Gold

by Jo Brodie

When Carol Baxter wins two Gold medals at the Olympics she makes the grandest of romantic gestures to her beloved girlfriend Tina. Her friend Svetlana, a runner from the former Soviet republic of Mourania, also gives her a precious gift: the baton she carried to victory in the 4 x 400m relay. Carol is fêted as the homecoming heroine with a mayoral parade in Saltbury. But then strange things start to happen. Someone burgles Carol and Tina's house and tries to steal the baton. Svetlana dies in mysterious circumstances, and Carol and Tina's cat, Leather, turns out to be very clever indeed. Meanwhile, Katie gets even more outrageous. We meet Saltbury's most eccentric Police duo. A disreputable photographer and a domineering secretary are both getting firmly on Tina's nerves, and a diminutive, snooty, but extremely sexy blast from Carol's past makes a distinctly unwelcome comeback. ‘Gold’ is a romantic (and sometimes comic) thriller Saltbury style.

Kindle Edition

First published July 10, 2023

About the author

Whilst still missing darkest Wiltshire, Jo Brodie is now an accidental Mancunian, having never quite got round to leaving the city after studying at Manchester University. They write widely under various pen names, on topics that range from Roman and Victorian history to Rock music, and Jo has recently become a regular writer for feminist music Web site ‘Hera Says‘. Jo’s lesbian novels and shorter stories, which are collectively entitled ‘The Saltbury Chronicles’, centre on a diverse cast of characters from the mythical Wiltshire market town of Saltbury. They are love stories, but they are more than just escapism, often exploring serious LGBTQ, gender and other issues along the way. In private life, Jo is happily married with two cats. They play bass and guitar (very badly) and yearn to learn drums, if only the neighbours would understand!

The Saltbury books contain a character called Debbie Stewart, a true Rock guitar heroine. Debbie is not based on any particular real life guitarist. In fact Jo’s actual guitar heroine is a very different figure: Marissa Paternoster of the ‘Screaming Females’. Debbie, though, is who Jo wishes they could be – if only – and you can tell a lot about someone from who they would like to be.

Reviews

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Going at it like rabbits and lots of plots being thickened

I cannot believe they're already 25! jaysus, where did the time go?


Anyway, I was rather miffed because I had to read it slower than usual because of work, but it was so very worth the wait. The intrigue y'all, the intrigue got me going, I had an inkling but wasn't sure where that whole leather paper bit was going until very close to the climax. I really enjoyed it and wonder if we'll ever hear again of Lana. Also the Carol part, exciting to see her dedication paying off. She's amazing in all ways possible and like I said previously, an unexpected character to fall in love with, but I sure did.

And was it me or the sexy bits got steamier? My goodness, the girls are really growing up. Who would've imagined we'd see them getting on the other side of 25?(carol not included)
To me they'll be forever the awkward teens they once were. But that's what I hope I'll get in a series about established couples/characters. DEVELOPMENT! ups and downs and then working to get through life.

Now, Loren, ngl, she left a bitter taste in my mouth, I didn't like the woman. Not one bit. And on a similar note, I'm curious about Katie (sort of), because I don't much like how she played with Jenny, if she cannot accept she can be anything but straight she shouldn't have toyed with the girl. The boys, fuck them, I couldn't care less, but break the heart of a young woman, I cannot be as forgiving. But young folks and sexuality is a funny thing, all in time.

[Jo Brodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jo Brodie continues the story of lovers Tina and Carol with a comedy thriller based at the height of international athletics. It's funny and romantic yet serious with wonderful characters and a plot that carries you along.