The Silver Gun

Art Deco Mystery #1

by L.A. Chandlar

New York City, 1936. In the midst of the Great Depression, the Big Apple is defiantly striving toward an era infused with art, architecture, and economic progress under the dynamic Mayor La Guardia. But those in City Hall know that tumultuous times can inspire both optimism and deadly danger . . .
It s been six months since Lane Sanders was appointed Mayor Fiorella Fio La Guardia's new personal aide, and the twenty-three-year-old is sprinting in her Mary Janes to match her boss' pace. Despite dealing with vitriol from the Tammany Hall political machine and managing endless revitalization efforts, Fio hasn't slowed down a bit during his years in office. And luckily for Lane, his unpredictable antics are a welcome distraction from the childhood memories that haunt her dreams and the silver gun she'll never forget.
When Lane gets attacked and threatened by an assailant tied to one of most notorious gangsters in the city, even the mayor can't promise her safety. The corrupt city officials seem to be using Lane as a pawn against Fio for disgracing their party in the prior election. But why was the assailant wielding the exact same gun from her nightmares?
Balancing a clandestine love affair and a mounting list of suspects, Lane must figure out how the secrets of her past are connected to the city s underground crime network before someone pulls the trigger on the most explosive revenge plot in New York history . . ."

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical Mystery, Fiction, Historical, Cozy Mystery, Audiobook

352 pages, Paperback

First published August 29, 2017

About the author

"I write about beauty out of ashes, friendships, self-discovery, adventure, and the making of monsters." L.A. Chandlar is the award-winning author of the LANE SANDERS MYSTERY SERIES featuring a fresh take on the vitality of late 1930s New York City and the upcoming 2026 THE LOST STORIES "Based on true holiday events that changed the course of history." Laurie has been nominated for the Agatha, Lefty, Macavity and Anthony Awards; and winner of Suspense Magazine’s Crimson Scribe as well as the GANYC Apple Award for Outstanding Achievement in Literature. Laurie’s degrees are in English and PR from The University of Michigan. She’s been living and writing in New York City for over 20 years and has been speaking for a wide variety of audiences including a women’s group with the United Nations. Laurie has also worked in PR for General Motors, is the mother of two sons, and has toured the nation managing a rock band. She is a fierce advocate for women’s rights. She loves coffee and wine; and hates thwarted love and raisins.

Reviews

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Historical Fiction Set in 1930's New York

I truly enjoy reading this book. I loved learning some of the history of New York in the 1930's. I won book two of the series on Goodreads.com and started reading. I was enjoying it so much I wanted to see how it all started. These could be read as stand alone books but this reader recommends racing them in order. Now to finish book 2.

[Glen · Rating 2 out of 5]

During the Fiorello administration in New York City, his progressive female assistant gets involved in a murder case, is threatened by a a gangster, has an illicit love affair, and is dreaming of a silver gun.

Perhaps a little too busy for its own good.

[Mark Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lane Sanders has landed a job as the personal assistant to New York City’s mayor Fiorello “Fio” La Guardia in 1936 New York City. She’s enjoying her job even though some days it feels like she is just trying to keep up with her energetic boss as he is on a crusade to clean up the city. One night, at the scene of a fire, Lane receives a warning for her boss. But soon she begins to wonder if there is more to the warning. And is she really a target?

This new series gets off to a promising start. There’s a good mystery here that kept me engaged most of the time and certainly had me turning pages during the suspenseful climax. I did feel the beginning wandered a bit too much, although it did all come into play by the end. Likewise, the ending could have been tighter as it set up the next in the series. The characters, both real and fictional, are a varied bunch and a delight to be around.

NOTE: I received a copy of this book.

Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clever mystery with engaging characters. Lane Sanders is the perfect heroine for 1936 New York City. I loved its uniqueness from other mysteries out there.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you enjoy historical mysteries, I recommend checking out The Silver Gun by L.A. Chandlar!

