Welcome

Hello hello! Whether you are a newcomer to my Silver Rush historical mystery series or have spent some time in the past exploring the world of the “Victorian West” with my protagonist Inez Stannert and me, I am glad you’ve stopped by. Please, come on in and take a look around the site (designed by the amazing folks of xuni.com). The history section has lots of fun links to explore, while the appearances page lets you know where I’ll be (in person and virtually). There’s a books page where you can find out more about the series, as well as a short stories page for other writings. Also, please check out my blog, where I post every Wednesday. You can also sign up for my very random, very occasional newsletter (and it is, I promise, very occasional). If you have a question or a comment or just want to say “howdy,” there’s a contact page for that as well. I love hearing from readers, so feel free to drop me a line, any time…

The Secret in the Wall

Winner of the Will Rogers Medallion, Western Writers of America Spur, and Foreword Magazine’s INDIE Awards

Sometimes you can’t keep your gown out of the gutter…

Inez Stannert has reinvented herself―again. Fleeing the comfort and wealth of her East Coast upbringing, she became a saloon owner and card sharp in the rough silver boomtown of Leadville, Colorado, always favoring the unconventional path―a difficult road for a woman in the late 1800s.

Now living in San Francisco, Inez works hard to keep a respectable, loving home for her young ward, Antonia. But risk is a seductive friend, difficult to resist. When a skeleton tumbles from the wall of her latest business investment, the police only seem interested in the gold coins that fell out with it. With her trusty derringer tucked in the folds of her gown, Inez uses her street smarts and sheer will to unearth a secret that someone has already killed to keep buried. Yet, the more she digs, the muddier and more dangerous things become.

Signed/Personalized Books
Indiebound Amazon Barnes & Noble Books-A-Million Apple Books Kobo

Signed/personalized books available at Towne Center Books

Praise

“A convoluted mystery, based on true events and replete with rich period detail, that’s a delight to read.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“Incorporating actual historical events with the fictional proceedings makes for a thoroughly engrossing, believable novel with a unique villain and relatable leads.”
—Criminal Element (Read more)

“Strong writing, vivid descriptions, and intriguing characters paint an accurate picture of life in the late 1800s and is a trademark of Ann Parker’s works. Not to be missed.”
—Western Writers of America Roundup Magazine (Read more on pg. 8)

“It’s always a pleasure to see a favored series get stronger with each book, and I’m happy to say that The Secret in the Wall is the best Silver Rush mystery yet.”
—Kittling: Books (Read more)

“From the spectacular opening scene to the riveting denouement, Parker paces her plot well…”
—Historical Novel Society, Editor’s Choice (Read more)

“Appealing characters match satisfying puzzles. Historical fans will be delighted.”
—Publishers Weekly (Read more)

“Intricately plotted and intriguingly cast, this richly detailed historical mystery captivates and will leave you wishing for more. Parker’s smart, fiercely independent sleuth is pure delight.”
—Audrey Blake, USA Today bestselling author

“Ann Parker takes her readers on quite an adventure in The Secret in the Wall. If you like historical mysteries I think you would enjoy this story and encourage you to pick it up.”
—Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book

“Written from multiple points of view, The Secret in the Wall is a top-notch historical cozy mystery.”
—Mysteries with Character

Awards

WINNER (Gold level) of the Will Rogers Medallion Award, Western Mystery

WINNER (bronze level) of Foreword Magazine’s INDIE Award for Best Mystery

WINNER of the Western Writers of America Spur Award for Best Traditional Novel

Finalist for the Macavity Sue Feder Memorial Award for Best Historical Mystery

Finalist for the Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award for Mystery

Lefty Finalist for Best Historical Mystery Novel
(The Bill Gottfried Memorial for books covering events before 1970)

“Editors’ Choice” from the Historical Novel Society

“Editor’s Pick” for Best Mystery, Thriller, & Suspense on Amazon