What do you think?
Rate this book
Paige MacKenzie Mystery #4
Hutchins Creek Cache
The small Colorado mountain town of Hutchins Creek promises to be the perfect location for NY reporter Paige MacKenzie to complete an assignment for The Manhattan Post. Situated along the Durango-Silverton train line, not only does the town set an ideal scene for an article on Old West railroad history, it also serves Paige's personal agenda: to meet up with favorite cowboy Jake Norris, of Jackson Hole, for a little romance.
When a mysterious 1920's coin is discovered behind the Hutchins Creek Railroad Museum, Paige starts digging into four generations of Hutchins family history, with a little help from the Denver Mint. As legends of steam engines and coin mintage mingle, will Paige discover the true origin of the coin, or will she find herself riding the rails dangerously close to more than one long-hidden town secret?
When a mysterious 1920's coin is discovered behind the Hutchins Creek Railroad Museum, Paige starts digging into four generations of Hutchins family history, with a little help from the Denver Mint. As legends of steam engines and coin mintage mingle, will Paige discover the true origin of the coin, or will she find herself riding the rails dangerously close to more than one long-hidden town secret?
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 16, 2016
592 people are currently reading
671 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Garner
36 books883 followersDeborah Garner is an accomplished travel writer with a passion for back roads and secret hideaways. Born and raised in California, she studied in France before returning to the U.S. to attend UCLA. After stints in graduate school and teaching, she attempted to clone herself for decades by founding and running a dance and performing arts center, designing and manufacturing clothing and accessories, and tackling both spreadsheets and display racks for corporate retail management. Her passions include photography, hiking and animal rescue. She speaks five languages, some substantially better than others. She now divides her time between California and Wyoming, dragging one human and two canines along whenever possible.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
November 12, 2025
This series is fun and sweet. I enjoy the background as Paige explores the history and the area she is visiting to write her articles. I also enjoy the trouble she gets into and her dogged determination to find the answers. Her relationship with Jake is very sweet and I enjoy their interactions. And now they a starting a new adventure together.
April 18, 2019
Hutchins Creek Cache by Deborah Garner was a well plotted mystery set in Colorado this time. Ms. Garner's descriptive writing always allows me to feel like I'm with Paige every step of the way through the story. Paige and Jake are well developed characters now and I find them to be likable and down-to-earth as the story moves along it's twisted path.
May 2, 2024
This was a bit more fast paced than the last one… really liked the story in this one.
September 18, 2016
New York City reporter Paige MacKenzie is on the case again! She's not *supposed* to be solving mysteries while on assignment in Hutchins Creek, Colorado--- she's supposed to be working on an article for her paper about railroad history in the old West. Finding a mystery to solve and danger to get into is definitely what you'd expect of Paige, though, if you've read the previous books in this series. (If you haven't, you really should --- although each of them stand alone so it's not required.) This mystery revolves around a rare coin from the 1920s that appears behind the railroad museum in Hutchins Creek, and the intrigue expands to include four generations of the Hutchins family, the Denver mint, a creepy old coin dealer, and assorted other characters. As always with Deborah Garner's books, it's very well-written, and full of such evocative imagery that I feel like I've been visiting Hutchins Creek myself. She does a great job weaving fascinating railroad history into the story, as well as lots of interesting details about coins and coin collecting, which gives a strong foundation for the mystery itself. And there's the added bonus of Paige's relationship with Jake Norris, her cowboy friend/boyfriend, which is moving forward at last with this novel. I think I enjoy every addition to the series even more than the last, and I'm already looking forward to the next installment!
September 27, 2016
I have actually read another of this author's books, another of the Paige Mackenzie Mysteries- Three Silver Doves. I was glad to get a chance to read another. I will state again that even if you haven't read any others in the series, you should be able to jump in and read this one without any confusion.
The author does a great job at character development, as well as creating likeable characters whose stories you want to follow. Of course there is a mystery and I wouldn't tell you what happens! There were times I thought that I knew whodunnit, but turns out I was wrong!
Any of the books in this series or by this author are worth a read!
