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Ravenwood Mysteries #1
From the Ashes
Ashes to ashes; dust to dust. Unfortunately, memories aren’t so easily buried.
San Francisco, 1900. Atticus Riot returns home with death on his heels and grief in his heart. After twenty years of roaming the Barbary Coast, the gambler-turned detective is about to toss the game for good. But man plans and God laughs: the case of a missing heiress draws him in its wake. As he searches for the elusive Isobel Kingston, all is not what it seems, and he is sure to clash in a battle of wits and murder that will send his life spiraling down a most perplexing path.
San Francisco, 1900. Atticus Riot returns home with death on his heels and grief in his heart. After twenty years of roaming the Barbary Coast, the gambler-turned detective is about to toss the game for good. But man plans and God laughs: the case of a missing heiress draws him in its wake. As he searches for the elusive Isobel Kingston, all is not what it seems, and he is sure to clash in a battle of wits and murder that will send his life spiraling down a most perplexing path.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 23, 2014
1936 people are currently reading
2823 people want to read
About the author
Sabrina Flynn
22 books259 followersSabrina lives in perpetual fog and sunshine with a rock troll and two crazy imps. She spent her youth trailing after insanity, jumping off bridges, climbing towers, and riding down waterfalls in barrels. After spending fifteen years wrestling giant hounds and battling pint-sized tigers, she now travels everywhere via watery portals leading to anywhere.
She is the award-winning author of the epic fantasy series Legends of Fyrsta and the historical mystery series Ravenwood Mysteries.
She is the award-winning author of the epic fantasy series Legends of Fyrsta and the historical mystery series Ravenwood Mysteries.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 317 reviews
October 3, 2023
Wonderful start to a turn of the century on the Barbary Coast in San Francisco California detective series. The mystery is good and the twist at the end....WOW. As with many mysteries I can't say too much, or I give it away. I have the next book already downloaded and ready to start. Great characters and what a terrific female lead. 4.25* I have been looking for something new and fresh and this was it.
September 29, 2016
READ THIS BOOK! This book was such a delight. It started out as a good, well written mystery but quickly developed into something unique and brilliant. I was completely hooked and had to finish the book to the exclusion of all else. Flynn's attention to detail (1900's San Francisco, clothing, ships etc) was really well done, her lead hero Atticus Riot is unusual and addictive, and plot twist upon plot twist will have you gasping out loud. It is rare that an author can do characters, plot, dialogue and descriptions with equal and excellent skill but Flynn does. I can't wait to follow Atticus through every book and I hope Flynn writes many, many more.
March 5, 2022
From The Ashes by Sabrina Flynn is the first book in The Ravenhurst Mystery Series.
I was following the white rabbit on Scribd in search of something narrated by the fabulous Sarah Mollo-Christensen. I absolutely adore her in the Tremontaine series (something I need to go back to soon) and I was curious if there was something else to try. And so I saw her name attached to this historical mystery series set in turn of the century San Francisco. It was a good length (under 7 hours), had the right buzz words, an intriguing blurb, high ratings, and… it is Indie published. When the author has the good taste in hiring Mollo-Christensen to do her narration, you are already scoring big points with me.
I loved it! Atticus Riot and Isobel (Bel) Saavedra Kingston-Amsel have tons of character. Great mystery, well researched and rich with detail, just the right amount of darkness and grit, a wonderful plot that keeps a good pace and the fabulous voice acting of S M-C as the cherry on top. And knowing there are 8 audio books in the series so far makes me giddy. Happy days!
Available on Scribd
Themes: 1900, San Francisco, the Barbary Coast, the elite, Alex Kingston, Old Sue, kidnapped heir, old ghosts.
5 Stars
I was following the white rabbit on Scribd in search of something narrated by the fabulous Sarah Mollo-Christensen. I absolutely adore her in the Tremontaine series (something I need to go back to soon) and I was curious if there was something else to try. And so I saw her name attached to this historical mystery series set in turn of the century San Francisco. It was a good length (under 7 hours), had the right buzz words, an intriguing blurb, high ratings, and… it is Indie published. When the author has the good taste in hiring Mollo-Christensen to do her narration, you are already scoring big points with me.
