What do you think?
Rate this book
Silver Rush #4
Mercury's Rise
"Parker's deft evocation of a lost era in Western American history―the life of the mining boom town―and her complex characterization make Leaden Skies an absorbing read."―Stephanie Barron, national bestselling author It is summer 1880, and Inez Stannert, one of the partners in the Silver Queen Saloon in Leadville, Colorado, travels with her photographer friend Susan to the fashionable summer retreat of Manitou for a reunion with her son, now a toddler in the care of her sister. On the way, fellow stagecoach passenger Edward Pace suddenly grows faint, swigs some medicine, and dies under their horrified gaze. Pace's widow rejects a weak heart theory and begs Inez to investigate. As Inez digs deeper, she uncovers the shady side of spa tourism including spurious claims, profiteering from the coming bonanza in medicinal waters and miracle cures, and medical practitioners who kindle false hopes in the desperate and the dying. Then Inez's husband Mark 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 in an era where "independent woman" is an oxymoron. Silver Rush 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 "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 Bruce Alexander Historical Mystery Award Winner Macavity Historical Novel Award Finalist Colorado Book Award Finalist WILLA Literary Award Finalist Agatha Best Historical Mystery Award Finalist
384 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2011
18 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
About the author
Ann Parker
10 books225 followers Ann Parker earned degrees in Physics and English Literature at the University of California, Berkeley, before taking up a career as a science writer. These days, she slings science and technical verbiage for a living during the day and writes fiction at night.
Ann's ancestors include a great-grandfather who was a blacksmith in Leadville, a grandmother who worked at the bindery of Leadville's Herald Democrat newspaper, a grandfather who was a Colorado School of Mines professor, and another grandfather who worked as a gandy dancer on the Colorado railroads. She is a member of the National Association of Science Writers, the Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers, Historical Novel Society, Women Writing the West, and Western Writers of America. Ann and her family reside in the San Francisco Bay Area, whence they have weathered numerous boom-and-bust cycles.
Her Silver Rush historical mystery series, published by Poisoned Pen Press, is set primarily in the silver boomtown of Leadville, Colorado, in the early 1880s. (The sixth in the series, A DYING NOTE, is set in San Francisco, 1881.) The series was picked as a "Booksellers Favorite" by the Mountains and Plains Independent Booksellers Association.
Ann's ancestors include a great-grandfather who was a blacksmith in Leadville, a grandmother who worked at the bindery of Leadville's Herald Democrat newspaper, a grandfather who was a Colorado School of Mines professor, and another grandfather who worked as a gandy dancer on the Colorado railroads. She is a member of the National Association of Science Writers, the Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers, Historical Novel Society, Women Writing the West, and Western Writers of America. Ann and her family reside in the San Francisco Bay Area, whence they have weathered numerous boom-and-bust cycles.
Her Silver Rush historical mystery series, published by Poisoned Pen Press, is set primarily in the silver boomtown of Leadville, Colorado, in the early 1880s. (The sixth in the series, A DYING NOTE, is set in San Francisco, 1881.) The series was picked as a "Booksellers Favorite" by the Mountains and Plains Independent Booksellers Association.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
December 19, 2011
This is the fourth book in a series, and to avoid spoiling for those who haven't read the earlier books this review is going to be rather brief.
Leadville, Colorado 1880. The previous three books have centered around Inez Stannert as she rebuilds her life after her husband Mark deserted her, leaving her with a young baby, the Silver Queen Saloon to run. All that and she can still find time to solve a murder mystery or two. As the book begins, she's ready to divorce her husband for desertion, move on with a new man in her life and also preparing for a trip to Manitou Springs for a reunion with her sister Harmony who has been caring for her son William (the high altitudes of Colorado were not good for his health). Every thing should be easy as pie, except for a little ole' surprise from her past, along with a highly suspicious death during the stage coach ride to Manitou Springs and Inez is smack in the middle of another murder mystery, all surrounding a high end hotel where the Easterners are beginning to come for the waters to cure their lung complaints. As Inez continues to dig, suspicious accidents start happening and people start dropping like flies...
Sorry, that's all you really need to know. I don't want to give anymore away, but I have to say this was pretty near unputdownable and jolly good fun. Even if you think you have a handle on who the baddies are, Parker still keeps you guessing with some unsuspected twists and surprises, as well as Inez having to deal with the consequences of that surprise from her past. I loved the Manitou Springs setting with the swanky hotels and dresses (and local scenery), loved getting some background on Inez's early life and her wealthy family. The finish was perfect, enough to satisfy, but stillkeep the reader dangling for the next book (for a while at least, but please write very very fast Ms. Parker). I loved the bet and can't wait until the next book to see who wins it.