The author does a great job at character development, as well as creating likeable characters whose stories you want to follow. Of course there is a mystery and I wouldn't tell you what happens! There were times I thought that I knew whodunnit, but turns out I was wrong!
Any of the books in this series or by this author are worth a read!
November 26, 2022
A virtual, immersive tour of the American West!
Deborah Garner's passion for our of the way places and secret hideaways again shows in the 4th edition of the Paige Mackenzie Mystery series, Hutchins Creek Cache. I have travelled cross country on numerous occasions in my past career but have never discovered as much adventure as I have travelling through the pages of Deborah Garner's novels. Deborah is a master at writing stories that are like a virtual tour of small town Western America. Better than a guided tour with a local veteran tour guide, Deborah Garner in Hutchins Creek Cache, immerses the reader in the history and local color of an area. Reading the Paige Mackenzie Mystery series has been cornucopia for the senses. From riding in Henry's old car, Lulu, to train rides through scenic Colorado, and finally stuck in a runaway train car careening towards a mountain, I didn't just read Deborah's work, I participated! Deborah Garner knows how to write immersive stories!
However, Hutchins Creek Cache, is a "cozy mystery", so the action and mystery are understated, never reaching the "holding on by your teeth" thriller vibe, I get when I read other romantic suspense novels. It is more feel good, Hallmark Mystery Channel, curl up on the couch ,in front of a roaring fire, kind of reading experience. A nice change of pace for me but not quite 5-star, more like 4.5, affair. The romance between her main character Paige and Wyoming cowboy boyfriend, continues to heat up, but never sets the sheets on fire. Again, it gives off Hallmark movie vibes, not necessarily a bad thing, as I like Hallmark movies. Just don't expect steamy love scenes.
Also, like Hallmark mysteries, Paige Mackenzie, stumbles on trouble wherever she goes. In this case, her latest escapade involves a hidden stash of rare coins. What I particularly enjoy about Deborah Garner's writing, is how she weaves history of an area into the mystery. I learn so much about a region through Paige's escapades. Reminds me of my junior year in high school, learning American history by being totally immersed in it with role- playing games. That experience is how I came to love history and Deborah Garner fuels that love in Paige's treasure hunt in Hutchins Creek, Colorado. Paige's research and reporting takes me back to my childhood days in Durango, Colorado. A stroll through the history of the railroads that brought my family West, was very stress-reducing. Words like idellyic, cozy, comfort and love come to mind when reading Hutchins Creek Cache. A nice interlude in the hectic stress of the holidays!
So if you are looking to escape the frenzy of the holidays, pick up Deborah Garner's Hutchins Creek Cache, grab a cup of tea, find an easy chair near a warm fire, and read. Happy Holidays!
Deborah Garner's passion for our of the way places and secret hideaways again shows in the 4th edition of the Paige Mackenzie Mystery series, Hutchins Creek Cache. I have travelled cross country on numerous occasions in my past career but have never discovered as much adventure as I have travelling through the pages of Deborah Garner's novels. Deborah is a master at writing stories that are like a virtual tour of small town Western America. Better than a guided tour with a local veteran tour guide, Deborah Garner in Hutchins Creek Cache, immerses the reader in the history and local color of an area. Reading the Paige Mackenzie Mystery series has been cornucopia for the senses. From riding in Henry's old car, Lulu, to train rides through scenic Colorado, and finally stuck in a runaway train car careening towards a mountain, I didn't just read Deborah's work, I participated! Deborah Garner knows how to write immersive stories!
However, Hutchins Creek Cache, is a "cozy mystery", so the action and mystery are understated, never reaching the "holding on by your teeth" thriller vibe, I get when I read other romantic suspense novels. It is more feel good, Hallmark Mystery Channel, curl up on the couch ,in front of a roaring fire, kind of reading experience. A nice change of pace for me but not quite 5-star, more like 4.5, affair. The romance between her main character Paige and Wyoming cowboy boyfriend, continues to heat up, but never sets the sheets on fire. Again, it gives off Hallmark movie vibes, not necessarily a bad thing, as I like Hallmark movies. Just don't expect steamy love scenes.
