The Persephone Cole Vintage Mysteries series was born out of a challenge by my editor to write a protagonist who looked and acted more like a real person, not a model. Could I do it? I thought about it and created Percy Cole. Little did I know that when I made her as large if not larger than most men of the era, she was able to compete in a man’s world in every way, down to 40s PI physical intimidation. She doesn’t use physical threats all the time, but she’s not above it. Her grabbing some lowlife by the scruff of the neck and hauling him off to jail is loads of fun to write about. And readers seem to like her fearlessness, too. All done with a sense of humor. Frankly, I wish I could be more like her. Below is a brief description of the series:
If it’s a fun taste of the 1940s private eye world you’re looking for, join one of Manhattan’s first female gumshoes, Percy Cole, in the award-winning Persephone Cole Vintage Mysteries as Percy blazes a path through a man’s world! No one had heard of a female shamus, not even in New York City, until this newly inaugurated private investigator with a penchant for Marlene Dietrich suits, pistachio nuts, and men’s fedoras came on the scene. At 5’11” tall in her stocking feet, this full-figured gal fits right into the tough-guy domains of Sam Spade, Philip Marlowe, and Mike Hammer. But Percy sets herself apart from the rest, with her flaming red hair, wicked sense of humor, and love for the eight-year-old son who gives her life meaning. As World War Two looms, Percy drives around New York City in “Ophelia,” her 1929 Dodge, seeking out the bad guys, knocking some sense into their heads, and hauling them off to jail.
Here is a blurb of Hotshot Shamus, book 4, of the Persephone Cole Vintage Mysteries, coming out May 7, 2023, just in time for Mother’s Day!
Persephone (Percy) Cole saves the life of a senator’s granddaughter but had no idea how much her own life was going to change as a result. There’s the unwanted fame, reporters hounding her mercilessly, and past enemies crawling out of the woodwork. Worse yet, our 5’11” lady shamus now has to dress the part of the successful PI! Then an unknown murderer tries to frame Percy for his killing spree, leaving deadly clues pointing to her. Worse yet, these are followed by death threats against her and her family.
But who? And why?
Can Percy find this killer before he achieves his ultimate Mother’s Day tribute to her, that of blowing the entire Cole clan to kingdom come? Could things get any worse?