I. Want. More!
Leadville, Colorado 1880. The previous three books have centered around Inez Stannert as she rebuilds her life after her husband Mark deserted her, leaving her with a young baby, the Silver Queen Saloon to run. All that and she can still find time to solve a murder mystery or two. As the book begins, she's ready to divorce her husband for desertion, move on with a new man in her life and also preparing for a trip to Manitou Springs for a reunion with her sister Harmony who has been caring for her son William (the high altitudes of Colorado were not good for his health). Every thing should be easy as pie, except for a little ole' surprise from her past, along with a highly suspicious death during the stage coach ride to Manitou Springs and Inez is smack in the middle of another murder mystery, all surrounding a high end hotel where the Easterners are beginning to come for the waters to cure their lung complaints. As Inez continues to dig, suspicious accidents start happening and people start dropping like flies...
Sorry, that's all you really need to know. I don't want to give anymore away, but I have to say this was pretty near unputdownable and jolly good fun. Even if you think you have a handle on who the baddies are, Parker still keeps you guessing with some unsuspected twists and surprises, as well as Inez having to deal with the consequences of that surprise from her past. I loved the Manitou Springs setting with the swanky hotels and dresses (and local scenery), loved getting some background on Inez's early life and her wealthy family. The finish was perfect, enough to satisfy, but stillkeep the reader dangling for the next book (for a while at least, but please write very very fast Ms. Parker). I loved the bet and can't wait until the next book to see who wins it.
I. Want. More!
November 28, 2011
I love a good historical, and if it’s an American historical—all the better.
I am very pleased to say that this is the best historical I’ve read all year. The fourth in the Silver Rush Series set in and around Leadville, Colorado, Mercury’s Rise sets the reader between Leadville, and Manitou, Colorado, two important historical settings for totally different reasons.
Inez is a complicated woman. Born in the East and from a family of privilege, she may not have chosen wisely when she allowed herself to be wooed into a hasty marriage with charming gambler, Mark Stannert. With a rocky ten years of marriage, a partnership in a successful Leadville saloon, and a baby boy whose asthmatic conditions deems it necessary for them to sell the saloon, her husband, Mark, disappears and she fears him dead. (Read the first three books)
In this book, Mark has been gone a year, and Inez sees a lawyer and posts a newspaper advertisement for dissolution of marriage. But, then Mark reappears, kicking her dreams of a new life with the reverend Sanders off the tracks.
Inez, suspicious and deeply hurt by what she considers her husband’s abandonment, doesn’t want to hear his excuses. After all, because of his disappearance, she had to remain with the saloon and send their son to her sister back east.
So begins this deeply atmospheric story that weaves mystery, history and romance. The author nails it with her descriptions of this time of American history, the characters, each in their levels in society, speak and act as I would imagine them to do so. And eventually it’s these societal standards of 19th century America that drives one of them to do murder.
I really appreciated how the author has created an intelligent and tough protagonist in Inez Stannert. Inez is flawed as both a woman who does what she can to survive and as a mother who is torn in her decision to let her son be raised by her sister and family.
An excellent, intelligent read that I happily lived in until it was finished. I look forward to reading more Silver Rush Mysteries to see what happens with Inez.
I am very pleased to say that this is the best historical I’ve read all year. The fourth in the Silver Rush Series set in and around Leadville, Colorado, Mercury’s Rise sets the reader between Leadville, and Manitou, Colorado, two important historical settings for totally different reasons.
Inez is a complicated woman. Born in the East and from a family of privilege, she may not have chosen wisely when she allowed herself to be wooed into a hasty marriage with charming gambler, Mark Stannert. With a rocky ten years of marriage, a partnership in a successful Leadville saloon, and a baby boy whose asthmatic conditions deems it necessary for them to sell the saloon, her husband, Mark, disappears and she fears him dead. (Read the first three books)
In this book, Mark has been gone a year, and Inez sees a lawyer and posts a newspaper advertisement for dissolution of marriage. But, then Mark reappears, kicking her dreams of a new life with the reverend Sanders off the tracks.
Inez, suspicious and deeply hurt by what she considers her husband’s abandonment, doesn’t want to hear his excuses. After all, because of his disappearance, she had to remain with the saloon and send their son to her sister back east.
So begins this deeply atmospheric story that weaves mystery, history and romance. The author nails it with her descriptions of this time of American history, the characters, each in their levels in society, speak and act as I would imagine them to do so. And eventually it’s these societal standards of 19th century America that drives one of them to do murder.