Also, like Hallmark mysteries, Paige Mackenzie, stumbles on trouble wherever she goes. In this case, her latest escapade involves a hidden stash of rare coins. What I particularly enjoy about Deborah Garner's writing, is how she weaves history of an area into the mystery. I learn so much about a region through Paige's escapades. Reminds me of my junior year in high school, learning American history by being totally immersed in it with role- playing games. That experience is how I came to love history and Deborah Garner fuels that love in Paige's treasure hunt in Hutchins Creek, Colorado. Paige's research and reporting takes me back to my childhood days in Durango, Colorado. A stroll through the history of the railroads that brought my family West, was very stress-reducing. Words like idellyic, cozy, comfort and love come to mind when reading Hutchins Creek Cache. A nice interlude in the hectic stress of the holidays!
So if you are looking to escape the frenzy of the holidays, pick up Deborah Garner's Hutchins Creek Cache, grab a cup of tea, find an easy chair near a warm fire, and read. Happy Holidays!
February 26, 2018
* 2.5 stars
The plot in the book wasn't terrible. It was a quick read and for the most part enjoyable. The dialog between Paige and Jake in this book seemed repetitive and cheesy. The villainous character seemed to be a caricature of a villain, as if I was watching a cartoon. The story was still fun and there were some surprises but not great.
The biggest thing that I find wrong with this book is not in it's individual story but in the series. The series is not very connected other than the same main character. The first book she This is never mentioned again. She never even thinks back and is like wow that was weird. Also in the first book This leaves many unanswered questions that were never answered or even mentioned in the other THREE books like...
The other books have none of the weird element. The second book deals with the more recent past. The third book deals with the present. The fourth book deals with past as well and has a very similar theme as the first one, except that you have cheesy dialog throughout. These sequel books just seem like an afterthought and the writer enjoyed the character she created but didn't want to address or continue any of the themes of the first book. Overall these books were probably a waste of time. There were moments I enjoyed (I really enjoyed the settings) but I am disappointed now looking back.
The plot in the book wasn't terrible. It was a quick read and for the most part enjoyable. The dialog between Paige and Jake in this book seemed repetitive and cheesy. The villainous character seemed to be a caricature of a villain, as if I was watching a cartoon. The story was still fun and there were some surprises but not great.
The biggest thing that I find wrong with this book is not in it's individual story but in the series. The series is not very connected other than the same main character. The first book she This is never mentioned again. She never even thinks back and is like wow that was weird. Also in the first book This leaves many unanswered questions that were never answered or even mentioned in the other THREE books like...
The other books have none of the weird element. The second book deals with the more recent past. The third book deals with the present. The fourth book deals with past as well and has a very similar theme as the first one, except that you have cheesy dialog throughout. These sequel books just seem like an afterthought and the writer enjoyed the character she created but didn't want to address or continue any of the themes of the first book. Overall these books were probably a waste of time. There were moments I enjoyed (I really enjoyed the settings) but I am disappointed now looking back.
October 9, 2018
Old railroads and gold coins in Colorado
I was interested in this novel's location as I once lived in the mountains of Colorado and wrote a historical mystery novel that took place in that territory. In this novel Paige and Jake get wind of an old robbery that took place at the Denver mint in 1926 when Paige finds a 1926 double eagle gold coin near an old railroad passenger car. Unraveling the family secret, hidden for generations is a dangerous feat. Interesting story with fascinating railroad and mint history. I love the series and also wanted to find out how the romance between Paige and Jake progressed.
I was interested in this novel's location as I once lived in the mountains of Colorado and wrote a historical mystery novel that took place in that territory. In this novel Paige and Jake get wind of an old robbery that took place at the Denver mint in 1926 when Paige finds a 1926 double eagle gold coin near an old railroad passenger car. Unraveling the family secret, hidden for generations is a dangerous feat. Interesting story with fascinating railroad and mint history. I love the series and also wanted to find out how the romance between Paige and Jake progressed.
