The Gold Pawn-Great Escapes Tour-Spotlight-Guest Post

Guest Post

Post from Fiorello La Guardia in THE GOLD PAWN

By L.A. Chandlar

I am very busy, but I promised Laurie that I’d give a quick interview. She knows I’ve got work to do! But she believes this blog is of the utmost importance, so I do too. I am New York City’s Ninety-ninth mayor, Fiorello La Guardia. Of course, as the “Fio” in L.A. Chandlar’s Art Deco Mystery Series, I’m not exactly The Fiorello. It gets a bit confusing for Laurie, sometimes. Because she has me, as Fio, do a LOT of what the real mayor did. In fact –I love this—most of my more over-the-top action scenes or funny office scenes are what the real mayor did in fact do! You’d best be advised to always read Laurie’s author notes, because there is where she reveals what is real and what is fiction.

She once had a reviewer criticize her for having me show up at a crime scene so fast. But oh I so do LOVE to show up as a first responder at a crime scene, traffic accident, or fire. I beat the cops most times. Y’see, I have a police radio in my office, in my car, and at home. It drives my wife Marie up a wall.

I enjoy being in this series. I love my New Yorkers. So I hope that the good citizens read these books to enjoy my antics. I am a busy man. The press can’t keep up with me. But I do show them an interesting time, they are never at a loss for a good byline from me.

Lane and I have a special relationship. She of all people can almost keep up with me. I’m pretty brazen, she keeps me in check. Sometimes. (I hope you can “see” me grinning as I say that.) I like how she can see behind the eyes of someone, or a situation. I’m pretty sure she caught me sawing off an inch of the front legs of my office chairs, to keep people uncomfortable so they don’t make meetings last too long. But we just keep that little secret to ourselves.

I do have a beef with Laurie, though, as our author. I think she should have me be the savior of more action scenes. I do have to say, though, that scene where my crew has to come rescue me is a hoot! I never would have expected that. My friends really have style, don’t they? Competent and they’ve got some panache. Laurie is very creative. But really, Laurie, if you’re reading this, I want more scenes where I race in and save the day. I know I know, Lane can save herself…blah blah blah. I want a good action scene where I can blow my trumpet again like I did with the Artichoke King in real life and the end scene in THE SILVER GUN. That was really fun.

And you wonderful readers out there, one of the best things about my life and about this series, is that it paints a big, beautiful picture of the gritty wit, the art, the strength of women and minorities, and the sheer brilliant will of the Thirties. My deepest wish is that it would bring you some joy and inspiration. I’ve always believed that art brings forth fruit and healing. But it does even more than that, it brings life.

Thank you for having me. I’ve truly enjoyed being here, but I’ve got to go now. I’ve got work to do! 

About the book 

November 1936. Mayor La Guardia’s political future buckles under a missing persons case in New York City. Simultaneously, Lane unravels devastating secrets in the outskirts of Detroit. As two crimes converge, judging friends from enemies can be a dangerous game . . .

Finally summoning the courage to face the past, Lane Sanders breaks away from her busy job at City Hall to confront childhood nightmares in Rochester, Michigan. An unknown assailant left Lane with scattered memories after viciously murdering her parents. However, one memory of a dazzling solid gold pawn piece remains—and with it lies a startling connection between the midwestern tragedy and a current mystery haunting the Big Apple . . .

Meanwhile, fears climb in Manhattan after the disappearance of a respected banker and family friend threatens the crippled financial industry and the pristine reputation of Lane’s virtuous boss, Mayor Fiorello “Fio” La Guardia. Fio’s fight to restore order leads him into more trouble as he meets a familiar foe intent on ending his mayoral term—and his life . . .

Guided by overseas telegrams from the man she loves and painful memories, only Lane can silence old ghosts and derail present-day schemes. But when the investigation awakens a darker side of her own nature, will she and New York City’s most prominent movers and shakers still forge ahead into a prosperous new age . . . or is history doomed to repeat itself?

And others are saying

This was an enjoyable read that held my interest throughout. I thoroughly enjoyed the chance to dive into such a colorful time in history.
~Mysteries with Character

. . . Chandlar again captures the time and brings delightful characters to the pages.
~Christa Reads and Writes

This was an absolutely wonderful read!
~A Chick Who Reads

5 out of 5 stars.
Wow! It amazing when you come across a second book in a series that’s just as good as the first book, but that’s what we have here with The Gold Pawn!
~Valerie’s Musings

This action-packed sequel to The Silver Gun delivers another imaginative plot, well-developed characters, and fascinating historical detail about 1930s New York City.
~Book Club Librarian

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