I really appreciated how the author has created an intelligent and tough protagonist in Inez Stannert. Inez is flawed as both a woman who does what she can to survive and as a mother who is torn in her decision to let her son be raised by her sister and family.
An excellent, intelligent read that I happily lived in until it was finished. I look forward to reading more Silver Rush Mysteries to see what happens with Inez.
November 10, 2011
When is a health spa not healthy? When Ann Parker mixes family, corrupt medical staff, and even more corrupt entrepreneurs with mysterious elixirs. Inez Stannert, Parker's lovely heroine, puts her Leadville saloon in her partner's hands to juggle her n'er-do-well husband's return, her lover's temporary departure and the meeting up with her son, sister and her husband, and the domineering Aunt Agnes. The family gathers in Manitou, comepetitor to Colorado Springs for its beauty and "healthful" springs. But first there be bodies...falling into Inez' lap, others poisoned, bludgeoned, beaten and otherwise made dead. The pace of the fourth in Parker's Silver Rush Mystery Series is fast, varied and compellingly exciting. Inez has come to Manitou to reunite with her tiny son, not yet even two. Inez is very distracted by other events, failing to insist on being with the child and then failing to attend to him near rushing waters even as the book ends. Will Inez take back custody of her son, reunite with her husband in the face of severely anti-wife divorce laws? Read to find out. Ann Parker's talent for detailed research that she then includes almost seamlessly into her writing adds dimension and color to her writing. When the villians are uncovered, it all seems so natural as story lines fall into place. This series gets richer and better with each book.
July 15, 2017
3.5 stars. This book furthered the story of Inez, but I didn't really care for the mystery as much as in the other three books. Still it's good and I love the setting (I like the Leadville parts more than the Manitou parts, however).
November 30, 2011
First Line: Inez Stannert had nowhere to run.
It's the summer of 1880, and many people diagnosed with consumption (tuberculosis), are arriving at Manitou, Colorado, to chase the elusive cure. Inez Stannert isn't one of them. Part-owner of the Silver Queen Saloon in Leadville, she's traveling to Manitou to reunite with her young son and her beloved sister.
The journey by stagecoach is far from pleasant, and it turns lethal when businessman Edward Pace dies in front of the others inside the coach. Once they've arrived in the hotel, Pace's distraught widow asks Inez to look into her husband's death. Since something about it didn't seem right to Inez, she agrees. She's barely begun when she starts to uncover all sorts of shady business deals involving those hoping to profit from miracle cures to the desperate and the dying. Although she'd rather do without it, Inez realizes that she's going to need the help of a man just recently returned from an eighteen-month unexplained absence-- her own husband.
I've been a fan of Ann Parker's "Silver Rush" mysteries since the very first one, Silver Lies. I love the mining towns of the Old West, so Leadville, Colorado, is a perfect setting for an historical mystery series. Parker can put so much detail in her books, and it never comes across as a history lesson, or as preaching. In fact, Mercury's Rise may make a few readers cringe due to the characters' attitudes and behaviors towards those ill with tuberculosis, but Parker knows not to infect her nineteenth-century characters with twenty-first-century knowledge.
Although the plot is an involving one that kept me guessing, and I loved the Old West setting, Ann Parker's characters are what keep me reading and keep me coming back for each new book. Inez Stannert is a strong, independent woman who isn't always right and who doesn't always make the right decisions. Like most humans, she does the best she can with what she's got. She has a husband to deal with whom she believed was dead. She has a young son who's been raised by her sister and doesn't recognize her. And she has infuriating, interfering family members from back East who want to dictate her life for her.
There's a lot of meat on the bones of a Silver Rush mystery by Ann Parker. I intend to savor each bite, and I hope you'll join me at the feast.
It's the summer of 1880, and many people diagnosed with consumption (tuberculosis), are arriving at Manitou, Colorado, to chase the elusive cure. Inez Stannert isn't one of them. Part-owner of the Silver Queen Saloon in Leadville, she's traveling to Manitou to reunite with her young son and her beloved sister.
The journey by stagecoach is far from pleasant, and it turns lethal when businessman Edward Pace dies in front of the others inside the coach. Once they've arrived in the hotel, Pace's distraught widow asks Inez to look into her husband's death. Since something about it didn't seem right to Inez, she agrees. She's barely begun when she starts to uncover all sorts of shady business deals involving those hoping to profit from miracle cures to the desperate and the dying. Although she'd rather do without it, Inez realizes that she's going to need the help of a man just recently returned from an eighteen-month unexplained absence-- her own husband.
