Iron Ties

Silver Rush #2

by Ann Parker

The railroad is coming to Leadville and its rich Rocky Mountain mines. And who is coming to celebrate its arrival but Ulysses S. Grant, 18th President of the U.S. and former commander of the Union armies. Like other residents in the Colorado boomtown this summer of 1880, Inez Stannert regards the news as mixed. Some folks have wicked memories of the war, others have a stake in the competing railroad lines. And photographer Susan Carothers, Inez's friend, is caught in the deadly crossfire.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical Mystery, Westerns, The United States Of America, Fiction, Historical

608 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

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.

Reviews

[LJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

IRON TIES (Amateur Sleuth-Colorado-1880) – VG
Parker, Ann – 2nd in series
Poisoned Pen Press, 2006-Hardcover
*** Saloon owner Inez Stannert has a lot on her plate. Her friend, photographer Susan Carolthers, it caught in an explosion she claims was deliberate and killed two men, but everyone else is passing it off an accident with no one hurt. Inez is trying to build her business in order to finish a luxurious special game room. Her partner, Abe has arranged for a acting couple to perform, but Inez recognizes the woman as one Inez saw with her husband, Mark who has been missing for over a year. The Reverend Sands, with whom Inez is having an intimate relationship, wants to move their relationship forward. And the railroad is coming Leadville, awakening memories, feelings and grudges left from the Civil War.
*** Parker is a wonderful writer. Although sent in the 1880s, she deals with subjects that are timeless. Her character of Inez is strong and independent because she’s had to be, as have women of all times. Within a very good mystery, she raises the issues of urban growth racism, abandonment, divorce and the impact war has on those who fight it. So whether you categorize this as an historical, cozy, amateur sleuth, traditional mystery doesn’t matter, to me it was a very good book and one I highly recommend.

[Terry Odell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was assigned as this month's book club read. Having read (and had issues with) the first book, I was pleased that this one addressed some of the things that made me dislike Inez. I still didn't like her a whole lot--the book began with her wanting very much to have her son back, which is a trait that I like to see in a mother, but it fizzed to nothing. Again. The author did show us Inez's love of men, but juggling two in this book, even while she's still technically married didn't add to her likability. And how convenient for Susan to disappear from the storyline until she was needed to explain the solution to the mystery.
The writing was good, with good descriptions and imagery. I still found it stilted and slow, which may be in keeping with the language of the times.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Silver Rush series by Ann Parker. These books are entertaining hops through the wild west and it covered the silver mining that was going on in Colorado in the late 1800's. Also the railroad was getting established. There were many historical events that provided twists and turns in this book. I enjoy this particular era and even though the books in this series are a little softer than I prefer, it was still fun and they mentioned places where my parents are from and even had some family surnames in this. So 4 stars.

[Sherri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inez is back at sleuthing and crime solving in Leadville, CO involving post-civil war PTSD, domestic abuse, and her own romantic triangle. Just about the time where I think I'm not sure on continuing this series, the end wraps up and I go what's next....

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rolled straight into the second book after the first and loved it almost as much. The author's writing had got better and although I wasn't as taken with the story it had the right level of complexity and suspense.

[Cheryle · Rating 4 out of 5]

The railroad is coming west, all the way to Leadville and its rich Rocky Mountain mines, not to mention millionaires. And who is coming to celebrate the arrival of the Denver & Rio Grande but Ulysses S. Grant, 18th President of the United States and former commander of the Union armies. Like other residents in the Colorado boom town this summer of 1880, Inez Stannert regards the news as mixed. With her business partnership in the Silver Queen Saloon shaky and the bonds of family tightening (her husband is still missing and her baby is still back East), Inez doesn't need the lawlessness of Leadville to turn, once again, into murder. But Inez isn't the only one with iron ties to the past. Some folks have wicked memories of the war, others a stake in the competing railroad lines. And Inez's friend, photographer Susan Carothers, gets caught in the crossfire. . . .

[Lissa Notreallywolf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm really enjoying this historical fiction series about Leadville CO, in part because our heroine is far from perfect and still quite fetching. She has no problem pursuing men she is interested in, except when she realizes that it might have an impact on regaining her frail son, now in the East. She's still with the ambiguous Rev. Sands but struggles with an attraction to Preston Hunt, a Railroad man. The book details the arrival of rail service to her city and the economic and territorial fallout of this change in civic life. My only criticism is another artefact bearing high value goods-in the last novel it was a rocking horse full of counterfeit plates and loot, this time something is full of gold. And when the contents are revealed I am somewhat gobsmacked that the 'donor' is fine with turning the coins over to a man of a different race. But then then there are moral codes in the territories that are inconsistant, or consistent to people living on the edge in a boom or bust economy.
Great characters, well written and I have yet to find a typo in the text. On to the next!

