A big thank you to Professor Sandra Adell of the Afro-American Studies Department at the University of Madison, Wisconsin. Girlfriend, you have no idea how happy I am to have you on my team. Thanks so much for your incredible hospitality during my first trip to Madison, Wisconsin and for your insightful feedback regarding this book.
To Power Couple Eric and Daisy Bates, who showed me what Southern hospitality really means. I can’t wait to return to Atlanta to hang out at your fabulous crib.
Thank you to fellow attorney Debra Brown, who literally picked me up off the highway and made my first trip to Jackson, Mississippi so much fun, and Cyrus Webb of Conversations Book Club, a serious book lover who is making it happen in Jackson.
To my wonderful Las Vegas Crew, Helen Mingleton, Deborah Thornton, Ellen Brown, Wilma Pinder, Doris Robinson, Sharon Thomas, Jani Jeppe, the Las Vegas Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, the Las Vegas African-American Authors Book Club, and the West Las Vegas Library, thanks so much for the support. You really rolled out the red carpet for me in the town that never sleeps. I cannot wait to come back!
Without a doubt, book clubs have been my lifeblood. I have so enjoyed my afternoons conversing and dining with my sisters. To all of you who hosted me, thank you. I must extend a special thank you to the Jazzy Ladies of Pasadena, California, in particular, Virgie Edwards, Lois Richard, Joyce Robinson, Joyce Streator, Bettye Holliday, Sandy Bourne, Julie Woodyard and Mamie Grant; and the Reading Circle of Friends in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, especially Karen Murrell, Shebbie Rice, Deborah Crimes, and Melissa Hinkson. Thanks for your feedback on this book and for your continued support long after your book club meeting ended. You rallied behind me in a way that warms my heart every time I think about it. Readers like you are the reason I write.
A super special thanks to my talented team: my always supportive husband, Rickey Young (I’m so glad you encouraged me to take charge of my writing career!), my Atlanta-based publicist/promoter Shunda Leigh of Booking Matters magazine, book cover designer Keith Saunders of Marion Designs, web designer Milton Ellis of Onegistics Systems Solutions (thanks for always taking care of my Internet needs with lickety-split timing), web designer Tyora Moody of Tywebbin Creations, editors/proofreaders Lynel Johnson Washington, Dawn Dowdle of Sleuth Editing and Virginia Lee Gonzales of WordPlay Editing Services, book layout designer Jessica Tilles of The Writers Assistant, my fantastic virtual assistant, Eydie Stumpf of Eydie’s Office, and finally, my super-creative graphic designer Lisa Zachery of Papered Wonders (Girl, your promotional materials are the bomb!). I couldn’t have done it without all of you.
And finally, to anyone and everyone who read this book, thanks for your support. I’ll keep writing if you keep reading!
Discussion Questions for Murder on the Down Low
Could you identify with Special’s rage over her cousin’s death or did you feel it was unwarranted?
What did you think of Jefferson’s views about gays and men on the down low? think Lieutenant Wilson should have immediately warned the public?
Why do you think it took Vernetta so long to make the decision to leave O’Reilly & Finney?
Once confronted with J.C.’s theory about the murder victims being on the down low, do you
Do you believe the issue of men on the down low is more likely to occur in the African-American community than in other communities? Why or why not?
Do you agree with Professor Michaels’ view that we live in a culture of sexual promiscuity?
African-American and Hispanic women face a significantly higher risk of HIV infection than other women. What will it take to reverse this trend?
Do you think sex education in schools could help reduce the transmission rates of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases? Why or why not?
Did Murder on the Down Low raise questions and concerns about HIV/AIDS that you had not previously considered?
What did you like/dislike about Murder on the Down Low?
About the Author
Pamela Samuels Young is a Los Angeles-area attorney and author of the best-selling novels, Every Reasonable Doubt and In Firm Pursuit. Pamela’s desire to see African-American and female attorneys represented in mainstream legal fiction prompted her to take a stab at fiction writing despite a busy legal career.
In addition to working as an in-house attorney for a major corporation, Pamela is an adjunct professor at the University of Redlands School of Business. The Compton, California, native and former journalist is a graduate of the University of Southern California, Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, and the University of California Berkeley’s Boalt Hall School of Law.
To schedule Pamela for a speaking engagement or book club meeting, visit her website at www.pamelasamuelsyoung.com.
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