Book + Beverage

Originally published in the Winter 2019-2020 issue of Spoke+Blossom

 THE BOOK

ARCHES ENEMY

BY SCOTT GRAHAM

One of the best parts about winter in western Colorado is that there’s opportunity to stay just as active as we do in the summer; there are still plenty of ways to go outside and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. But there’s something about cozy mystery novels that just feels right in the winter. It’s enlightening to curl up with a hot drink and a blanket and just read when there is a chill in the air. 

So if you find yourself curled up this winter, wherever it may be, give the novel Arches Enemy a try. Written by Durango resident Scott Graham, it takes place in Moab in the beginning of winter. The main character, Chuck Bender, finds himself in the middle of several mysterious deaths that take place while he is working in this beloved national park. 

This novel includes not only a fast-paced puzzle of a story, but also wonderful details of Durango and Moab. There’s an added thrill brought in reading a mystery novel that takes place in a setting so familiar and close to home. 

As an added benefit, the well-known hero of Moab, Edward Abbey, is mentioned several times throughout the story. Abbey is a known conservationist, and there is an underlying theme in the book that we need to fight for our national parks. The educational value of hearing about Abbey’s writing through this lens adds an extra element that makes solving the mystery seem that much more important. It also creates a tender feeling toward Arches National Park as its own character and a feeling that we need to continue on with Bender and Abbey’s mission to fight for the outdoor lands we know and love. 

Graham’s story is included in the National Park Mysteries, a series that includes Chuck and his family as they travel through several national parks and fight their way through sticky situations along their travels. Arches Enemy is book five in the series, but the books can be read out of order if coloring outside the lines is for you.

 THE BEVERAGE

ENSTROM’S HOT CHOCOLATE

The fourth-generation-owned family business Enstrom Candies is more than qualified to supply the hot beverage needed for this cozy mystery. Enstrom’s website tells us that the history of the company started back 100 years ago in 1919 when the founder of the company, Chester Enstrom, started working for an ice cream shop and fell in love with the sweets business. 

Now they have their main location in the heart of Grand Junction’s downtown area. Not only do they supply the Grand Valley with a wealth of candies and toffee, but they also serve ice cream, coffee and hot chocolate. Their rich and decadent hot chocolate is made in-house with nothing but crushed chocolate and milk. They also make homemade whipped cream to pair with their delicious concoctions. A 12-ounce cup with espresso whipped cream will definitely hit the spot and comes highly recommended. Take a moment to enjoy a taste, whether it’s for a downtown stroll or to pair with a delightful new read.