Aloha to Eryn LaPlant and THE BLUE LUTE

We have a few boxes left from recent move ... they are my husband's books.  It may surprise you to learn that he has more than me!   Still, we both have set an example for our children that books are treasures.  Eryn LaPlant is my guest today to celebrate THE BLUE LUTE ... she also learned from her mother that books are treasures.

 When I was growing up my mother always had books lying about our house. She was an avid reader and I’m so grateful for that, but what I wasn’t excited about were the titles and subjects of her reading pleasure. For some odd reason, my sweet, docile and loving mother of five daughters liked to read books about real-life crime, especially stories about mothers killing their children, like Diane Downs in Small Sacrifices by Ann Rule. Don’t ask me why she likes these things, but she does. I think the psychology of what makes a person do these things interested her.

Now, why bring this subject up today? Well, my mother’s fascination with real-life crime caused a spark of interest in my reading as well, but I was more intrigued by historic crime. I was captivated by stories of criminals from what historians call America’s 18-month crime spree. From 1933 to late 1934 people like John Dillinger, Baby-face Nelson, Pretty Boy Floyd, and Bonnie and Clyde roamed the Midwest wreaking havoc on banks and little towns in America’s heartland. Some of those criminals were bloodthirsty, others were just out for vengeance, and others still were bored and needed a little thrill and adventure in their lives.

My favorite (and by favorite I mean in interest only, I don’t condone his criminal activity at all) from this short list was John Dillinger. He was handsome and charismatic but ruthless when he needed to be. When I created the villain for The Blue Lute, Nick Abruzzio, I drew on Dillinger.

Luckily, The Blue Lute just made its debut this week and you can read all about Nick Abruzzio and the mayhem he caused in 1928. Is there anyone in your life (we don’t need names) who’s just been a thorn in your side? Tell us about it in the comments below and enter to win your very own copy of The Blue Lute for your Kindle.   

The Blue Lute by Eryn LaPlant

Available from Amazon at this link.

A doctoral candidate in history, Lilly Charles lives in a modern-day treasure trove of 1920s architecture—Manhattan’s St. Jean Apartments. The former hotel was once in the center of New York City’s jazz scene, and holds secrets Lilly is only beginning to discover.

A musical star in his own time, Brandon Crowley lived in an age of prohibition and gangsters, surrounded by the glamour of old Hollywood and the comfort of true friendships. As co-owner of the notorious speakeasy, The Blue Lute, he poured his life and love into his business—as a storm fueled by passion, liquor, murder and money was unleashed. And in the midst of it all, Brandon simply … disappeared.

When Lilly sees Brandon in a nearly 80-year-old photograph from the basement of the St. Jean, her reality comes undone. Could he be the same man she just saw arrested for breaking into the building? As Lilly is drawn deeper into the mysteries of Brandon’s life, a new storm of desire and danger begins to brew. Beneath the silvery moon and glitter of Times Square, an epic love story across the decades is about to unfold.

Kim's picture from Times Square

Mahalo, Eryn, for joining us today.  To enter Eryn's giveaway,

1.  Leave a comment about anyone who's a thorn in your side (no names, please).

2.  This giveaway is open to all readers.

3.  Comments are open through Saturday, September 21, 10 pm in Baltimore.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, September 22.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

To learn more about Eryn and her books, check out her website at novelisterynlaplant.wordpress.com.