I’m dressed and ready for work by seven—navy blue suit, stockings, and heels. A handbag and gloves, of course. A dark red fedora on the vanity catches my eye and I take that, too. It’s Rose’s hat, but what my sister doesn’t know can’t hurt her, right?
The scent of espresso lures me to the kitchen, and I sip hot black coffee from a tiny cup. My Nona smiles and wishes me good morning in Italian. She doesn’t speak a word of English, though she understands it well enough. I blow a kiss and head for the subway, a token in my pocket.
It’s a long, rattling ride from Brooklyn to Times Square, but a short walk to my new office. “Harry Shaw & Associates, Private Investigation” is stenciled on the door. There aren’t any “associates” I quickly noticed.
“Don’t tell the clients that,” Harry said, then added, “You’ll need to lie a little in this job, Miss Russo. Can you manage it?”
I assured him that I could, silently adding, “As long as the nuns at St. Rocco’s don’t find out.”
Working here is big change from Pioneer Insurance. I was a Claims Manager, but when the soldiers returned, my job was given to an ex-G.I., and I was exiled to the typing pool. I quit the same day. Harry is an army pal of my brother Joe’s, so here I am. For now, at least.
The problem with me is my mouth works faster than my brain sometimes. My mother says, “It’s not ladylike to speak your mind, Grace. Men don’t like that.” Which is probably true. But if a man wants a woman with no thoughts of her own, he’s not for me. My fiancé, Colin was lost in combat. If he’d come home, we’d be married now, with children, too. I try not to think about that.
Nine o’clock sharp, I’m at my desk, sorting mail and taking messages. Harry might not show until noon or later. Often in disguise—a plumber, a doorman, even a bum. Though he’ll never tell me why. He’s annoyingly discreet about his cases. I hear it all, anyway, typing his notes off the Dictaphone.
I roll clean paper and a carbon into the typewriter and put the earphones on, ready to learn how he waits and watches. Harry’s voice is deep and smooth, confident without being arrogant. I like that in a man.
I try to focus but can’t stop thinking about my brother. He left the house three nights ago and hasn’t even called. He roams the clubs in the city with his trumpet, looking for a regular gig. Lately, he’s been seen at the Starlight Room, a place Harry says is shady, if not downright dangerous. My foolish, reckless brother is probably in over his head, and I worry there’s no one to help him.
No one but me, I mean. And Harry Shaw.
Genre: Historical Mystery
Release: February 2026
Format: Print, Digital
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
Book Synopsis:
A bold, clever Brooklyn girl risks everything to save someone she loves, and avenge a tragic murder.
New York City– Spring, 1947: The dark clouds of WWII have scattered and America revels in the sunshine of a new era. Heroes have returned to marry their sweethearts, and the best jobs must go to them. Or so Grace Russo is told. But the typing pool doesn’t suit this Brooklyn girl.
Working for Harry Shaw is not her first choice either, but she persuades the skeptical private detective to give her a chance. Very soon after, her brother Joe, a troubled vet and jazz musician, is charged with the murder of a beautiful, Black night club singer, Lana Delmar.
Despite a truck load of evidence against him, Grace knows Joe is innocent and she helps Harry dig for the truth. When her boss suddenly disappears, she pursues the evidence on her own and finds herself at a glamorous supper club, The Starlight Room. A glittering but dangerous world where no one can be trusted, and every smile hides secrets.
Her wits sharpened and courage tested, Grace is determined to unveil the elusive killer and win justice for Joe and Lana.
Even when her stubborn heart marks her as the next victim.
About the author
Anne Canadeo writes stories that entertain, intrigue and inspire. She is the author of over 40 books, including the Black Sheep & Company Mysteries, and the bestselling Cape Light and Angel Island novels, written under the pen name, Katherine Spencer. Away from her desk, Anne is a down and dirty gardener, a creative cook and ardent dog lover. Active in her community, she been recognized by New York State for her volunteer service. Anne lives on Long Island with her husband and their dog, Leo. She loves to hear from readers at: anne@annecanadeo.com.
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