane detection, creating a parallel series of challenges, and rounding out characters. While she admits to taking some liberties with reality, this Paris is likely to feel real to all but the most Parisian of readers.

Although there are—as might be expected of what was written as the first book in a series—some questions left unanswered, Boca resolves the majority of threads, providing Danni with victories that are not only satisfying but significant enough that the book could stand as a solo work.

Danni is a sympathetic protagonist. The daughter of Marshals who were disgraced by some unexplained event, she is torn between an unconscious desire to present herself as a good Weeia and many years of not letting bullies silence her; this opposition both drives and inhibits her efforts to undertake her posting efficiently despite the rest of the Marshals’ presence wanting her to stay quiet and leave thing alone.

The supporting cast are similarly shaped by internal contradictions, making them, Weeia and human alike, feel like real people living lives beyond the plot.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. I recommend it to readers seeking an urban fantasy thriller that relies on character and investigation more than magical abilities.

I received a free copy from the author with no request for a review.

[N.A. Granger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elle Boca is the prolific author of seven books about Weeia, and three in the Marshalls series, of which this is the first. Although I have not read the previous books, it was easy to immerse myself in this one.
The Weeia look like normal humans but they possess special powers for the sole purpose of protecting humans and Weeia alike. Their lifespan is longer than humans, but they are subject to the same dangers. Marshalls are trained to police Weeia hiding among humans.
At the opening of this story Danni Metraeux, who, while constantly bullied at the academy, completes her final exam and becomes a level 3 Marshall. The bullying is the result of something that happened to her family, but it’s not explained, so I was left wondering exactly what had marked her. Expecting to be given an assignment in a backwater place, Danni instead receives a plum assignment to Paris. Arriving there, she discovers why the assignment isn’t plum: her housing is less than substandard, her immediate superior isn’t interested in working with her, and her predecessors all died.
Nevertheless, Danni, who is strong, persistent and inventive, gradually overcomes all the negatives and finally – one her own – discovers a purpose for her being in Paris: to find a missing Weeia man in the underworld of gypsies and tramps who also populate the city.
The author does a good job of creating a three-dimensional protagonist with special powers and a whole host of tangential characters: a sort-of boyfriend named Ernie, who as second to the school’s Weapon Master, supplies her with the weapons she needs for her work; her BFF Marla, with whom she can share her troubles, both at school and in Paris; Odile Marmotte, an overly-made up matriarch who handles the day to day affairs of Weeia Marshals and is largely dismissive of Danni until Danni stands up to her; and the handsome Alain, who takes her on a tour of Paris on a motorbike, introducing her to the city. Of course, there is also Paris, and the author makes the city real and immediate.
In Paris, Danni comes into her own, as her growing powers allow her to be successful. I did like the paranormal aspects of the Weeia and enjoyed this world the author created.
There were a few issues for me, in addition to wondering about Danni’s parents. The pacing of the book was somewhat uneven. The testing of new marshals at the beginning started the book at a good pace but was followed by a lot of background information slowing the story. The tempo finally picked up around the middle of the book. The author does a great job with action scenes – I just wish there were more of them!
This book will definitely appeal to readers interested in the colorful world of a paranormal race, and there are two more books in this series.

[Kristyn - Reading to Unwind · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book follows Danni who just became a level 3 Marshal for Weeia. She gets a post in Paris to help police the Weeia. Danni experiences some setbacks when she arrives in Paris such as a bad living situation and a boss who is MIA. Danni then works hard to prove herself as the new marshal in town.

I loved Danni as a character. The author did a great job creating a whole new world regarding Weeia and it was very easy to follow along with. Danni was a very interesting character she obviously had a difficult upbringing, which has continued into her adult life. I liked that Danni was able to admit her faults and in turn able to be stronger because of them. Danni was a very independent character and someone who would work very hard to achieve a goal.

