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Ravenwood Mysteries #7
Where Cowards Tread
Vengeance knows no bounds.
How far would you go?
Life is never simple, especially with a last name like Riot. Recently returned from their wedding trip, Bel and Riot are looking forward to settling into their new partnership and family. But their first day back on the job is chaos—a girl has gone missing, their daughter Sao Jin is roaming dangerous streets on a mission of her own, and Bel accidentally blows up Ravenwood Agency.
And that's only the first day.
How far would you go?
Life is never simple, especially with a last name like Riot. Recently returned from their wedding trip, Bel and Riot are looking forward to settling into their new partnership and family. But their first day back on the job is chaos—a girl has gone missing, their daughter Sao Jin is roaming dangerous streets on a mission of her own, and Bel accidentally blows up Ravenwood Agency.
And that's only the first day.
442 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 2, 2020
115 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
Sabrina Flynn
22 books260 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 - 30 of 42 reviews
April 9, 2025
I have authors that when I read it feels as if I am meeting up with old friends. This series is one of those friends. I really recommend this series if you want something that is different. This is 1900 San Francisco before the earthquake and fire and can be a bit gritty at times. When it was lawless, the police were corrupt, and Chinatown was run by the Tong. There is nothing like Private Detectives that have offices on the Barbary Coast. Only there would you fight by throwing dynamite through the window and have a gun fight where the police look the other way. Can I say again I love this series. I really recommend reading the series in order (it can be read as a stand-alone but you will miss out on such a good series) . Bel was a Wild Child and at 20 does everything that high society would frown on and is now married to Riot who is 20 years older. There are 3 mysteries that are being investigated. I was satisfied how all were resolved and looking forward to the next book. Excellent!
May 22, 2020
I'll never grow weary of the Ravenwood Mysteries series – ever! The author has meticulously developed her characters from the very first book, From the Ashes; in Where Cowards Tread, she continues to draw out more complex layers in their personalities, yet keeps them true to who they really are. It is also quite obvious that a great deal of research was put into this book, as has been done throughout the entire series. As a result, 1900 San Francisco is vividly brought to life, and each mystery is skillfully unfolded.
Atticus and Bel have become one of my all-time favorite literary couples, a detective duo who share equally in each story (Bel is most definitely no damsel in distress!), and who captivate us with their strong personalities, intelligence, and faithful devotion to each other and their close circle of family and friends.
In summary, Where Cowards Tread is another great read in this series, and I eagerly await the next installment!
Atticus and Bel have become one of my all-time favorite literary couples, a detective duo who share equally in each story (Bel is most definitely no damsel in distress!), and who captivate us with their strong personalities, intelligence, and faithful devotion to each other and their close circle of family and friends.
In summary, Where Cowards Tread is another great read in this series, and I eagerly await the next installment!
September 4, 2021
Available for Preorder. Coming June 2nd 2020.
Read the first three teaser chapters here:
https://www.sabrinaflynn.com/where-co...
Read the first three teaser chapters here:
https://www.sabrinaflynn.com/where-co...
May 25, 2020
The best detective series I’ve read in a long time!
Where do I begin? Probably the most important important part of the books are the characters. They read like real people, with strengths and weaknesses. Each one has a strong personality that pulls you into reading. I want to know each one personally. I don’t want to leave any of them at the end of the story. The conversations between characters are smart and witty. I could get lost in them.
Make it (the books) go on forever.
Where do I begin? Probably the most important important part of the books are the characters. They read like real people, with strengths and weaknesses. Each one has a strong personality that pulls you into reading. I want to know each one personally. I don’t want to leave any of them at the end of the story. The conversations between characters are smart and witty. I could get lost in them.
Make it (the books) go on forever.
May 15, 2025
Another stellar story with action, mystery and heart. I love the relationship between Riot and Bel and the kids just add extra fun. Or stress. However you want to look at it, Bel is paying for her errant childhood in spades when it comes to Jin.
The humor is greatly appreciated and sprinkled throughout:
“Yes?”
“Hop, it’s Isobel.”
“I do remember the sound of your voice, Wu Lei Ching. It haunts my dreams.”
