Koryta drew upon his childhood fascination with West Baden for his new thriller.

The magic of the story is the history of the place itself…the very real things about West Baden and French Lick, the Pluto Water and all the legends that swirl around it.

Author Michael Koryta found the inspiration for his latest thriller, "So Cold the River," close to home. A trip to the decrepit West Baden Springs Hotel (now fully- restored) when he was just eight years old left a lasting impression on the young boy who would go on to be a newspaper reporter and private investigator.

When Koryta needed a setting for his new supernatural thriller, just released last month, he drew upon his fascination with West Baden and nearby French Lick. Readers not familiar with the French Lick Resort, its rich history and recent re-birth, question him about this place they assume is mythical. He enjoys giving them a quick history lesson; “…the magic of the story is the history of the place itself…the very real things about West Baden and French Lick, the Pluto Water and all the legends that swirl around it.”

Author’s Dinner
Guests will have the rare opportunity to experience the inspiration for the setting of the book and hear from Koryta firsthand about his fascination with the resort, his writing style and plot development during a special event on August 28 at 7 p.m.

“We have had a lot of interest in the book and we are honored that Michael would take time out of his busy schedule to join us for this unique literary event," said Amanda Hawkins-Vogel, West Baden Vice President of Operations. "It will be an incredible event and the fact that it is in the setting of the book makes it even more special.”

“An Evening with Michael Koryta,” priced at $90 per person (plus tax and gratuity), will feature a special four-course dinner accompanied by selected varietals from the “Little Black Dress” collection of fine food wines by Brown-Forman. An autograph session will immediately follow the dinner, with books available for purchase.

Hotel Package
Both West Baden Springs Hotel and French Lick Springs Hotel will be offering special dinner/hotel packages starting at $350. The package includes overnight accommodations and two seats at the event. For pricing and promotion details, please visit the resort’s website, www.frenchlick.com.

About French Lick Resort
French Lick Resort is a $500 million historic restoration and casino development project that includes the West Baden Springs Hotel, French Lick Springs Hotel and the new French Lick Casino. This premier resort and casino destination in Southern Indiana features 686 guest rooms and suites; a 42,000-square-foot, single-level casino; 45 holes of golf, including the fully restored 1917-designed Donald Ross Course at French Lick and the new, 18-hole Pete Dye Course at French Lick; two full-service spas with a combined 36 treatment rooms totaling 42,000 square feet; meeting and event space totaling 115,000 square feet and an array of dining and entertainment options.

For more information or to book a stay, please visit www.frenchlick.com or call our reservation specialists at (888) 936-9360.

Media Contacts:

Dyan Duncan
Public Relations Manager
French Lick Resort
(812) 936-5926

Tessa Higgs
Public Relations Coordinator
French Lick Resort
(812) 936-5861