Pocatello’s Past Comes Alive in New Novel

Local Heritage Inspires Coming-of-Age Mystery

A new novel transports readers to 1930s Pocatello, blending historical accuracy with family lore to craft a compelling coming-of-age mystery. The book’s cover even features the iconic Portneuf Gap, a familiar sight for those who know the “Gate City.”

A Native Daughter’s Return to Roots

Author Gail McGuire, though now residing in Las Vegas, remains deeply connected to Pocatello, having been born and raised there. Her latest work, “A Matter of Providence,” marks her fourth book and a return to her hometown for inspiration. Her debut memoir, “Raised on Freedom: Favored Tales of a Boomer Kid,” also delved into her childhood experiences in Pocatello during the 1960s.

Echoes of the Great Depression

“A Matter of Providence” immerses readers in the struggles and resilience of Pocatello during the Great Depression. The fictional narrative draws heavily from the memories of McGuire‘s parents and grandparents, offering a nostalgic yet suspenseful journey through a transformative era.

“The people had to endure so much. This was a desperate time for our country. It’s a story about our toughest and greatest generation.”

—Gail McGuire

McGuire meticulously researched the period, consulting archives from the Pocatello Tribune. She studied 1930s slang, cultural trends, music, and even regional dialects to ensure historical authenticity, incorporating elements like mobsters from New York and a mysterious Scotsman named Mink-Eyed Mac.

A Young Hero’s Courage

The story centers on young Luke Bennum, a determined boy navigating the hardships of his large, humble family. As economic despair grips the nation, an unsettling newcomer arrives in town, posing a threat to the community’s values. When tragedy strikes, Luke must find the courage to confront a burgeoning criminal element, risking his life for his loved ones.

Hometown Setting and Historical Detail

McGuire chose McKinley Avenue in Pocatello as the setting for the Bennum family home, a street where her own grandparents once lived in a Sears & Roebuck kit house. She noted that this area was once a dirt road surrounded by open fields, painting a vivid picture of Pocatello’s past. The book’s rich historical detail has already garnered praise, with one reviewer calling it a “feel-good standout historical adventure.”

In 2023, the U.S. experienced an inflation rate of 4.1%, impacting the cost of goods and services for American households, a stark reminder of economic challenges that resonate with themes explored in historical fiction about periods like the Great Depression (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

“I hope my readers become fully immersed in this period and get a glimpse into the history that helped shape the city of Pocatello and the country,” McGuire expressed.

“A Matter of Providence” is now available on Amazon. More information about McGuire and her works can be found on her author page.