[Vanessa Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you enjoyed the first book you’ll enjoy the second. Parker continues the apparently effortless build of tension through the books. Inez is being pulled in many directions making for a fast moving novel. Parker continues to build off her historic recreation of Leadville, I appreciate when an author can construct a world that is historically accurate in it’s pain, struggles, joys, and day to day as vividly as they were really lived. Not everyone moved out west to be a miner or a saloon owner and I believe the diversity is well represented in this book. The only thing that kept it from being a five star was the love triangle, it didn’t bring anything new to the table. 

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting historical mystery set in 19th-century Leadville, CO. Railroad machinations, post-war (takes places 15 years after the end of the American Civil War) politics, and a strong female heroine help keep it from turning into a romance. If you like watching The Pinkertons, try reading this book. this is the second in a series of at least three novels, the others of which series I aim to read.

[Mary Nuttelman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent entry in the Silver Rush mysteries. This time out, Inez thwarts efforts to blow up the rail line coming into Leadville, along with barely submerged alliances left over from the Civil War fifteen years prior, made more visible with the imminent visit of former President U. S. Grant to town. All this in addition to running a high class saloon and figuring out her relationship to the Rev. Sands.

[Rababe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Parker has topped her first book with this one. Filled with mystery, romance and surprises, are are all books in this series, this one has delightful historical figures tied in that offer a unique perspective when seen through Inez’s eyes. Absolutely charming. Inez demonstrates the closest thing to a commitment to Sands this far in this book. And the good Reverend Sands, as always, does not fail to disappoint.

[Vinnie Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great protagonist and historical detail.

[Elizabeth Quan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I guess I'm invested here. I read this questioning Inez's motives, judgement and decisions. On to Leaden Skies.

[Eileen Lynx · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second in a good series

[Misfit · Rating 4 out of 5]

History and Mystery Part II in Colorado's Cloud City. It's the summer of 1880 in Leadville, Colorado, and the battle over which railroad will build the line through the Royal Gorge and into Leadville is over. Or is it? Inez Stannert's good friend Susan is taking photos in the country and witnesses a murder and sabotage along the new rail line. Or does she? Where did the bodies go? Or were there any bodies there at all? President Grant is coming to town on the new rail, are some disgruntled Civil War veterans planning murder? Or is the sabotage being planned by a competing railroad line?

Once again saloon owner Inez Stannert is thrown into an ever changing mystery, as one clue turns up another after another, keeping you on the edge of your seat until the final end, as she brings this sky high city and the old west to life. I enjoyed the added twist of the disgruntled Civil War veterans still suffering from the effects of that horrific war, and their involvement in the mysterious plot against Ulysses S. Grant and the new rail lines, and most especially the added wrinkles to the character of the mysterious Reverend Sands. I hope this author continues with more books on Inez, as there is still one big puzzle still left untold at the end of this book. I want more

[Jacob O · Rating 4 out of 5]

Iron Ties is an adventure and a mystery book that is filled with surprising twists to the plot and an interesting main character. It follows the a time in the life of Inez Stannert, a rough woman that owns the local saloon in the small town of Leadville. One day, when her friend is injured in an explosion on the unfinished Transcontinental Railroad, Inez decides to do some investigating of her own. What she uncovers involves sabotage, a secret brotherhood from the Civil War, and the possible assasination of a famous general. What situation has Inez gotten her self into? Will she be able to stop it? Read Iron Ties by Ann Parker to find out! Even though it takes a while for the action to pick up, It becomes a very complex story once it does. Also, there are many names to remember, so be sure to pay attention to what you are reading. Ann Parker does a very good job of setting the scene of a small town awaiting the arrival of the Transcontinental Railroad. She also describes the many action scenes very well. Overall, this book is a good read for anyone that enjoys action, mystery, and history. I would recommend it to readers ages 13 and up because of frequent use of harsh language and a plot that is a little hard to follow.

