I’m Audrey Penault, and I work at Wynton’s Department Store as an executive secretary to Mr. Wynton, the owner and founder of the store. It’s 1955, and I’m not your typical 50s southern belle living in Levy City, Florida.
My day starts at five o’clock sharp. I’m a whiz at putting myself together fast, so I’m out the door by six, a thermos of Maxwell House coffee in one hand, my work satchel in the other. I love suits, own both Chanel and Dior, and wear them often. Before World War Two, I was a successful fashion model in New York and Paris. Once the war loomed, I left modeling and returned to America. I clerked in a department store in New York City during and after the war. I put myself through business school and earned my degree. Women had to attend classes at night then, so we didn’t distract the men too much.
I drive to Wynton’s in my new red Thunderbird convertible, with the top down as often as I can. All that fresh air is good for my pores. On the way, I stop at Tyner’s bakery for a couple of cinnamon twists to go with the coffee.
I have my own parking space with a sign warning that anyone who parks there will be towed. This bothers a lot of the ladies in town who don’t understand why I should get a privilege their husbands and sons can’t have. Mr. Wynton believes it should be mine, and his opinion is the only one that counts for me.
Every morning when I pull into my space, Wynton’s overnight security guard, Nelson, greets me. Before I head into the executive suite on the 7th floor, I hand Nelson the thermos of coffee and the cinnamon twists. His wife died a few years ago, and he lives alone. After working on his feet all night watching the store property and the garage, he deserves the chance to go home and go straight to sleep. The little breakfast I bring him every morning allows him to do just that.
I hate that Nelson fought for his country, came home from the war with a bum knee, but can’t shop in the very store he works for. As Nelson says, whole lotta things need changing these days. I’m hoping to convince Mr. Wynton to drop some of the old policies aimed at our black employees and customers. When I lived in Paris, there was no segregation or Jim Crow Laws. Musicians, artists, and regular folks of all races mingled together as friends. My entire perspective changed, and coming back home to the old ways has been challenging. Many dislike me for my new ideas, but I’ve seen how things should be.
When I reach the executive suite on the seventh floor, I fix Mr. Wynton’s coffee and take it to him. Then I settle into whatever the day brings like taking dictation, welcoming the new-hires to the store, or going over receipts and accounting with the boss. I’m his right hand when it comes to the store, and I know and understand everything going on from the merchandise loading dock on the bottom floor to accounting on the top floor. Nothing under Wynton’s roof gets past me.
Many employees don’t like this, including Mr. Wynton’s son, John T., and his daughter-in-law Cissy. I’ve discovered proof that they want to take over and push Mr. Wynton out.
And I think they’re willing to finish the job over my dead body. And his.
The Women of Wynton’s, A Classy 1950s Mystery
Genre: Historical Mystery
Release: July 2024
Format: Print, Digital, Audio
Purchase Link
Mid-Century Glam Meets Murder Mayhem
Get swept away to the glamor of a 1950’s department store where four women’s loyalties, vanity, friendship, and detective skills are put to the test.
Audrey Penault once led a glamorous life as a model but now works as devoted secretary to Mr. Wynton. To her fellow employees, she is too vain and uppity.
Mary Jo Johnson, a wife and mother, longs to find her worth in the cosmetics department, but it may take a while for the shy housewife to discover her voice.
Vivian Sheffield owns and runs the bridal salon within Wynton’s. She is proud of her accomplishments and won’t let anyone take them away.
Gigi Woodard dislikes her job as waitress in the store’s lunchroom, but she is determined not to let her secret shortcomings cause her to lose the position.
These four women have much to dislike about each other, but they unanimously agree that Mr. Wynton is the best of employers and must be protected at all costs from someone who seems determined to see him gone for good. When other employee deaths occur, can the women band together to solve the murders, or will they discover it is one of their own bent on destroying Wynton’s from within?
Meet the author
Donna Mumma perfected storytelling in her first grade classroom, spinning tales exciting enough to settle a roomful of antsy six-year-olds. She is an award winning author of both fiction and nonfiction who loves to blend history, mystery, and a touch of faith in her stories. A native Floridian, she now lives on the Sunshine State’s west coast, sharing life with her family, and her energetic collie, Duke.