The Jade Tiger

Set in 1928, Cooper’s promising debut and series launch introduces aspiring opera singer Penelope Harris, who has returned home to New York City after eloping against her father’s wishes with shady businessman Kinkaid Ambrose to Shanghai, where they ran the Jade Tiger, a nightclub and casino. She left Shanghai the year before after robbers assaulted her and Kincaid, leaving her injured and Kincaid dead; the ensuing headlines made Penelope persona non grata in the American high society circles her family moves in. Penelope’s account of that fatal night is challenged by an unwelcome visitor from her past, Renee Strong, a singer at the Jade Tiger, who accuses her of having lied about who killed Kincaid and threatens to expose the truth. Penelope’s jeopardy increases after a murder at a party she attends, and she turns amateur sleuth when a love interest, former Shanghai cop Thom Lund, comes under suspicion. Cooper reveals intriguing secrets about her lead that make the prospect of future books welcome. Fans of Kerry Greenwood’s Phryne Fisher will enjoy Penelope’s adventures. (Self-published)