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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Another good story

Great read. It has a lot of amazing history tied in with murder mystery. The characters are well fleshed out and keeps your attention.

The second book in her series and a good mystery.

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.

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.