I loved it! Atticus Riot and Isobel (Bel) Saavedra Kingston-Amsel have tons of character. Great mystery, well researched and rich with detail, just the right amount of darkness and grit, a wonderful plot that keeps a good pace and the fabulous voice acting of S M-C as the cherry on top. And knowing there are 8 audio books in the series so far makes me giddy. Happy days!
Available on Scribd
Themes: 1900, San Francisco, the Barbary Coast, the elite, Alex Kingston, Old Sue, kidnapped heir, old ghosts.
5 Stars
June 21, 2014
I was a beta reader/editor for this book, and thus read it in its “rough” form as well as in its final version before publication. I can honestly say that I enjoyed the second reading as much as the first, despite the fact that on the second reading (obviously) I knew both who and how-“dunnit.”
“From the Ashes” is Sabrina Flynn’s first published mystery and the first in what I hope will be a successful continuing series. First books in mystery series are always especially interesting to me, as in addition to the pleasures of story and suspense, we get to see the author establishing a world and set of relationships with which we will come to be familiar, and perhaps even come to love. One of the pleasures in “From the Ashes” is the vividness which Flynn brings to her setting, the San Francisco of 1900, and in particular the notorious Barbary Coast, a section of the city which offered every delight and every vice that we in the Twenty-first century believe we invented. In “From the Ashes,” we see the grit, grime and danger in a city that was part modern, part frontier seaport, but we also experience the city’s glamor, the beauty of its incomparable setting, and its exotic lure.
Atticus Riot, Flynn’s reluctant detective, is obviously a man who can’t resist the city’s call, despite the fact that it’s taken his long-time partner and mentor, and broken Riot’s heart. Riot abandoned San Francisco to seek solace around the world, but in this first book, he’s back and drawn into the mysterious disappearance – and likely murder – of a young society wife. Her marriage was improbable and her kidnapping is likewise – for one thing, there are two ransom notes, apparently originating from different sources. Who abducted Isobel Kingston, and is she dead or alive? Riot would rather not be involved, but neither can he bring himself to abandon a young woman in danger. Thus begins his dangerous descent into and through the Barbary Coast, during which we become better acquainted with Riot (a clever and lethal operator, for all his average stature) and through which, he finds an unlikely new partner.
When I finished the book, I was immediately eager to go on another investigation with Atticus Riot and his companions. I highly recommend “From the Ashes,” the first in what I believe will be a memorable series
“From the Ashes” is Sabrina Flynn’s first published mystery and the first in what I hope will be a successful continuing series. First books in mystery series are always especially interesting to me, as in addition to the pleasures of story and suspense, we get to see the author establishing a world and set of relationships with which we will come to be familiar, and perhaps even come to love. One of the pleasures in “From the Ashes” is the vividness which Flynn brings to her setting, the San Francisco of 1900, and in particular the notorious Barbary Coast, a section of the city which offered every delight and every vice that we in the Twenty-first century believe we invented. In “From the Ashes,” we see the grit, grime and danger in a city that was part modern, part frontier seaport, but we also experience the city’s glamor, the beauty of its incomparable setting, and its exotic lure.
Atticus Riot, Flynn’s reluctant detective, is obviously a man who can’t resist the city’s call, despite the fact that it’s taken his long-time partner and mentor, and broken Riot’s heart. Riot abandoned San Francisco to seek solace around the world, but in this first book, he’s back and drawn into the mysterious disappearance – and likely murder – of a young society wife. Her marriage was improbable and her kidnapping is likewise – for one thing, there are two ransom notes, apparently originating from different sources. Who abducted Isobel Kingston, and is she dead or alive? Riot would rather not be involved, but neither can he bring himself to abandon a young woman in danger. Thus begins his dangerous descent into and through the Barbary Coast, during which we become better acquainted with Riot (a clever and lethal operator, for all his average stature) and through which, he finds an unlikely new partner.
When I finished the book, I was immediately eager to go on another investigation with Atticus Riot and his companions. I highly recommend “From the Ashes,” the first in what I believe will be a memorable series
September 20, 2024
I actually saw a review here of one of the later books in this series that sounded so interesting that I decided to give it a try and just start with the first book.
