The Twisted Road

by A.B. Michaels

Jonathan Perris Can’t Save His Clients
…Until He Saves Himself

1907: Rising from the devastation of a massive earthquake and fire, San Francisco is once again on the move. But a strike by streetcar drivers threatens to halt the Golden City in its tracks. Protests turn to violence and violence leads to death. Soon a young guard is convicted of willfully killing a protester and the public is out for blood.

Jonathan Perris, an immigrant attorney from England, has opened a law firm with an eye toward righting wrongs, and the guard’s conviction may fall into that category. But the talented barrister soon finds his newfound career shaken by a tragic the gruesome homicide of the beautiful and mysterious Lena Mendelssohn—a woman he’s been squiring around town. It’s difficult to run a law firm when you’ve been arrested for murder.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Suspense

466 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 21, 2024

About the author

A native of northern California, A.B. Michaels earned masters' degrees in history and broadcasting, and worked for many years in public relations and marketing. Now that she's an empty nester, she has time to write the kinds of stories she loves to read. Her historical series, "The Golden City," follows characters who make their way in turn of the twentieth century San Francisco. "I love creating flawed characters I can relate to, who have to make difficult choices, and who long for happiness like the rest of us. So much was happening in the early 1900's that help shape my novels. Once I tear myself away from the underlying research, they are fascinating stories to write."

Currently Ms. Michaels lives in Boise, Idaho with her husband and two furry creatures who are unclear on the concept that they are just dogs. In addition to writing, she loves to read and travel. A dabbler in fabric art, she also plays bocce in a summer league. Her latest stand-alone novel, "The Price of Compassion," is Book Four of the "Golden City" series. It's scheduled for release this summer and will be followed by Book Five, "Josephine's Daughter."

Reviews

[Merry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really liked this book. It is the first in the series and look forward to the next book. It's a lawyer/mystery that is set 1 year after the earthquake and fire in San Francisco. (The Edwardian Era in England) I mention this as the main character, Jonathan Perris, is an attorney from England and his brother is a duke. The storyline grabbed me right away and I was interested in the plot of a young woman that was murdered who had been seeing Perris. Corruption is widespread in San Francisco and there is social unrest with unions, women wanting representation and socialists. The rest of the law firms characters add a lot to the plot. This book has a female attorney (one of the few) handling a side case. A bit of a special sense that Perris calls cadou (the gift) is woven throughout the story that he received from his missing mother. I rate the book 4.5* as I would have liked to have had some background on any of the character and have them more fleshed out. The pacing of the story held me all the way through, and I didn't figure out who did till about the 90% point. That is what makes a mystery fun for me.

["Avonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check out all my reviews at://www.avonnalovesgenres.com

THE TWISTED ROAD (Barrister Perris Mysteries Book #1) by A.G. Michaels is a new intricately plotted historical mystery set in a devastated and rebuilding 1906 San Francisco, California and featuring a compelling cadre of main characters that immediately pulled me into the story.

Jonathan Perris was a talented barrister who has immigrated from England and set up his fledgling law firm in San Francisco. He has a strong sense of justice for all, but a mysterious past that even his associates know nothing about. Jonathan learns that the paramour he has been squiring around town is not who he believes her to be, and he ends their affair. She is found murdered in a brothel the very next day and Jonathan is arrested.

With the help of his assistant attorneys, Cordelia and Oliver, his private investigator, Dove, and the office manager and mother hen, Althea, Jonathan is determined to discover the real killer when his associates prove his alibi and get him out of jail. As Jonathan and Dove investigate the murder, Cordelia is working another case of a security guard who convicted of killing a worker on strike in the cable car strike. They soon discover both cases may be tied together and while they follow not only the clues, but the dead bodies, members of their own team may be next.

This is an engaging story that I am very excited about being a series. The characters are all fully drawn and believable to the period. Jonathan has so many past secrets we are left wondering about and his love-hate relationship with his inheritance of the “cadou” or knowing from his mysteriously missing mother has so many possibilities. He has a strong moral core and yet the snippets from his past lead you to believe he also has done things that may not be considered legal. This is also a great character juxtaposition to his associate, Cordelia who is very idealistic and inquisitive. She is determined to discover his true self.