October 4, 2022
This was a very nice book. It was more of a light-hearted mystery with romance thrown in. Although it's book 4 in a series, it was the first I'd read and fine as a standalone book. I liked all the characters and especially the beautiful location in the Rocky Mountains near Durango, Silverton and Ouray, where I've visited and loved. I don't know, but I assume the little town of Hutchins Creek is fictional. Learning about the history of trains in that area was interesting as well. It's a good story, with a good mystery, and there were some unexpected twists and turns to keep you guessing. Also, it's a clean book with no profanity, sex or serious violence - something I value (:
March 2, 2019
3.5.
Quick cozy mystery, fun...I solved the main part of the mystery at 54% but there were enough further little twists along the way to keep me from just flipping to the end to see if I was right (I was).
Enjoyable and would read the rest of the series from the library. (I didn’t realise this was in the middle when I picked it up one day on a kindle sale, but I had no difficulty following along, so I suspect each book is independent enough to make it possible to jump in.)
Quick cozy mystery, fun...I solved the main part of the mystery at 54% but there were enough further little twists along the way to keep me from just flipping to the end to see if I was right (I was).
Enjoyable and would read the rest of the series from the library. (I didn’t realise this was in the middle when I picked it up one day on a kindle sale, but I had no difficulty following along, so I suspect each book is independent enough to make it possible to jump in.)
June 5, 2020
Love, mystery and the Denver Mint
This is the fourth book I have read in this series. I wasn’t too crazy about it at first. But when the mystery was revealed, I was enamored with Paige, Jake and, especially, Sam . The train stories are of interest but, by now in the series, I am as interested in Paige and Jake as I am in the trains. I am hoping to read the next Deborah Garner book in this series soon.
This is the fourth book I have read in this series. I wasn’t too crazy about it at first. But when the mystery was revealed, I was enamored with Paige, Jake and, especially, Sam . The train stories are of interest but, by now in the series, I am as interested in Paige and Jake as I am in the trains. I am hoping to read the next Deborah Garner book in this series soon.
September 13, 2017
Great children's story
This book was of great interest to me since I have been on the train from Silverton to Durango. It just seemed to drag all the way thru. I felt the style of writing would have been for a junior high student. I finished the book, but found it a bit of a struggle. Also hard to keep secondary characters straight.
This book was of great interest to me since I have been on the train from Silverton to Durango. It just seemed to drag all the way thru. I felt the style of writing would have been for a junior high student. I finished the book, but found it a bit of a struggle. Also hard to keep secondary characters straight.
July 24, 2020
This series is so good I can't say which one is the best!
I loved this story, I have been in love with trains since I was a little girl and steam trains especially! I have spent hours at the train museum in Carson City Nevada, spellbound. This book had me guessing most of the way leading to a perfect ending!
I loved this story, I have been in love with trains since I was a little girl and steam trains especially! I have spent hours at the train museum in Carson City Nevada, spellbound. This book had me guessing most of the way leading to a perfect ending!
November 19, 2022
This was my first Paige MacKenzie Mystery, and straight away I liked that you did not need the first three books to follow the plot (although I definitely will get them!). And it was a good plot, and brilliantly narrated. Add to that very likeable protagonists and side characters, and you cannot go wrong.
More please :=)
More please :=)
December 4, 2022
Great story built on the railroads of the old west
Enjoyed this story and the history built in about the Denver and Rio Grand railroad. Been working my way through the series this year and have enjoyed the different locations. Garner does a nice job every time telling about the local area in a way that is truly reflective of the location.
Enjoyed this story and the history built in about the Denver and Rio Grand railroad. Been working my way through the series this year and have enjoyed the different locations. Garner does a nice job every time telling about the local area in a way that is truly reflective of the location.
February 22, 2024
It's a good clean story that has a win win ending.
I liked the setting and the original story. It is a part of Colorado I am familiar with and that makes the story more real to me. The central part of the narrative was a bit boring but it picked up quickly and had a surprise ending.
I liked the setting and the original story. It is a part of Colorado I am familiar with and that makes the story more real to me. The central part of the narrative was a bit boring but it picked up quickly and had a surprise ending.