The author does a great job describing Paris when Danni is touring the town. I felt like from all the vivid details I could imagine myself traveling through this town along with Danni and picture exactly what Paris looked like. I also liked that we got to not only see the tourist areas, but other areas of the town. It was great that we also got some background on the current economy in Paris during the book. The details that the author used to describe the setting were great I felt like I was right along with Danni.

The beginning of the book is a lot of background information on Weeia as well as getting to know the characters. I feel the book picks up towards the middle to end with a large amount of action. The author does a great job writing the action scenes I felt like I could imagine what was going on with Danni during these settings.

My major issue was I felt like I was missing a huge bit of information by not knowing what happened to Danni’s family. The author kept alluding to something bad happened, but didn’t elaborate in the beginning. I felt like I was missing a big piece while reading since it was brought up several times in the beginning of the book and was definitely a major issue that effected Danni’s life.

I would suggest this as a nighttime read. It was easy to follow along in the book and was easy to find natural stopping points to put the book down and pick it up the next night. The story flowed very quickly and was easy to read.

I received a copy of this book from France Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of this book.

[Margaret Adelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

The idea of this book, of a woman sent to one of the most glamorous cities in the world and discovering it's seedy underbelly, intrigued me. So when I was offered a copy for review, I was happy to accept.

Right off the bat, there was an issue with the show, don't tell. The reader is told that Danni doesn't have many friends and is virtually an outcast. But during the portion of the book taking place at the Academy, there was almost nothing but conversations with friends and secret allies. She did not have one face to face conversation with someone that disliked her, so the idea of her being an outcast didn't stick.

There's also some struggling with exactly what is shown and in what depth. Danni's visit to the aunt and uncle that raised her gets barely a couple sentences, yet her struggle to get her seatbelt on the plane to work gets multiple paragraphs. Or a dinner meeting the family of one of her first friends in Paris gets looked over, yet we have a blow-by-blow description of a manservant setting up tea a scene later.

Then there's the giant info dumps about Paris. Entire conversations with unnamed characters whose only purpose is to give the history of an opera house or explain the layout of the city. It's a nice idea, but there's so much of it that most of it is forgotten by the end. It's obvious that the author loves the city, but blocks of exposition text aren't the most conducive way of communicating that love.

The biggest struggle I had was the racial stereotyping of Romani people. They are portrayed in the story as a giant group of thieves and pickpockets with shady business deals. Not a single Romani in the story has the dignity of a personality beyond "clever criminal." They don't even get names. It's lazy stereotyping at best and racist at worst. When the characters discussing a people group start reminding you of a villain from a Disney movie, it's not a good sign.

The saving grace of the book is that it has good ideas. The use of technology in junction with supernatural abilities, for example. Or the characters that first appeared to be curmudgeons getting a more in-depth look. But the writing style and info dumps get in the way. And there is definitely some preconceived notions about Romani people that the author needs to take a deeper look at.

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received this ebook from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.

Book: Gypsies, Tramps, and Weeia

Author: Elle Boca

Book Series: The Weeia Marshals Book 1

Rating: 4/5

Recommended For...: paranormal, mystery

Publication Date: February 1, 2016

Genre: Fantasy

Recommended Age: 16+ (death, violence, slight gore, slight romance)

Publisher: Poyeen Publishing

Pages: 262

Synopsis: Sworn to protect the secrets of their race, marshals are trained to police Weeia hiding among humans. After completing her advanced marshal training, Danni is blown away by her new plum assignment to Paris. But, all is not well in the City of Lights; the offices are a shambles, her boss is apathetic, and her predecessors died under mysterious circumstances; it’s almost like somebody doesn’t want the law there. Despite that she risks her life in the seedy underworld of gypsies and tramps to search for a missing Weeia man.

Review: Overall, this was a well done book. The book was well written and the plot was intriguing. The characters were well developed and the world building was fantastic.

However, if you've not previously been exposed to the Weeia world this book will be very confusing to you at first but it does good to explain everything to you. The pacing is also a bit slow in spots.

Verdict: It was good!