The Twisted Road is an apt title for this historical mystery and an apt description of the plot. There are many twists and surprise connections that left me guessing all the way to the end. Ms. Michaels has used the history of 1906 San Francisco; capitalism vs. socialism, the unions vs. corporations, the opulence of the rich vs. the financial instability of the average person, and the lack of housing due to the earthquake to enrich this fascinating story. I have read other titles by this author and really enjoyed them, but this one has memorable characters that have me eagerly waiting for the next in the series to see what they do next.

I highly recommend this extraordinary historical mystery!

[Roz Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 stars rounded up!

Set in San Fransisco in the year 1907, this historical mystery was full of twists and turns. Just when I thought I had figured things out, another twist came and threw me off completely. Usually, mysteries are easy to figure out early on in the book, but not this one!

I really enjoyed the story. It was gripping from early on and kept a good pace. The story whilst a whodunit,  has lots of different themes running through it such as women’s rights, worker's rights, capitalism, socialism, the rebuilding of San Fransico after the earthquake and fire, the class system, corruption and strike action.

The book is well written, easy to read with a nice flow, and completely engaging. I really wanted to know what would happen next. The author built the characters in a way that brought them to life and gave them depth. The story was also believable despite being so twisted. I am really pleased that this will be a series and I'm looking forward to book two.

With thanks to Henry Roi PR and Black Coffee Book Tours for an advanced reader copy of the book. This honest review is left voluntarily.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an ARC reader and this is my honest opinion. I really enjoyed this book. It's another book that, reading the first chapter I wondered where it was going, but I very soon became invested in the characters and the story as it unfolded. I, like a lot of people I imagine, knew about the San Francisco earthquake in 1906 but only the bare bones facts. This book is set in the aftermath, highlighting the problems caused by endemic corruption. Jonathon Perris, an English barrister who moved to San Francisco under mysterious circumstances, to work as a defence attorney is the principal character, and something of an enigma. Born the second son of a Duke and a mysterious mother who, it seemed to me, was perhaps a gypsy or something similar. He inherited from her a "Cadou" - a sense of pre knowing, that he detests, but she called a gift. In French, gift means Cadeau. Jonathon has collected a group of interesting people around him, especially Miss Cordelia Hammersly, his assistant Attorney who is the kind of strong, determined young woman I would love to have been had I lived at that time. The title of the book is very apt. At first it seemed there was one crime to investigate, then two, then one again. One young woman with a complicated history and another, fervent to the point of insane obsession about the workers revolution and the overthrow of capitalism - whilst living on her rich family's money. So many twists and turns - I can't wait for Ms Michaels to produce book 2 in this series

[Lynne Hannmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Twisted Road appears to be the first in a new series by A.B. Michaels, the Barrister Perris mysteries.
Jonathan Perris has left his native England to put some family matters behind him and to search for his missing mother. Unfortunately we learn only a little about either of these subjects in this novel. Hopefully more will be revealed in later editions as it is obvious that Jonathan is haunted by some unresolved demons.
Perris has opened a law practice in San Francisco. It’s 1907, after the earthquake and fire, and the city is still recovering from the devastation.
Rebuilding is the city’s major focus, which means lots of laborers living in inadequate conditions, working hard for less pay than their contribution is worth.
The book’s primary focus is two murders. That of Jonathan’s current girlfriend, Lena von Mendelssohn found dead in a brothel, and that of Jimmy Walsh shot during a protest against the streetcar workers strike. These bring into the picture all manner of social ills of the period.
Quite the best part of the story is the character Cordelia Hammersmith, an associate in Jonathan’s law practice. She is heading the investigation and appeal of the guilty verdict of Jimmy Walsh’s supposed killer. Needless to say professional women are uncommon in 1907 and Cordelia is way ahead of her time. How she managed her personal and professional lives in a male world is skillfully and delightfully handled by the author.
Greatly looking forward to the continuation of the series for its historical insight, captivating writing style, very interesting twists, and because I have become quite attached to some of the characters.
Thank you to the author, the publisher, Red Trumpet Press, and BookSirens for the opportunity to read and review an ARC.

