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the person scamming you may not be a stranger
book description
Not quite cozy. Not quite a murder mystery.
Farley Panko and his rescue cat, Norman, head to an RV resort in Arizona, where an old friend cajoles Farley into helping with a criminal investigation. Not only is he now a reluctant amateur sleuth, but he’s dragged into a wary, often thorny, relationship with a woman.He’s also horrified to discover that his golden-aged neighbors (whom he calls “goldies”) are communal and meddling.
Meanwhile, Torri, a remorseless leader of a Denver street gang, comes to Arizona to engage in an ingenious scam targeting seniors. She comes under suspicion by Farley, who, against his better judgment, pokes his nose into things. But shouldn’t a retired fifty-five-year-old software developer—with a hankering for booze—avoid criminal probes? Of course. Does he? Of course not . . . and he risks the ultimate price for his involvement.
Goldies and Grifters combines an ounce of substance abuse with an ounce of crime and a sprinkling of humor, resulting in a tale of deceit and mistrust, yet also revealing the heartaches—and hopefulness—associated with the search for mid-life companionship.
quick summary
The novel’s setting is a 55+ RV park in Arizona, called Mariposa Twin Resorts. The plot focuses on how seniors are being scammed, but the crux of the story is really about the journey of the protagonist, Farley Panko.
If you’re interested in reading bits of it, here’s a small excerpt from chapter 1 of my w.i.p.
genre
It’s a contemporary adult fiction. It’s best described as a not-quite-cozy mystery or a general fiction novel, with elements of mystery and romance, and containing a touch of humor. It’s definitely character driven.
audience / appeal
Although not your typical women’s fiction (i.e. with a male protagonist), I firmly believe the story appeals to women.
Beneath the surface, the novel is a mid-life coming-of-age story about an oddball protagonist, Farley Panko, who has a vodka habit reminiscent of Eleanor Oliphant, but with the veiled humanity of Ove (A Man Called Ove).
It would appeal mostly to middle-aged to older adults, but anyone interested in amateur sleuth or not-quite-cozy mysteries would love it.
if you’ve read goldies and enjoyed it . . .
. . . and you’re feeling generous, a positive review on Goodreads (a line or two is all I’m asking) or on the Kobo site would be the best way to show some appreciation for receiving an ebook at a heavily discounted price.
THANKS!