StanleyWheeler

She walked in hotter and sweeter than a peppermint candy cane covered in white phosphorus. She had my attention and held it like a pup in a steel trap. I had never enjoyed a trap more. There was just one problem. She wanted me to find her husband.

She was the first woman to complicate my life that day. She wouldn’t be the last. The investigation soon took a sudden turn, just like the quarry road where her husband’s car didn’t. He challenged gravity and came in second. Was it murder or suicide? Was it a business rival? The mob? Were they after the secret Nazi diamonds her husband had lifted at Berchtesgaden at the end of the war? Either way, I had to walk carefully to avoid joining him on the wrong side of the grass.

The police detective formed his own conclusions. It didn’t look good for the dame who had stolen my heart. I didn’t let the second murder alter my judgment; I refused to believe that my doll was the killer. I had to prove her innocence. The last thing I needed was another woman with magnetic qualities to tangle up the investigation, but that’s what I got. I was in trouble.

That's my first draft for the cover summary of Smoke. It may be too long for the Amazon requirements. I don't remember what the word limit is. 

Let me know if it sparks your interest. 

Here are some recent comments from a proofreader:

"Taking place in the late ’40’s, this captivating story of love, lust, lies, rare books and jewels, stabbing in the back—and front!—All facets of a detective story is reminiscent of Mike Hammer or Sam Spade."

"Stopping midway through this riveting book is not an option!"

"Well-drawn characters, absorbing plot, and flavor of the 40’s make this a must-read!"

"Couldn’t put the darn thing down. It’s a cover-to-cover read in one sitting."