Stilettos & Steel
STILETTOS AND STEEL is a debut novel based on the author’s adventures, after she fled her suburban life in California’s San Fernando Valley for the welcoming, colorful streets of San Francisco. Jeri Estes left her Ozzie and Harriet world behind in 1965, desperate to break free of the suffocating loneliness of living her life as an impostor. Jeri hitch-hiked to freedom and took a detour stopping in the seedy red light district, known as the Tenderloin.
This story is a riveting, rich portrayal of an American subculture, told through the eyes of a woman who made a successful career in the underbelly of society. Our lead character’s trajectory from prostitute to high-class pimp, catering to dirty politicians, housewives and cops takes us on a journey that captures the imagination. Despite the rough-and-tumble setting of the Tenderloin, the exploits of Jeri’s gold-hearted protagonist, naturally soften the edges of the suspenseful backdrop.
The authenticity of Jeri’s writing is akin to the works of Richard Price and George Pelecanos. STILETTOS AND STEEL has elements of classic pulp fiction, including the traditional love story and wry sense of humor, told with a fresh spin that leaves the reader wanting more. This book is more than great writing about a woman gangster; it is a journey of personal independence during a time of great oppression. Jeri transports us to another time and place, gracefully, with humanity and humor. This unexplored realm of intrigue will appeal to history buffs, crime enthusiasts and housewives, alike.
REVIEWS
Stilettos and Steel is one of those rare books that comes along—full of hilarious, highly visual scenes, wildly compelling characters and great plot turns.
— Bayard Storey, Senior Story Analyst, Columbia Pictures
A fun, fast read with unique characters that are identifiable and real in a fascinating place and time that few have experienced.
— Darrell Fetty, Writer, Producer and Actor
Besides the colorful characters, fascinating milieu and dramatic storyline, this book has something that many authors may strive their entire lives to achieve, but never realize: an original and compelling voice. This book takes us to a place very few have been … to an emotional extreme and high adventure of self-discovery.
— Isabel Storey, Literary Consultant, Theatre and Television Producer and Writer
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Jeri Estes will be interviewed by Blog Talk Radio host, Susan Dobson, Wednesday, May 12, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. PST.
The topic of discussion is, “Life, Love and Literature,” and her recently released novel, STILETTOS AND STEEL.
The web address is: www.blogtalkradio.com/AWOL.
Once you are at the website, just click, “Open in your default player” or “Open in a new window.” Then just click the play button in the box that appears.
This radio show welcomes listeners to call in and join the conversation. The toll-free number is: (347) 633-9101
Jeri’s next book signing is Saturday, May 15, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Long Beach Pride, at the STILETTOS AND STEEL booth. The STILETTOS AND STEEL crew will be at the Pride festival both Saturday and Sunday. We will have Limited Edition copies of STILETTOS AND STEEL, STILETTOS AND STEEL THREADS and sexy new jewelry!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Born and raised in the San Fernando Valley of Southern California, author Jeri Estes is the former Assistant Director of the California Women’s Commission, where she educated the public about issues such as fetal alcohol syndrome. She has appeared on national television and radio shows as well as spoken nationwide before thousands, carrying her transformational message, filled with humor, courage and hope. After leaving the non-profit sector, she was a successful owner on an insurance brokerage firm. Jeri is currently a writer and producer. Based in Studio City, CA, she has raised a beautiful and successful daughter.
“I wrote Stilettos and Steel as a thank you note to God for coming out of the Tenderloin alive and to honor my fallen comrades who did not make it out.”
— Jeri Estes
Here is the link to Amazon:
STILETTOS AND STEEL is listed in general fiction, historical and romance sections and is holding a five-star rating.
Book description:
THE TENDERLOIN
The TL was a lady of the night, wrapped in Stilettos and Steel. Her dark code whispered through the misty streets. “Our bodies are a commodity. Sex is our currency. Every day we fight for survival.” Beneath the glitz of her high heels lay the cold steel of a switch-blade.
(Six more wonderful reviews are posted on Amazon, under the book’s description).
Cover Photo by Suzanne Gagnier | Model Michaela
Cover Design by Dotti Albertine
Join Jeri on Facebook
STILETTOS AND STEEL has a new Facebook fan page:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/STILETTOS-AND-STEEL/113062205375301?ref=ts
Please ask people to join!














Just picked up a copy of Stilettos and Steel in the Castro at A Different Light book store. So far, I’m loving it!
Being that we already happen to be talking about things in relation to Stilettos & Steel | GetOutLB, When you are considering the purchase of a life insurance policy, you should learn the factors that may affect your premiums.
Here’s an update on Jeri Estes and Stilettos and Steel:
http://hollywoodgiants.com/2011/02/06/jeri-estes-new-novel-stilettos-and-steel-is-a-top-5-gangster-novel-featuring-a-female-pimp-in-san-francisco/