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 authorIt 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 Mysteries: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 Mysteries:"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 BuysBruce Alexander Historical Mystery Award WinnerMacavity Historical Novel Award FinalistColorado Book Award FinalistWILLA Literary Award FinalistAgatha Best Historical Mystery Award Finalist