Author Cynthia Swanson has received recognition for her latest work, “Denver Noir.” On June 10, Swanson’s work won best anthology in the 2023 Colorado Book Awards.

The awards ceremony is hosted by the Colorado Humanities and the Center for the Book. The awards ceremony took place at the El Pomar Foundation’s Penrose House Garden Pavilion in Colorado Springs.

Swanson is a New York Times-bestselling author who is based in Denver. Swanson and her family frequently visit their vacation home in Grand County, where she joins events with the Grand County Community of Writers whenever she can.  

During a writer’s event in Fraser hosted by Mountain Shire Books & Gifts, Swanson stated she is fortunate to use her home in Grand County as her own writer’s retreat.

Swanson was the editor and contributor for “Denver Noir,” which includes gritty crime stories about the dark side of Denver. The Mile High City has a diverse history – 14 authors, including Swanson, dive into this history, exploring morally ambiguous characters and stories.

Swanson’s debut novel, “The Bookseller” received several accolades and has an option to become a movie produced by and potentially starring Julia Roberts. Her second novel, “The Glass Forest,” is a psychological thriller.

About the Colorado Book Awards

This June, the 32nd annual book awards honored 16 authors in a variety of categories, from children’s literature to poetry. Finalists, press, supporters, public officials and lovers of literature attended the event to celebrate the winners. The Book Awards winners are also invited to join the Colorado Center for the Book Speakers Bureau. The Speakers Bureau’s authors are available for local events, lectures and workshops.