RUNNING IN THE SHADOWS

March 1926, Salem, Massachusetts. A spring equinox party at the mansion of a rich, flamboyant, and controversial art collector promises New York jazz singer Lizzie Crane and her band a fat paycheck, lucrative connections, and plenty of fun. She’ll also have an opportunity to reconnect with a handsome Boston Brahmin she fancies.

But the excitement she hopes for doesn’t turn out the way she expected. On the night of the musicians’ first performance, a naked young woman trots into the ballroom on horseback, sweeps up a talented artist named Sebastian, and rides off with him into the night. The next morning, Lizzie discovers the artist’s body tied to a tree, shot full of arrows like the martyred Saint Sebastian in Botticelli’s painting.

Soon Lizzie learns that her business partner, pianist Sidney Somerset, once had a close relationship with the dead man––and police suspect Sidney of murdering him. As she tries to protect her friend and discover the killer, Lizzie gets entangled in the treacherous underworld of art theft and forgery, a world where fantastic sums of money change hands and where lives are cheap.

. . .

“The Roaring Twenties, elaborate parties, fabulous fashion, jazz…and murder. Running in the Shadows has it all. What more could you want from the latest intriguing mystery from Skye Alexander, starring that sultry songstress, Lizzie Crane?” 

~ Laraine Stephens, author of the Reggie da Costa Mysteries

“Lizzie is a likeable heroine, and her character is drawn with depth, particularly with respect to her musicianship and relations with her bandmates. The plot unfolds with many suspenseful scenes and is well-researched as Lizzie encounters aspects of Salem’s history. Dialogue is tinged with a pleasing amount of period slang. An enjoyable historical mystery for fans of the flapper era.” 

~ Brodie Curtis, Historical Novel Society

“A great book. So much fun to read.” 

~ Guns, Knives, and Lipstick

“A delightful mix of mystery, romance, and the Roaring Twenties set against

the background of coastal New England during Prohibition. In actress and singer Lizzie Crane, Alexander has created a refreshing heroine, whose charm and keen understanding of human nature make her an amateur sleuth

to watch. Highly recommended.” 

~ Paula Munier, USA Today bestselling author of the Mercy Carr Series

“Alexander captures perfectly the zeitgeist of the era, drawing upon her evident and impressive knowledge of the history, music, style of dress and argot of the jazz era…a thoroughly enjoyable read that will appeal to everyone who enjoys well-written and accurately represented historical mysteries. I recommend it wholeheartedly.” 

~ Gregory Stout, author of the Shamus Award-winning Jackson Gamble Series

“Alexander skillfully captures the milieu of the Roaring Twenties, Prohibition, motorcars, and the Jazz Age. [Her] characters are realistic, intriguing, and filled with adventure. Fortunately for readers, it’s only the beginning of more thrills for Lizzie Crane and her admirers as the series continues.” 

~ Susan Van Kirk, author of the Art Center Mysteries

“The Golden Age of Mystery is alive and well in Skye Alexander’s clever and charming Lizzie Crane novels. Agatha Christie fans: You’ve found your next great read.” 

~ Lori Robbins, author of the On Pointe and Master Class Mystery Series

“Skye Alexander…vividly recreates the Roarin’ 20s through her depiction of the architecture, fashion, literature, and language. She’s also created a smart and sassy heroine in Lizzie Crane with a supporting cast that’s the ‘bee’s knees’.”

~ Kevin Kleusner, author of The Killer Sermon and The Killer Speech

“Alexander brings the period to life with a twisting tale of murder and mayhem that will satisfy any fan of historical mystery.” 

~ Edith Maxwell, Agatha-winning author of the Quaker Midwife Mysteries

“Alexander’s protagonist, Lizzie Crane, is a ball of fire. You’ll love her talent, her courage, and her clothes.” 

~ Kate Flora, award-winning author of A World of Deceit

“Alexander drops the reader into the glamor and vibes of the Roaring 20s, the Prohibition Era, and a Gatsby-style backdrop in which Lizzie Crane operates as elegantly as the smooth jazz she sings. Richly steeped in delightful period details, Running in the Shadows delivers on romance, intrigue, gorgeous women, rich men and a heck of a twisty mystery.” 

~ Chris Keefer, author of No Comfort for the Undertaker, a Carrie Lisbon Mystery