And it's wonderful!
Knowing who the protagonists of the series are, the big twist of the first book didn't come as a surprise to me. And it is kind of obvious from the narrative style even if you read this without further knowledge of the series.
But that didn't take away from my enjoyment of the story one bit. That's how good the writing is. The characters are interesting and the pace fast enough, that you simply want to know what's going to happen next, even if you can guess. You still want to know how the author is going to pull it off.
I think it works so well because beginning with the very first descriptions you get curious about the characters. Just enough information to make them likeable or intriguing and to make you care. After that, the dynamic of the characters carries the plot.
The mystery itself is solidly written with a few nice twists and interesting historical background.
And speaking about historical background: I loved how the author made turn-of-the-century San Francisco come alive. The descriptions are beautiful and it's always lovely to have a story with a historical setting that's not London, Paris or New York. Just for variety's sake.
Another great thing about this story is that the author does what many modern (female) writers do, that is choosing to make her female main character an unconventional, even emanzipated woman - but, it actually has negative consequences for this character. The main male character is excentric enough to actually like her for being different ( I suppose we will get more background information about him later in the series) but apart from that, a woman trying to ignore or overcome the norms of her times faces a lot of difficulties in this story. And I love it. Of course it's still a bit unrealistic - it's fiction, after all, we want to be entertained by it, not read a treatise. But it's grounded enough in reality to create real conflict.
Highly recommended and I'm off, reading volume 2.
And it's wonderful!
Knowing who the protagonists of the series are, the big twist of the first book didn't come as a surprise to me. And it is kind of obvious from the narrative style even if you read this without further knowledge of the series.
But that didn't take away from my enjoyment of the story one bit. That's how good the writing is. The characters are interesting and the pace fast enough, that you simply want to know what's going to happen next, even if you can guess. You still want to know how the author is going to pull it off.
I think it works so well because beginning with the very first descriptions you get curious about the characters. Just enough information to make them likeable or intriguing and to make you care. After that, the dynamic of the characters carries the plot.
The mystery itself is solidly written with a few nice twists and interesting historical background.
And speaking about historical background: I loved how the author made turn-of-the-century San Francisco come alive. The descriptions are beautiful and it's always lovely to have a story with a historical setting that's not London, Paris or New York. Just for variety's sake.
Another great thing about this story is that the author does what many modern (female) writers do, that is choosing to make her female main character an unconventional, even emanzipated woman - but, it actually has negative consequences for this character. The main male character is excentric enough to actually like her for being different ( I suppose we will get more background information about him later in the series) but apart from that, a woman trying to ignore or overcome the norms of her times faces a lot of difficulties in this story. And I love it. Of course it's still a bit unrealistic - it's fiction, after all, we want to be entertained by it, not read a treatise. But it's grounded enough in reality to create real conflict.
Highly recommended and I'm off, reading volume 2.
February 1, 2016
Sabrina Flynn strikes again! Hot on the heals of her debut fantasy novel, A Thread In The Tangle, follows her debut mystery novel, From The Ashes. Set in the rough and tumble world of turn-of-the-20th Century San Francisco Barbary Coast, her new story features Atticus Riot, an ex-gambler turned detective, just returned from three years spent out of the country in an attempt to physically and emotionally recover from a disastrous case which left him wounded and his senior detective partner and mentor shot dead. Convinced to take one last case before his planned premature retirement, Riot is drawn into a missing person case, that of an allegedly kidnapped woman, daughter of a prominent businessman and newlywed spouse of one of San Francisco's mover and shakers. Atticus smells something fishy and soon finds himself embroiled in a matter of violence, double-dealing, and red-herrings. Here's hoping that the future brings us more tales of Atticus Riot and company from this talented story-teller. Well done, Sabrina!
Re-read in 2016 for LRK VBC February discussion.
Re-read in 2016 for LRK VBC February discussion.
