Top Books Based In Denver
(credit: CBS)
What could be better than curling up with a great book on a cold winter's night? If you are looking for some new authors to try, why not look for someone that writes about the very city that you love? There are hundreds of fascinating books all set in Denver and Colorado, from fiction to nonfiction, and covering every possible genre. Get wrapped up in a new series, explore some true stories that take place in the same buildings you already know or just find a great new author to love. Here are a few great books set in Denver to get you started.
"The Poet"
By Michael Connelly
www.michaelconnelly.com
Michael Connelly is best known for his detective novels featuring the character of Harry Bosch, however Connelly has also written about another main character, Jack McEvoy. "The Poet" is the first of the McEvoy novels and introduces the world to the Denver crime-beat reporter. McEvoy specializes in violent death, and when his brother kills himself, he decides to write a story about it. Through his research, he learns that his brother's death may not have been a suicide after all, as he ends up trailing a serial killer who has been leaving a long trail of poetic clues. If you enjoy fast-paced detective novels, you'll love this first installment of the Jack McEvoy series. You can also catch McEvoy in the sequel, "The Scarecrow."
"Rock Chick"
By Kristen Ashley
www.kristenashley.net
Kristen Ashley spent a lot of time in Denver, and her series "Rock Chick" is a great example of how the Mile High City influenced her writing. The first installment of the series, which has seven sequels so far, introduces you to Indy Savage, a cop's daughter and owner of a used bookstore. Savage gets involved when her employee ends up being pursued by some pretty serious bad guys. The case is turned over to Nightingale Investigations, an organization owned by the former bad-boy Lee Nightingale. It's a case of mystery, danger and attraction amidst kidnapping, car bombs and stun guns. If you like Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series, then this is another one you'll instantly fall in love with.
Related: Top Books About Denver
"Night Smoke"
By Nora Roberts
www.noraroberts.com
Nora Roberts has landed on the New York Times Best Seller list many times, thanks to her fascinating and compelling romance novels, of which there are over 200. They are set in various places all over the country, but "Night Smoke" makes its home in Denver. The story revolves around Ryan Piasecki, an arson investigator, and Natalie Fletcher, a business executive who has a sudden case of arson to deal with in her organization. Piasecki is brought in to investigate the case, when the sparks start flying again. Of course, this time it's between him and Piasecki. Roberts knows how to write compelling romance with fascinating story lines, so this Denver-based novel is a great way to get to know this award-winning author.
"Murder at the Brown Palace"
By Dick Krek
www.barnesandnoble.com
The Brown Palace is an icon in Denver, and this book explores the true story of one of the most notorious murders in Denver history. The murder, which took place in Denver's most beloved and grand hotel, eventually lead to two of the most fascinating trials in Colorado history. The story centers around Denver socialite Isabel Springer, who had been courting two different gentlemen who were unaware of the other's intentions. It all culminated with a messy confrontation in the Brown Palace bar and ended being one of the most lurid stories of crime and passion in Denver history. Learn all about this true story from one of the best true crime authors around.
Related: Top Literary Landmarks In Colorado
"Plainsong"
By Kent Haruf
www.amazon.com
"Plainsong" is set in the fictional town of Holt, Colorado set on the plains in eastern Colorado. It tells the story of a high school teacher who has to deal with raising his two young sons when their mother retreats from the family. There is also a pregnant teenage girl with absent parents and two brothers, both elderly bachelors, who work their family's homestead. It's a glimpse into the lives of these characters and the town that binds them all together. It's a multiple award-winning novel that truly shows Haruf's love of Colorado and the beauty of the Eastern Plains.
Deborah Flomberg is a theater professional, freelance writer and Denver native. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
