Book Review - San Francisco Secrets – Greg Messel | Miki's Hope

Book Review - San Francisco Secrets – Greg Messel

Friday, June 7, 2013



While reading this mystery/romance I was reminded of how things were for women back in the 50’s and 60’s. There was no such thing as “no sexual harassment laws in the workplace” back then. It took real ingenuity to waylay some of those guys you worked with! And you never complained because invariably the woman was thought to have “brought it on herself”. Thank heavens times have changed!!! Another thing that has changed—back then stewardesses were not allowed to be married and had to have a certain physical appearance. Subterfuge was the name of the game for those who fell in love.

This book is filled to the brim with secrets which have to be unraveled-from the PI who was murdered for getting too close to solving who was blackmailing the doctor and why-what horrendous secret was in this doctor’s past.—and a couple of others.

Yes, I thoroughly enjoyed this book which is the third in the Sam Slater mysteries. I am going to try and get the first two and read them! If you enjoy a good who-done-it with some romance thrown in for good measure—you will too.


From the back of the book:

As the spring of 1958 arrives in San Francisco, it seems that baseball player turned private eye, Sam Slater and his fiancé, TWA stewardess Amelia Ryan, are surrounded by people who have secrets.

A prominent doctor, John O’Dell is being blackmailed by someone who has discovered a dark secret from his past. When the private investigator trying to catch the blackmailer is murdered, Dr. O’Dell hires Sam Slater to try to pick up the pieces. Someone is playing for keeps and will do anything to protect their own secrets.

Meanwhile, Amelia begins her new job as an international stewardess which takes her on adventures to New York City, London, Paris and Rome. In hot pursuit is a womanizing older pilot who has his sites set on Amelia.

Their lives get even more complicated when a mysterious woman from Sam’s past returns. Sam and Amelia’s relationship will be tested as they work together to solve the mystery on the foggy streets of San Francisco.

This Book can be purchased at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the author

Greg Messel grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and now lives in Edmonds, Washington on the Puget Sound with his wife, Carol. San Francisco Secrets is his sixth novel and is the third in a new series of Sam Slater mystery novels. Greg has lived in Oregon, Washington, California, Wyoming and Utah and has always loved writing, including stints as a reporter, columnist and news editor for a daily newspaper.
Find out more about Greg Messel’s writings and books at www.gregmessel.com.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregmessel
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greg.messel





I received a paperback edition of this book for review purposes. All opinions expressed are my own honest opinions. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement. Our giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook.

21 comments :

Unknown said...

I am fascinated by this era but haven't read many books that use it as the setting. Looking forward to reading this series.

Rebecca said...

sounds like a good book adding it to me list

Happy Gardening, Kim said...

Love to visit San Fran - it;s just a beautiful place - a mini New York City with an ocean!

Anonymous said...

That sounds like a great book, though it has not changed much as far as sexual harassment or I would still be doing the job I love. Instead I had to quit to get away from my issue because the laws are there but you are the bad guy if you try to use them.

Chubskulit Rose said...

Some people think that laws nowadays are just outrageous but as a woman, I think that it's just right to have those laws protecting us.

Taty said...

That was quite an era!
Secrets make for great books ;)

Healy Harpster said...

Thank's for the review. Glad it can purchase online. Sound very interesting!

Nicole A. said...

Sounds like this would make a good movie too.

Greg Messel said...

I have learned a lot in the process of writing these books about the plight of stewardesses in the 1950s and early 60s. They were really pioneers in fighting for women's rights in the work place. The comments are right--in 1958 there were no ways for women to fight sexual harassment. There was an attitude that "boys will be boys" and women just had to put up with it. Fortunately that has changed.

Trendy Cyndie said...

Not sure if I will like this book.

Journeys of The Zoo said...

My husband loves San Francisco. From what he says, it would be a perfect backdrop for a novel like this. I'll have to check it out, thanks for sharing.

Besos, Sarah
Blogger at Journeys of The Zoo

Melinda Dunne said...

This sounds like another great read! It is amazing to see how far women have come in 60+ years. I always find information during the 50's really interesting.

jheylo said...

A mysterious book :) sounds like another good book.

Unknown said...

i love mystery book. it make me one read it cover to cover in one seating.:)

Mel Cole said...

Sounds like the wife might be a potential killer in the story? hehe nice to hear investigatory stories like this.

Lexie Lane said...

I love learning about women's rights at this time. It's about the time Betty Friedan wrote the Feminine Mystique, I believe. Helps us to really know how much we've advanced. Great review!

mommy Orkid Belle said...

It sounds like a fascinating story to me. Wow! Thanks for sharing. Yes, you are are. Time sure has changed.

Nova said...

Mysteries makes me always want to know more, i want to find the reasons behind it immediately.

Bless said...

I agree..the plight of women has changed tremendously in many decades. I am glad that we have now women's rights and have a voice in society, unlike before. This book must be a good read.

amiableamy said...

Intriguing story and I wondered if their relationship stay strong amidst the test of time. It is interesting and I would want to read it.

Nova said...

what a great setting for a mystery. havent read many books set in the 50s but i've enjoyed them

 
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