January 9, 2023
I very much enjoyed this book. I loved the setting and thought the mystery was well done. I've been watching Miss Scarlet and the Duke and wanted to read something with a similar vibe. While not set in Victorian London, the turn-of-the-century San Francisco atmosphere gives the same ambiance. And for those, like me, who enjoy a little romance to go along with their mystery, while there's no real romance to speak of in this book, much like in Miss Scarlet and the Duke, there's the very real possibility of one developing (slows burns are THE best!). This may actually be a series I'll continue and will definitely be reading the next one!
July 13, 2021
3.5 Stars
*A well-researched historical mystery with gumption*
This book popped up when I was searching for a different one, but it sounded interesting. I was in the mood for Historical Fiction, and I always love Mysteries. Plus I’ve been neglecting Indie reads lately, so I needed something to balance out the best sellers.
Set in 1900, From the Ashes is the story of a private investigator named Atticus Riot returning to San Francisco after years spent running from his past. Still haunted by the death of his partner, Atticus is determined not to return to his old career but immediately becomes intrigued by a case where a young heiress was kidnapped and the family received two very different ransom demands.
The story was told through dual timelines: Atticus’s investigation and Isobel Kingston’s time leading up to her kidnapping. The non-chronological plot was not as bad as usual since the past timeline didn’t give away what would happen later on and the two timelines merged before the flip-flopping got tedious.
The mystery element was standard but still engaging. Atticus was a smart and observant detective, although thankfully not just another hyper-observant Sherlock knock-off. He relied as much on dogged determination as his brains, so the reader can easily follow along with the clues. And between the short length and the easy-to-read story, I had no problem finishing this in a day. A lot of the character interactions were clearly setting up for sequels, but I am curious as to where the series will go.
Full of well-researched tidbits, the historical setting came to life. This also wasn’t the overly sanitized and romanticized type of Historical Fiction. There was plenty of classism, racism, and sexism in the story. And it was incorporated in a way that acknowledged the problems rather than just mentioning them for the sake of things.
The main thing I did not like was the set up for romance at the end. I plan on reading the next book in the series, but if the romance goes the direction that was hinted, that’s going to be a deal-breaker for me.
RATING FACTORS:
Ease of Reading: 4 Stars
Writing Style: 4 Stars
Characters and Character Development: 3 Stars
Plot Structure and Development: 3 Stars
Level of Captivation: 4 Stars
Originality: 3 Stars
*A well-researched historical mystery with gumption*
This book popped up when I was searching for a different one, but it sounded interesting. I was in the mood for Historical Fiction, and I always love Mysteries. Plus I’ve been neglecting Indie reads lately, so I needed something to balance out the best sellers.
Set in 1900, From the Ashes is the story of a private investigator named Atticus Riot returning to San Francisco after years spent running from his past. Still haunted by the death of his partner, Atticus is determined not to return to his old career but immediately becomes intrigued by a case where a young heiress was kidnapped and the family received two very different ransom demands.
The story was told through dual timelines: Atticus’s investigation and Isobel Kingston’s time leading up to her kidnapping. The non-chronological plot was not as bad as usual since the past timeline didn’t give away what would happen later on and the two timelines merged before the flip-flopping got tedious.
The mystery element was standard but still engaging. Atticus was a smart and observant detective, although thankfully not just another hyper-observant Sherlock knock-off. He relied as much on dogged determination as his brains, so the reader can easily follow along with the clues. And between the short length and the easy-to-read story, I had no problem finishing this in a day. A lot of the character interactions were clearly setting up for sequels, but I am curious as to where the series will go.
Full of well-researched tidbits, the historical setting came to life. This also wasn’t the overly sanitized and romanticized type of Historical Fiction. There was plenty of classism, racism, and sexism in the story. And it was incorporated in a way that acknowledged the problems rather than just mentioning them for the sake of things.
The main thing I did not like was the set up for romance at the end. I plan on reading the next book in the series, but if the romance goes the direction that was hinted, that’s going to be a deal-breaker for me.
