Chipped Pearls by Helen Jacey

Chipped Pearls by Helen Jacey

'Chipped Pearls' is the gripping Book Two in the Elvira Slate Investigations crime series, featuring 1940s female detective Elvira Slate, former ex-con and former gangster's moll from London. It's Christmas, 1945. Elvira has reinvented herself and escaped old enemies from England who want her blood. Now she's got the chance of a new life and she has to make it work. But her sleuthing start-up is in trouble - mounting debts and no clients. And secretly, Elvira suffers from imposter syndrome. Will she ever be good at this? She still suffers the emotional scars of a hard knock life, and is still in recovery from a traumatic incarceration for most of the war. On the bright side, she has friends, a secret lover and a male secretary. But is she worthy of any of them? When hot-shot criminal defence attorney Sonia Parker offers Elvira an assignment on Christmas Eve, Elvira jumps at the chance to earn some money and prove herself. The client is Dolly, a broke singer in an all-girl swing band. Dolly has been framed for murder of her secret and rich lover Ronald Hunter, one of the richest men in the city, who is also married. Found guilty, Dolly faces the death penalty. But the high profile case is dangerous for Elvira - she should stay out of the spot-light, to avoid recognition from her enemies. But Dolly's vulnerability and tragic childhood touches a raw nerve in Elvira. She has to save her. Soon the case immerses Elvira in the world of swing clubs, Hollywood high society, and the ordinary lives of shop girls. There are plenty of suspects but as many dead ends. Not helping is the tight leash Sonia keeps her on. Elvira realises to find the real killer she will have to follow her instincts and break free of Sonia's rules. But as she closes in on the truth, dreaded old enemies from the past and her inner demons swarm; Elvira loses her grip, doubting her ability as a private investigator. Can she catch the real killer before she is dragged to hell? 'Chipped Pearls' is a feminist reinvention of 1940s noir, with a strong female protagonist. By Helen Jacey, the author of the internationally acclaimed The Woman in the Story: Writing Memorable Female Characters, and Jailbird Detective, Elvira Slate Investigations Book One. Fans of vintage, noir and feminist fiction are thrilled by Elvira Slate Investigations.

Jacey, Helen: - Helen Jacey is the founder of Shedunnit Productions which develops original stories with a distinctive female gaze across all media, including crime fiction with strong female protagonists. A screenwriter and story consultant, renowned for her expertise on feminism and the creative process, Helen has worked with international film institutions, production companies and leading brands. Her book The Woman in the Story: Creating Memorable Female Characters, first published in 2010 has become the industry standard go-to resource for its unique approach to female protagonists in screenwriting. Previously Helen worked in the international aid sector in Eastern Europe, working to reform the orphanage system and services for vulnerable women and children. She studied at the University of Manchester, and the University of the Arts London and holds an MA and PhD in screenwriting.

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9781916441736
ISBN 10	1916441734
Title	Chipped Pearls
Author	Helen Jacey
Series	Elvira Slate Investigations
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Paperback
Publisher	Shedunnit Productions
Year published	2019-12-01
Number of pages	350
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.