This story had its genesis at Kristine Kathryn Rusch’s Short Story
Workshop. Kris had given the group homework to write a conversation
during which an entirely unrelated act was taking place. I enjoyed
the homework so much that I used what I wrote as a springboard for
an entire novel.
The story is set in late 1930s Los Angeles. Mysterious deaths lead
Detective Matt Wolfe into an occult shrouded investigation in which
he must defy authority and embrace that which he distrusts to
prevent his own demise.
Though I’ve written quite a bit of fantasy and science fiction, it
was Kris Rusch who encouraged me to branch out and write in other
genres. I lived in Los Angeles for quite some time and visited many
of the remaining buildings and attractions from the pre-World War 2
era--though there are precious few left. For some reason Los
Angeles doesn’t respect its past, and doesn’t care to preserve its
history. There are many examples of this, but here are two: The
Ambassador Hotel and the Brown Derby. Both victims of stupidity and
an obvious lack of historical respect. Bobby Kennedy was shot in
the Ambassador, and its attached night club--Cocoanut Grove--was
one of the places to be seen back in the day. The Brown
Derby? I just shake my head at that one. Before too long even the
venerable Musso & Frank restaurant could shut down, and it has
been in Hollywood since 1919.
So, I’ve lived in Los Angeles and I’ve a healthy respect for its
past, but what else makes me the person to write such a story?
Well, I have a law enforcement background and a near obsession with
literature, movies, and fashion of the 20s and 30s.