I've been a fan of Ann Parker's "Silver Rush" mysteries since the very first one, Silver Lies. I love the mining towns of the Old West, so Leadville, Colorado, is a perfect setting for an historical mystery series. Parker can put so much detail in her books, and it never comes across as a history lesson, or as preaching. In fact, Mercury's Rise may make a few readers cringe due to the characters' attitudes and behaviors towards those ill with tuberculosis, but Parker knows not to infect her nineteenth-century characters with twenty-first-century knowledge.
Although the plot is an involving one that kept me guessing, and I loved the Old West setting, Ann Parker's characters are what keep me reading and keep me coming back for each new book. Inez Stannert is a strong, independent woman who isn't always right and who doesn't always make the right decisions. Like most humans, she does the best she can with what she's got. She has a husband to deal with whom she believed was dead. She has a young son who's been raised by her sister and doesn't recognize her. And she has infuriating, interfering family members from back East who want to dictate her life for her.
There's a lot of meat on the bones of a Silver Rush mystery by Ann Parker. I intend to savor each bite, and I hope you'll join me at the feast.
January 7, 2012
First Sentence: Inez Stannert had nowhere to run.
Leadville saloon-owner Inez Stannert thought she had an idea where her future might be. The re-appearance of a husband, thought to be dead, but an end to that. Instead, she’s on her way to Manitou for a reunion with her son, in the care of her sister. Manitou has become a town of health spas, healing waters and “cures.” A fellow-coach passenger does of an apparent heart attack, but it’s interesting that it was immediately after injecting his “medicine.” The man’s widow asks Inez to investigate, forcing her to call on the help of her estranged husband. The more Inez investigates, the less healthy the town seems.
Parker’s great strength is in taking the reader on a trip back in time. Her descriptions are some of the most evocative, giving one a real sense of the sights, smells, and sounds of the period. She also very strongly outlines the injustice of the laws against women, during the time, but not in a way that seems strident or preachy. She also has the ability to convey strong emotion without becoming maudlin. Back flashes are a plot device which can be confusing. Instead, Ms. Parker deftly employs them to provide illumination to the story.
Her characters are so real, you feel you know them. As one who has been following the series from the beginning, I cheer for Inez, want her to find happiness, felt the pain of her interaction with her son, and found myself exceeding annoyed with her husband. Every time he referred to her as “Darlin,” appropriate both for the time and his being Southern, I found myself gritting my teeth in annoyance and hissing slightly as though he was a 20s silent-film character. Now that’s effective writing.
Plot-wise, I don’t feel this is the strongest book of the series and I did identify the killer fairly early on. I know she has to resolve Inez’ personal situation, but hope she does so quickly and moves back to the mystery and suspense which have dominated her previous books. Even so, I certainly wouldn’t have missed reading this one.
MERCURY’S RISE (Hist Mys/Ama Sleuth-Inez Stannert-Colorado-1880) – Good+
Parker, Ann – 4th in series
Poisoned Pen Press, 2011
Leadville saloon-owner Inez Stannert thought she had an idea where her future might be. The re-appearance of a husband, thought to be dead, but an end to that. Instead, she’s on her way to Manitou for a reunion with her son, in the care of her sister. Manitou has become a town of health spas, healing waters and “cures.” A fellow-coach passenger does of an apparent heart attack, but it’s interesting that it was immediately after injecting his “medicine.” The man’s widow asks Inez to investigate, forcing her to call on the help of her estranged husband. The more Inez investigates, the less healthy the town seems.
Parker’s great strength is in taking the reader on a trip back in time. Her descriptions are some of the most evocative, giving one a real sense of the sights, smells, and sounds of the period. She also very strongly outlines the injustice of the laws against women, during the time, but not in a way that seems strident or preachy. She also has the ability to convey strong emotion without becoming maudlin. Back flashes are a plot device which can be confusing. Instead, Ms. Parker deftly employs them to provide illumination to the story.
Her characters are so real, you feel you know them. As one who has been following the series from the beginning, I cheer for Inez, want her to find happiness, felt the pain of her interaction with her son, and found myself exceeding annoyed with her husband. Every time he referred to her as “Darlin,” appropriate both for the time and his being Southern, I found myself gritting my teeth in annoyance and hissing slightly as though he was a 20s silent-film character. Now that’s effective writing.
Plot-wise, I don’t feel this is the strongest book of the series and I did identify the killer fairly early on. I know she has to resolve Inez’ personal situation, but hope she does so quickly and moves back to the mystery and suspense which have dominated her previous books. Even so, I certainly wouldn’t have missed reading this one.