RATING FACTORS:
Ease of Reading: 4 Stars
Writing Style: 4 Stars
Characters and Character Development: 3 Stars
Plot Structure and Development: 3 Stars
Level of Captivation: 4 Stars
Originality: 3 Stars
May 27, 2014
I'm a huge fan of historical mysteries so I hungrily gobbled this one up. Ms Flynn doesn't disappoint, not in storytelling, or in the development of wonderful characters and a sense of place. This book gives the reader the sights, smells, and feel of San Francisco in late 1899. It takes the reader from the dirtiest wharf dive to the most prestigious men's club in the city, and everywhere in-between. As the Volume I suggests, I certainly hope this is the beginning of what will certainly be a long running series. The main characters are intriguing and beguiling. When you turn the last page, you too, will want to read more of Atticus Riot and Bel. They may not be a match made in heaven, but in the hell that is turn of the century San Francisco, they both have reasons to keep certain things to themselves. I will eagerly await Volume 2 as I need to know what happens next to Atticus Riot and Bel
March 25, 2023
I wanted a short book to listen to while doing some work in this fit the bill. The 1900s San Francisco setting was interesting. Most of the books I read from this time are set in England, so San Francisco was a nice change.
That being said, it was hard to latch on to Bel as a character. Rye, it was definitely the main character here, but we only see him at work. Details about the death of his partner here, but it seems that will be explored further in future books.
There are so many fantastic sleuthing partners in historical mystery. I’m not sure Riot and Bel have caught my interest.
That being said, it was hard to latch on to Bel as a character. Rye, it was definitely the main character here, but we only see him at work. Details about the death of his partner here, but it seems that will be explored further in future books.
There are so many fantastic sleuthing partners in historical mystery. I’m not sure Riot and Bel have caught my interest.
March 12, 2020
Unknowingly he arrived with the plague. It was fitting, divine almost, for he had left with death on his heels, and now he was bringing an old companion home.
This is one of my "let's check online shops for free ebooks with covers that catch my eye" kind of read.
I had so much fun exploring Victorian era San Francisco with Atticus Riot. He is a (very vell dressed) private detective who spent the last couple of years overseas where he tried to recover emotionally and physically from a case gone bad which left him wounded and his mentor and investigative partner Zephaniah Ravenwood shot dead. After a great deal of persuasion he agrees to look into the abduction of young heiress Isobel Kingston - just one last case then he is done for good.
This was such a delightful and well researched read. The descriptions of the thriving city, the harbour, ships, clothes and California's Silver Mistress not only made this very atmospheric but also - as far as I could tell - authentic to the time.
On top of that every character had his or her own voice and felt well fleshed out. And even though child characters often leave me unconvinced, one of my favourite chapters was "A dubious Umpire" with Eliza and the boys.
There are three reasons why I can't give this full five stars:
1.) Isobel Kingston's quick-witted and tomboyish character was a bit too much on the nose for me, especially in the dialogue.
2.) The conclusion of the whodunit mystery. To be honest, I still don't fully understand the whole thing
3.) The flirtatious tension between Atticus Riot and Miss Bel that was hinted at .. I just don't want that to happen.
December 24, 2014
It’s a rare thing to find a novel of historical fiction that is entertaining, genuine, and well written. But that was thankfully what I discovered when I finished Sabrina Flynn’s, From the Ashes. Set in turn of the century San Francisco, newly returned Atticus Riot resumes his role as a detective in order to find an abducted heiress.
Admittedly I found the story a bit slow developing in the beginning, the premise of two abduction notes alone not as intriguing to me as they were to Riot. However the strength of the writing and the obvious research into the era and location kept me interested. Luckily I kept reading and was rewarded with an entertaining story that kept me guessing, becoming harder to put down as I progressed.
I really enjoyed this book, including the small nods to previous works of detective fiction. I felt immersed in the past and eager to discover the solution as I read, which is exactly what I was hoping for when I started.
Admittedly I found the story a bit slow developing in the beginning, the premise of two abduction notes alone not as intriguing to me as they were to Riot. However the strength of the writing and the obvious research into the era and location kept me interested. Luckily I kept reading and was rewarded with an entertaining story that kept me guessing, becoming harder to put down as I progressed.
I really enjoyed this book, including the small nods to previous works of detective fiction. I felt immersed in the past and eager to discover the solution as I read, which is exactly what I was hoping for when I started.
