A Skirt in Skagway: A Klondike Gold Rush Novella By Renae Weight Mackley-Review, Author Interview, and Giveaway

 Book Synopsis

Greedy con artist Soapy Smith doesn’t need to hunt for gold when he can have a rootin'-tootin' good time exploiting those seeking it.
Investigative agent Veronica Dansbury travels alone to Skagway during the height of the Klondike Gold Rush to get the dirt on Soapy Smith. If he learns her investment ruse is meant to expose him, she may as well sail for home before her life is endangered. In a town built on deception, the truth can be deadly.

Book Details

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0FG5D8NL1
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ R&R Books
• Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 7, 2025

• ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****

My Review

This fun and interesting novella captures the Gold Rush era in Alaska. It blends actual historical figures with fictional characters. The story follows Veronica Dansbury, a made-up Pinkerton detective. She is hired to look into Soapy Smith, whose real name was Jefferson Randolf Smith II. Soapy Smith was a con artist who controlled the mining town of Skagway in the late 1800s. Veronica pretends she wants to invest in Skagway to trick Soapy. However, he soon sees through her plan and targets her.

A cat-and-mouse chase ensues. A rebel group fighting Soapy and his crew aids Veronica. It was exciting to imagine these real people in this genuine town struggle. Veronica's strength impressed me. She stood strong in a town mostly run by men. I also enjoyed her bond with the real character Frank Reid. Together, they worked to outsmart Soapy.

This short book is a quick read. It offers a blend of history, humor, and action. Best of all, cats ultimately helped the heroes win.

You can enter to win a free copy of the novella by entering down below. 

****Meet Author Renae Weight Mackley ****

Renae Weight Mackley is a mother to six, grandmother to more. She puts a touch of faith into her novels, because we can all use a little inspiration. Living on the west coast garnered bodysurfing experience. Living on the east coast gleaned familiarity with certain American Civil War historical sites. Mackley currently resides in Northern Utah. She’s a bicycle rider; a former substitute teacher; creator of music, fiber arts, good food, and the written word.

You can join Mackley’s email list or contact her at author.renaemackley@gmail.com

Interview with the Author

S. Staley: What inspired you to write this book? What sparked its creation?

R.Mackley: I first became acquainted with Soapy Smith and Frank Reid through a History Channel TV documentary and thought, “That would be a cool story to write.” I took some notes and brainstormed a few ideas, then went back to other projects.

Fast forward a few years, and a trip to Alaska was on my horizon. I made sure to include Skagway in the itinerary. Though my notes were long lost, my interest in those 1898 events became renewed. Maybe it would make a good lead magnet for an email list. I took photos, visited sites, and came home ready to interrupt my Civil War series project and write it. The story evolved and turned into a short novella. It took more work than I wanted to spend on a lead magnet, so A Skirt in Skagway graduated to eBook status.

I used one of the photos on an information placard on the book’s cover, with my grandson making improvements. There’s also a cat named for another grandson’s pet—my first animal character significant enough to make the cover. Veronica Dansbury is the fictional main character. It was fun to see where she took me during her first solo assignment as a Pinkerton Investigative Agent. Young and attractive, she alternates between being fearless and nervous to be on her own in a town primarily made up of men. It’s a fun story you can read in an afternoon, and learn some history too. Enjoy!

Enter to Win a Copy of the Book!

 

~*~*~*~*Purchase A Skirt in Skagway: 

A Klondike Gold Rush Novella   ~*~*~*~*

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Kindle-https://a.co/d/36miN5Q