MERCURY’S RISE (Hist Mys/Ama Sleuth-Inez Stannert-Colorado-1880) – Good+
Parker, Ann – 4th in series
Poisoned Pen Press, 2011
September 17, 2017
Mercury's Rise by Ann Parker is the 4th book of the Silver Rush mystery series set in 1880s Colorado. Most books in the series are set in Leadville; this one is set in Manitou. Inez Stannert, owner of the Silver Queen Saloon in Leadville, is longing to be reunited with her son William (now a toddler). She travels with her photographer friend Susan to Manitou, where they will meet up with Inez's sister, who has been caring for Inez's son back East. They will stay in a guest resort featuring health benefits of neighboring hot springs, touted as "Saratoga of the West". A fellow passenger along the way to Manitou, Edward Pace, dies under mysterious circumstances. Inez does not have much interest in a stranger's trouble; she is desperate to be with her son, and preoccupied with the recent surprise return of her husband Mark to Leadville (which ruined her plans for divorce based on presumption of death). Inez finds more trouble when she joins her family at the hotel: her sister Harmony, her sister's husband Jonathan, William, and Inez's imperious aunt Agnes. First, and most distressing, William son does not remember Inez, and is frantic to get away from her. Aunt wants Inez to depart immediately for the East, leaving her life in the West behind. Harmony wants Inez to find out why the resort hotel management is trying so hard to get Jonathan to invest all their assets into the hotel.
If that wasn't enough, Edward Pace's widow seeks out Inez and begs her to investigate her husband's murder. She insists that he did not die a natural death, and the hotel staff is responsible. Certainly, the owner Mr. Lewis, manager Mr. Epperly, and Nurse Crowson are less than forthcoming with information. But are they engaged in a swindle that will rob Harmony and Jonathan? For Harmony's sake as well as Mrs. Pace's plea, Inez reluctantly agrees to find out what the hotel's true financial status is, and why they are badgering well-off customers to become investors. Inez realizes her best bet is to enlist Mark's help. In years past, before he abandoned her and William, Mark and Inez used to team up effectively to either uncover or participate in swindles.
As the murder count increases, Mark and Inez work together to unmask the investment scam. They effectively pretend romance; unfortunately Mark wants to reconcile, while Inez does not; she longs for her lover, Reverend Justice Sands. Once they have solved the murders, they reach a compromise.
If that wasn't enough, Edward Pace's widow seeks out Inez and begs her to investigate her husband's murder. She insists that he did not die a natural death, and the hotel staff is responsible. Certainly, the owner Mr. Lewis, manager Mr. Epperly, and Nurse Crowson are less than forthcoming with information. But are they engaged in a swindle that will rob Harmony and Jonathan? For Harmony's sake as well as Mrs. Pace's plea, Inez reluctantly agrees to find out what the hotel's true financial status is, and why they are badgering well-off customers to become investors. Inez realizes her best bet is to enlist Mark's help. In years past, before he abandoned her and William, Mark and Inez used to team up effectively to either uncover or participate in swindles.
As the murder count increases, Mark and Inez work together to unmask the investment scam. They effectively pretend romance; unfortunately Mark wants to reconcile, while Inez does not; she longs for her lover, Reverend Justice Sands. Once they have solved the murders, they reach a compromise.
November 26, 2018
This has been my favorite of the series thus far, in part because Inez comes to terms with some things that have been hanging over her, and in part because the focus in on sanitariums. Set in Colorado Springs, as opposed to Leadville, but with flashbacks to Leadville, we have a change of scenery. Inez gets to see her boy, who scarcely remembers her because he is so integrated into his aunt Harmony's family. William has been nicknamed Wilkie and calls his aunt and uncle Mama and Papa. We meet Inez's formitable Aunt Agnes, who is a good rendition of a narcissist, especially skillful in conversational bullying-the volley of unconfirmed allegations, the recollection of childhood traits left long behind, a chronic upbraiding of minding her version of proper manners while showing absolutely no boundaries herself. Aunt Agnes alone would make me inclined to elope and flee to the edge of civilization. Instead we are at a spa sanitorium, where Harmony and Wilkie are taking the waters and various nostrums for their delicate chests.
The journey there was not without Agnes' male counterpart, a businessman wo never stopped complaining about Leadville. But unfortunately his rant is cut short by an untimely death, which begins our mystery. Mrs. Pace, his widow, isn't well developed as a character, but then ow wouls she be very forthcoming after living with that bombast. The plot thickens at the hotel spa when investment is encouraged for all the wealthy patrons. Inez is concerned that her brother in law will be sucked into the spa because she recognizes the hucksterism of the management, as her sister Harmony suspects.
