Mercury's Rise: 4 (Silver Rush Mysteries, 4) - Softcover

"A single page of Ann Parker's "Mercury's Rise" reminds the reader why her novels are held in such high regard: her command of historical detail is matched only by her deft pacing and irresistible characters. Parker's language is perfectly pitched, and the dialog sets the tone without ever jarring contemporary ears. In this latest installment, Parker puts series protagonist Inez Stannert in an impossible situation, then dials up the stakes, making for an un-put-down-able read. New characters intrigue and charm, and those returning -in one case, in a most unwelcome fashion- add their own complications to Inez's plight. Her feistiness is underscored by unswerving courage and balanced by dignity, and it is impossible not to root passionately for this fiercely independent woman." --Sophie Littlefield, author of "A Bad Day for Pretty" and "A Bad Day for Scandal" "A cliffhanger ending sets a promising stage for the next installment." --Publishers Weekly of "Leaden Skies" "Silver "A cliffhanger ending sets a promising stage for the next installment." --"Publishers Weekly "of "Leaden Skies" "Silver Lies" was the winner of the Willa Cather Award for Historical Fiction and Colorado Gold Award for Best Mystery.

Praise for Mercury's Rise... "Mercury is poison, but Inez Stannert's latest adventure is pure gold." -Sarah Smith Agatha-winning author of The Other Side of Dark It's 1880, and Inez Stannert is traveling to the fashionable summer retreat of Manitou for a reunion with her son, now a toddler in the care of her sister. Suddenly a fellow passenger, Edward Pace, grows faint, swigs some medicine, and dies under their horrified gaze. Pace's widow begs Inez to investigate. Soon Inez uncovers the shady side of spa tourism including spurious claims, profiteering, and medical practitioners who kindle false hopes in the desperate and dying. Then Inez's husband reappears after a year ­and ­a ­half's unexplained absence. Now she must fight to hold on to her child and the life she has built for herself.... Ann Parker is a science writer by day, and  lives in the San Francisco Bay area www.annparker.net