No one paints the thriving and vibrant world of yesteryear New York like L.A. Chandler. Her characters leap from the page and the sights, sounds and smells transport me to an Old Hollywood like yarn of elegant politics and deco-era corruption. This is dying to be a miniseries!

I loved this better than the first book! The writing was more detailed and the mystery was more intriguing than the first novel. Also, I thought the characters were more fleshed out. I hope the author writes more mysteries set in New York City in the 30s for the information she provides is startling!

The Gold Pawn is a bright and vivid illustration of the historical period that carries the reader along with very little effort by Chandlar; every word is written with ease and smoothness.

L.A. Chandlar’s historical thrillers continue to be amongst the best of the genre.  Chandlar’s fiction deftly weaves historical events and people into the main plot, allowing them to interact with the central characters - making the novels “feel real”.  While you don’t have to read the books in order, I strongly recommend you do, in order to understand the longer term aspects of the plot.


In The Gold Pawn, L A Chandlar reveals more about the Red Scroll organization, its links to Lane’s family, and its potential for causing more bloodshed.  Rex Ruby may be gone, but someone is trying to take over as his heir. Lane faces some major challenges, as she returns to the home where her parents were killed and tries to cope with the feelings that arise.  Finn is in England under cover, and much of her support is in New York City rather than Rochester.


In New York City, Fio is trying to discover where his friend, a respected bank manager has disappeared to.  The main clue is that he received notes in red envelopes before his disappearance.


Old enemies and new friends come to the forefront in The Gold Pawn.  While emotion is at the forefront, never fear - there are plenty of breathtaking action sequences, comic moments, and cinematic confrontations.  The 1936 of L.A. Chandlar is richly imagined and breathtakingly alive. If you like historical mysteries, you will greatly enjoy L.A. Chandlar’s novels, particularly The Gold Pawn.



5/5



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


-- Crittermom

Fun mystery set in NYC when Mayor Fiorello held sway. Lane Sanders works as his assistant, but is deeply involved in the mystery of her parents death and a shadowy criminal network Red Scroll designed to amass artwork and jewels. I would recommend reading the first, The Silver Gun, as much that happens is predicated on events from there. As to tone, the books are a breezy amalgam of 30's mysteries, PI noir, spy stories and historical fiction. Lane is a feisty competent heroine. The atmosphere and timing are well done. Grab a cocktail and settle into reading.

I was drawn to it based on the setting; NYC in the 30's, independent woman solving crimes...definitely my favorite era and character type (see The Rules of Civility.) However, the writing style of Chandlar is very different from Amor Towles. This is the second in a series, but my first experience with this author. I don't think there is anything wrong with the book; I just prefer something more serious. I know there is a market for this type of thing, so maybe if you are looking for a lighthearted, at times silly, series, then try this one.

Wow! It amazing when you come across a second book in a series that's just as good as the first book, but that's what we have here with The Gold Pawn!

Our favorite characters are back for more shenanigans in this latest installment. We get to learn more about both Lane and Finn's pasts. The mystery of Lane's family and their involvement with the crime underworld finally unravels a little, though I still believe there's more to the story.

The plotline was brilliant. Just like with the first book, I thought there were times where we were going to have a major climax, only to look at my e-reader and realize I had half a book to go! There are many "mini" climaxes through the book and I was riveted to it through the whole thing! And it ended on quite the cliffhanger. I cannot wait for the third book to come out so we can see what happens!

If you can't tell just from all my gushing about it, I'm HIGHLY recommending that you read this book. I would definitely start with the first book, The Silver Gun. This second book builds off of that one so you might be a bit lost if you don't start with the first book; it's just as good as this one.

I really enjoyed this book. I loved the time period. New York in the mid 1930's. Even though I read this on my kindle, I love the cover of the physical book. This is the second book in the Art Deco mystery series. I would recommend reading the first one before starting this one. I feel like I missed some important things in the first one and it's not fully explained in the second. I already have the first one ready to go after this one. I look forward to number three. Thanks to NetGalley for the book in exchange for an honest opinion.

