Dee sits down for a question-and-answer session with dru’s book musings so that we, the readers, can get to know her better.
What is your full name?
Dee Rommel. My grandmother’s name was Dierdre, and that’s the official name on my birth certificate, but since I was a tomboy and an athlete and like things short and clear (most Mainers do), “Deirdre” became “Dee”. Suits me.
How old are you?
Almost thirty. . . and just reaching two years as a below-the-knee amputee. I sustained an on-the-job injury as a policewoman in the Portland Police Department (the perps have yet to be caught) and that event caused me to consider a new career path. During my medical leave, my godfather, private investigator Gordy Green, wanted to get me out of my doldrums and knock the growing chip-on-my-shoulder off – so he insisted I show up at his office to answer phones and take care of his financial books. My presence led me to working with him on cases. When it was time for me to return to the PPD, I had a decision to make. . .
Do you have a significant other?
My most significant ‘other’ is probably my godfather, Gordy. Since my father’s passing, he’s stepped in big time, especially since my mother (she’s great but we are pretty much opposites) lives in Boston and is busy with her high-powered job at the Cancer Research Center. Gordy and I work together (he prefers to work from the G&Z Investigations office, and send me into the field), and we keep tabs on each other’s personal lives too – because we both have a tendency to put up walls when romance dares to get too close. . .
Are you asking if there’s an affair-of-the-heart in my life? Mmm. There was someone who has asked to fit that space, but circumstances pulled him away. . . don’t know if he’ll be back or if I want him back (there it is again, that chip-on-my-shoulder) . . .
Do you have any siblings?
I’m an only child. I mostly take after my tall, thin father – he was the day-to-day parent, my petite (but a powerhouse) mother commuted to Boston for work and was a “week-end” mom, coming home to Portland to watch me in my basketball games and track meets and squeezing all the mothering she could do (and I could handle) into two days. My father passed away a few years ago, my mother checks in – by phone – at least once a week and encourages me to buy clothes that don’t contain “flannel” in their name. . .
Who’s your best friend?
Gretchen and I have known each other since elementary school. She owns and runs Portland’s Doggie-Day Care and hopes to (very soon) find a romantic partner who wants to start a family with her. I advise her not to put too much hope in true love, she tells me to keep my cynicism to myself.
Do you have any pets?
I’m close to Gordy’s labradoodle, Bert. Bert’s discerning, sensitive, cunning and hangs with us when we’re in the office.
What town do you live in?
Portland, Maine. It’s a small city of about 100,000 people. There are true ‘Mainers’ (your family has to go back at least four generations to earn that title), the nouveau rich (executives at the new tech companies, aggressive developers), a strong middle-class of professionals and craftsmen, and – as in most cities – people living too close to a financial drop-off point. Most Mainers have a “can-do” attitude, they like challenges, are outdoor-loving (winter and summer), and tend not to stick their noses into each other’s lives. But, if someone needs help, Mainers step up. It’s why I like working with Gordy for now – as a private investigator (in training at this point) – I have a strong desire to help make things “right”.
What type of dwelling do you live in?
I rent a basement apartment in an old Victorian house, right across from Fort Allen Park and East End Beach. It’s small, has a gas fireplace for the winter and a tiny backyard for the summer.
Do you have any hobbies?
I’ve always been an athlete, but since losing the lower half of my left leg, I’ve had to re-build ways to enjoy sports. I recently was gifted (by a grateful client) a long-distancing running blade called a C-Blade. My PT’s been helping me train and I hope to enter a 10K Run soon.
What is your favorite vacation spot?
Maine. I’ve got ocean, lakes, hills, mountains – countryside and city life. And I like my work so much – I’d rather stay close – be ready when needed.
What is your idea of a really fun time?
Sparrows is my neighborhood place – good food, serves the bounty from the local fishermen and from Maine breweries and distilleries. Pat, the cook and owner, sometimes closes the place for neighborhood gatherings. Best day scenario? Solve a case, go to the local Double A Sea Dog baseball game, head to Sparrows to meet up with friends, walk the beach and fall asleep in my apartment, with the sound of the ocean coming through the windows. Imagine a winter version of that (hockey for baseball, closed windows with the gas fire burning) . . .
If you were to write a memoir, what would you call it?
I’d never think of my life as worthy of a memoir that would inspire others. I feel like I wake up excited to work every day to do a job I love – because it’s about getting justice for those who need it . . . Mmm. How about “She Seeks The Truth”.
THANKS for asking – hope you’ll join me as I continue on. . .
9 Days, A Dee Rommel Mystery #2
Genre: Crime/Mystery
Release: September 2022
Purchase Link
The stars don’t lie. . .people do.
Famous astrologist Agnes Sants-Mekler, a member of one of Maine’s elite families, pleads guilty to murder. Her gifted, pre-teen son, Zar, says she’s lying and he wants Dee Rommel to prove that – in nine days.
Former policewoman Dee Rommel, not yet thirty, is dealing with a permanent, life-changing injury sustained while part of Portland’s police force. Her medical leave is up; she’s made a contested decision to delay her return to the department and continue working with her godfather, PI Gordy Greer.
She discovers the police are content with Agnes Sants-Melker’s confession, but Dee’s intense curiosity – and sense of justice – compels her to dig deeper to find the truths behind the crime. As she sifts through the evidence, misdirections, and deceptions she wonders if trusting the wrong person will unravel a more devious plot – and lead to a life-threatening confrontation.
About the author
Jule Selbo left a long career as a screenwriter in Los Angeles to move to Maine and focus on writing a crime/mystery series. The first book: 10 DAYS: A Dee Rommel Mystery earned a spot on the Top-Five list of Kirkus’ 2021 best crime/mysteries from small publishers, was awarded the Silver Falchion Award for Best Investigator Novel at Killer Nashville, was a finalist for Maine Literary Award, the Clue Award and Foreword Review Award. She’s just completed 9 DAYS, A Dee Rommel Mystery – it will be available in September, 2022.
All comments are welcomed.