[Jann Howell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story takes place in the aftermath of the earthquake and fire in San Francisco. I was unaware of the corruption taking place during this time (I guess it happens everywhere all the time), and it's such a pity as the city was trying to get back on its feet. The story opens with Bloody Tuesday (again, this tragic time was unknown to me) when various groups (telephone operators, streetcar workers, etc. decide to strike but it turns violent.

The main character is Jonathan Henry Perris who is an attorney with an amazing group in his practice, including a woman attorney. (This is 1907, mind you). An innocent man is arrested for a murder and Perris and his team are trying to get to the bottom of the story.

There are lots of turns and twists and more murders but finally in the end, the good guys win (except for one tragic suicide).

This book keeps you turning the pages - wondering who is going to die next and who the REAL perpetrator is. I'm grateful for this introduction to this series and look forward to more.

I am grateful for the opportunity to read this. I received an advance review copy for free, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.

[ABrahosky · Rating 4 out of 5]

AB Michaels weaves a very intricate and exciting tale loaded with secrets and suspense that held my attetion and concentration until the conclusion.

The complexity and individuality of the major characters is made richer by the added development of the supporting characters as well, all of which is rendered more exciting by the setting of Progressive Era San Francisco. The intersection of the capitalist and revolutionary worlds is a fantastic background for this tale of murder, corruption, and idealism gone awry.

The phrase “everybody uses somebody” is on full display here, and Michaels kept me guessing “how and to what ends?”

This is indeed a well written and researched mystery adventure.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Cody · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast paced and gripping historical fiction, with a bit of an underwhelming ending. 4/5 stars.

Here we have something a bit unique. A book set in the Golden City, in one of the major booms of American growth. Typically these stories are set in somewhere like New York, with a lot golden age archetypal characters. In this, not only do we have a different venue, but also a mix of a variety of characters. No one is as they seem, and they all have a role to play in the story, some of which you may not expect. Perris and Cordelia in particular were such a joy to read. They are both interesting in their own rights, but they also have great banter together. They mystery jump starts pretty much right away, and it never lets up until the end. A personal murder, that slowly evolves and changes as the plot moves, becoming much bigger than you originally may have thought. Add the layers on top of the character mysteries, and you have a the basis for a roaring time...

One of the best parts of this book is simply that this book flies. I feel like I set personal records reading this book, reading over 100 pages in less than an hour. You don't spend any pointless time anywhere. Every chapter flies by. I originally went in thinking that a mystery over 400 pages is likely to be too long (I personally think 350 is such a great sweet spot). But, I was very wrong. Every chapter feels purposeful, and the pacing moves so quickly with the digestible prose that you become further engrossed in the story. To be clear, it's not to say it's too modern. It just works, and that's exactly what you want as a reader.

The mystery here was good. I enjoyed how the pieces fit together, and I especially liked how all the characters got involved throughout the story. I was intrigued not only by how the culprit would be revealed, but also how some of the characters would navigate some tricky situations. "How do they get out of this one?". I'm a big fan of plots that slowly change over time. Meaning, you start with one understanding of the crime, but as layers are further revealed, you learn more and more, that your perception changes as well. This was how the mystery was written here, which I really enjoyed.

The characters are another strong point in this book. I already mentioned Perris and Cordelia, who are fantastic. They each have distinct personalities, and backstories I would love to learn more about. One of my favorite parts about Perris is his strength. He acts as you would expect, not afraid to be honest and defend himself, even if it puts him into conflict with others. Cordelia is headstrong, intelligent, and fiercely independent. But she's not afraid to admit when she's wrong, and she's deeply caring. They each draw you in to their chapters and you're sad sometimes when you switch. But the other characters are a treat as well: Oliver, Dove, and Althea. They each have big roles to play, and they may not be exactly what they seem....The side characters are great as well. I'll leave their names out to avoid spoilers, but while you can get frustrated with them, they all fit really well into the story and feel distinct as well. A great writing job overall!

My main issue stems from the ending. I wasn't disappointed with the culprit, in fact I think it was a good choice. However, there's two issues here that plagued it for me. First, the cliche and far too obvious case of giving a character information you know they shouldn't have for no reason other than "plot". It's too obvious what they're going to do with that information and it stretches belief too far. Second, the resolution is far too clean. It's one of those where 5 things happen all perfectly counteracting each other. Maybe the goal was for it to be that way, but I didn't feel I had the setup for that throughout the book. It felt contrived to me to end it in that fashion, and felt a little too on the nose for leaving questions unanswered. It stinks because it was really good besides, but it had me rolling my eyes too much.

All in all, a fun reading experience. Ending aside, this is a great book filled with a good mystery and fantastic characters. The dialogue is snappy, and the book moves at a rapid pace. For fans of historical mystery, I would definitely recommend. I'm looking forward to book 2!

Quick hits:
+ Fast paced, with great writing.
+ Snappy dialogue.
+ Intriguing characters and mystery.
- Cliche and a bit contrived ending.

[Kymm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel the first book in a series is the most important one to read, perhaps not the best but the first book lets us know where and when in history the story takes place, it also tells us who the characters are and what impact they have on the story, so in "The Twisted Road" the first book in the "Barrister Perris Mysteries" series by A.B. Michaels we meet Jonathan Perris and the attorneys who work in his law office. The only female attorney, Cordelia is especially interesting being she's a woman whose been able to do what is not the norm in 1907, San Francisco by passing the bar to become a working attorney.

When the mysterious lady Jonathan has been seeing is found murdered, he and his fellow attorney's step in to find out what really happened. But as they delve into the details and evidence available, they learn that there are two other murders that may have a connection to this mysterious woman. It all becomes rather complicated and through the tenacity and professionalism of these attorneys, headed up by Jonathan himself the truth will hopefully come out.

This story takes place a year after the big quake and subsequent fire that destroyed much of San Franciso in 1906. Now as the city begins reconstruction the carmen or streetcar drivers and staff go on strike. This strike like most does not make management happy especially when an outside grievance group vows to disrupt the strike. When a striker is shot dead all sides will have to fess up to their involvement. The story is very interesting as there's the historical fiction aspect of San Francisco soon after the big quake and fire, the reconstruction of the city and the disgruntled workers who are tired of low pay and benefits. If you enjoy historical mysteries as much as me, I believe you'll enjoy this book. It's got it all, a good mystery, great characters, a little romance, lots of action and intrigue and a complicated plot that will take you down quite a road to find answers. Happy Reading!

[Jan Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been a year since the 1906 earthquake devastated San Francisco. Barrister Jonathan Perris left England, after his own personal disaster, to help San Francisco rebuild and to open his law office. Strikers and scabs clash, leaving one man dead and another accused of murder. Jonathan takes on the case.
With astutely detailed writing, the author draws the reader completely into Jonathan’s atmospheric world of law and order. The story is told with multiple points of view. His associates, Cordelia, a woman lawyer, and Dove, former soldier and Pinkerton agent, help carry the narrative along. They come in handy when Jonathan is arrested for the murder of his lover, a woman with a mysterious past.
I loved the excellent writing, the setting, characterization, and the twists and turns of the plot. I’m looking forward to the next in the series and highly recommend this one for lovers of historical mysteries.

[Bruce Tamanaha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good historical murder mystery.

Throw in capitalists, socialists/communists, and cadou (the gift) together into the pot of San Francisco 1907 and you have an engaging murder mystery.

Jonathan Perris, a barrister/attorney, finds himself accused of murder, possibly defending a murderer, and understanding the cadou from his mother while trying to solve multiple murders with his team. Cordelia, Dove, Oliver, and Althea contribute to the effort in their own way.

The book is entertaining, with plenty of plot twists.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The plot summary of this new book grabbed me instantly, given the interesting time period and the mysterious protagonist, Jonathan Perris. Newly arrived in San Francisco to establish his law practice, the British barrister finds plenty to do after the city is devastated by the earthquake and its aftermath. As we get acquainted with him, the author reveals just enough about his character and intellect to draw us in, and there is plenty of foreshadowing about his past to conjure more intrigue.

Other main characters whose roles add to the story include a young and quite determined female attorney, other members of the legal staff, and victims and perpetrators of several crimes.

The writing is solid and the story perfectly paced to build the kind of suspense that makes mysteries so much fun. I only guessed the ending just moments before I read it, and the twists on every page contributed to the many layers of the plot (as opposed to just being red herrings).

