From the Ashes (Ravenwood Mysteries Book 1)

Atticus Riot, surviving half of the Ravenwood Detective Agency, has returned to San Francisco against his better judgment. His plans to retire from a life witnessing the worst humanity has to offer are put on hold when Tim, a sprightly old man and integral part of Riot's previous life, springs an offer on him he can't refuse; not one, but two different ransom notes...for the same woman.

Intrigued by the unusual puzzle, Riot begrudgingly allows Tim to take him to Ravenwood Estate, the very place he's been running from for three years. Haunted by the ghost of his murdered partner, Zephaniah Ravenwood, the house, now his own, sparks memories better left in the past. Confronted by guilt, nagging questions, and frustration at being unable to remember what happened that deadly night, Riot quickly buries himself in the work of discovering the whereabouts of Mrs. Isobel Kingston, missing socialite wife of the powerful Alex Kingston, San Francisco's most notorious lawyer.

Tracking smart, witty, and resilient Isobel Kingston is not an easy feat. Often switching genders and running off on adventures to join the circus with her twin brother in her youth, Isobel is no stranger to the art of disguise and deception. But will her skills be enough for her to survive this latest adventure? Or will she end up dead before Riot can find her and bring her home safely?

Painting a vivid picture of every class of San Francisco society at the turn of the 20th century, author Sabrina Flynn sends Riot on an enlightening adventure from the parlors of high society to the shanty of Old Sue, local gin enthusiast. History lovers will appreciate Flynn's impeccable research and author's notes, potentially learning more about early 1900s San Francisco culture, and certainly more about the creation of old gin bottles, within the pages of From the Ashes than in any history class. If a twining of two fantastic character's tales mixed with fascinating history is your cup of tea, the first installment in the Ravenwood Mysteries is a must read.