The last time we talked, I was totally freaking out. Back then my husband was in jail for a murder he didn’t commit. During that awful crisis I made a new friend, Larissa Klimenko, and she and her dad—my Russian history professor—supported me while I tracked down the real killer.
Now Larissa herself is in big, big trouble. She just called me long distance to say that the leader of her women’s lib group was killed, and the police are acting like she’s their prime suspect. Good grief, it’s only been a year since David was suspected of murder, and now it’s Larissa. This is too much. I’ll have to wear a trench coat and fedora—pretend I am a private eye—if I keep getting pulled into these cases on a routine basis.
Larissa wants me to fly across the continent—out to Vancouver—to give her moral support. I realize I owe her, big time, and I want to help her out, but I don’t see how I can. Believe me, I’d leave tomorrow if I could. But things have changed a lot in the last year since we talked. Let me fill you in.
The life-changing event is, well, I have a new baby. Wyatt is only three months old and cute as can be. I can’t possibly take him with me because last time I got so deeply involved in the murder case that I was almost killed. That kind of scene is no place for an infant.
However, I can’t go by myself and leave Wy at home. David’s got a huge deadline coming up on his Ph.D. dissertation, and he’ have a perfect fit if I asked him to babysit. Of course I juggle Wyatt’s child care with my own graduate classes, but that’s what is expected. After all, I mean, gosh, I’m the mom. Dads don’t do things like that. Well, not much anyway.
Here’s another thing—kind of selfish of me, I know. I had hoped to go this weekend to that big outdoor rock ‘n’ roll concert that the radio announcers are all talking about. It’s near Woodstock, New York, and that’s not too far from here. David can’t go—doesn’t want to risk driving from Toronto over the border into the States. He hasn’t broken any draft laws—not yet, anyway—but border guards make him nervous.
Still, I cannot leave Larissa in the lurch. She’s the only real friend I’ve made since I pulled up stakes and left my home and family in Texas to join my new husband up here, in the Great White North. You know, it really was kinda neat—how Larissa and I clicked right away. Usually I avoid anyone who is petite and pretty like she is. They make me feel like such an oaf. Here I am at five feet eleven, and Larissa is a good ten inches shorter. But she is so much fun, and smart too. The two years difference in our ages seems like nothing. She just turned twenty-one and is still an undergrad.
I tell Larissa everything. For instance, she’s the only one who knows I was being trained as a spy by the CIA right before I married David. I could never tell him that. He would not approve, that’s for sure. But Larissa knows and keeps all my secrets. Here’s a funny thing, though. Why didn’t she confide in me she joined a women’s lib group?
Oh my gosh, the more I think about it, I must fly out to be with her during her time of trouble. I’ll have to put a plan in place. She’ll be calling me back in an hour and will want to know if I’m coming.
Hey, maybe you can help me out. What do you think I should do?
Austin Starr appears in the new mystery Rainy Day Women, the sequel to Kay Kendall’s debut Desolation Row. Both are published by Stairway Press of Seattle.
GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment by 12 a.m. eastern on July 24 for the chance to win a copy of Rainy Day Women. Two lucky winners will win either an e book or a trade paperback. The giveaway is open to U.S. and Canadian residents only. Winner will be notified within 48 hours after giveaway closes and you will have three days to respond after being contacted or another winner will be selected.
About the author
Kay Kendall is a long-time fan of historical novels and now writes atmospheric mysteries that capture the spirit and turbulence of the sixties. A reformed PR executive who won international awards for her projects, Kay lives in Texas with her Canadian husband, three house rabbits, and spaniel Wills. Terribly allergic to her bunnies, she loves them anyway! Her book titles show she’s a Bob Dylan buff too. Kay was a 2014 Silver Falchion Award Finalists for Attending Authors at Killer Nashville last year. Visit Kay at website or on Facebook.
Sounds interesting!
Dylan titles? I believe this one is a Gordon Lightfoot hit.
That’s Rainy Day People.
That’s right, Elaine N. Lightfoot is another great songwriter, besides Bob Dylan. And performer.
The book sounds intriguing. Thank you for the giveaway.
myrifraf(at)gmail(dot)com
Sounds like a winner.
S
Please ignore that man behind the curtain. What I was trying to say, there is something about Austin Starr’s name that sounds very familiar. Good luck Tracy!
This book sounds intriguing. Thank you for the opportunity to enter this giveaway.
I would love to read this book! Thanks for the giveaway.
Sounds like a great read
Okay! I’m hooked. I want this book!
Austin should help her friend. She can wait to see the Woodstock movie – no traffic, mud or rain. 🙂
I enjoyed “Desolation Row” and am looking forward to “Rainy Day Woman”.
Thanks, Elaine N. I hope you will enjoy “Rainy Day Women” just as much as Austin Starr’s first adventure.
Sounds like a different backdrop for a mystery. Would love to try it.
thanks.
would need the paperback.
A great mystery and feature.
You should go help your friend. She needs you.
Elaine, that is just what Austin decides too. My books always have deep female friendships, supportive and caring. It is so important to help us get through life. Women are lucky that we do that naturally. Most of us.
Thanks to the wonderful Dru Ann for letting Austin Starr speak to you today. Thanks to all of you for your interest! I love reaching out and connecting with readers like you all!
Having grown up during the Woodstock era, this sounds interesting. I’ll have to go back and read the first book–love developing new series to read.
Not just your ordinary story. Thanks, Dru.
Great title and I love the cover! Thanks for the chance to win.
Yes, please go and help your friend. Maybe her dad can help with the baby?
Being just after the Woodstock time, I longed to be able to attend bigger than life festivals too. As long as she’s arranging child care, a bit of a side trip might be in order! If u win this title, I promise I’ll add it to the collection in the small rural public library whet I work. Thanks for the chance in the giveaway. I love this character.
I would really like this one.
Austin needs a sidekick (even if a very small one), right? Besides, she might as well start training the next generation of detectives early.
Ah, like a breath of my college air. Yes, that dates me.
Sounds like a great read. Thanks
Rainy Day Women is even better than Desolation Row, IMO.
This is going to be an interesting and fun read – thanks for the chance to win!
Sandy, thank you for your kind comments. Rita, this book was fun to write and I do hope it is fun to read too. Thank you all so much for commenting. I wish you could all win!!!
These are some of my favorite songs and my favorite era. Thanks for the chance to win.
Love the feminist angle. I need to interspersed some current books into my Recency reading.
Very interesting title.
Thanks Kay for commenting and interacting with my readers.
Contest is closed.