Ms. Michaels has situated her characters in a wonderfully complex period of time and brought in plenty of historical detail to use the impact of that context for added interest. Their interactions are credible and consistent and I look forward to seeing how she develops those relationships in future books. The themes of corruption amidst so much growth and turmoil, the increasing significance of women's issues and a hero's journey through it all weave the past and the present very satisfactorily.

My thanks to BookSirens and A.B. Michaels for the privilege of sharing my thoughts voluntarily in exchange for a free ARC.

[Julie Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spoilers: A.B. Michaels’ Barrister Perris Mystery, The Twisted Road, is one of those Historical Mysteries that knows how to bring the past to life: warts and all. Set in 1907 San Francisco, it takes shots at labor struggles, gender roles, class division, artistic expression, political unrest, immigration conflicts, all of the things that made the Progressive Era a fascinating and difficult time in history.

Jonathan Perris, a barrister who emigrated from London, finds himself in a bind when his girlfriend, Lena Mendelssohn is found murdered and Jonathan was the last one to be seen with her. While trying to prove his innocence, Jonathan and his team peer into Lena’s life and discover more layers and deception into the late Austrian socialite than Jonathan initially thought.

This book is a great combination of a detailed historical mystery and has a memorable team to explore it. The effective team begins with their leader. Jonathan Perris is a protagonist with many mysteries of his own to unravel and fits in well with this year’s theme of “Troubled Historical Detectives.” An aristocrat, he is in possession of some second sight abilities that are inherited from his mother that he calls “the cadeau” (French for “the gift”.) While the second sight could veer this book into supernatural mystery territory so far it’s not overdone and seems to be written as deep intuition and deductive reasoning, traits that make Jonathan good at his job. He has ongoing questions of his own in wondering where his mother disappeared to and possibly just as afraid of learning the answer. He is also estranged from his titled brother and is still reminded of the scandals of his frere’s past, some which were instrumental in Jonathan leaving England for California. He is a troubled man who helps others so he doesn’t have to look at the conflicts in his own life.

Jonathan is good at his job in being a barrister and helping his clients but he is also adept at picking an efficient team and they get as much attention and convey as much interest as their boss. One of Jonathan’s more progressive attributes is recognizing talent in those who society would have otherwise overlooked, particularly in Cordelia Hammersmith. Cordelia is a sharp tongued strong willed attorney who is ready to prove herself in the legal field. She is someone who takes copious notes and is ready for a saucy comeback when others call attention to her gender. She wants to let her qualifications and expertise speak for themselves so she gets irritated when Jonathan overcompensates by overly defending her as he does at a party. She fits the archetype of the New Woman that was so present in the time period in which she lives.

Cordelia is hired to defend Emmett Barnes who has been accused of murder during a labor union protest and has to use her sharp wits and observational skills to not only investigate this case but Lena’s when she learns that the two are linked.

Dove Davydov is an investigator who also offers his own unique stamp to the firm. A sketch artist, he doodles his information as much as Cordelia writes and Jonathan senses. He grew up in the rough side of San Francisco and is unafraid to visit the bars, brothels, fights, and violent rallies that his higher class more sophisticated colleagues would be uncomfortable visiting. He has many contacts within the underworld and a shady past which suggests that he is familiar with the opposite side of the law.

Dove first investigates Aunt Susie’s, the brothel where Lena worked. He is then led to an art class and a Socialist organization. Using his working class experience and his somewhat rebellious sardonic nature, he is able to bond and glean information from the various people in Lena’s life who might be put off by Jonathan’s class and sophistication or Cordelia’s gender and abrasiveness.

The group is rounded out by Oliver Bean, a naive new partner and Althea, the motherly office manager. They don’t get as much mention in this book as the others but they have some memorable moments. Althea has a running gag in which while her colleagues run around chasing leads, she remains in the office to “obfuscate.” Oliver has a delightful bit at Aunt Susie’s where Dove uses his familiarity with the ladies to ease through interrogation sessions, Oliver is overwhelmed by the attention from the plethora of beautiful women. By the time they are ready to go, poor Oliver is completely surrounded and leading them in a game of Three Card Monte much to his coworker’s amusement.



