What do you think?
Rate this book
Ravenwood Mysteries #8
Beyond the Pale
An innocent accused. An infamous hotel. And a murder everyone wants to hide.
While recovering from a brutal beating, Atticus Riot is arrested for the murder of his ex-agent—the same agent who left Riot for dead. His wife and partner, Isobel Amsel, watches helplessly as he's taken to San Francisco’s notorious ‘sweat box’ for interrogation by an inspector with a grudge.
Desperate to save her husband, Isobel seeks out the one ally they have—only he’s in the infamous Hotel Nymphia, neck-deep in a murder investigation with a ghastly corpse and over three hundred suspects. In exchange for the inspector’s aid, Isobel agrees to work as a consulting detective on his case.
Now Isobel needs to prove Riot’s innocence while tracking down a killer no one wants caught. The diverging trails lead to an old friend, a tangled web of secret lives, and one all-consuming question: where’s the line between justice and murder?
A suspenseful Victorian mystery with a strong female lead and a romantic detective duo in San Francisco’s lawless Barbary Coast. Fans of Laurie R. King, Deanna Raybourn, and C.S. Harris will love this thrilling historical mystery series.
While recovering from a brutal beating, Atticus Riot is arrested for the murder of his ex-agent—the same agent who left Riot for dead. His wife and partner, Isobel Amsel, watches helplessly as he's taken to San Francisco’s notorious ‘sweat box’ for interrogation by an inspector with a grudge.
Desperate to save her husband, Isobel seeks out the one ally they have—only he’s in the infamous Hotel Nymphia, neck-deep in a murder investigation with a ghastly corpse and over three hundred suspects. In exchange for the inspector’s aid, Isobel agrees to work as a consulting detective on his case.
Now Isobel needs to prove Riot’s innocence while tracking down a killer no one wants caught. The diverging trails lead to an old friend, a tangled web of secret lives, and one all-consuming question: where’s the line between justice and murder?
A suspenseful Victorian mystery with a strong female lead and a romantic detective duo in San Francisco’s lawless Barbary Coast. Fans of Laurie R. King, Deanna Raybourn, and C.S. Harris will love this thrilling historical mystery series.
479 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 20, 2021
50 people are currently reading
111 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
July 26, 2025
This is one of my favorite all-time series (must be a better way to say this is the best). The world building and characters are so well done and have kept me coming back for more. I would recommend reading the previous books as the secondary characters backgrounds are mentioned but not fleshed out in this volume. The 5* rating comes from having read the previous books and this one is icing on the cake. I think as a standalone this would be a 4*. I am reading on vacation and so my reading is a lot choppier than when I am at home, I found piecing together the clues excellent, but the head of the organization was a bit murky. The setup for the last book in the series is laid out and I don't want it to end.
April 13, 2021
Another great entry in the Ravenwood series! This one managed to gather up all the threads that have been left loose in previous books and start weaving them into a much bigger picture. As well as finally starting to touch on a few mysteries that were hinted out very early on. Half of me wants to go back and reread all of the earlier books to catch all the clues I know I missed and the other half is clamoring for the next installment already.
April 28, 2021
It is hard to believe that a writer can keep getting better and better but Sabrina Flynn does just that as exemplified in her newest Ravenwood Mystery, Beyond The Pale.
A former Ravenwood Agency employee is found dead; Bel & Riot & family are returning to the City after a much needed R&R, only to find that an “investor” angel has purchased the outstanding debt and ownership of the Agency, and Riot is quickly whisked off to jail as the prime suspect in the aforementioned death. Then things get interesting!
Sabrina Flynn continues to amaze with another story of 1900 San Francisco that is unputdownable with its characters, atmosphere, and murder and mayhem that grab you and won’t let go.
Once again, highly recommended!