Set in New York City in 1936, Lane Sandars is working as Mayor Fiorella La Guardia's personal aide. With Fio managing revitalization efforts, dealing with vitriol from those who don't think he should be in office, and meeting directly with constituents, Lane's constantly busy keeping everything on track and the 23-year old is enjoying every minute. Then Lane is attacked and everyone from notorious gangsters to corrupt city officials seem to have possible motives due to her connection to the mayor. Even more concerning, Lane's assailant was holding a silver gun that reminds her of one she's dreamt off for years.

Add in a clandestine love affair, and Lane's jumped in head first with a fun group of characters to figure out what exactly her assailant is planning and how it relates to her, as the stakes keep getting higher.

The setting is fabulous and the plot is fast paced with tons of twists and turns. Lane is an engaging character and I enjoyed her crew of family and friends. There was no cliffhanger, but there are some jaw dropping new discoveries near the end of the novel and I look forward to finding out what happens next.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This book was just phenomenal. I don't give 5 stars lightly, but I think this first book in the new Art Deco Mystery series deserves it. I was a little concerned at first as I had a hard time getting into it, but as I do with every book, I gave it 50 pages. It didn't need that long before it grabbed me and never let go. There was so much action and intrigue in this book. I told my mom at one point that I had thought I was getting to the climax only to find that I was only halfway done with the book!

The characters are awesome. I love Lane and Evelyn and Mr. Kirkland and Finn and all of them! I cannot wait to get to know them further in other books. They're well-rounded characters and complex. There are so many things that you learn about them just in this first book!

The plot was brilliant. I read a "professional" review that said it was too formulaic but I think they were wrong. These days it's hard to find a book that doesn't follow at least some formula to a degree. In romance, you're going to have the getting together, then the problem/break-up and then the reunion and happy ever after. It's just inevitable. In mysteries, you're going to have the heroine trying to figure out how to save the day at the end, either by finding the killer/robber/arsonist or by stopping some horrible event from happening. It's just part of story writing. However, in my opinion, this story had so many ups and downs, so many little climaxes and then ratcheting up the action more that it kept it from being too formulaic.

I'd still consider this a cozy - even with the amount of suspense and intrigue that there was. There still wasn't much language or physical displays of affection. We had a young, female heroine who wasn't part of the police or other crime stopping team, though she certainly had plenty of ties there. Plus, when there was a death or killing, there wasn't a lot of discussion dealing with blood and gore. Nonetheless, this was definitely hopping more with suspense than your traditional cozy.

I absolutely loved this book and HIGHLY recommend it to anyone who is a mystery lover. You should seriously let your fingers run, not walk, to one of the online retailers or to a brick and mortar store and buy this book in some format.

If you do, I'd love to hear your opinion of the book!

[Richard Koreto · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot of fun! Chandlar has populated Depression-era NYC with a lively cast of memorable characters, including a rogue's gallery of villains you'll love to hate. Her protagonist is a young woman, the sharp and fearless Lane Sanders, a special assistant to colorful mayor La Guardia, who also figures prominently into the story. The page-turning plot revolves around the city's underworld and La Guardia's work on reforming city government. But Chandlar also adds a fascinating backstory involving Lane's parents and other family members and a mysterious romance with a suitor who has his own secrets. The various mysteries come together at the end in a very satisfactory way. Meanwhile, the novel is full of details about 1930s New York that should be of particular interest to city residents. Looking forward to a sequel.

[Sue Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun mystery set in NYC during the mayorship of Fiorello LaGuardia. The resourceful and engaging protagonist, Lane Saunders, deals with gangsters, undercover cops, arson, murders, and recurring dreams of a silver scrolled gun while working as LaGuardia's personal assistant. Memorable characters that you will want to visit again are another draw. Waiting for the next book....

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is based on 1936 NYC historical facts mixed with fiction. I found it an excellent murder mystery with a very interesting lead character, Lane Sanders.

As aid to the newly elected mayor, Fiorello La Guardia, 23 yr old Lane finds herself being used by gangsters and teamsters as a route to get the mayor's attention. Family history, that Lane didn't know about, needs to be investigated when she faces danger from a new mobster she is unaware of.

