by Sarah Erwin

Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win a copy of the book and a link to purchase the book from Amazon.

The Red-Hot Blues Chanteuse by Ana Brazil is the first book in the new Viola Vermillion Vaudeville Mystery series and takes readers directly into the heart of vaudeville in 1919 San Francisco.

In this historical mystery, Viola Vermillion is a singer in a traveling troupe and wants to make it to the big time. She is devastated, though, when she finds her piano player and lover Stu Wiley murdered in the balcony of the Pantages Theater. Murdered with Viola’s own gun. Of course Viola is considered a suspect and she is determined to prove her innocence. Unfortunately, her investigation turns up many of Stu’s secrets (including a secret past). Which lie could have gotten Stu murdered? Each lie seems to point to a different suspect.

In addition to ferreting out the murderer, Viola has got to keep her act going, and so she hires a new piano player–the handsome Jimmy Harrigan. Jimmy, though, has secrets of his own, including the identity of his real employer and what task has brought him to San Francisco.

Jimmy and Stu aren’t the only ones with secrets and secret motives. Viola is in possession of an encrypted red notebook that belongs to an East Coast munitions tycoon and details his shady business dealings. Viola blames him for her sister’s death and is determined to seek justice for her sister.

Secrets, lies, and suspicions are layered one on top of another in this atmospheric story, making it suspenseful and hard to put down. The story features a diverse cast of characters and is told from varying points of view. Ana masterfully reveals clues and red herrings so that I had no idea who the culprit was until the very end. I’m looking forward to reading more of Viola’s adventures, especially as there is a bit of unfinished business at the end of book one that has this reader very curious. A strong entry into the genre of historical mysteries.

To enter to win either an ebook or print copy of The Red-Hot Blues Chanteuse (winner’s choice–please be sure to state in your entry which you want), simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “red hot” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen December 30, 2023. U.S. residents only, and you must be 18 or older to enter. If entering via email please include your mailing address in case you win. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.

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You can also click here to purchase the book.

Sarah Erwin started her career as a children’s librarian, later becoming a public library director and now she’s a stay at home mom. While her career might have changed, her love of reading has been a constant since 4th grade and she reads over 200 books a year. Read along with her on her blog Sarah Can’t Stop Reading or on Instagram. Sarah lives in St. Louis, MO with her two kids, her husband and a family dog and cat.

Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.