[Andrea Stoeckel · Rating 4 out of 5]

[I was gifted this book and voluntarily reviewed it in conjunction with Ms. Boca's second Blog Tour in March 2017]

"Do me the courtesy of judging me for my actions and not the actions of others. I'll do the same for you."

Danielle Metraeux, a girl whose family history makes her a bit of an outcast by no fault of her own was the Weeia at the Academy who was the one who got bullied. However, she had made it to Marshal and has been deployed to Paris France, on her own merits. This plum assignment is to monitor and guard the Weeia population in conjunction with her supervisor.

While at Academy, she was often silenced and lost, until she found her own way. In Paris, she is finding that skill set handier. From her apartment and office manager she uses her abilities to make her new post habitable. The things she is gossiped about are things that let her into places other Marshals haven't found easy. She begins to prove herself worthy of this posting despite rocking the boat.

With the help of her own skill set, and the tools given to her, she begins to enjoy what she does, never forgetting why she was sent there in the first place. Where her superiors in Paris look down on her, she gets more done in a short amount of time than they have in years, and in doing so, gets the respect she deserves as well as craves.

I read a good deal of paranormal and urban fantasy. Having never read Ella Boca, I found this book reviewed on a favorite blog during its first go around, and it intrigued me. When it came up as a second blog tour, I offered to read it. I really liked this kind of parallel society idea wrapped in a story set in Paris, a city I love. And Boca's description of the Paris map makes it easy to see where they are, which is not any easy thing.When I was done I wanted more! I recommend this for anyone who likes stories that push boundaries. Me? I want to read the next one....NOW.

[Sherry Pace · Rating 4 out of 5]

A paranormal coming of age story!

The main characters is a slightly self conscious young woman who receives an excellent job opportunity, much to her surprise! There is a lot a back story unexplained, what happened to her family and why are they reviled, but that simply gives the reader something to look forward to learning. What happens as she learns about her new city, meets her co-worker and boss, and tries to do her job, is hugely entertaining. Spoiler alert - she is posted to Paris. The author provides wonderful descriptions of the Paris neighborhoods as well a little bit if commentary on current affaires. There's no rough language or graphic sex. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

[Lynn Leach · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was expecting more of the Weeia culture to be explored but it was a good story. I would read more of Danni's story if there is another book.

[Tabatha Shipley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to the author for my electronic copy in exchange for an honest review.

What I Didn’t Like:
-I expected more paranormal. This one reads like a mystery/thriller detective story that HAPPENS to include fantasy creatures. The fantasy/paranormal isn’t the main storyline. I would’ve liked a little more explanation on what weeia are capable of … actually, I would’ve preferred to SEE that a little more.
-I didn’t always understand what crimes these people she was hunting committed. A tiny bit more detail and focus on that would’ve been nice.
-Iaen. I don’t trust him, I’m not sure if I’m supposed to, and I keep waiting for him to do something terrible.

What I Did Like:
-This is a first book. It sets up the world well, leaves us with some questions that can be answered later, and builds up a good mystery. As a first book goes, it’s well written. I’m intrigued enough to keep reading the series!
-The mystery is great. I wanted to know how they related and what was happening. I wanted the answers and I enjoyed finding them along with Dani.
-Dani. I love that she is new to the area and you get to experience all of Paris with her. I love that she is still new enough in her job to be shocked at the way things are run in the Paris office and I love that she puts her foot down about some of the changes. She’s strong willed and I like her!

Who Should Read This One:
-Want a twist on the classic detective novel? How about one that stars non-humans policing themselves in Paris? Great fun!

My Rating: 3 Stars. This is a story mystery/thriller fans will love! I think the series may end up being more fantasy/paranormal but it may not have enough of those elements for fans who came looking for that.

[Ashley Tomlinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always loving getting back in the land of the Weeia. I still desperately wish to be a part of these magical people but only if I can be Danni. I loved her so much, she was blunt and snarky when she needed to be but in the end, she just wanted to do a good job. Her ability was awesome and by far my favorite one so far.