Its a really touching story, watching Jin confront her past and make decisions about her future. Riot is in recovery while Bel solves a very sad murder.
Highlights & Spoilers:
They start off at the detective agency, this made me laugh-a true marriage.
“Love hath made thee a tame snake,” Riot quoted the poet.
Isobel’s eyes narrowed. “A tame snake can still bite,” she warned. “Anyhow, I’m sure we’re of like mind on this.”
“Are we?” he wondered.
“I know precisely where I want to start. Do you?”
“I do.”
“Right, then. We’ll set off on three.”
Riot gave a slight nod, and Isobel began the brief count. On three, they walked their separate ways.
Face to face with reality while in recovery:
Isobel ran a gentle hand over his bruised face, and he looked up into her eyes. “I’m twenty years older than you, Bel. At some point, this… caretaking will be permanent.”
Isobel nudged his legs open and moved closer, taking his face in her hands. “I’m positive you will get yourself killed before it comes to that.”
He raised a sutured brow, then winced. “Is that your plan?”
“Or maybe I’ll just hire a nurse—an unattractive one, with a horrid enough disposition to make me seem warm and caring.”
Jin comes clean, I was worried she would bolt so I am glad she told Riot. Loved her punishment!
“I’ll hold you to that. Now, for your own redemption…” He gestured at the book.
“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.” Jin stopped reading. “Is this a romance?”
“It’s my favorite book. I find it soothing.”
She made a sound of disgust. “It’s part of your punishment,” he reminded.
The humor is greatly appreciated and sprinkled throughout:
“Yes?”
“Hop, it’s Isobel.”
“I do remember the sound of your voice, Wu Lei Ching. It haunts my dreams.”
Its a really touching story, watching Jin confront her past and make decisions about her future. Riot is in recovery while Bel solves a very sad murder.
Highlights & Spoilers:
They start off at the detective agency, this made me laugh-a true marriage.
“Love hath made thee a tame snake,” Riot quoted the poet.
Isobel’s eyes narrowed. “A tame snake can still bite,” she warned. “Anyhow, I’m sure we’re of like mind on this.”
“Are we?” he wondered.
“I know precisely where I want to start. Do you?”
“I do.”
“Right, then. We’ll set off on three.”
Riot gave a slight nod, and Isobel began the brief count. On three, they walked their separate ways.
Face to face with reality while in recovery:
Isobel ran a gentle hand over his bruised face, and he looked up into her eyes. “I’m twenty years older than you, Bel. At some point, this… caretaking will be permanent.”
Isobel nudged his legs open and moved closer, taking his face in her hands. “I’m positive you will get yourself killed before it comes to that.”
He raised a sutured brow, then winced. “Is that your plan?”
“Or maybe I’ll just hire a nurse—an unattractive one, with a horrid enough disposition to make me seem warm and caring.”
Jin comes clean, I was worried she would bolt so I am glad she told Riot. Loved her punishment!
“I’ll hold you to that. Now, for your own redemption…” He gestured at the book.
“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.” Jin stopped reading. “Is this a romance?”
“It’s my favorite book. I find it soothing.”
She made a sound of disgust. “It’s part of your punishment,” he reminded.
April 15, 2025
Love reading about SF in the early days.
Also, how Chinese is treated in those early days is astounding!
Also, how Chinese is treated in those early days is astounding!
May 23, 2020
Another winner
Of all the books in the series I think this is my favorite. We learn more about the main characters but also the agency people and the boarders. Loved Jim's story..had me in tears at the end. Great storytelling.
Of all the books in the series I think this is my favorite. We learn more about the main characters but also the agency people and the boarders. Loved Jim's story..had me in tears at the end. Great storytelling.
May 25, 2020
Ms. Flynn brings 1900s San Francisco to life
Every time I finish one of Ms. Flynn's books I am saddened....having to wait until I get to be enveloped into one of her wonderful stories. Every single one of the characters not only are important to the storyline but as a reader you cannot help but enjoy their moments upon the pages. Definitely a modern day Holmes with plenty of sass!
