by Cooper, age 10, asks about the novel When Christmas Comes, the Rockies, and the Mile High City
Dear Santa,
Hi Santa, from Denver. My name is Cooper and I am 10 years old. My mom listens to podcasts constantly, and one of the hosts she follows writes mystery novels too, and this year she has been reading his newest one every evening by the fire, refusing to tell any of us how it ends.
My first question is: what happens in the novel When Christmas Comes by Andrew Klavan?
My second question is geography: what mountain range is near Denver?
My third question is from school: why is Denver called the Mile High City?
I left you a green chile tamale and a mug of hot cocoa with extra marshmallows.
Love, Cooper, age 10, Denver, Colorado, USA
From the Desk of Father Christmas
Dear Cooper, a green chile tamale was a spicy surprise on my route, and the extra marshmallows were very much appreciated. Now, to your mom’s mystery novel, and your other questions.
What happens in When Christmas Comes by Andrew Klavan?
When Christmas Comes, published in 2020, is a mystery novel by author Andrew Klavan, and it introduces a character named Cameron Winter, an English professor with a hidden past connected to intelligence work. Set around the Christmas season, the story follows Winter as he investigates the mysterious death of a friend’s daughter, uncovering secrets along the way. It is the first book in a trilogy, followed by two further novels continuing Winter’s story. I will not spoil the ending, since your mom is clearly enjoying the suspense far too much to have it ruined by a letter from the North Pole.
What mountain range is near Denver?
The Rocky Mountains rise up just to the west of Denver, an enormous mountain range stretching all the way from Canada down through the United States, offering some of the best skiing and hiking anywhere in North America.
Why is Denver called the Mile High City?
Denver earned its nickname because its official elevation is exactly one mile, or 5,280 feet, above sea level. There is even a special marker on the steps of the state capitol building showing the exact spot where that mile-high elevation is reached.
Let your mom finish her book in peace, and I shall see you very soon.
Ho ho ho, Santa