November 11, 2024
"An atmospheric historical mystery that will captivate you to the end!" -Bookbub
"Highly rated..." -OmniMystery News
“She (Sabrina Flynn) has a great talent for writing characters who are complex and teeming with life.” -Annelie Wendeberg, bestselling author of The Devil’s Grin
“A wonderfully atmospheric story featuring a detective who deserves a second outing.” -Amazon Reviewer
“The main characters are intriguing and beguiling.” -Amazon Reviewer
“Don't start this one at midnight.” -Amazon Reviewer
“Beautifully written.” -Amazon Reviewer
"Highly rated..." -OmniMystery News
“She (Sabrina Flynn) has a great talent for writing characters who are complex and teeming with life.” -Annelie Wendeberg, bestselling author of The Devil’s Grin
“A wonderfully atmospheric story featuring a detective who deserves a second outing.” -Amazon Reviewer
“The main characters are intriguing and beguiling.” -Amazon Reviewer
“Don't start this one at midnight.” -Amazon Reviewer
“Beautifully written.” -Amazon Reviewer
August 9, 2024
An enjoyable, fast paced, historical thriller that never really evolves into mystery. 4/5 stars.
I picked up this book years ago, and apparently never finished it! I can only imagine how many of those I have... Now that I've finished, it definitely was not the book, and was entirely me. I'm not sure what mood I was in or what exactly I was looking for, but it must've not matched with this one at the time. Here we have a story full of ambiguity. Characters who have mysterious pasts. We pick up years after some major events, and I really appreciated where they all started. I was intrigued but what was lurking behind the scenes. The history was explained well, and the book really moved at a good pace throughout. I don't think this should really be considered a mystery though. It was still enjoyable regardless, but I think that's a misrepresentation of this particular novel. To find out why, keep reading!
The writing in this book was really good. It flowed really well, and when we jumped between PoVs or time, I never felt lost. The structure felt like it was laid out well and all happened in a logical way. The time period was well described, although I wouldn't have complained about some further detail. This all moved at a really solid pace though, which kept me engaged throughout.
The story is interesting right from the get go. We have the backstory of AJ who we desperately want to know more about, and then the main plot. I was invested early on into what would happen and how all the pieces would come together. I felt satisfied by both the ending and the plot beats throughout the novel.
The characters in this one were quite good. There was a lot of diversity and distinct personalities that it was very easy to follow, and I really enjoyed the main set who felt like I got to know but still have more to discover. I'm very interested in how they'll continue after this investigation. I really appreciated AJ who's an older protagonist, a caring man who wants to fight for what's right, but has his own demons to deal with. You're rooting for him from start to finish.
My main issue with this book is it's really not a mystery. It's certainly mysterious of course, but it's more of a thriller. You get told a lot, and honestly the reveal comes out of nowhere. It's not bad by any means, but the reader isn't given enough information or time to really guess. To me that's the key distinction between a mystery or thriller. They both can have a mystery as the plot, but when the reader is just along for the ride, it's a thriller and not a mystery. This typically sours my enjoyment a bit when I go into a mystery because that's one of my favorite parts (even if I'm wrong often!). This won't be huge to some though.
I would definitely recommend this book for fans of historical fiction, and I will be continuing at some point to see what AJ gets up to next!
Quick hits:
+ Well written, and fast paced.
+ Story and character backstories were really interesting.
+ The characters were well rounded.
+/- I wish there was a bit more historical detail.
- More of a thriller than mystery. Some major details and the reveal come out of nowhere, with not enough time for the reader to participate.
I picked up this book years ago, and apparently never finished it! I can only imagine how many of those I have... Now that I've finished, it definitely was not the book, and was entirely me. I'm not sure what mood I was in or what exactly I was looking for, but it must've not matched with this one at the time. Here we have a story full of ambiguity. Characters who have mysterious pasts. We pick up years after some major events, and I really appreciated where they all started. I was intrigued but what was lurking behind the scenes. The history was explained well, and the book really moved at a good pace throughout. I don't think this should really be considered a mystery though. It was still enjoyable regardless, but I think that's a misrepresentation of this particular novel. To find out why, keep reading!
The writing in this book was really good. It flowed really well, and when we jumped between PoVs or time, I never felt lost. The structure felt like it was laid out well and all happened in a logical way. The time period was well described, although I wouldn't have complained about some further detail. This all moved at a really solid pace though, which kept me engaged throughout.
