SAN ANTONIO — If you’re a San Antonio native you’ve heard of the Menger Hotel.
It’s legendary, historic, and downright haunted, or so they say.
In Allison Pittman’s, "The Lady in Residence," ghosts are an essential part of the fictional story and its unfolding.
The book is set in 2017 and follows Dini Blackstone, a fifth-generation magician who performs at the Menger for private parties and gives ghost tours at night, retelling the tales of tragic events and the interesting people who stayed or died in the hotel.
Dini’s favorite story is the tragic tale of Hedda Krause, a recent widow who stayed at the Menger in 1915 hoping to bewitch a new man with her fancy jewels and pretty dresses.
But, Hedda’s plans were derailed when she returned to her room one night and discovered her belongings had been stolen. All her hopes seemed lost and soon her sanity was questioned by a very observant and pragmatic detective.
Back in 2017, Dini quickly finds herself in the company of the handsome Quinn Carmichael, the great-great grandson of the original detective who investigated Hedda’s case. While there's no denying the chemistry between Dini and Quinn, he may actually have the clues that could lead to the truth and finally bring closure to both Hedda and Dini.
This beautifully crafted book tells the story of a modern-day woman dealing with life, love and a captivating mystery that explores one of the most haunted buildings in the United States.
The pacing of the book is steadfast and consistent and the chapters transition from past to present in a tale that intwines the characters in an ever-present bond.
The real-life Menger hotel is located on Alamo Plaza - just a few steps from the Alamo and has played host to generations of guests.
Pittman herself spent time at the Menger researching and hoping to find the right inspiration for her book.
“I spent quite a few days in this room waiting for all of Hedda’s story to speak to me. Finding the details. Hearing all the voices. Chasing all the shadows. The final result is, I hope, a very happy haunting. Because every story is a ghost story,” Pittman wrote on her Instagram.
The Menger reigns as the oldest operating hotel west of the Mississippi, but let’s get back to its uniqueness: it’s apparently haunted by several ghosts.
According to Ghost City Tours some of the most famous souls that dwell in the Menger are former President Theodore Roosevelt, Captain Richard King the founder of the King Ranch, and Sallie White, a chambermaid and one of the most frequently sighted ghosts according to reports by former employees. Sallie also plays a pivotal role in "The Lady in Residence."
Overall, "The Lady in Residence," is a beautiful story with romance, suspense, intrigue, and drama wrapped tight in a vivid mystery. It’s a must-read for Texas natives and those fascinated with a good ol’ South Texas haunting.
Pittman is a critically acclaimed author and a four-time Christy finalist, twice for her Sister Wife series, once for "All for a Story," and most recently for "The Seamstress."
"The Lady in Residence," was originally published in December of 2020.
Allison lives in the San Antonio area with her husband, Mike.
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