Reporter Diana Spalding leaves for Denver after hearing that her mother has been accused of murdering her gold baron father in this wry historical novel. Upon arriving in the mile-high city, Spalding must brave opium dens, snooty Denver society, and a crafty murderer to save her mother against a backdrop of brothels, immigrant railroad workers, and nouveau riche gold miners that is almost as engaging as the plot itself. The Denver of the late 19th century is explored with precise historical detail as Spaulding uncovers the plot that threatens her mother''s good name.