I enjoyed this book because I have a lively interest in tb history and also share the author's concern that it may outwit modern antibiotics someday. And it has, given we now have drug resistant tb. It was a huge force in history that is rarely discussed in general classes, and has bearing on health care delivery systems in it's heyday and our times. I also enjoyed the herbal tour given by Mr. Calder and I was very sorry to see him go. The Civil War, never far from any of the caracters minds also has a nice exposition on female medics. Lovely novel.
The journey there was not without Agnes' male counterpart, a businessman wo never stopped complaining about Leadville. But unfortunately his rant is cut short by an untimely death, which begins our mystery. Mrs. Pace, his widow, isn't well developed as a character, but then ow wouls she be very forthcoming after living with that bombast. The plot thickens at the hotel spa when investment is encouraged for all the wealthy patrons. Inez is concerned that her brother in law will be sucked into the spa because she recognizes the hucksterism of the management, as her sister Harmony suspects.
I enjoyed this book because I have a lively interest in tb history and also share the author's concern that it may outwit modern antibiotics someday. And it has, given we now have drug resistant tb. It was a huge force in history that is rarely discussed in general classes, and has bearing on health care delivery systems in it's heyday and our times. I also enjoyed the herbal tour given by Mr. Calder and I was very sorry to see him go. The Civil War, never far from any of the caracters minds also has a nice exposition on female medics. Lovely novel.
December 28, 2020
Of the four Parker books I’ve read this was my favorite. It was refreshing to step out of Leadville and meet new character’s from Inez’s past, even her scoundrel husband. The history was top notch delving into women’s role in medicine which I enjoyed. The familial tension not only between Inez and her estranged relatives but with her son William. Parker can write unique characters and then creatively expresses their emotions.
Now let's talk about Mr. Mark Stannert. I was with Inez I wanted to know where he’d been but didn’t want to hear him speak (audiobook). It felt as though he’d abandoned me, broke my heart, and disrupted my life. Hats off to Parker for the visceral reaction, I really didn’t like this man. I can appreciate where they left off. I really hope he gets less annoying in the future. I want to continue the series but I can’t find #5 on audiobook anywhere.
Now let's talk about Mr. Mark Stannert. I was with Inez I wanted to know where he’d been but didn’t want to hear him speak (audiobook). It felt as though he’d abandoned me, broke my heart, and disrupted my life. Hats off to Parker for the visceral reaction, I really didn’t like this man. I can appreciate where they left off. I really hope he gets less annoying in the future. I want to continue the series but I can’t find #5 on audiobook anywhere.
May 21, 2017
This 4th entry in Parker's historic mystery series set in 1880's Leadville CO was a disappointment to me. After particularly enjoying the first 3 of the series, this book really didn't uphold that standard. It took nearly 2/3 of the book to really get going, relying heavily on the previously missing husband of the series central focus. The mystery was relatively low-key and the book generally suffered from changing the setting from Leadville to Manitou (now Manitou Springs) Colorado. I am hoping Parker gets back to Leadville for future ventures in this usually excellent series.
April 7, 2018
I selected this for the "western" prompt for the 2018 BookRiot Read Harder challenge. My book club had read the first book in the series, which we all enjoyed. Although I felt like it would have been beneficial to have read books 2 and 3 before reading this one, I was able to enjoy this as a standalone entry in the series and was able to recall some of the plot points from the first book as I read.
The series is set in Leadville, Colorado in the late 1800s and has a female protagonist, Inez Stannert, who is one of the partners in the Silver Queen Saloon. The Old West offered women opportunities they might not necessarily have had on the East Coast, which is also one of the reasons I enjoyed the setting and time period.
In this installment, Inez travels to Manitou Springs, Colorado, to visit her sister and family and to spend some time with her toddler son who is being cared for by her sister. Having previously visited Manitou Springs when my parents lived in Colorado Springs, I really enjoyed the setting in particular. Part of the plot deals with Manitou Springs being a spa tourism destination and location of last resort for those suffering from tuberculosis at this time, which is why Inez's sister is there. I greatly appreciated the research that the author did to bring the story to life in this time and place, as well as the feminist aspect of the story. The author's note at the end adds another layer to the reading experience.
The series is set in Leadville, Colorado in the late 1800s and has a female protagonist, Inez Stannert, who is one of the partners in the Silver Queen Saloon. The Old West offered women opportunities they might not necessarily have had on the East Coast, which is also one of the reasons I enjoyed the setting and time period.
