This
week, Janet Lynn and Will Zeillinger, another husband and wife writing team,
join me to tell you about their latest Skyler Drake mystery, Slick Deal. They write about Los Angeles and other areas of the west in the
1950s. They especially enjoy researching the details. Welcome, Janet and Will.
Our latest book, Slick Deal, begins on New Year's Eve
1956 at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. Clues to the first murder lead to Avalon
on Catalina Island, off the coast of Southern California.
Santa Catalina Island was named after St Catherine of
Alexandria in1602 by Spanish explorer Sebastian Vizcaino. Before 1891, the city
of Avalon was called "Shatto" for George Shatto, the second owner of
the island. His sister-in-law Etta Whittley suggested the name be changed to Avalon.
We researched the name Avalon and were amazed by what we
found.
Avalon is the mythological Celtic island where King Arthur's
sword, Excalibur was forged. King Arthur was taken there to meet his death
after being fatally wounded in the battle of Camlann, where he clashed with the
witch, Mordred.
Like all mythical places, the island has been sought by scholars
in many locations.
Some say it is on the hill of Glastonbury Tor in Somerset,
England.
Others say it exists in Burgh-by-Sands in Cumbria, England.
Many say it is in northwestern France on the legendary Isle of Avalon. Spain
declared it was in their country on Mallorca (Majorca) Island. Still others
claimed it was the connection between Avalon and Helheim, the kingdom of the
dead, in Scandinavian mythology.
In all locations where Avalon is said to have existed, a sea
journey would be required to reach it. The island is associated with mythical
peace and magic. Perhaps it is an earthly utopia, a harmonious bridge between
the terrestrial earth and the celestial kingdom bridging what is real and what
it could become in the presence of brave heroes, rulers, and kings.
The Avalon on Catalina seems like a magical city. After an
ocean journey from Los Angeles, it provides a place to relax and enjoy the peaceful
ambiance. It also presents a dichotomy between magic and peace and the return to
real life upon departure.
Slick Deal presents these concepts as a metaphor for the clash
between two affluent families. This is the fourth in our Skyler Drake mystery
series.
Authors Will Zeilinger and Janet
Lynn write individually. Together, they write the Skyler Drake Mystery Series. These hard-boiled tales are based in old Hollywood of the 1950s.
Janet has published seven mystery novels and Will has three plus a couple of
short stories. Their world travels have sparked several ideas for murder and
crime stories. This creative couple is married and live in Southern California.
Their next Skylar Drake Mystery, fourth in the series, Slick
Deal, will be available April 16, 2018 and yes...they are still married!
Website for Janet Elizabeth Lynn
Website for Will Zeilinger
Thank you Lorna and Larry for hosting us ony your blog. Looks great.
ReplyDeleteGlad to have you!
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