February 21, 2018
Paige and Jake
Paige and Jake take time for sleuthing when a small girl, Sam, finds a very special coin. This story is rich in Colorado train history, coin history, and what else? Love! Enjoy your read.
Paige and Jake take time for sleuthing when a small girl, Sam, finds a very special coin. This story is rich in Colorado train history, coin history, and what else? Love! Enjoy your read.
March 2, 2018
Excellent read
So enjoy reading books that have a great story and are romantic yet clean reading that even I am willing to share with others. Thank you for the adventure and a great story of the old west.
So enjoy reading books that have a great story and are romantic yet clean reading that even I am willing to share with others. Thank you for the adventure and a great story of the old west.
August 8, 2020
I'm hooked on these books
I love the characters and stories. I've been to that area and have been on that train trip. Deborah brings the area and people alive. Great job. I'll keep reading this series.
I love the characters and stories. I've been to that area and have been on that train trip. Deborah brings the area and people alive. Great job. I'll keep reading this series.
May 3, 2021
Paige and on the hunt for stolen gold coins
Paige heads out to Hutchins Creek, CO, to write a story for her newspaper, about the start of the railroads in SW CO. Jake shows up and they go a search for some gold coins that were stolen from the Fever mint. Pretty good story.
Paige heads out to Hutchins Creek, CO, to write a story for her newspaper, about the start of the railroads in SW CO. Jake shows up and they go a search for some gold coins that were stolen from the Fever mint. Pretty good story.
June 10, 2021
Pretty ‘Birds’
Great story. I loved the addition of the child. The author made it very easy to conjure up images of Sam playing.
I also felt like I could get off a train in the town ... & know which way to go to find all the landmarks in the book.
Great story. I loved the addition of the child. The author made it very easy to conjure up images of Sam playing.
I also felt like I could get off a train in the town ... & know which way to go to find all the landmarks in the book.
July 16, 2022
Absolutely love this series!
Deborah Garner has truly written a fun and engaging series. Absolutely love the characters and the mischief that Paige,🤣🤣. Looking forward to reading more!
Deborah Garner has truly written a fun and engaging series. Absolutely love the characters and the mischief that Paige,🤣🤣. Looking forward to reading more!
June 14, 2025
Gold
How does Paige find a mystery everywhere she goes. Loved learning about trains and old steam engines. The Hutchin family made the book like visiting family. Ready to go to Colorado.
How does Paige find a mystery everywhere she goes. Loved learning about trains and old steam engines. The Hutchin family made the book like visiting family. Ready to go to Colorado.
February 7, 2017
Reminded me of the Nancy Drew books I read when I was young. It was good but a little too predictable. The relationship was a bit sappy for me.
May 4, 2017
Hutchins Creek Cache
Hutchins Creek Cache used a lot of information about the railroad to spin a mysterious tail about stolen coins that went missing.
Hutchins Creek Cache used a lot of information about the railroad to spin a mysterious tail about stolen coins that went missing.
May 29, 2017
Easy read
This book was easy to follow. I enjoyed the characters and the story line. It was fun to read about the trains.
This book was easy to follow. I enjoyed the characters and the story line. It was fun to read about the trains.
July 10, 2017
Wonderful
Amazing, exciting, romantic and very well written! I am hopeful that another great book featuring these two characters is already written!
Amazing, exciting, romantic and very well written! I am hopeful that another great book featuring these two characters is already written!
August 9, 2017
Good plotline
I really enjoyed this book. Kept you guessing till the end. Good characters and I love the historical aspect of the book. I would recommend this book.
I really enjoyed this book. Kept you guessing till the end. Good characters and I love the historical aspect of the book. I would recommend this book.
October 5, 2017
This book wasn't for me.
March 5, 2019
Great story line!
Awesome plot
Great characters
Great writing
Enjoying the series from start to finish
Can't wait to read the next one
Awesome plot
Great characters
Great writing
Enjoying the series from start to finish
Can't wait to read the next one
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews