The Roadhouse Report – February 2026

Another microscopic excerpt…

She heard an intake of breath behind her.

“Don’t scream, Florence. Do not scream.”

Another fab blurb from another fab writer
“The Harvey Girl by Dana Stabenow marks the debut of a brilliant and charming new detective series, starring a young Pinkerton agent, Clare Wright, working undercover as a Harvey Girl. Set in New Mexico in 1890, this mystery is packed with fascinating historic details, vivid characters, and a clever plot that moves as fast as the Old West trains so beautifully depicted in the story. As a New Mexican with an interest in the real history of the Harvey Girls, I have to tell you I adored this novel and can’t wait for the next one. Highly, highly recommended!"
—Douglas Preston, co-author of the celebrated Pendergast series and author of the thrilling true life adventure novel, The Lost City of the Monkey God
And one more…
"Part crime novel, part historic mystery, and the first in a series, The Harvey Girl is an entertaining romp through one woman’s deployment of reason in lawless times, back when the Gilded Age gleamed with more gun flash than gold along the rapidly expanding railroad."
–Joanne Owen, Love Reading

Today’s the day and 4pm is the hour…

…when we foregather at the Poisoned Pen Bookstore this afternoon. The subject is The Harvey Girl, the first book in a new series featuring a Pinkerton agent going undercover as a Harvey Girl in 1890’s New Mexico Territory.

If you can’t make it in person, the event will stream in real time on Facebook Live and YouTube. If your preference is podcasts, go here where it will post a day or two later. I will be interviewed by Danamaniacs managers Sandy, Carolyn, and CathyO, and if you miss the livecast the videos and podcasts will remain online forever.

Above are images of a Harvey Girl sticker sheet, a Harvey Girl thermal mug, and Harvey Girl bookmarks. The sticker sheets and bookmarks will be included in the signed first editions until they run out.

When you buy one of those first editions at the event, your receipt will be numbered. When we’re done yakking I will randomly pick one of those numbers and whoever is holding that receipt will go home with the mug. It is unique, trust me on that.

See you this afternoon, in person or online! Fingers crossed for a good hair day.