Of all the exotic locations that May travels to in Parlor Games, which is your favourite and why? And, of course, a woman on her own must find some means to support herself, mustn’t she? I won’t reveal my opinion on the matter, however, because I have tried to honestly portray her adventures and allow the reader to mull over the question of motivation. She was cunning and no doubt loved the game of outsmarting and extracting money from rich gentlemen. She wished to see the world, and adventuring about required a goodly amount of money. She came from poor beginnings and, after her father’s death, took it upon herself to provide support for her family. There are many possible motivations-all of which May conveys along the way. This, of course, is a central question of the novel. In your opinion, what is her main motivation for her crimes?

In modern terms, many readers would describe May Dugas of Parlor Games as a gold-digger. In my novel, the trial recounted at intervals during the telling of her story presents others’ views of her, so the reader can make her/his own judgment about May’s real character.

Thus, my interpretation is just that-my rendition of her motives and inner life, albeit told in first person as she herself might have. I imagine she didn’t reveal much about herself to others.

May Dugas was most likely a rather inscrutable character. Her exploits attracted the attention of the Pinkerton Detectives, one of whom doggedly pursued her around the globe. May, who came of age during the Gilded Age, was loved by family and close friends but considered notorious by most others. What about the real May Dugas inspired you to write a fictional account of her story? What are the main differences between your May and the real May? Parlor Games tells the true story of the enchanting May Dugas, whom the Pinkerton Detectives dubbed the most dangerous woman in the world. If you had to describe Parlor Games in 140 characters, what would you say? Canadian readers can also order from Indigo. Parlor Games is available TODAY on Amazon. Learn more in my review and my Q&A with Maryka Biaggio below. I absolutely loved reading about May’s travels throughout the world and her fabulous taste for everything expensive. If you’re a fan of sassy, strong and clever women who stop at nothing to get what they want, this is a tale for you. A while back, I read Parlor Games by Maryka Biaggio, a fictional account of a notorious con-woman named May Dugas.

Parlor games by maryka biaggio