A former Ravenwood Agency employee is found dead; Bel & Riot & family are returning to the City after a much needed R&R, only to find that an “investor” angel has purchased the outstanding debt and ownership of the Agency, and Riot is quickly whisked off to jail as the prime suspect in the aforementioned death. Then things get interesting!
Sabrina Flynn continues to amaze with another story of 1900 San Francisco that is unputdownable with its characters, atmosphere, and murder and mayhem that grab you and won’t let go.
Once again, highly recommended!
May 19, 2025
Excellent, each story builds on the next and is so very well done. This one is sadder and grittier, dealing with prostitution, and it brings up very valid points that will affect me probably forever.
I lingered on this book, not rushing, as I near the end of the series. It definitely had very deep moments. Avert your ears if you don't want to hear me spout off :)
Women - of that time and many others- there were not a lot of options in life if they are perceived as spoiled goods. Can't take away jobs from the men and if they found one- won't be paid as much, they will be challenged by others telling them that they are putting on "airs" and given no education or career advancement.
There is prostitution or slavery if they can't find someone to help them.
Then the church- going folks protest and want to close down the whorehouses but provide absolutely nowhere for these women to LIVE without persecution. I thought that was really insightful for the author to point this out.
It brings to mind something I never realized as a young person- you can ban abortion but there is a huge lack in social programs to support women in keeping these babies. Don't kill them but you are on your own to raise them!
No subsidized child care, which would change the world for so many women. To get an actual living wage job and have your children taken care of? Game changer.
There- said my piece.
The characters are so well done in these stories but this one in particular- I felt the sadness and horror for the murdered man and in such an awful way. I hated his father and the sacrifice of character made for money and power, the duplicity of the religious. This story made me feel even more and I was enjoying every moment.
Highlights & Spoilers-
There were definitely light-hearted moments:
Jin started to pull Sarah away.
“Wait,” Isobel ordered.
“Yes?” Jin asked.
“You didn’t agree to my terms.”
“We will stay out of alleyways,” Jin said.
“And no stabbing people.”
Jin muttered under her breath. The eleven-year-old was entirely too quick with her blade. “Fine, we will let bad men take us instead.”
“You know what I mean,” Isobel said.
Jin stuck out her tongue.
------------
“It’s not polite to read other people’s telegrams,” she said, stuffing the missive in her satchel.
“You do it all the time,” Jin accused.
“At least I do so in secret.”
-----------
“I won’t lie,” Sarah said firmly.
“I would lie,” Jin said.
Sarah shot her sister a glare across the carriage.
“We’re not asking you to lie,” Riot soothed.
And I really enjoyed Daisy, she and Lothario make a good team:
“It’s usually called a gang,” she pointed out. “I rather like the name the Molly Maguires came up with.”
“Oh, stop it.”
“Right, so let’s catch them. We set up a trap…”
“We’ve come back to my moral dilemma.”
“I didn’t think you actually had those.”
“I’ve just discovered one.” Lotario slid over a newspaper and tapped an article.
Riot has to do undercover work in a whorehouse, a pretty terrible one at that, and he is challenged as he fights his desire to save them all:
Riot focused on her and let fury and frustration bleed into his voice. “Don’t you dare spit on the graves of women who never got the chance to turn down an offered hand.”
They make it to Bel before its too late:
Riot didn’t reply.
“She is too stubborn to die.” This was said with more conviction.
“I think I’m supposed to be comforting you,” he murmured.
“Yes,” she said, resting her head against his arm. “But I will forgive you. Only this one time.”
He looked down, and she looked up, giving him a small smile. “We are a very exciting family.”
“Maybe a little too exciting,” he admitted.
Jin snorted, so like her mother. “You forget where you found us, bahba. We were all trouble to begin with.”
I lingered on this book, not rushing, as I near the end of the series. It definitely had very deep moments. Avert your ears if you don't want to hear me spout off :)
Women - of that time and many others- there were not a lot of options in life if they are perceived as spoiled goods. Can't take away jobs from the men and if they found one- won't be paid as much, they will be challenged by others telling them that they are putting on "airs" and given no education or career advancement.
