G is for Gumshoe, Gangster and...

G is for gumshoe, gangster and Ghost Music of Vaudeville. So where did the term gumshoe come from and what does it mean? G is for gumshoe as a term for detective originated long before I began reading my first mystery. Why gumshoe? Think of a PI running around seedy neighborhoods gathering clues. He is bound to step in some gum on the sidewalk one place or another…well, maybe not. 

The real explanation is offered that during the 1800's the soles of boots and shoes were made from a product called gum rubber and thus soft and quiet walking. Gumshoe meant to sneak around. A gum shoe-man was slang for a thief. But, by 1908 "gum shoe" meant a police detective and it stuck (excuse the pun) 

Gangster, we know, the typical bad guy, crime family mobster, Mafia come immediately to mind, which brings us to The Ghost Music of Vaudeville where our gumshoe is Charlie, a woman investigative reporter. 

The gangsters want the Keith Theatre and Charlie, Tommy and Piano man solicit the help of theater and music icon Bette Midler to help save the day. 

You can follow the path of this accidental gumshoe by reading an excerpt at

 http://wings-press.com/Bookstore/Ghost%20Music%20of%20Vaudeville.htm

Let me know what you think of the term gumshoe and the book.

P.S. Meantime, why not sign up for the free newsletter The Mystery Reader Connectionand stay abreast of all the gumshoes, gangsters, books and news about mysteries with guest columnists that are regular features to entertain and mystify you.