In this installment, Inez travels to Manitou Springs, Colorado, to visit her sister and family and to spend some time with her toddler son who is being cared for by her sister. Having previously visited Manitou Springs when my parents lived in Colorado Springs, I really enjoyed the setting in particular. Part of the plot deals with Manitou Springs being a spa tourism destination and location of last resort for those suffering from tuberculosis at this time, which is why Inez's sister is there. I greatly appreciated the research that the author did to bring the story to life in this time and place, as well as the feminist aspect of the story. The author's note at the end adds another layer to the reading experience.
February 5, 2018
This, the fourth book in the series, was just gripping. I couldn't put it down. I am so invested in Inez and her life by now, and the sudden appearance of her husband added such a twist that I couldn't wait to find out what happened in this book. Unfortunately, this is the last book my library has on audio, so I'll be buying the next one on Kindle. And it looks like there's a new one due out this year! Yay!
October 28, 2018
Inez is still a fascinating character. Allowing Mark back into her life and her sister to keep William adds to the possibility of interesting things to come. The story is a bit too long and convoluted. Using the conceit of the murderer filling in the spaces before she dies is a rather tired literary device.
April 12, 2023
I loved this book especially listening to it while driving. The voices were soothing, the storyline entertaining. Listening to the audio book is like listening to a radio story. I was surprised throughout the story, and liked the pace of it, nice and smooth. If you like western novels, this one was for you.
October 13, 2020
I enjoy a good historical mystery and this one ticked all the boxes. I didn't enjoy this one as much as the previous three because the personal relationships threatened to take over the mystery, but it was a good and informative read.
July 4, 2018
Interesting story about doctors and people hoping for a cure.
August 12, 2019
Three and a half stars; impressive research, interesting characters along with a mystery set in an area where I briefly lived and enjoyed--can't ask for much more than that!
November 21, 2020
I used to live in Colorado Springs, and it was fun getting to visit the same places in the 19th century.
November 13, 2011
I do so enjoy my time spent with Inez and her adventures in Leadville, CO. This book is actually set a little south of Leadville in Manitou which is at the foot of Pikes Peak. She is there to see her son, William, who is visiting with Inez's sister Harmony and her husband Jonathan. During the stagecoach ride from Leadville to Manitou another passenger dies, apparently from a heart attack but Inez is puzzled that he died so quickly after drinking one of the tonics or "nostrums" that are mixed by the local doctor and given to those suffering from weak lungs and consumption, better known today as tuberculosis. This particular tonic was intended for the dead man's wife and Inez is immediately suspicious that the wife was the intended victim. Thus, she is on the hunt for what is rotten in the Mountain Springs House.
While trying to re-establish a relationship with her almost 2-year-old son, deal with the "risen from the dead" husband, and the cast of characters surrounding the Hotel keeps Inez busy and also in danger.
There is a lot of marvelous history in all of Ann Parker's books but this one has a wealth of information on the early days of medicine and the hunt for cures to diseases like consumption.
I can't wait for the next in the series.
While trying to re-establish a relationship with her almost 2-year-old son, deal with the "risen from the dead" husband, and the cast of characters surrounding the Hotel keeps Inez busy and also in danger.
There is a lot of marvelous history in all of Ann Parker's books but this one has a wealth of information on the early days of medicine and the hunt for cures to diseases like consumption.
I can't wait for the next in the series.
July 10, 2012
This is Book 4 in Ann Parker's "Silver Rush" series. The book opens with Inez Stannert, owner and proprietress of the Silver Queen Saloon in Leadville, CO, boarding a stage. she is headed to Manitou for a reunion with her sister and her now-toddler son. The journey does not go smoothly: a wealthy businessman dies in Inez's lap.
And that's just the beginning. Manitou boasts several mineral springs and touts utself as the "Sarasota of the West." A time before antibiotics and at the beginning of understanding how disease was transmitted, people ill with tuberculosis were easy prey for charlatans guaranteeing "the cure." Competition for patients and investors is fierce, and Inez finds herself in the middle of it all.
Her personal life is equally tumultuous, with Inez needing ti wun the affections of her son, deal with her Aunt Agnes, and sort out her domestic life.
But then, if Inez's life were easy, there wouldn't be much of a story, would there?
One note: I initially thought the Mercury referred to in the title was the element, used in refining gold and silver ore. It wasn't until the end of the book that I realized what Mercury referred to. Not Ms. Parker's fault: she left plenty of clues!
So now I wait for Book 5. I'm addicted.