There is prostitution or slavery if they can't find someone to help them.
Then the church- going folks protest and want to close down the whorehouses but provide absolutely nowhere for these women to LIVE without persecution. I thought that was really insightful for the author to point this out.
It brings to mind something I never realized as a young person- you can ban abortion but there is a huge lack in social programs to support women in keeping these babies. Don't kill them but you are on your own to raise them!
No subsidized child care, which would change the world for so many women. To get an actual living wage job and have your children taken care of? Game changer.
There- said my piece.
The characters are so well done in these stories but this one in particular- I felt the sadness and horror for the murdered man and in such an awful way. I hated his father and the sacrifice of character made for money and power, the duplicity of the religious. This story made me feel even more and I was enjoying every moment.
Highlights & Spoilers-
There were definitely light-hearted moments:
Jin started to pull Sarah away.
“Wait,” Isobel ordered.
“Yes?” Jin asked.
“You didn’t agree to my terms.”
“We will stay out of alleyways,” Jin said.
“And no stabbing people.”
Jin muttered under her breath. The eleven-year-old was entirely too quick with her blade. “Fine, we will let bad men take us instead.”
“You know what I mean,” Isobel said.
Jin stuck out her tongue.
------------
“It’s not polite to read other people’s telegrams,” she said, stuffing the missive in her satchel.
“You do it all the time,” Jin accused.
“At least I do so in secret.”
-----------
“I won’t lie,” Sarah said firmly.
“I would lie,” Jin said.
Sarah shot her sister a glare across the carriage.
“We’re not asking you to lie,” Riot soothed.
And I really enjoyed Daisy, she and Lothario make a good team:
“It’s usually called a gang,” she pointed out. “I rather like the name the Molly Maguires came up with.”
“Oh, stop it.”
“Right, so let’s catch them. We set up a trap…”
“We’ve come back to my moral dilemma.”
“I didn’t think you actually had those.”
“I’ve just discovered one.” Lotario slid over a newspaper and tapped an article.
Riot has to do undercover work in a whorehouse, a pretty terrible one at that, and he is challenged as he fights his desire to save them all:
Riot focused on her and let fury and frustration bleed into his voice. “Don’t you dare spit on the graves of women who never got the chance to turn down an offered hand.”
They make it to Bel before its too late:
Riot didn’t reply.
“She is too stubborn to die.” This was said with more conviction.
“I think I’m supposed to be comforting you,” he murmured.
“Yes,” she said, resting her head against his arm. “But I will forgive you. Only this one time.”
He looked down, and she looked up, giving him a small smile. “We are a very exciting family.”
“Maybe a little too exciting,” he admitted.
Jin snorted, so like her mother. “You forget where you found us, bahba. We were all trouble to begin with.”
October 27, 2022
I continue to love this series!
I especially loved this story because of the touching family interaction and also for the mysterious hinted details from the past now starting to unfold.
This exciting mystery takes place in a horrid environment and I was somewhat appalled that the author chose such a setting until she explains in her afterward that the Hotel Nymphia is not fictional and was so much worse than what we read in this story. “Life for the lowest Barbary Coast prostitute was horrendous, and it paints a rather vivid picture of the type of men who frequented the brothels.”
There is a bit of a cliffhanger at the end which makes me very eager for the next book.
I especially loved this story because of the touching family interaction and also for the mysterious hinted details from the past now starting to unfold.
This exciting mystery takes place in a horrid environment and I was somewhat appalled that the author chose such a setting until she explains in her afterward that the Hotel Nymphia is not fictional and was so much worse than what we read in this story. “Life for the lowest Barbary Coast prostitute was horrendous, and it paints a rather vivid picture of the type of men who frequented the brothels.”
There is a bit of a cliffhanger at the end which makes me very eager for the next book.
