Readers’ Corner, Jan. 2023: Local Colorado Authors
By Bonnie McCune & Kathleen Duhamel ~
Ghost Tour (Claryn Vaile) features hotel historian Rebecca Bridger. As part of her duties she conducts ghost tours of the Griffins Keep, of the oldest and best-loved building in downtown Denver. Ever the skeptic, Rebecca doesn’t believe the tales of paranormal encounters until she begins to experience them herself. Just as she begins to discover the Keep’s long-held secrets, the new owners’ “remodeling” threatens to obliterate the hotel’s past and destroy the building’s function as a spiritual portal. More historical/paranormal fiction than true ghost story, Ghost Tour overflows with anecdotes and historical references about the Brown Palace Hotel that Colorado readers will recognize.
Author Elizabeth Wheeler spotlights her love for Colorado history and historic homes in Murder and a Blue Spruce. Set in the Highlands area of Denver, a group of ladies-of-a certain age stumble across a crime when a young Chicano is murdered and his body is propped on a discarded toilet set out for trash collection, just when they’re planning a neighborhood tour. Mainstays Ellen and Cassandra lead the hunt for an answer to a 100-year old murder in the same vicinity, explores the roots of racism, and enables old friends to rebuild their relationships. Mature characters prove aging doesn’t limit finely honed, crime-fighting ability.
Angels in the Wind, another winner in author Manuel Ramos’ collection of detective/Chicano-noir novels, ex-con turned private eye Gus Corral must solve the mysterious disappearance of his cousin and town favorite Matías. Packed with diverse, authentic characters (rural, small town, Hispanic, anglo), the story leaves the reader cheering for Gus to recover from a recent head injury courtesy of a villain, while sympathizing for the unwitting victims of family misunderstandings as well as society’s vagaries. Gus, the perfect private dick, is hard on the outside, sympathetic and humane on the inside. Descriptions and emotions are authentic and well written. A joy to read.
Author Kathleen Duhamel writes humorous contemporary romance featuring “seasoned” characters. Her newest is Fed Up. https://www.kathleenduhamel.com/ Author Bonne McCune’s latest is Never Retreat, a suspenseful romance in Colorado’s wilderness. https://BonnieMcCune.com
So nice to hear your schooled choices for the new works of local authors.
We’re very fortunate in Colorado to have many active and talented local writers. They’ll frequently be happy to appear at a book club or similar event.