Every time I finish one of Ms. Flynn's books I am saddened....having to wait until I get to be enveloped into one of her wonderful stories. Every single one of the characters not only are important to the storyline but as a reader you cannot help but enjoy their moments upon the pages. Definitely a modern day Holmes with plenty of sass!
April 30, 2020
I was lucky enough to get an ARC and absolutely stoked to get back to Bel and Riot!
With Bel finally home, she and Riot are trying to feel out the new balance of their working relationship and realizing just how differently they approach and react to a case. But old grievances refuse to stay left behind and start making extreme waves in their various relationships.
There was so much going on in this book, but Ms. Flynn pulled everything together nicely with a common thread weaving through the various stories and perspectives. And there were some revelations that left me completely stunned and reaching for previous books to find all the little hints I missed. An absolutely great read.
With Bel finally home, she and Riot are trying to feel out the new balance of their working relationship and realizing just how differently they approach and react to a case. But old grievances refuse to stay left behind and start making extreme waves in their various relationships.
There was so much going on in this book, but Ms. Flynn pulled everything together nicely with a common thread weaving through the various stories and perspectives. And there were some revelations that left me completely stunned and reaching for previous books to find all the little hints I missed. An absolutely great read.
June 20, 2020
I just love these. Finally Riot & Isobel are married & things are starting to shape up, well until they don't. Jin is on a mission, Lothario has a new job & the rest of the kids (the Whites & the Riots) are learning the family trade... And that's all I'm going to say.
These are so much fun - a great mix of good pacing, wonderfully lovable characters, nasty bad guys & gals & always a decent whodunnit.
What a great Netflix series this would make ...
These are so much fun - a great mix of good pacing, wonderfully lovable characters, nasty bad guys & gals & always a decent whodunnit.
What a great Netflix series this would make ...
May 27, 2020
Another great installment to the series! Engaging mystery, kept me guessing until the end! I'm glad Jin received some closure in the deaths of her parents and enjoyed seeing her relax/soften a little more in her new family. As always, love Bel and Riot-looking forward to the next book!
March 18, 2022
Every one of these is better than the last.
June 6, 2020
When I first read this book (I received an advance copy), I thought it was the best Bel and Riot yet. Of course, I tend to think that whenever a new Ravenwood Mystery appears, as Sabrina Flynn just keeps getting better and better.
In this latest entry, newlyweds Atticus Riot and Bel are trying to step back into routine life, re-opening their detective agency and settling in at home with their adopted family and their circle of close friends. As tends to happen with this couple, however, a wrench is thrown into the works by someone wanting to blow them up, by the dangerous wanderings in Chinatown of daughter Sao Jin on some mysterious mission of her own, and by the disappearance of a teenage girl, a case that reminds Bel of her own youthful escapades. By the time we get to the last page, we've seen Riot on death's door, learned a great deal about what makes Sao Jin the girl she is, and discovered treachery where we never expected to see it.
And as always, we've had a vivid and often unsettling tour of turn-of-the-Twentieth-Century San Francisco. An entry in the series not to be missed!
In this latest entry, newlyweds Atticus Riot and Bel are trying to step back into routine life, re-opening their detective agency and settling in at home with their adopted family and their circle of close friends. As tends to happen with this couple, however, a wrench is thrown into the works by someone wanting to blow them up, by the dangerous wanderings in Chinatown of daughter Sao Jin on some mysterious mission of her own, and by the disappearance of a teenage girl, a case that reminds Bel of her own youthful escapades. By the time we get to the last page, we've seen Riot on death's door, learned a great deal about what makes Sao Jin the girl she is, and discovered treachery where we never expected to see it.
And as always, we've had a vivid and often unsettling tour of turn-of-the-Twentieth-Century San Francisco. An entry in the series not to be missed!
May 29, 2020
I love this series
Another great chapter in the lives of Jin, Riot and Isobel. I think I like these books so much because the characters have flaws, things don't always work out, and the story is real taken from history. It's not all perfect and beautiful either, but these characters love each other fiercely through some pretty bad times, in each book we find out more about them and how they interact with each other. There is a lot of depth with these characters and I eagerly await the next book to find out more. I also like that the characters are dimensional, and the scene setting in old san Francisco is riveting. Do yourself a favor and read this series.