And that's just the beginning. Manitou boasts several mineral springs and touts utself as the "Sarasota of the West." A time before antibiotics and at the beginning of understanding how disease was transmitted, people ill with tuberculosis were easy prey for charlatans guaranteeing "the cure." Competition for patients and investors is fierce, and Inez finds herself in the middle of it all.
Her personal life is equally tumultuous, with Inez needing ti wun the affections of her son, deal with her Aunt Agnes, and sort out her domestic life.
But then, if Inez's life were easy, there wouldn't be much of a story, would there?
One note: I initially thought the Mercury referred to in the title was the element, used in refining gold and silver ore. It wasn't until the end of the book that I realized what Mercury referred to. Not Ms. Parker's fault: she left plenty of clues!
So now I wait for Book 5. I'm addicted.
February 12, 2016
So far my least favorite in this series, although I can't quite put my finger on why, though I'd venture to say that it's the setting. I realize maybe Parker needed to shake things up a bit for Inez, and that after so much put into why William was sent away, she very well couldn't bring him and Harmony straight into her seedy world of saloons and ladies of the night. But I found the resort atmosphere lacking, and ultimately the employees of said hotel rather bland. I put together the pieces of the mystery far before Inez did, and found it sort of predictable, and not as well fleshed out as some of the previous tales.
I still love feisty Inez, and enjoyed that she continues to falter a bit, and learn from her mistakes. I like that she's ultimately human, and doing the best she can to thrive in essentially a "Man's world". I can't wait to see what the road ahead holds for Mark and Inez, and find myself torn between Justice Sands and Mr. Stannert, something I couldn't imagine when I started reading this book!
I still love feisty Inez, and enjoyed that she continues to falter a bit, and learn from her mistakes. I like that she's ultimately human, and doing the best she can to thrive in essentially a "Man's world". I can't wait to see what the road ahead holds for Mark and Inez, and find myself torn between Justice Sands and Mr. Stannert, something I couldn't imagine when I started reading this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2012
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this historical mystery set in the mining area of Colorado in the 1880's. The reader is treated to the character - in more ways than one - of Inez Stennert, who reminds me somewhat of Miss Kitty from Gunsmoke - if Miss Kitty would be allowed to behave according to today's television guidelines. I also enjoyed the vivid picture of the area around Colorado Springs (where I lived for several years) that Ann Parker painted with her flowing words. The story, the setting, the characters are a great gift from Ms Parker to any fan of historical mysteries.
November 7, 2011
I’m very interested in the spa and holistic cure phenomenon that has overtaken this country periodically over the last couple of centuries so, when I saw Ann Parker’s new book Mercury’s Rise, my curiosity was peaked. This is the 4th novel in the Silver Rush mystery series; however, it stands quite well on its own. Read the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=2203.
June 7, 2012
As always I enjoyed this next book in Ann Parker's series related to Leadville. Once again mystery and murder are wrapped inside historical detail and characters consistent across the series but who keep growing and changing. I loved the "time" spent in Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs in this book. I think I stayed at the same old lodge she talks about so that was fun!
February 6, 2016
When I got this from the "new" shelf at the library, I didn't realize that it was the 4th book in a series--I would have started at the beginning. But--I had no trouble "catching up" with Inga's past and thoroughly enjoyed the book. I look forward to going back and reading the first 3. Inga is a spunky, intelligent saloon owner who gets involved in solving a series of murders.
July 3, 2016
Can't say enough good things about this series. If you like historical western fiction and a surprising mystery, you'll probably like this. Roundly developed characters and the setting details just make the story come alive I think this series could be used as a literature-based American history unit.
March 18, 2012
Much better pacing than the average historical mystery, but it's somewhat difficult to get into if you haven't read previous entries in the series - it's hard to understand Inez's motivations for certain things in their absence. Parker wears her research lightly as well, which is always a plus.
March 24, 2012
As a resident of Colorado Springs and being very familiar with Manitou Springs and its surrounding areas, reading Mercury's Rise was like hiking through Garden of the Gods with a story-line. The characters are well thought of and purposeful; each one contributing to the plot and its mystery.
December 18, 2015
Ultimately the only real complaint I have with this story was that I got bored and started skimming to find out what happened.
The descriptions of, and characters in the wild west setting were well done but the mystery was far to drawn out for my taste.
The descriptions of, and characters in the wild west setting were well done but the mystery was far to drawn out for my taste.
Read
May 26, 2014Ann Parker is such a talented writer! Her stories are engrossing and, as a resident Coloradan, add the 'story' to history, making it much more relevant and interesting.
I actually stayed a night at the Cliff House after reading this story :-)
I actually stayed a night at the Cliff House after reading this story :-)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews