My new life as a mystery novelist takes me to intriguing places. This week, I’m taking a virtual visit to my hometown Denver with Annalee Spain, the amateur detective heroine in my 1920s historical mystery novel All That Is Secret. She has arrived in the Mile High City to find out who killed her beloved but estranged father.
(Does she solve the crime? Read All That Is Secret for the surprising answers!)
Meantime, if you travel along with us today, you can win a fab All That Is Secret Prize Pack as part of Crazy4Fiction’s Summer Book Bash featuring a virtual tour of Denver–plus a virtual Mystery Lover’s Friendship Tea with Annalee. Then, enter for a cool Grand Prize, too. (Three other Tyndale authors are hosting virtual trips through this Sunday, as well. See links and info below.)
But first, let’s take a quick peek with Annalee around Denver where my brave, young detective fought to unravel her thrilling cold-case mystery. First stop: Denver Union Station.
My heroine Annalee Spain has a harrowing return to Denver after arriving by train to the Mile High City’s grand Union Station. As you step into the Denver landmark, first opened in 1881, let the stunning Great Hall invite you into the spirit of the city’s past and the excitement of train travel and Golden Age mysteries.
A major cultural hub today, it offers exciting restaurants, shops, historic displays, and a downtown Denver hotel.
Now, let’s join Annalee on her next stop: Denver Botanic Gardens.
First opened in 1951, Denver Botanic Gardens–with its prominent conservatory in central Denver–has become the nation’s most-visited botanic gardens. As noted by Denver historian Tom Noel: “From an original collection of mostly native plants, it has expanded to include plant material from all over the world in more than forty different gardens.” Behind the scenes, DBG is also a research institution with scientists using the collections and field studies to learn more about biodiversity, conservation, and sustainability.
From this site, Annalee will go to the next stop during the Summer Book Bash: Denver’s historic Five Points Neighborhood and the Rossonian Hotel
When Annalee’s pastor sweetheart, the Rev. Jack Blake, promises to take her to Denver’s Rossonian Hotel for dinner and dancing, she’s a bit shocked. But the Rossonian is a landmark in Denver’s historic Five Points Neighborhood–even listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
At the time of All That is Secret, it was known by its original name, the Baxter Hotel. I used the Rossonian name in the novel to honor what the hotel became–“one of the most important jazz clubs between St. Louis and Los Angeles,” according to the Denver Public Library’s Western History Collection. (Photo by Brittany Werges used by permission.)
So, where does Annalee take us next? To one of Denver’s most iconic outdoor spaces — Denver’s City Park. Let’s go!
A year-round gathering spot for metro Denver’s many outdoor-loving residents, City Park offers a relaxing urban oasis for rest and recreation. When you stop by with Annalee, bring your camera, for some cute duck photos, too! Then, next stop: Coffee at the Point
Annalee is a coffee lover, so her book bash must include a coffee shop such as Coffee at the Point, one of Denver’s many independent and neighborhood owned coffee shops–this one in her beloved historic Five Points. Join her there for an mid-morning espresso, gelato, or other tasty treat. Then, spend an hour or so talking books!
Annalee’s Summer Book Bash
Theme: A Mystery Lover’s Friendship Tea
The food/drinks: In an oversize picnic basket, Annalee has packed mini cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches with all the cheeses, olives, and other fixings for a fun afternoon–plus a chilled thermos of sweetened herbal ice tea and, for dessert, a plate of lemon squares dusted with powdered sugar. She also brought some Passenger Train Nibbles including mixed nuts, cashews, Jordan almonds, and candied mints. Delightful.
The music: Annalee’s musical tastes range from classical to jazz to gospel. to popular and Broadway tunes. On her playlist is:
- Samuel Barber’s “Adagio for Strings”
- Duke Ellington’s “Take the A Train”
- Carl Orff’s “O Fortuna” from Carmina Burana
- Aaron Copeland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man”
- Judy Garland’s “You Made Me Love You”
- “His Eye is on the Sparrow” sung by Lauryn Hill. (Click on the Book Club Kit for All That Is Secret to access Annalee’s amazing musical playlist.)
The setting: The front porch of the Black American West Museum and Heritage Center (in Five Points) in the restored home of Dr. Justina Ford, the first African-American female doctor licensed in the State of Colorado.
Book Bash Giveaway!
To help you celebrate Annalee’s fun afternoon, Crazy4Fiction at Tyndale House is giving away an “All That Is Secret” Prize Pack that includes a signed copy of All That Is Secret, a magnifying glass necklace, and a Sherlock Holmes detective-themed notebook.
Giveaway is open through Sunday July 31, 12 midnight Eastern. So click TODAY on the photo below to enter. Or you can click HERE.
And don’t forget! Check out Crazy4Fiction’s site to be entered to win the GRAND PRIZE, including a signed copy of each participating author’s latest book, a Kindle Fire e-reader, and a Crazy4Fiction tote bag!
The grand prize giveaway is open July 29-July 31, at the end of the Book Bash tour. Meantime, if you missed the other authors’ tours, please visit Sandra Byrd, Jennifer L. Wright, and Michelle Shocklee.
Then, our last stop in Denver?
Take a look below at Annalee’s next mystery adventure, Double the Lies. (How about that intriguing book cover!) Then, pre-order Double the Lies to get ready for her next mystery!
In the story, Annalee races the clock to solve the murder of a barnstorming young pilot before she is framed for the crime—and before his dashing twin falls head over heels for her, tempting her promised heart.
The release date is February 7, 2023. But pre-ordering now tells booksellers to order now, too. Why? Annalee has great fans. Yes, that means you!
Thanks so much! Have a fun Book Bash week!