The story is interesting right from the get go. We have the backstory of AJ who we desperately want to know more about, and then the main plot. I was invested early on into what would happen and how all the pieces would come together. I felt satisfied by both the ending and the plot beats throughout the novel.
The characters in this one were quite good. There was a lot of diversity and distinct personalities that it was very easy to follow, and I really enjoyed the main set who felt like I got to know but still have more to discover. I'm very interested in how they'll continue after this investigation. I really appreciated AJ who's an older protagonist, a caring man who wants to fight for what's right, but has his own demons to deal with. You're rooting for him from start to finish.
My main issue with this book is it's really not a mystery. It's certainly mysterious of course, but it's more of a thriller. You get told a lot, and honestly the reveal comes out of nowhere. It's not bad by any means, but the reader isn't given enough information or time to really guess. To me that's the key distinction between a mystery or thriller. They both can have a mystery as the plot, but when the reader is just along for the ride, it's a thriller and not a mystery. This typically sours my enjoyment a bit when I go into a mystery because that's one of my favorite parts (even if I'm wrong often!). This won't be huge to some though.
I would definitely recommend this book for fans of historical fiction, and I will be continuing at some point to see what AJ gets up to next!
Quick hits:
+ Well written, and fast paced.
+ Story and character backstories were really interesting.
+ The characters were well rounded.
+/- I wish there was a bit more historical detail.
- More of a thriller than mystery. Some major details and the reveal come out of nowhere, with not enough time for the reader to participate.
August 5, 2016
As a lover of historical mysteries and thrillers, I devoured Sabrina's new novel. She has a great talent for writing characters who are complex and teeming with life (try her phantasy "A Thread in the Tangle" even if you don't like that genre). Her plot keeps you guessing while she's leading you from the luxuries of the high society all the way through gravest poverty, making you thirst for more once the last page is reached.
The only negative thing I can say about this book is that it had an end and that I'll have to wait months to read the second instalment (I hope there are many to come!).
The only negative thing I can say about this book is that it had an end and that I'll have to wait months to read the second instalment (I hope there are many to come!).
October 2, 2018
Sometimes history catches our attention
And sometimes it overwhelms our ability to believe. The late 1890s thru the early 1910 era was basically unreal, it was unbelievable to our modern minds. Detective agencies, corrupt powers that be, the Barbary Coast and Shanghai Lil are just the beginning of what was to come.
I enjoy Riot's company. The Ravenswood household offers a unique perspective into an era that blazed in glory and trembled before time. Soon the pipers would demand their pay.. and fall before the shattering reformation the earth decreed.
I'm looking forward to the future tales of the Ravenswood Detective Agency..
And sometimes it overwhelms our ability to believe. The late 1890s thru the early 1910 era was basically unreal, it was unbelievable to our modern minds. Detective agencies, corrupt powers that be, the Barbary Coast and Shanghai Lil are just the beginning of what was to come.
I enjoy Riot's company. The Ravenswood household offers a unique perspective into an era that blazed in glory and trembled before time. Soon the pipers would demand their pay.. and fall before the shattering reformation the earth decreed.
I'm looking forward to the future tales of the Ravenswood Detective Agency..
February 17, 2022
What drivel. This reads like fanfiction from a tween author. The language is overly-flowery in a way that's distracting rather than lyrical, and filled with unhelpful descriptions that make no sense. Two men look at a grainy photograph of a woman, can't tell from the low resolution if she's pretty or not (because why else would a male detective look for in a photo of a missing woman), but they can see that her lips are pressed in a firm line like she's full of grit and determination... yada yada.
May 2, 2018
A very well written and well thought out mystery. From the very beginning, I was impressed by the descriptions and the prose. The characters are interesting, complex and three-dimensional. The same can be said if the story. Just when you think you’ve got it all figured out...there’s more. If you enjoy historical mysteries, this is a very good one.
June 29, 2018
Picturesque writing, delightful intrigue and fascinating characters
What a really great read. You could smell the docks, the odor of the working class and feel the desperation and greed in many of the players. I do believe that this rates up in caliber with Sherlock Holmes.