[Arletta Dawdy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ann Parker's tales of the Leadville, Colorado community in the 1880's follow Inez Stannert, part-owner of the Silver Queen saloon, through her personal trials and the most inconvenient murders, this time just as President Grant visits in celebration of the intercontinental railroad. Parker captures the emotions of the times as Grant's visit stirs up Civil War memories and conflicts lying just under the surface of day-to-day life...and sometimes right in the thick of the day. IRON TIES is the second in the Silver Rush series and finds Inez struggling to save a friend's life, sort out the truth about her errant husband, and the overtures of the local minister. She does all this while building her business, solving a murder and worrying about her infant son, sent east to becared for by family. Parker's many threaded tales unite in a superb read.

[Fv · Rating 4 out of 5]

Iron Ties by Ann Parker was a good historic/realistic fiction book. It was educatonal but entertaining to read. I liked how the book had relatable events to people in our century, but didn't like how it talked and gave a lot of boring details in the beginning. Once your in about 1/4 of hte book it starts getting really interesting and you can really imagine how the characters look and act and can really imagine the different places like the Silver Queen Saloon that a character name Inez Stannert owns. I would recommend this book to young adults because it really explains how life was back in the 1800's and if your are younger then sixth or seventh grade you wouldn't be able to explain what was happening.

[Mirah W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 of a really great series (so far). Inez is a complex woman and her choices are not easy ones. She's torn between being independent and becoming more involved with someone she cares about. And always in her mind is the husband who disappeared from her life without a trace...and her family that doesn't accept her (and are they trying to keep her away from her son?). Add a mysterious explosion and haunting memories from the Civil War and you've got a mystery with lots of questions and few answers. I enjoy Parker's writing style and the fact that she includes real places and people in her books. Looking forward to book 3.

[Preston Holtry · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book, Iron Ties, in her Silver Rush mysteries is just as entertaining as the first. I like the way she weaves history and fiction together in a plot that keeps you engaged. She does an excellent job bringing her characters alive; you wonder what they are going to say and do next. While I figured out some of the plot there was enough left I did not to keep me reading through the last page. Well done and a darn good read. Preston Holtry, author Death in Emily 3; Amazon books/Kindle: http://presholtry.webs.com

[ReadHowYouWant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Iron Ties was praised by Booklist as being “carefully researched…a carefully crafted novel that will appeal to readers of mysteries, historical fiction, and genre westerns.” The railroad is coming to Leadville and its rich Rocky Mountain mines. And who is coming to celebrate its arrival but Ulysses S. Grant, 18th President of the United States. Like other residents in the Colorado boomtown in the summer of 1880, Inez Stannert regards the news as mixed. Find out why!

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall I really enjoyed the characters, however the plot lost control and spiraled into confusion towards the end of the book. The historical plot sometimes went over my head with the multiple talk of "generals" and who and why they were trying to blow up the railroads. I still am unsure of the real underline reason. Despite the ending plot, the characters were well developed and Parker's sense of imagery carries reader back in time, an enjoyable read overall.

[Rogue Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Iron Ties, the second in the series, Leadville erupts into violence as resistance to the new Denver & Rio Grande line explodes. Quirky, independent and memorable characters like brothel madam Frisco Flo and saloon owner Inez Stannert are delightful as are the appearances of notables like Ulysses S. Grant. Parker's grandfather was a gandy dancer on the Colorado railroads and her Leadville, Colorado ancestors were part of the silver rush in the 1880's.

[Knewmyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it, maybe not quite as much as the first (probably because all the railroad history kind of bogged down in the middle, but became clearer as the novel progressed), but I thought the ending was strong. It helps that I very much like and relate to Inez and love Colorado history (it'd still be a good book even if I wasn't interested in the history). I am looking forward to reading the next.

[Britt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four stars for the story, one star for the setting. I just love Ann Parker's books. And like the first book of the series this one was also set in Leadville, Colorado. Reading the book was just like diving into the town's history.

[Walt · Rating 3 out of 5]

A SILVER RUSH MYSTERY. SET IN THE 1880'S. INTERESTING CONNECTION TO THE CIVIL WAR.

[Gwyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in her series and a good mystery.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend this book. I will continue this series. A fun, easy read for historical fiction fans or fans of historical Colorado.

[Sarah Sammis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just not in the mood.

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[Terry Shames · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know why it took me so long to read Ann Parker. Possibly because I am not so drawn to historical mysteries. But I loved Parker's characters and especially enjoyed her historical research.