Steady plot, heightened tension created from the era without modern technology to call for help, kept me turning the pages. Epilogue gives clues for book 2 and I can hardly wait to read that one!

This book has a reading group guide, and a selected bibliography section.

I volunteered to read an ARC from Kensington Press through Net Galley.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mixing fact and fiction, and adding in a few familiar landmarks and names, this book runs at a frenetic pace from the start. Lane Sanders is promoted from secretary to aide to one of the most influential and powerful mayors in U.S. history. This promotion also includes Lane in the political spotlight of the Mayor's inner circle, including all the danger that comes with it.
An amazing cast of characters with many secrets populates this novel.
Exciting and breath taking, this is only the beginning.

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won a copy of this book during a Goodreads giveaway. I am under no obligation to leave a review or rating and do so voluntarily. So that others may also enjoy this book, I am paying it forward by donating it a local library.

[Val Sanford · Rating 1 out of 5]

All the makings for a great book drop right out and are replaced with two-dimensional characters, cliches and stereotypes

[Verity W · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really struggled with this. Too much going on, didn’t love the writing style and i found the characters hard to get along with. And the actual mystery wasn’t very good. Never mind.

[Joe Passanisi · Rating 4 out of 5]

My growing interest in historical fiction, in particular mysteries and crime stories, continues with The Silver Gun by L.A. Chandlar. The story is set in 1930's New York City and follows the adventures of Lane Sanders, personal aide to Mayor La Guardia.

There are two aspects of the story that I want to highlight. The first is the character, Lane, and the way she takes the reader through her experiences that is The Silver Gun. Lane is an outsider trying to find herself, who she is but also more about where she came from. Lane very much reminded me of what I loved about Agent Peggy Carter from Marvel's Agent Carter. Though Agent Carter was post-WWII and dealt with conflicts wrapped in science fiction, she was an outsider yet fearless when faced with adversity. I find Lane to possess those same qualities. She rolls with the punches and even though she gets knocked down, she gets back up, always. I love that. Lane also carries a little more in this series and that is her love of the city she lives in, in particular, its artistic environment.

The art in The Silver Gun leads me to the second aspect of this story that I enjoyed. I very much felt the author's love of art through Lane and that feeling was very welcomed and refreshing. Many of the crime fiction stories I read deal in studies of humanity, usually the dark side of humanity. While there are dark characters and situations in The Silver Gun, it was passion and art that stuck out to me all wrapped into an engaging mystery. With New York City as its backdrop, the story offers so much for Lane to experience and I felt those experiences with her. Here is a quote from the book that really captures that feeling:

"From the elevator doors and the Cloud Club in the Chrysler Building to the lobby at Radio City Music Hall, we didn't just look at art, we got to walk through works of art on a daily basis."

The Art Deco Mystery series will be a fun series to follow and I very much look forward to growing with Lane in her experiences to come.

[Kymm · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like to read these cozy mystery series books after I've read several really heavy, in depth books about subject matter that takes a lot of concentration and emotion. I hadn't heard of this author or series, so I thought I'd give it a try, as I'd finished the last series I was reading. I liked The Silver Gun, it held my interest well enough, but it wasn't great and seemed to drag at times. The story seemed to be setting up the series, so it contained a lot of background information. The mystery itself was solved about half way through, but then there was more that came out after it was solved that answered more questions I'd had. It's about a woman, Lane, who works for the New York mayor LaGuardia in the 1930's. They both become targets of a mobster who wants to take down LaGuardia and get him out of office. There's plenty of intrigue, suspense and even some romance. I did love the characters in the book, they all were written well and some I really liked, others not so much. The book had it all, but just seemed to drag at times, as I've said. I did like the ending and wished the rest of the book was as thrilling as the end. I don't know if I'll continue this series or look for another yet. I'll most likely read the second book and see what the author has to offer with that one. Sometimes the first in a series is mainly to set the scene for future books and I think I felt this was what this book was. The author tried to get the reader to know all the background, yet still tell an intriguing story. Perhaps too much information for one book. I don't know why I wasn't thrilled with this book, it was only a 3 star book for me. I did love the time period and the description of the clothing and city in the 1930's though.

[Cecilia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun mystery incorporating references to a local city I know well but set in the 1930's primarily in Manhattan. The legendary Mayor Fiorello La Guardia, members of the Tammany Hall political machine, and local gangsters all add elements of fun and some fantasy to the story of the newly appointed personal assistant to the Mayor, namely Lane Sanders. Lane lost her parents when she was 10 years old and lives with an aunt and pseudo uncle. These and several male interests who all together team up to deal with threats to the city, the mayor and even to Lane herself.

It's easy to read and although it lacks the typical excessive and graphic sex and violence, it held my interest and I enjoyed the story.

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this! It gets very bogged down in the historical details at times, I felt, which isn't necessarily bad but did mean for slower reading than I usually would do with a mystery. I will definitely be checking out the other books in the series.

[Julie]

The main character is threatened and chased by mobsters and everyone knows it, but no one appears to really think that's a big deal, and she just goes about her life as usual.

Maybe my idea of what it means to be chased by mobsters is wrong, but this seems a bit... casual.

[Mary Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished reading The Silver Gun. It was a page turner! I normally don't read fiction, but I couldn't put it down!!

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent writing, well researched, suspenseful mystery, lovable, likable and despicable characters and a fabulous feel for the time period. 1936, NYC. The Silver Gun is the first book in L. A. Chandlar’s Art Deco Mystery Series. It is a wonderful start to what hopefully is a long running series. Now, on to the next book, The Gold Pawn.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super fun mystery set in NYC during the 1930’s. It features Lane, an aide to Fiorello LaGuardia, the mayor of New York. Loved the historical references, especially the aunt with the Van Gogh paintings.

[Argum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Already cant wait for the next one. Such great twists and turns that in a couple spots I was sure I had it figured and then was fooled and yet in the end that initial inkling was proved correct in a surprising way. Great storytelling. Lane works for the mayor Fio LaGuardia. Her parents died in front of her as a child and she is raised by an eccentric aunt who runs in exalted circles. Lane is caught up in some nasty dreams and some nasty run ins. At first it seems to be directed at Fio as he cleans up the corruption of Tammany. But as things progress it seems to be much much more. A great book and an exciting start to a new series.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won a free copy of this book from Goodreads FirstREads.

Great storytelling. A great book and an exciting start to a new series. Lots of twists and turns that really got me.

[Benedetta777 · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a native New Yorker, I loved the historical tidbits (although some of them were incorrect) and nostalgia of the book. (I miss the old-gritty but optimistic City) The story was a little drawn out, and I figured out who the stalker/would be killer was about a third way into the book (you’ll figure it out too, if you ever watched an episode of “Murder, She Wrote”). I kept reading because I wanted to see how the characters came to the same conclusion. The characters were likeable, abet a little flat given the author has plenty of opportunity to make them more dimensional, this was my biggest disappointment of the author. I originally chose the book because I read good reviews of the second book The Gold Pawn but don’t think I will bothered reading it.

[EP · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read with great period detail. Lane is a great heroine with minimal TSTL moments. Yes, there were a few, which was frustrating, esp when she acknowledges that unlike dumb females in movies, she knows better than to not stay put when told (sly wink), then goes prancing off and gets caught (repeatedly). But I suppose it's not much of a story if the heroine is always obedient and careful.

The setting of the story was vivid, and 1930s New York felt like its own character in this novel. I love all the descriptions of Lane's clothes, the food she ate, and places she went. I learned some history too, which was presented as a natural part of the narrative in a non-pedantic fashion. The description of the characters were vivid and full, and I felt like I got to know some of them (Lane, Fio, Aunt Evelyn, Mr. Kirkland) so well after just a short time. They were really well-drawn, and I was engaged from the start. (Fio is the greatest)

A couple nits: I don't live in NY, but it did seem to me that 1930s NYC must only consist of about 10 city blocks and about 500 people, for all the coincidences that keep cropping up. Where does everything take place? How does Fio arrive on the scene of every crime within minutes? How does everyone keep running into each other, fortuitously or otherwise? For that matter, why is it that Finn (whose mystery, I thought, was not very mysterious at all) has zero operational security? For someone whose existence Lane shouldn't even know about, lest it endanger her, he sure is casual about hanging around, taking her out in public places, and opening them up to situations in which they could be easily seen (though this seems to be the only time that people actually *don't* run into each other on the street). Don't get me wrong - I liked Finn and getting to see their relationship develop. It just seemed like he could have been a lot more wise about it. Just sayin'. The mystery was fun - one plot twist made me shout, "WHAT?!" and another, "I knew it!!" That's the mark of a good mystery to me. ;)

I'm very much looking forward to reading the next installment in this series. Thanks to the publisher for providing an ARC via netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

[Katreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE SILVER GUN by L.A. Chandlar
The First Art Deco Mystery

Working for Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia is always an adventure, but after Lane Sanders runs into a mysterious good looking man exiting his office and locks eyes with another man with an evil glare who's watching her at the subway things get even more thrilling. Lane must not only keep up with the mayor's antics and deal with two sourpussed secretaries jealous of her promotion, but she must join forces with friends and family to work on "the case". There's a threat against the mayor, but the attacks are aimed at Lane. Could she be the real target? Should she trust that mysterious man who seems to pop up whenever she's in danger? And what is the meaning behind the silver gun in her dreams?

Intrigue, adventure, and a touch of romance, this historical mystery has it all!

THE SILVER GUN is filled with unique richly developed characters. Lane Sanders is an eager young woman willing to reach out for what she wants and who is not one to sit by the sidelines. She thrusts herself into danger and rescues herself, no wilting flower is she! Lane lives life to the fullest. She's a woman I'd love to know and call friend. Finn Brodie is not only swoonworthy, he's a complex character with hidden depths. Speaking of hidden depths, there are lots of characters with mysterious backgrounds. Not everything nor everyone is as it seems, which adds to the excitement and surprises which continue to unfold throughout the book.

I love just about everything in this first Art Deco mystery. The rich attention to detail provides added layers. I love hearing about the artists and songs from the time, and laugh as Lane gets the lyrics wrong. I appreciate the architecture, fashion, and the food. I never realized potato chips where a thing in the 1930s and I desperately want some fried olives.

THE SILVER GUN grabbed my attention from the start and would not let go. There are so many dimensions involved and the novel captivated me in so many ways. With laugh out loud escapades, romance, camaraderie, danger, and special dreams, it's thrilling, charming, and funny, and not to be missed.


FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Silver Gun by L.A. Chandlar is the first book in An Art Deco Mystery series. Lane Sanders is aide to the 99th New York City Mayor Fiorello “Fio” LaGuardia. It has been busy with Fio’s efforts to stop the various gang enterprises in the city (slot machines for example) and his many reform ideas. One night at the scene of a fire, Lane is grabbed and threatened. One of the gangs is trying to scare off Fio through Lane. This is just the beginning of their efforts to scare Lane and get Fio out of office. Lane and her friends work to find out which gang leader is behind the attacks and stop them before the violence escalates. Lane has noticed a handsome man that seems to be following her. Is he out to help her or a part of the conspiracy?

The Silver Gun has a wonderful, strong female main character in Lane Sanders (well thought out and developed). Lane is spunky and has moxie. L.A. Chandlar did her research for An Art Deco Mystery series. She captured the era, the city and did a wonderful job at portraying the dynamic Fiorello LaGuardia. My rating for The Silver Gun is 3 out of 5 stars. I did think that the pace of the novel was slow. The author put so many details, events, and characters into the story that it made the story seem lengthy (and at times it read like a book on the history of the era). I wish the author had a different writing style. It would have made a world of difference (if she wrote like Leslie Meier, Laura Childs, Ellery Adams or Kate Carlisle for example). The mystery seemed complicated, but it is easily solved early in the story. I did find it unusual that Lane seemed to meet the same people no matter where she was in the city. Fio seemed to arrive at any incident in the city within minutes of it being reported (sometimes faster). I was curious how Fio showed up before Lane has been rescued from the train tracks. Her family also arrived equally as quick. I thought adding the famous painter (name would be a spoiler) to the story was a bit of a stretch (just made me roll my eyes in disbelief).