What a really great read. You could smell the docks, the odor of the working class and feel the desperation and greed in many of the players. I do believe that this rates up in caliber with Sherlock Holmes.
January 17, 2015
What a great book by Indie author- Sabrina Flynn. I am looking forward to more stories about Riot, Bel and Ravenwood. This story had a Sherlock Holmes similarity and mystery.
April 15, 2018
Gosh I enjoyed this book- totally ignored everyone for the day while I finished it off! Couldn’t put it down :)
April 22, 2025
I had a slow start with this one, getting used to the authors style and characters. And as I suspected, I really liked it once Bel and Riot meet. Great mystery, never would have guessed, but I also liked how Riot would not give up. If the pieces don't fit, you don't have all the pieces! Its all in the details, which is something I enjoy.
I am not excited to shell out $ for each book since I have several "better?" ones I have been waiting on since I would have to pay for them too (J.D. Robb anyone?)... so we will see if I continue...
I do think they had a fast emotional connection that wasn't quite reflected in their conversations, but it lays the ground work for their future together.
Highlights:
(Riot)“I’m afraid your arm will need sewing.”
(Bel) “Better my arm than my throat.”
“I should like a full account.”
“As payment for your medical services?”
“If you like.”
“It depends on the neatness of your stitch.”
“Agreed.”
I am not excited to shell out $ for each book since I have several "better?" ones I have been waiting on since I would have to pay for them too (J.D. Robb anyone?)... so we will see if I continue...
I do think they had a fast emotional connection that wasn't quite reflected in their conversations, but it lays the ground work for their future together.
Highlights:
(Riot)“I’m afraid your arm will need sewing.”
(Bel) “Better my arm than my throat.”
“I should like a full account.”
“As payment for your medical services?”
“If you like.”
“It depends on the neatness of your stitch.”
“Agreed.”
January 17, 2020
It was good and I didn't guess the Mastermind behind the crime until the end. I'm reading the next one because I love the detective character.
Want to read
December 26, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (12/26/2019)! 🎁
March 16, 2021
A lively story set in San Francisco at the end of the 19th Century - when the thriving port city was awash with colourful people from around the globe and across the country. Detective Atticus Riot returns from 4 years overseas following the untimely death of his partner, and gets drawn into a murder mystery centering around a young 20 year old rough and tumble tomboy, Isobel Kingston, who is variously escaping from her abductors and embroiling herself in danger through her own detective work.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to future books in the series.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to future books in the series.
June 17, 2014
I wasn't sure what to expect with this book considering its a bit different from her 1st book - but was pleasantly surprised at how well everything went together. Loved the history of S.F. and the characters - can't wait for the next one :) I actually haven't started reading anything else since I finished this book as it left such a pleasant feeling of completion - if it were food I would say a wonderful taste in my mouth. Ah well - you know what I mean.
February 22, 2016
I feel like most first books in a series have some growing pains as the author tries to find the right voice for book, and this one was no different. But I fell in love with Riot and Isobel immediately. They are so awesomely vivid and alive and real and I absolutely picked up the second book straight away to continue with their story. And really, isn't that the best recommendation a reader can give?
A great new series for any historical mystery fan, for sure!
A great new series for any historical mystery fan, for sure!
June 6, 2014
A very entertaining read! I enjoyed historic San Francisco as the setting for all manner of nefarious happenings. The area has such a colorful/ sordid past that really lends itself to a good mystery and the story & characters nestle themselves right into that setting comfortably. Looking forward to the next installment
August 23, 2015
A Good Read!
A great read! Enjoyed the historical setting of San Francisco. I also liked the.characters, Atticus Riot and Tim and Bel. I hope there will be more of them from Sabrina Flynn. It reminds of some of the books by history professor, Louise Locke. She has written a series called "The Victorian Mysteries of San Francisco."
A great read! Enjoyed the historical setting of San Francisco. I also liked the.characters, Atticus Riot and Tim and Bel. I hope there will be more of them from Sabrina Flynn. It reminds of some of the books by history professor, Louise Locke. She has written a series called "The Victorian Mysteries of San Francisco."
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