Synopses & Reviews
The railroad is coming to Leadville and its rich Rocky Mountain mines. And who is coming to celebrate its arrival but Ulysses S. Grant, 18th President of the U.S. and former commander of the Union armies. Like other residents in the Colorado boomtown this summer of 1880, Inez Stannert regards the news as mixed. Some folks have wicked memories of the war, others have a stake in the competing railroad lines. And photographer Susan Carothers, Inez's friend, is caught in the deadly crossfire.. Iron Ties is Ann Parker's second novel, following Silver Lies, winner of the Willa (Cather) Literary Award for Historical Fiction, the Colorado Gold Award, and finalist for the Bruce Alexander Historical Mystery Award and the Spur Award for Best Novel of the West. www.annparker.net
Review
*STARRED REVIEW*
Set in the summer of 1880, Parker9s oustanding second Silver Rush mystery (after 20039s Silver Lies) finds her heroine, Inez Stannert, corset-deep in the intrigues of Leadville, Colo. Inez9s secret courtship with the Rev.Justice B. Sands is as heated as the conflict over the incoming railroad.When the local authorities question the reliability of Inez9s friend, photographer Susan Carothers, who witnesses a shooting and explosion along the rail line, it9s up to Inez to discover the truth. In one of the many nice twists in this appealing adventure, the attractive railroad man Inez meets during her investigation turns out to be one of the good reverend9s Civil War comrades. In an effort to increase business at the Silver Queen saloon, Inez9s business partner, Abe Jackson, engages an acting couple to perform. None too happily, Inez realizes why the beautiful actress seems so familiar. A ragged piece of cloth becomes a major clue as the clock ticks and the town readies for a visit from former U.S. president Ulysses S. Grant. Plenty of convincing action bodes well for a long and successful series. -- Publishers Week (4.24.2006}
Synopsis
"A well-crafted novel that will appeal to readers of mysteries, historical fiction, and genre westerns."--Booklist
The railroad is coming to Leadville and its rich Rocky Mountain mines. Among those who will be on hand to celebrate the arrival of the Denver & Rio Grande is Ulysses S. Grant, 18th President of the United States and former commander of the Union armies.
Like other residents in the Colorado boomtown this summer of 1880, Inez Stannert regards the news as mixed. With her business partnership in the Silver Queen Saloon shaky and the bonds of family slipping (her husband is still missing and her young son is still back East), Inez doesn't need the lawlessness of Leadville to turn, once again, into murder.
But Inez isn't the only one with iron ties to the past. Some folks have wicked memories of the war, others have a stake in the competing railroad lines. And photographer Susan Carothers, Inez's friend, is caught in the deadly crossfire....
Silver Rush Mysteries:
Silver Lies (Book 1)
Iron Ties (Book 2)
Leaden Skies (Book 3)
Mercury's Rise (Book 4)
What Gold Buys (Book 5)
A Dying Note (Book 6)
Mortal Music (Book 7)
Praise for the Silver Rush Mysteries:
"Plenty of convincing action bodes well for a long and successful series."--Publishers Weekly STARRED review for Iron Ties
"Meticulously researched and full of rich period details...her characters will stay will you long after you've finished the last page. Highly recommended."--TASHA ALEXANDER, New York Times bestselling author for Mortal Music
"One of the most authentic and evocative historical series around. Long live Inez "--RHYS BOWEN, New York Times bestselling author for What Gold Buys
Winner of the Colorado Book Award for Best Genre Fiction
Arizona Book Award Honorable Mention for Best Mystery/Suspense Novel
Synopsis
Inez Stannert thought lawless Leadville was done with murder, but the new railroad brings millionaires and greed. While President Ulysses S. Grant is coming to celebrate the arrival of the Denver & Rio Grand, Inez is more concerned with her shaky partnership in the Silver Queen Saloon, her small son back East, and her missing husband. But Inez isnt the only one struggling in the rugged west. Many are haunted by memories of the war while others are invested in the competing railroad lines. And it seems Leadville isnt done with murder after all....