Like all of the books in the Weeia world, this book was action packed. Everything starts happening quickly and the pace stays that way, which I love. There's never an opportunity for me to get bored. I thought it was awesome that Danni got to go to Paris for her first assignment, how lucky was that? The way Paris was described made me feel like I was there and sad when I realized I wasn't.

I really think Danni is my favorite character created by Boca so far. She felt more real to me even though she had this cool ability. She had an addiction that is all too real in this world. There was just so much about Danni that felt real and I connected with her which made the story so much better.

I can't wait to see where Elle Boca takes this series next.

[Angela Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gypsies, Tramps and Weeia started out with the examination of a young Weeia girl, Danni, who needs to pass in order to become the next level marshal. Weeia is creatures who appear like humans at first glance, but should they gather in a crowd, they’d stand out too much from distinctive features. They possess special powers for the purpose of protecting both humans and Weeia.

When the story opens, we find that Danni’s family makes it hard to build a name for herself. Aside from a couple of faithful friends, Danni is basically paying for the sins of her family. She wants nothing more than to prove that she’s worth a second glance. She finds that chance in her first assignment: Paris.

Having never been to Paris before, I felt as though I was right there. The idea of having the first assignment in Paris can make anyone walk in an excited daze. However, Danni’s excitement is short-lived when she arrives at a dirty apartment, her boss doesn’t care to meet her and she’s stuck trying to orient herself in a new, strange place. But that won’t last for too long–soon, she will be swept up in an adventure of a lifetime.

The plot was well thought-out, characters three-dimensional. I truly enjoyed this fantasy story because it was different than most that I’ve read. There were a few problems in the editing but still didn’t keep me from becoming immersed in this wonderful tale of Gypsies, Tramps and Weeia.

[Erin Cataldi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Separate from the Unelmoija Series, although part of that world; "Gypsies, Tramps, and Weeia" focuses on Danni, a young Weeia marshal assigned to protect Paris. Sure that she would get assigned to some hellhole, Danni is pleasantly surprised when she is assigned the most plum placement out of anyone in the academy. Although she graduated top in her class at the academy, she was sure that her undesirable heritage would hinder her getting a good job, instead she gets the city of love, Paris.

There is no fanfare when she arrives, her superior can't even be bothered to meet her and her living quarters haven't been inhabited in nearly half a century. Stuck working on cleaning, plumbing, and orienting herself to this new city, she almost loses excitement, but then excitement finds her. She uncovers some shady dealings and starts working to prove herself to her boss and to herself. Soon she'll have the respect of everyone. A great read, perfect for fans of Elle Boca and urban fantasy. Mix "Nancy Drew" with "Vampire Academy," set it in France and you have an idea of what to expect.

I received this book for free from the author in return of my honest, unbiased review.

[Clabe Polk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Weeia are a specialized group who live among humans and who possess certain special powers. Except for these special powers, Weeia are undistinguishable from humans. Weeia Marshals are trained to prevent unscrupulous Weeia from using their powers against humans.

When Danni Metreaux, a recent third level graduate of the Weeia Marshal academy, is unexpectedly sent to Paris for her first assignment, she is excited and a bit over-whelmed. She is also the envy of the rest of the academy graduates who have received much more mundane postings. However, Paris disappoints her as her boss, Francois appears completely burned out an uninterested, his friend Patrick is an unknown factor and the Office Manager, Madame Marmotte comes across as an ineffective busy-body manipulator.

Soon, Danni is up to her heck in intrigue involving a gypsy clan and desperately trying to get her boss to back her. Will she be successful and survive the gypsy threat? I suppose you’ll have to read it to find out!

