Ask any Denverite what his or her favorite bookstore in town is and without fail, the answer will be Tattered Cover. This longtime Mile High City institution boast two spectacular locations, one in LoDo (1628 16th Street at Wynkoop) and one on Colfax (2526 East Colfax Avenue at Elizabeth Street). Both Tattered Covers are packed from floor to ceiling with books, magazines and gifts. It’s the perfect place to browse away an afternoon or two. The Tattered Cover staff put together some essential books about, or featuring, the city. History, mystery, nightlife, dining and more – all with a Denver twist!

Showtime: Denver’s Performing Arts, Convention Centers & Theatre District 
By Thomas Noel

This fabulous book--a glossy, full color coffee table book with 137 pages and 400 illustrations-offers the history of Denver's performing arts, from saloon hall "leg art" to the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, with fond stops at the Tabor Grand, the Lowenstein, the Bonfils and other theatrical landmarks. The authors also present the stories of Denver's 1908 Democratic Convention, and of Mayor R.W. Speer's efforts to give Denver its own Broadway along Curtis Street, which Thomas Edison (promoting urban rivalry in the use of light bulbs) praised as "the brightest lit street in America."

It Happened in Denver
By Stephen Grace

From the infamous Sand Creek Massacre to the building of Coors Field, It Happened in Denver gives readers a unique look at some of the most intriguing people and episodes from the history of the Mile-High City. Discover why Denver nearly burned down in 1863 and why it was flooded a year later. Learn how wine barrels helped lay a foundation for the ski industry. And meet David Moffat, the man most responsible for building a rail line across the Rocky Mountains. In an easy-to-read style that’s entertaining as well as informative, author Stephen Grace recounts some of the most famous (and infamous!) moments in the history of Colorado’s largest city.

Denver From the Bottom Up (Vol. 1: From Sand Creek to Ludlow, Vol. 2: Robert Speer’s Denver, Vol. 3: In the Shadow of the Klan, Vol. 4: From Soup Lines to the Front Lines) 
By Phil Goodstein

Mile High Native Phil Goodstein holds a Ph.D. in history from the University of Colorado. Far from accepting given truths, he has sought to question the folklore of the city while examining what makes it tick. This four volume set offers a comprehensive look at Denver from the time of the Pikes Peak gold rush through World War II.

Booked to Die 
By John Dunning

Denver cop and rare book collector Cliff Janeway is introduced in this engrossing whodunit from two-time Edgar nominee Dunning. After a local bookscout is killed on his turf, Janeway would like nothing better than to rearrange the suspect's spine. But the suspect, local lowlife Jackie Newton, is a master at eluding the law, and Janeway's wrathful brand of off-duty justice costs him his badge. Turning to his lifelong passion, Janeway opens a small bookshop -- all the while searching for evidence to put Newton away. But when prized volumes in a highly sought-after collection begin to appear, so do dead bodies. Now, Janeway's life is about to start a precarious new chapter as he attempts to find out who's dealing death along with vintage Chandlers and Twains. “Crisp, direct prose and nearly pitch-perfect dialogue enhance this meticulously detailed page-turner.”—Publishers Weekly

Take 30: The First Three Decades of the Denver International Film Festival 
By Larry Laszlo, Ron Henderson, Joey Porcelli, and Judy Anderson

This beautiful collection of photographs covers the memorable faces of Hollywood legends and acclaimed international film artists; the colorful festival parties; the dedicated staff and volunteers; the supportive politicians; and the various festival venues, to tell the remarkable story of the Denver International Film Festival—in glorious black-and-white.

After Dark: Nightlife in Denver
By Kat Valentine King

Entertainment writer Kat Valentine pulls no punches in this detailed guide to Denver's bars, clubs, and lounges. The hot spots are broken down into four categories, "Classy Cocktails," "Hidden Gems," "Quirky and Casual," and "Wild Nights," with frank and colorful descriptions of the décor, the crowd, signature drinks, special events, and much more. “No one knows Denver’s nightlife scene like Kat Valentine King. She knows where to party, what to drink, how to gt in—and how to dance. I’d follow her anywhere.”—Bill Husted, Denver Post entertainment columnist

Denver Dines: A Restaurant Guide and More 
By John Lehndorff (Rocky Mountain News dining critic)

Food lovers will delight in these lively, opinionated reviews. Lenhndorff doesn’t miss a delicious menus specialty or an instance of lukewarm service, as he gives diners the high notes and the lowdown on dining in Denver.

Murder at the Brown Palace:
A True Story of Seduction & Betrayal
By Dick Kreck

On May 24, 1911, one of the most notorious murders in Denver's history occurred. The riveting tale involves high society, adultery, drugs, multiple murder, and more, all set in Denver's grand old hotel, the Brown Palace. The characters in this real-life melodrama could not have been better cast. This tragic story of a spectacular crime of passion and how it ruined the lives of those involved is one readers won't be able to put down. "Kreck's research is excellent and his story-telling skills even better. This is a thoroughly engrossing tale." —The Denver Post