Another great chapter in the lives of Jin, Riot and Isobel. I think I like these books so much because the characters have flaws, things don't always work out, and the story is real taken from history. It's not all perfect and beautiful either, but these characters love each other fiercely through some pretty bad times, in each book we find out more about them and how they interact with each other. There is a lot of depth with these characters and I eagerly await the next book to find out more. I also like that the characters are dimensional, and the scene setting in old san Francisco is riveting. Do yourself a favor and read this series.
July 8, 2020
With this newest Ravenwood Mystery the author raises her game to an even higher level (which is no mean feat, considering the high quality of the previous books in the series!) Sabrina Flynn proves once again to be a master storyteller, as Atticus, Bel, and family take on a missing person case with consequences that threaten their livelihood and very lives.
The several plot threads are complex and compelling, the danger is omnipresent and extreme, and the resolution is just. For the record, if there aren’t tears in your eye during the family camping trip at the end of the book...
And finally, well done, Tim!
The several plot threads are complex and compelling, the danger is omnipresent and extreme, and the resolution is just. For the record, if there aren’t tears in your eye during the family camping trip at the end of the book...
And finally, well done, Tim!
June 11, 2020
How will Bel and Riot start off their married life as a pair of detectives? With Bel blowing up the agency, of course. This series never fails to delight with wonderful plots and characters that leap off the page and into your heart. A missing young woman becomes their first case as a married couple but the case isn't their only concern, someone or some organization is trying to kill them and their Chinese adopted daughter is acting out in ways they don't understand. Can they find the missing girl, stay alive, and help their troubled daughter? Life with Bel and Riot is never dull!!
May 25, 2020
This is a unique series - 1900 San Francisco. Book 7 picked up exactly where it should - it has a good mystery to solve with interesting twists and I liked that the children's characters continued to grow The Sequoia story at the end was a nice touch
June 26, 2020
Book 7 feels as fresh as the first
Riot and Bel, Sarah and Jin, the wonderful Whites, Tim — what does it mean to be a family, what does it mean to be friends, the characters continue to evolve, while the mysteries remain deeply satisfying. No stagnation here. Absolutely wonderful.
Riot and Bel, Sarah and Jin, the wonderful Whites, Tim — what does it mean to be a family, what does it mean to be friends, the characters continue to evolve, while the mysteries remain deeply satisfying. No stagnation here. Absolutely wonderful.
May 26, 2020
Family
I love seeing how Riot and Isobel's blended family is growing. I enjoyed the mystery as well as the action that takes place. I.look forward to the next bokm.
I love seeing how Riot and Isobel's blended family is growing. I enjoyed the mystery as well as the action that takes place. I.look forward to the next bokm.
June 4, 2020
review
I really enjoyed this book. She really keeps your attention!! You will enjoy the continuing saga!!
It is nice to see their adopted daughters becoming friends!!!
I really enjoyed this book. She really keeps your attention!! You will enjoy the continuing saga!!
It is nice to see their adopted daughters becoming friends!!!
July 31, 2020
Continue to enjoy this series.
Seven books in and this series continues to surprise and entertain me. I find the storyline interesting and the characters full of life. With each turn of the page there is something new to learn about the Roots and their extended family. Looking forward to book eight!
Seven books in and this series continues to surprise and entertain me. I find the storyline interesting and the characters full of life. With each turn of the page there is something new to learn about the Roots and their extended family. Looking forward to book eight!
February 5, 2023
Another excellent book in this series, perhaps the best so far. As Bel and Riot investigate a missing girl, Jin searches for her own closure, violence comes calling to the agency, and attacks from within cause more issues. History woven into the mystery seamlessly. Interpersonal relationships, the power of love, hate, and forgiveness are explored in a deep and moving way.
June 25, 2020
too many things undone
riot would be dead by now. SO many enemies. Jin’s story was well done. it is also a great way for us all the reflect on hate and revenge (not even the gunslinger type). i’ll keep reading but riot is taking on superhero proportions.
riot would be dead by now. SO many enemies. Jin’s story was well done. it is also a great way for us all the reflect on hate and revenge (not even the gunslinger type). i’ll keep reading but riot is taking on superhero proportions.