Gypsies, Tramps and Weeia should appeal to any reader that loves mysteries with a supernatural twist.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gypsies, Tramps and Weeia by Elle Boca

Danni completes her Marshal training and is ready to start a new job. She is being sent to Paris, France. Once she gets there she is shocked to learn the place is a wreck. The offices are a mess and unorganized, her boss is a jerk, and the previous Marshall died under suspicious circumstances. It appears this job will be harder than she thought, and a bit dangerous, but Danni is will to face the underworld of Gypsies and tramps and get her job done, no matter what.

Danni is determined to do a great job, no matter what comes her way. The plot is original with drama, action and danger. Danni is very likable and a brave and determined woman. Overall I found Gypsies, Tramps and Weeia intense, fun, and very enjoyable.... a fantastic five-star read. I highly recommend to all.

[Sharon Stevenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Gypsies, Tramps & Weeia' is the story of Weeia Marshal Danni as she is sent on assignment to Paris.

This book had a very Nancy Drew sort of vibe to it, with an added dash of fantasy, as the main character is sent to Paris and gets settled in before becoming involved in an investigation that takes a few unexpected turns. The main story is a mystery but there is also a hint of romance as Danni finds herself attracted to two very different men, and there's also a little bit of action. The setting was so well written that it was easy to immerse myself in the new country Danni finds herself moving to. This seems to be the start of a series so fans of this book will have more to look forward to!

Overall this is a slow burning read that fans of mystery and clean romance should thoroughly enjoy.

[Sharon Stevenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Gypsies, Tramps & Weeia' is the story of Weeia Marshal Danni as she is sent on assignment to Paris.

This book had a very Nancy Drew sort of vibe to it, with an added dash of fantasy, as the main character is sent to Paris and gets settled in before becoming involved in an investigation that takes a few unexpected turns. The main story is a mystery but there is also a hint of romance as Danni finds herself attracted to two very different men, and there's also a little bit of action. The setting was so well written that it was easy to immerse myself in the new country Danni finds herself moving to. This seems to be the start of a series so fans of this book will have more to look forward to!

Overall this is a slow burning read that fans of mystery and clean romance should thoroughly enjoy.

[Cindy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I finished this one, but I can't say I really liked it. It was OK. I liked the story and most of the setting. Some of it needed work. Why the weird names for stuff? But overall, the story was enjoyable. It was the MC I didn't really connect with. Just didn't care what happened to her and don't really want to read more about her.

[Elayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Weeia are not human – they have ‘abilities’ and in order to protect their secrets there are Marshals looking after them.
Danni is sent to Paris to help police the situation there but finds that all is not well in her office and with her boss. And that when she does find her boss he is very laid back about the work and is far from happy with her choice of clothing. In Paris one should be fashionable after all.
But following fashion dictats is constricting and this is why London fashion is more fun because there is no rule about what one should wear, when or how. It is true French women have a certain ‘look’ about them, but it is the same look isn’t it? So says the woman who follows the poem – ‘When I am old I shall wear Purple’
[When I am an old woman I shall wear purple
With a red hat that doesn't go, and doesn't suit me,
And I shall spend my pension
on brandy and summer gloves
And satin sandals,
and say we've no money for butter.
I shall sit down on the pavement when I am tired,
And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells,
And run my stick along the public railings,
And make up for the sobriety of my youth.
I shall go out in my slippers in the rain
And pick the flowers in other people's gardens,
And learn to spit.
You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat,
And eat three pounds of sausages at a go,
Or only bread and pickle for a week,
And hoard pens and pencils and beer mats
and things in boxes.
But now we must have clothes that keep us dry,
And pay our rent and not swear in the street,
And set a good example for the children.
We will have friends to dinner and read the papers.
But maybe I ought to practise a little now?
So people who know me
are not too shocked and surprised,
When suddenly I am old
and start to wear purple!

Jenny Joseph]
But Danni is seduced by the boots that are made to measure with steel toe tips. But still refused to wear dresses.
In order to solve her various mysteries Danni has to visit with Gypsies and discuss the Irish problem – and terrorists and robbery. And finds it more complex than she originally thought. Nicely written and being set in Paris makes a change as the author clearly knows something about the city