Maggie Sonnek’s first work of fiction, “The Muckraker,” was inspired by her time working in journalism in the Northland.

In fact, Sonnek produced Good Morning Northland on WDIO. Her book follows two journalists who live 100 years apart. She said she basically wrote two books simultaneously and then wove them together.

“I was really inspired by an actual muckraker, Nellie Bly,” she said. “She would go undercover and find stories and share them.”

It’s set in Minnesota and centers around a secret kept by one of the state’s most powerful families.

“There’s a few Easter eggs dropped in there. It’s been so fun to have people recognize what those are or really resonate with some locations,” Sonnek said. “Hibbing has a pretty major role in the book.”

“The Muckraker” is out now, and signed copies are available.