[Crittermom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any fan of historical mysteries will love The Silver Gun.  Set in New York City during the 1930s, it has the flavor of a city on the move, growing and changing.  Art Deco is at its height and the role of women in society and the workforce is changing.  It’s a vibrant time and The Silver Gun is a match for its brilliance.

Mayor Fio La Guardia is turning the city upside down in his attempts to root out corruption, revitalize the economy and put an end to mob control.  Lane Sanders,his 23 year old aide, has her work cut out for her.  It's a tough job but she loves it - and is willing to protect it when trouble comes, first in the form of an alleyway threat and then when she is pushed in front of a train.  Naturally Lane wants to know why she is being targeted.  With the help of her friends and family - and a mysterious and attractive stranger (cliche but extremely well done), Lane investigates the threat to Fio, herself and the city.  

Chandlar’s characters are vibrant figures depicted with depth and purpose.  Each is fascinating in his or her own way.  Even Finn Brodie, the man Lane quickly falls for, is far more than a sketch of a romantic ideal.  Normally I hate insta-love, but in this case the attraction between the two is palpable and easy to accept. Fio LaGuardia is a force of nature.  The plot is delectably complex with many exciting moments.  Between the absorbing plot, the electric setting and the vivid characters, I was glued to the page from beginning to end.  My only disappointment is that now I will have to wait for the next book in the series.

The Silver Gun is a must read for fans of historical mysteries.

5 / 5

I received a copy of The Silver Gun from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.

--Crittermom

[Andrea Guy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first thing I noticed upon starting The Silver Gun, was how much the book reminded me of Beatriz Williams recent books. There was a nice mixture of history, mystery and romance going on in the story.



This is the first book in the Art Deco series and without giving out any spoilers, this is a series that you are going to want to read in order.



The Silver Gun is set in the 1930s NYC. It is a perfect mixture of fact and fiction. with one of the primary characters being Fiorello La Guardia, the 99th mayor of NYC. Lane is his fictional assistant. La Guardia is a colorful character in history, so he really makes this book more interesting. The cast of characters is fabulous here. I adored Finn, he was a great romantic interest.



The mystery is one that will keep you on your toes, with a mixture of the mob and Lane's back story, which gets more and more intriguing as things go on. This is really an edge of your seat mystery, with some twists and turns on the way. Just when you think you know who's who, things change.



The title of the book also figures into the story, in a big way. I love when this happens, even though you don't know the full significance until the end.



This is a great start of a new series. I can't wait to read more about Lane especially with the ending, which wasn't quite a cliffhanger but more a harbinger of what's to come.

[Liberty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, and the narrator, though at times it felt slow and hard to get through. The mystery was engaging, and I enjoyed the characters, especially Finn & Roark. However, late in the book, the author started tossing in other viewpoints, which threw me off since it wasn’t something she’d done earlier in the book. As a writer myself, who writes in a similar style, I didn’t mind it as much, but an average reader might get caught off guard.

This is a generous rating as I feel 3.5-3.75 stars is more appropriate. Mostly because it did feel like a bit of a slog at times and the asides to the reader about songs being made famous later on (decades down the road!) were troublesome to me. Also, it felt like the author was bringing some of today’s language into a book set in 1936. It brought me out of the story by doing both of these things, in addition to provoking a couple of Facebook discussions with my friends.

If the 2nd book is offered on audio through Hoopla (where I borrowed it from through my library), I will likely read it as I’m intrigued by the time period and the characters/setting.