The mystery leads Jonathan and his team through various facets of early 20th Century San Francisco. Like many Historical Mysteries, The Twisted Road is a time capsule of the period in which it is set. In investigating Lena’s death, Jonathan and the others chase connections through a class of iconoclastic artists, a Socialist organization whose plans are moving beyond peaceful protests, a prostitution ring with an intercontinental stream of high profile clients, and a recent labor strike that resulted in a gruesome death and Barnes’ arrest. These different leads show what the Progressive Era was all about and what it represented within history.



Mostly, the Progressive Era was a time when the status quo of wealthy white American men was being challenged. Immigrants, unions, women, and many others were speaking out loud and making their voices heard through action, speeches, protests, art, volunteering, and social work. It was a time that looked for great change and sometimes change involved violence and deaths. Sometimes unscrupulous types took advantage of those who needed help and wanted to do the helping, causing more problems in the long run. Sometimes people were so enamored with their causes that human life became secondary and they were willing to put lives on the line just for their dream society to be realized, a society that may not be as perfect as the one they visualized (especially if they have to commit violence to achieve it).



The Twisted Road shows that transition in American history when people called for change and that change started to be made.

[Vickiec192 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jonathan Perris is an English lawyer who has emigrated to San Francisco, and has an extremely successful practice. When his suspicions regarding the woman he has been dating cause him to follow her to find out more, he finds himself in a whole world of trouble. The day after he follows her, she is found dead, and he has several witnesses putting him at the scene.
Meanwhile, the streets of San Francisco have been brought to a halt by the streetcar drivers. During a catastrophic protest, one of the strikers is murdered. The man suspected of the crime is given a half hearted trial and Jonathan sets one of his team on the case. She is hard working and persistence personified, but can she get to the bottom of this case when every piece of evidence points his way?

This is an absolutely fantastic read. I am really glad to see this is going to be part of a series. Jonathan and his team all have so much potential for great arcs and plenty of seeds have been sewn for them to have their moments in the sun. I can't wait to get to learn more about these guys and see how their bonds and relationships develop.

[HAL · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michaels delivers a fascinating fiction set just after the San Francisco earthquake. Perris holds law offices and he and his associates investigate A murder that occurred during a strike. Yes, the prisoner held the gun, yes, he had reason to shoot the victim but Perris knows that sometimes the crime isn't as simple as it appears. How does he know this? His date from the previous night is found dead and he knows he didn't kill her and the whole scenario is a twisted as a clump of fishing line.

Don't worry, I didn't even begin to give you the plot. It's complex and tied nicely with historical events. It moves fast and there are a lot of suspects and rabbit trails.

With the violence, I rate it a PG and think older teens and adults would enjoy this investigative novel. I give it 4.5 stars because it's good writing in so many ways. And though I received this free copy as an ARC, my opinion is freely and carefully given for a good book. Enjoy!!!

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jonathan Henry Perris was an attorney in California at the time of a streetcar strike after the earthquake. Having gathered his staff, he had entered society and quickly gained respect from those of the society who enjoyed special status. Blessed, or cursed, with a special sight of things to come, Jonathan was the subject of blackmail who knew of things about his brother in London. As Johnathan tries to extricate himself, he and his staff are enmeshed in a series of murders that are interrelated. The twists and turns are amazing and the intrigue keeps the reader guessing as the staff and Jonathan respond to each new twist. Sure to delight!
I received an advance copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Bethany Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a mystery with a twist. Normally, those twists are supernatural, but a historical setting such as this, set in San Francisco in the wake of the 1906 earthquake and the immediate aftermath of 1907's Bloody Tuesday, was refreshing and intriguing.

There is some amount of craftsmanship in the plotting of this novel. Michaels has certainly done her research: the setting is rich and engulfing, and it's so interesting to see how attitudes differed considering how much of a crisis we're facing at the moment with wages and the cost of living. Every time I picked up my kindle (which I had to upgrade while reading this book), I was wholly drawn into this mystery. There are quite a few threads laid at the beginning of the book, but don't worry - these are intertwined brilliantly, with no time wasted between any of them. There was hardly any time to breathe between the pages of The Twisted Road at all; the plot is tight and snappy, well-paced, and around every indent is another clue to the dramatic finale.

