In the cold and dangerous spring of 1924, amateur detective Annalee Spain races the clock to solve the murder of a barnstorming stunt pilot before she is framed by the Colorado Klan for the crime--and before his dashing twin falls head over heels for the Black theologian, testing her recently promised heart.
"Raybon weaves a well-paced, gripping story tailor-made for mystery lovers." — Christianity Today
"This mix of history and intrigue will captivate readers." — Publishers Weekly
"Stirring. Engrossing." — Foreword Reviews
On a cold spring night in 1924, Annalee Spain offers her new fancy lace handkerchief—a gift from her pastor boyfriend Jack Blake—to a young woman crying in a Denver public library. But later that night, when police find the handkerchief next to the body of the young woman’s murdered husband, Annalee becomes the number one suspect, and her panic doubles when she learns that Jack has gone missing.
With just days to solve the murder before the city’s Klan-run police frame her for the crime, Annalee finds herself hunting for clues in the snowy Colorado mountain town of Estes Park. She questions the victim’s wife and her uncle, a wealthy Denver banker—at their mountain lodge—desperate for leads.
Instead, she finds a household full of suspects and even more burning questions. Who keeps threatening her, why can’t she find Jack, and will a dangerous flirtation be her undoing? Her answers and prayers plumb the depths of the human heart, including her own, exploring long-buried secrets, family lies, and the nature of deceit—all of which could cost the young detective her fledgling love . . . and perhaps even her life.
PRAISE FOR DOUBLE THE LIES
"Raybon delivers a fast-moving mystery. This mix of history and intrigue will captivate readers." — Publishers Weekly
"A well-paced gripping story tailor-made for mystery lovers." — Christianity Today
Stirring. Fast-paced. Engrossing and powerful." — Foreword Reviews
"Historical mystery at its finest." — Stephanie Landsem, historical fiction author of In A Far-Off Land and Code Name Edelweiss
"A quick pace. Appealing characters. A charming romantic subplot." — Historical Novel Society.
"This richly-layered mystery set against the backdrop of Klan-run Colorado will leave readers breathless, guessing, and desperately awaiting the next installment. A truly magnificent read." — Jennifer L. Wright, author of If It Rains and Come Down Somewhere
"An intriguing mystery with lots of twists and turns." — Sandra Dallas, The Denver Post
"A suspenseful and enlightening read about dangerous times. Oh, that a Black theology professor turned Denver detective was real. Annalee Spain is an unforgettable protagonist." — Donnell Bell, award-winning writer of romantic and cold case suspense.
"Raybon’s historical novels have one of the freshest series heroines I’ve come across in quite some time." — Molly Odintz, editor, CrimeReads
“This story grabs you right at the beginning and takes you on a ride full of plot twists and turns, keeping Annalee Spain—and readers—constantly wading through waist-high trouble that’s ‘determined,’ ‘insistent,’ and ‘insidious'." — Robin W. Pearson, Christy Award-winning author of Walking in Tall Weeds.
"Rich with romance and spiritual searching." — Sujata Massey, winner of the Agatha, Lefty, and Macavity mystery-writing awards.
Who's That Lady?
Say Hello, Please, to the "Real" Annalee Spain
What a joy and honor to introduce you to Wanaki, the gorgeous Ford model who's on the covers of my Annalee Spain Mystery novels!
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When I first saw Wanaki for Book 1, All That Is Secret, I worried she didn't "look like" my lead character as I imagined her.
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But God knew! Wanaki's spirit is so right, so clear, so perfect, and so whip smart for portraying my intrepid amateur sleuth Annalee Spain. Nothing gets past her! She's smart, fun, creative--she has a fine arts degree--loves Jesus, and treasures all her kin circle (husband, children), family, and amazing friends.
But she's also got that twinkle! When I asked her if I should sign the new book to her and her husband, she said. "No, he can get his own copy!" (Get it, girl!)
I pray Wanaki inspires you well as you read, order, study, discuss, and enjoy Double the Lies, the exciting second installment of the Annalee Spain Mysteries.
You can order now, right amazing Wanaki? Together, we both deeply thank you!