May 14, 2021
Love these characters!!
November 2, 2021
Really like this series!
January 27, 2023
My favorite in the series so far, several mysteries and competing with Hamlet in the revenge category.
November 2, 2020
"A story reminiscent of Sherlock Holmes meeting Nick and Nora Charles meeting Veronica Mars."
This latest book in the Ravenwood Mysteries (#7) is another fascinating, roller-coaster ride of events. I don't even know where to start. I'm sad just realizing that it's the last one I will read until another comes out, and I hope that's soon!!! From the very first book, From the Ashes, I was addicted to this series. I've read all of the books in under two weeks and ignored a lot of house cleaning to make that happen. It was worth every dust mite.
I've never been so engrossed, entertained, and haunted by another series as I have with Author Sabrina Flynn's masterpiece. The details, setting, sass, character development, writing style, secondary characters, historical events, and more have made this a stellar read that eclipses so many other books. It's definitely that balance of Holmes' brilliance, Nick and Nora's charm, and Veronica's sassy sense of justice. I love it!!!
To find out more about the start of my obsession, find my blog review over From the Ashes here: https://rebeccaswriteinspirations.blo...
This latest book in the Ravenwood Mysteries (#7) is another fascinating, roller-coaster ride of events. I don't even know where to start. I'm sad just realizing that it's the last one I will read until another comes out, and I hope that's soon!!! From the very first book, From the Ashes, I was addicted to this series. I've read all of the books in under two weeks and ignored a lot of house cleaning to make that happen. It was worth every dust mite.
I've never been so engrossed, entertained, and haunted by another series as I have with Author Sabrina Flynn's masterpiece. The details, setting, sass, character development, writing style, secondary characters, historical events, and more have made this a stellar read that eclipses so many other books. It's definitely that balance of Holmes' brilliance, Nick and Nora's charm, and Veronica's sassy sense of justice. I love it!!!
To find out more about the start of my obsession, find my blog review over From the Ashes here: https://rebeccaswriteinspirations.blo...
September 11, 2020
4.8 stars! This book was sooo good! There was only one thing that held me back from giving 5 stars. One of my pet peeves is inconsistent chapter lengths and this book is full of them. Why is chapter 9 19 pages long and chapter 19 30 pages while chapter 21 is 5 pages and chapter 22 is 3?
I thought this was really well written. I found all the side stories interesting. However, I thought this was quiet long and I often found myself questioning what a whole chapter had to do with the plot. It's almost like this book tried to do too much at once. It might work for the story though. All stories were wrapped up in a satisfying way with a great ending.
I thought this was really well written. I found all the side stories interesting. However, I thought this was quiet long and I often found myself questioning what a whole chapter had to do with the plot. It's almost like this book tried to do too much at once. It might work for the story though. All stories were wrapped up in a satisfying way with a great ending.
February 11, 2021
I use my reviews as notes to myself, so no need to read this one.
Characters did a 180 through the past few books. Bel has gone from a young woman living on a boat & changing her identity from male to female & different personas. Her male twin will even switch places for her. Riot was a devil may care male detective. They started working together at the beginning of this series. They've now gotten married & adopted 2 kids, who they allow to help on cases.
Not the same kind of stories at all, even if they are mysteries. Abandoned & will not go back on any future books.
Characters did a 180 through the past few books. Bel has gone from a young woman living on a boat & changing her identity from male to female & different personas. Her male twin will even switch places for her. Riot was a devil may care male detective. They started working together at the beginning of this series. They've now gotten married & adopted 2 kids, who they allow to help on cases.
Not the same kind of stories at all, even if they are mysteries. Abandoned & will not go back on any future books.
November 15, 2020
Atticus Riot, as calm and smooth as he pretends to be, makes good...and bad...decisions regarding righting wrongs. Isobel, his wife, also battles with who needs to make retribution for wrongs. A young girl has gone missing, and the Ravenwood Agency works hard to find her, while a scathing newspaper article concerning Atticus and his family surfaces in the newspaper. Betrayal, finding honor, seeking justice...will Riot's family come away from this case unscathed?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews