Former reporter's new novel features Valley institutions — including Axios Phoenix

The intrigue: There's a brief appearance by a fictional Axios Phoenix reporter whose name, Jessmy Doehm, is a mash-up of the two reporters who make this newsletter happen every day.

• Estes was a longtime Valley journalist who spent years with KJZZ.

Zoom in: Garcia's latest adventure has her delving into City Hall corruption, a fitting follow-up to the Emmy-winning reporter's investigation into a controversial radio host's murder in Estes' first book.

• Part of the story that revolves around development and the displacement of residents was inspired by Estes' reporting, she said.

Between the lines: The book in many ways is a love letter to Phoenix, with Garcia visiting restaurants and landmarks throughout town, including Miracle Mile Deli, Sweet Republic, Steele Indian School Park and Fair Trade Cafe.

• It also opens with a fictionalized version of the 2016 incident in which then-Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton got stuck in an elevator at City Hall.
• Estes told Axios that Luana's Coffee and Beer added a secret menu item because of the book, so pay attention to the references.

• "The book's dedication says it all: "To Phoenix, for welcoming me, challenging me, and cheering me," she told Axios Phoenix.

My thought bubble: I was especially happy to see Garcia get lunch at Chino Bandito. The north Phoenix Chinese-Mexican fusion eatery has been one of my favorite restaurants for 30 years.

• As soon as Garcia mentioned snickerdoodles while driving down Bell Road, I knew exactly where she was getting lunch.

Catch up quick: Estes' first novel, "Off the Air," came out last year.

• She recently went from covering City Hall to working there, where she now serves as communications director for Phoenix Vice Mayor Ann O'Brien.