Patricia Raybon—Writing at the Intersection of Faith and Race

Historical Fiction: Unpacked

Patricia Raybon was a journalist and journalism educator for most of her adult life. Now she writes historical mysteries! Her novel All That Is Secret won the Christy Award for Best First Novel in 2022. Patricia and I talked about the second in her mystery series, Double the Lies. We also discussed what it was like for her growing up under Jim Crow, the role the Black church played in her life, the prominence of the Ku Klux Klan in Colorado, and her call to write at the intersection of faith and race. Here is the description of Double the Lies: 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. Purchase Double the Lies on Amazon (affiliate). Check out Patricia's website and follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Join Patricia's Reader's Circle here. Also mentioned: Purchase the Father Brown Mysteries on Amazon (books) or purchase the television series (affiliate). Find the Bessie Coleman doll on Amazon (affiliate). The devotional Patricia mentioned: Our Daily Bread. Subscribe to my mailing list to receive free book recommendations and samples of my writing! Join my community and help support the show on Patreon! Join the Historical Fiction: Unpacked Podcast Group on Facebook! Be sure to visit my Instagram, Facebook, and website. Follow the show on Instagram! Purchase Alison’s historical novel, One Traveler (affiliate). Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click them and make a purchase, you help support my work without paying any more for the product. Thank you for your support!