TAKING IT TO THE STREETS...

of Detroit... 
Because that's where Charlie Street, the heroine in my new urban suspense series lives. Charlie is a bit like the city...edgy, sexy and fun! 

Charlie is a Detroiter, born and raised in a city that's hit rock bottom and is valiantly struggling to regain it's once proud stature...like the Phoenix bird rising from the ashes. The city's 200 year old motto, "Speramus Meloria - We Hope for Better; it Shall Rise Again," is oddly ironic...or prophetic, depending on your point of view. 

After spending a lot of time here, I realized Detroit is the perfect setting for my Street Law series. The city is gritty and vibrant and alive with possibility. In some areas factories and homes have been burned out and stripped of anything of value...a target of thieves, and I've been warned about going into these areas for research. But I've not been swayed. I believe in the hands on approach and so far, it's all good.

Other areas hold a unique stock of amazing architectural monuments in various stages of decay or refurbishing. ​Metro Detroit and many pockets "in the D" are experiencing a resurgence; new loft apartments, restaurants, bistros, brew pubs and artists' enclaves have sprung up throughout the  area. 

​Detroiters are equally unique, from street people to millennials, hipsters to rappers, vegans, city farmers, businessmen , artists and musicians...and the old guard still living in mansions in Grosse Pointe and on Lake St. Clair. I think this eclectic mix makes  a unique and fascinating setting for the Street Law series and will give Charlie lots of opportunities to help people in trouble...or make some of her own.

​Here are a few photos from my research, so, when you read STREET (the prequel) and DETROIT RULES, and the upcoming next book in the series, DETROIT HUSTLE, you'll have a pretty good visual of the city our crusading attorney/PI Charlie Street inhabits...and even her favorite haunts, like Slow's Bar-BQ.
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​Let me know what you think when you read the books. Do you get a sense of place. Can you feel the city's heartbeat?

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This is Slow's Bar-BQ ( on Michigan Avenue near Corktown where) where Charlie hangs out sometimes and where they have the most amazing pulled pork sandwiches ever!

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Me at Slow's eating one of the most amazing pulled pork sandwiches ever!