The characters in this book were absolutely engaging and easy to root for. Even the smallest part was filled with someone you could admire every aspect of, incredibly detailed, with a life you could wonder about. The core group were amazingly constructed, so lifelike, and with a decent amount of time dedicated to each one - although, I will say, there was not nearly enough time following Oliver as he deserved. The way they rally around Jonathan as soon as they realise he's in trouble and their loyalty through thick and thin make them a cast I'd love to read more about. I adored Cordelia. She was a brilliant addition to the group, the dynamics of which wouldn't work quite as well without her. She was stubborn and headstrong, fully aware of the societal prejudice against her and more than prepared to challenge it.

It wouldn't be one of my reviews without a little hint of the supernatural, so the inclusion of Jonathan's cadou was intriguing. It was also a little confusing, as I'm not entirely sure where it came from or exactly when it first appeared in the text. This could, of course, simply be me missing something in my haste to solve the mystery, but a little more explanation would be appreciated.

All in all, The Twisted Road is an engrossing, engaging read with an encompassing setting and characters you'd die for. I'm more than excited to follow along with any more instalments in the series, hopefully coming soon.

I was gifted a copy of this book and asked to post my thoughts.

[Celeste Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A historical murder mystery with many twists and turns.

From Defense to Defendant

Jonathan Perris had to overcome a lot to achieve the level of success that he enjoys. He has lived with mysteries for a large part of his life. Starting with his mother’s disappearance and his uncanny ability to sense danger. A gift his mother left him.

To escape his past Jonathan immigrates from England to San Francisco to start a new life and establishes a law firm. Then, the 1907 streetcar strikes erupt and the city is plunged into chaos, violence and murder.

The young lawyer is thrown into the mess when his lady friend dies mysteriously and he is arrested for her murder. Through the investigation, Jonathan and his law firm staff uncover a world of extremists who will stop at nothing to further their cause. Their excuse is that they support the street car strikers and other working folk. However, it runs deeper into love triangles and hidden family connections.

I loved how the story evolved and I can see how this could be a series. It is full of expandable details.

I think this book is very relevant for today’s reader. It is based on a historical event but mirrors a lot of what we see on the news today.

Theme: The core theme is murder mystery with a love triangle twist. It also highlights corruption among the wealthy.

[Betti · Rating 5 out of 5]

The earthquake in San Francisco in 1907 disrupted many lives. The death toll was staggering and what the earthquake did not damage, the resulting fires did. This is the world Jonathan Henry Perris, barrister, lived in, although not exactly what he expected when he emigrated from England. Bloody Tuesday started with a devastating riot outside the streetcar barn. With the union on strike for better wages, the driving was taken over by scabs, creating more upset. Young Jimmy Walsh was murdered and his best friend was found guilty. But was he?

There are so many twists and turns in this story you might begin to wonder if the mystery of this death and others will ever be solved. I thoroughly enjoyed trying to figure out who really did the dastardly deed.

An ARC of this first Barrister Perris Mystery was received through Red Trumpet Press and BookSirens. These impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.

[Brenda Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a massive earthquake and fire in San Francisco in 1906, the city is in upheaval as it rebuilds. Protests and violence go hand in hand and when a young guard is convicted of killing a protester, newly relocated attorney Jonathan Perris hopes to right the wrong. But he soon finds himself amidst his own murder investigation when the beautiful Lena Mendelssohn, who he just ended an affair with, is found dead.

With the help of his fellow associates and private investigator, he’s determined to not only clear his name, but uncover the true killer’s identity. But as the trail leads them all on an intense hunt, secrets of his past come to light. And are Lena’s murder and the case of the security guard somehow connected?

While Perris has a somewhat shady past, he has a strong sense of justice and morality that makes him unique. The characters are extremely well written and had me invested from the start. Michaels’ rich and engaging writing immersed me in the atmosphere of the time period. This was not only a twisty and exciting historical mystery but one with a social commentary that in many ways is just as relevant today. It had me guessing until the near end and I couldn’t put it down.

Thank you Henry Roi PR and Black Coffee Book Tours for the ARC and the opportunity to be on this tour.

[virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a slow start in the first few chapters, which left me wondering where this story was going, I discovered an engaging and enjoyable murder mystery set in the aftermath of the San Francisco earthquake in 1906. As Jonathan Perris and his firm represent a slew of characters in search of the truth, he finds he has ties to several of these clients, discovering that a few of his past clients have a desire to expose secrets long buried in his closet. Once the book gets going, there are plenty of exciting twists and turns with adequate prose and ample dialogue to pull the storyline along. The interesting characters brought the story to life, adding zest to the plot. I am glad I persevered and kept reading because now I can’t wait for book number two. I received this as a free ARC; my review is voluntary.

[Voracious Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I greatly enjoyed reading The Twisted Road. It was an exciting work of Historical Fiction set in the aftermath of the 1906 Earthquake that destroyed much of San Francisco. The story was fast paced. It was filled with mystery and suspense. The characters were interesting. Bits of actual history were sprinkled throughout the story interspersed with fictional events. I really love that in historical fiction especially when the author shares what she has fictionalized with the factual as she does at the end of the book. This book has encouraged me to go and pick up the previous books so I can read more of A. B. Michaels works.

I did receive an ARC of this book for which I am grateful. This in no way influenced my opinion of this book which I am voluntarily sharing.

[Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a historical murder mystery set during the progressive era after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. We are taken on quite a suspenseful adventure as Jonathan Perris has recently located to San Francisco from England and is tasked with trying to solve a murder. He is an attorney with his own law firm. The side characters of his colleagues bring a lot more to the story as they also take on a case of another murder that happened during a social unrest.
I really enjoyed this book, and it kept me entertained the entire time. The author did a great job of keeping the mystery alive and kept me guessing. This was a great first book in the series, and I hope to read the next one.
Thanks to Henry Roi PR/ Black Coffee Book Tours for the opportunity to read this!

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging murder mystery
Not one but two murders find Jonathan Perris and his law firm engaged in representing clients and finding out the truth. Normally Attorneys are not so interested in the truth, but when Perris has ties to one of the victims, he finds others have been digging into his past and some of his skeletons in the closet may be exposed.
An enjoyable read with plenty of twists along the way. There is a nice flow to the writing along with good dialogue. The characters are varied and are a good addition to the story and plot. I look forward to reading more about Perris, his law firm and his loyal crew. I received this book for free and voluntarily reviewed.

[Stephanie Benoist · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was asked to review an advance copy of "The Twisted Road" and I'm posting this now, although I haven't even finished this brilliant book.
A British barrister emigrates to the USA and opens a law firm in San Francisco. A supernatural historical fiction mystery novel? Yes! An original plot set in an accurate, vibrant historical setting in San Francisco, rebuilding after a devastating earthquake and in the throes of labor unrest.
Perris is framed for a murder, and the story unravels with false identity and questions from the past intertwined with his defense of a railroad worker.
This novel is well-paced, carefully researched, and beautifully written.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good page-turner mystery. the setting is San Francisco after the earthquake in 1907. Our main character is Jonathan Perris. The story involves several things all tangled together and it keeps you guessing as you work your way through. I received an advance review copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Toby · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite genres to read is historical fiction. This book takes the love a bit high throwing a mystery. If you ate a fan of mystery or historical fiction, read this book you will love the other by the time you finish.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A mystery full of suspense that will keep you reading. Barrister Perris is smart and strong, will definitely figure out what happened. Perfect beginning for a new series. Don’t miss out.

[Ralph Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a somewhat interesting story that just stopped.

[PridePrejudice · Rating 5 out of 5]

There were a couple of things I liked about this book, different from many others I've read. First, I love the new setting of San Francisco after the quake and fires in the early 1900's and the subsequent rebuilding of the city. Second, the mysteries involved were twisty, turny, intertwined and interesting. Jonathan Perris is a likeable character with a hidden, turbulent past but he seeks justice and wants to do what's right. And Cordelia, the plucky female attorney in an age when there were very few female attorneys brought a freshness to the story. She is determined and plucky and on the side of justice for all. I enjoyed the book and look forward to the possibilities of a series with these characters. And I would love to know more about Jonathan's mother! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.