In The Gold Pawn, Lane Sanders, personal aide to Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia, is drawn into investigating the mysterious disappearance of prominent New York City banker Ted Hambro as well as her own curious past, which is dominated by the death of her parents when she was a young child. Following up on the discovery that her parents were likely murdered because of their secret work as intelligence agents, Lane is drawn back to her childhood home in Rochester, Michigan in search of clues that will lead her to the truth about her parents' occupation and fate.

Meanwhile in New York, the Red Scroll Network, a feared syndicate—long believed disbanded and the subject of Lane's parents undercover work—appears to be making a comeback, despite the death of its leader Rex Ruby. Indeed, Ruby's lethal calling card—a gold pawn—is found at several crime scenes, and two ruthless criminals emerge who will stop at nothing to claim control of the network and the fortune Ruby left behind.

Once again, in her search for truth and connections between current and past misdeeds, Lane finds herself in the crosshairs of nefarious characters. When circumstances seem most dire, she is ably assisted by the team of supporters who made their appearance in Book 1, along with some unexpected guardian angels. Lane's partnerships take some interesting turns in the story, while her relationship with Finn Brodie deepens considerably, as these soul mates with ghosts in their pasts develop a strong, romantic bond.

This action-packed sequel to The Silver Gun delivers another imaginative plot, well-developed characters, and fascinating historical detail about 1930s New York City. In addition to being a first-rate mystery novel, The Gold Pawn is a love song to New York. Chandlar captures the City's excitement, grandeur, and magic as she describes places and events, and treats readers to cameos by famous personalities. The appearances of Bob Hope and Albert Einstein among others were an added delight, and another reason this series is endearing and engaging.

I look forward to the next installment in the Art Deco Mystery Series with great anticipation.

Thanks Kensington Books and netgalley for this ARC.

L..A. Chandler makes her novels better each time around. This is a puzzle that brings the historical, spiritual, and romantic together perfectly.

This historical mystery set in 1936 features Lane, a young woman who works for the Mayor of New York. When a banker mysteriously disappears, Lane finds herself going home to Rochester, Michigan to deal with issues from her past. How is the banker linked to her childhood trauma? That is at the root of this tale. The subtitle of Art Deco mystery refers to buildings in New York and there are some good period atmospherics. I also liked Lane's Aunt Evelyn. The story wavers between serious and light, making it hard to categorize this. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. I read this as a standalone; it's a fast and generally intriguing read.

It was fun to read about Lane and her memories from childhood as they haunt her in her current life. She returns to Michigan to uncover and put to rest her fears, only to return to New York, fears still there. With the crisis in Manhattan, she goes back to Michigan. Filled with 1936 gangsters and secret connections that parallel her past and her parents' involvement so many years before, Lane unravels some of her memories and the Gold Pawn. Finn, Roarke, and, of course Fio, bring interesting aspects to the story as it unfolds and Lane must decide who to trust.

This is the second in the Art Deco Mystery series. If you read the SILVER GUN, you will definitely enjoy this one as Chandlar again captures the time and brings delightful characters to the pages. Although this is the second, it can be read as a stand alone mystery.

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in the hopes that I would post an honest review. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.

'The Gold Pawn' made me think of what might have happened to Nancy Drew, George, and Bess as they grew into their 20s if in the 1930s.

Lane Sanders is an assistant to New York City Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia and lives with her aunt and her aunt's butler/long term companion. They (including the Mayor) are trying to solve the disappearance of a family friend and a bank president. In the midst of the Great Depression the disappearance of a bank president could cause ripples. The disappearance turns out to be linked to some very shady characters who had devastated Lane's childhood and are responsible for why she lives with her Aunt Evelyn. This dredges up a lot for Lane and also causes some hesitation in her romantic relationship.

The characters in the book drew you in and made me keep reading (past bedtime a few nights even).

When I started the book I did not realize there was one before it and that one is definitely on my to be read list now! I think it would help tie a few confusing (to me) parts of the book together.

I certainly hope L.A. Chandlar writes more in the Art Deco Mystery Series.

If you love the 1930s, get ready for a fun art-deco ride. The Gold Pawn picks up right where The Silver Gun left off. There’s enough back story to orient the reader, so this can be read as a standalone. Filled with gangsters, dolls, and atmosphere, the story is a nice escape to a sometimes simpler time.

Lane is a thrill-seeking young woman whose heart has been stolen, and we feel her joy at taking risks as well as her anxiety over whether she should indulge her dark side. This contrast creates a fun character who takes us on a journey filled with layer upon layer of lies and deceit. Each revelation takes Lane closer to her ultimate goal, but that journey comes at a personal cost.

While the dialogue felt a bit plain at times, the story was always moving forward and progressing toward an exciting and satisfying conclusion. There are a variety of “heroes” in this story, including a group of homeless kids. This band of street urchins were among my favorite characters in the book.

This was an enjoyable read that held my interest throughout. I thoroughly enjoyed the chance to dive into such a colorful time in history.

Thank you NetGalley.
The author really has a feel for the history of New York and Detroit. This is evident in the writing.
A great sequel by Chandlar. Mayor La Guardia as a character gives more authenticity to the setting.

THE GOLD PAWN by L.A. Chandlar
The Second Art Deco Mystery

It's 1936 and Mayor Fiorello La Guardia keeps his personal assistant, Lane Sanders, hopping. If he's not off chasing fires, he's adding fuel to the fires he makes with Tammany Hall and other enemies. His current concern though is a missing high powered banker and personal friend. In hopes of uncovering some secrets that may help the problems in New York, Lane decides it's time to travel to her childhood home in Michigan. But it's more than a missing banker and the resurgence of the Red Scroll Network; Lane is about to face her most dangerous enemy yet...her own inner demons.

The second Art Deco Mystery is filled with fantastic period details, from the clothing and the cars, to the cocktails (I want a Hilty Dilty) and more! This incredible research infuses the book with such an authentic atmosphere that as I read I felt as if I was actually in 1936. Despite all the fine trimmings, the heart of the book looks at darkness. Darkness, not only in the bad guys, but in the good ones as well.

THE GOLD PAWN is a gripping novel that had me glued to the pages whilst at the edge of my seat. It is an emotional rollercoaster filled with plenty of action, treachery, romance, and love. Lots of multilayered characters exist here, obvious villains, bad guys who may have some good, good people with foibles, and loved ones with secrets.Who will Lane trust? And ultimately, can she trust herself?

I absolutely loved this riveting book. There are plenty of laughs, but plenty of shocked gasps as well. THE GOLDEN PAWN is a fine mystery that probes much deeper into the human psyche, even as it entertains.

Originally I thought I would enjoy this book. Set in New York City in the 30's what could be better. Detroit, in the 30's what could be better. In this book, nothing was better. The writing was bland, and even at times comical. As in climbing up a wall of rocks in work clothes and high heels etc. etc. If this was a second book in a series, I didn't read the first, perhaps that would have made a difference. Didn't finish the book, I'm sorry to say. My apologies to NetGalley and the publisher for this review in exchange for the advanced copy.

I was drawn to read THE GOLD PAWN because of the allure of New York City in the 1930's and the promise of Mayor LaGuardia as a participating character. The bonus for me was the protagonist's side trips to the "country" (now the suburbs) north of Detroit, Michigan---my home town. Although the small country village described in the book has been replaced as a University town and major suburb, it was still fun to read about our heroine's visit to the historic home of Matilda Dodge Wilson and her husband, Alfred.

Meadow Brook Hall was described as a lavish manor house--and, that it is. Now operated as a "stately home" by Oakland University, it was fun to see the beautiful Tudor home (and its original owners) showcased in THE GOLD PAWN.

Presented as an "Art Deco Mystery," Chandler's book presents rote lists of architectural monuments and historic New York buildings, but somehow the setting never came to life for me. The descriptions feel like they were pulled from a middle school history book and lack life, and sensitivity.

I really enjoyed the large "family" of characters that Chandler pulled together, particularly her rag-tag group of young street urchins who were integral in saving the day on more than one occasion. The book also included a romance that felt clumsy and saccharine to me---perhaps in future books in the series the characters will find their mojo and less time and verbiage will be spent on their canoodling.

Overall, I was engrossed in the plot and was curious to reach its denouement, but I was deterred by the author's writing. It lacked verve and felt very workmanlike, rather than natural and descriptive.