April 27, 2021
Wild and Good
Have read all books in Series and this one is my favorite. So glad to be involved with wild bunch of as Jin says she has one exciting family. Enjoyed history of old San Fran but dismayed by plight of so called Fallen Women. So liked the courage of Isobel and Riot and the love they share with Sarah and Jin. And enjoy the justice of old west.
Have read all books in Series and this one is my favorite. So glad to be involved with wild bunch of as Jin says she has one exciting family. Enjoyed history of old San Fran but dismayed by plight of so called Fallen Women. So liked the courage of Isobel and Riot and the love they share with Sarah and Jin. And enjoy the justice of old west.
April 24, 2021
Another Gem!
Sabrina is a wonderful story teller!
She weaves mystery, action, and love through the late 19th century along the Barbary Coast capturing what life was like by conjuring up word pictures of the struggles, hardships, romance, and family values, as well as tidbits of dark humor. I've read all 8 and will anxiously await #9!
Sabrina is a wonderful story teller!
She weaves mystery, action, and love through the late 19th century along the Barbary Coast capturing what life was like by conjuring up word pictures of the struggles, hardships, romance, and family values, as well as tidbits of dark humor. I've read all 8 and will anxiously await #9!
April 15, 2025
I just love Jin.
Where Jin is, it is not boring!
Where Jin is, it is not boring!
April 20, 2021
Events in "Where Cowards Tread" brought unintended consequences to Bel and Riot when he is arrested for the murder of his former agent, and the man who almost beat him to death. Bel is desperate to protect Riot from the Inspector who made the arrest and has no love for Riot. This leads her to promise to solve the mystery of another death in a notorious brothel where a lady would not step one foot inside, but then Bel is no lady. Wheels within wheels and a complex and satisfying mystery made this a page-turner from beginning to end. Any time with Bel and Riot is good, but this book is at the top of the pile.
May 27, 2021
Another awesome read
I cannot say enough good things about this series - the story sucks you in and doesn't let go; the characters grab your heart and hold on tight and the bad guys make you want to do something violent to stop their badness. And, you are left at the end wanting the next book already in the queue in your Kindle so you don't have to wait. :)
I cannot say enough good things about this series - the story sucks you in and doesn't let go; the characters grab your heart and hold on tight and the bad guys make you want to do something violent to stop their badness. And, you are left at the end wanting the next book already in the queue in your Kindle so you don't have to wait. :)
April 15, 2021
One of the best books I’ve read this year, and a huge thanks to Ms Flynn for sending me an ARC! The story starts with a murder which always makes for a good mystery; Bel and Riot going their seperate ways definitely don’t disappoint in their investigations. Ahem looking forward to the next one Sabrina!
May 23, 2021
Total Enjoyment
I've read all of the Ravenwood books and thourghly enjoyed each one. They capture my interest and the characters manage to be fun and heartwarming at same time. I hope the mystery of the White family will bring about solving another great mystery. We shouldn't ignore Tobias's plea.
I've read all of the Ravenwood books and thourghly enjoyed each one. They capture my interest and the characters manage to be fun and heartwarming at same time. I hope the mystery of the White family will bring about solving another great mystery. We shouldn't ignore Tobias's plea.
May 22, 2021
Just can’t wait for the next adventure!
May 19, 2021
Yet another stellar entry in the Ravenwood Series! Author Sabrina Flynn consistently produces exciting story lines, gives us characters we actually become attached to, and invests untold hours in detailed research about the places and eras she writes about. I’ve read through this series at least 3 times (I’ve lost count!), only 1 or 2 other series have been that good to become my comfort reads!
May 8, 2021
Flynn's best yet...
She does a masterful job of weaving her characters thru breakneck suspense. Can't wait to see what happens next....bring on #9
She does a masterful job of weaving her characters thru breakneck suspense. Can't wait to see what happens next....bring on #9
May 13, 2021
This series is just so good and so much fun I decided to give it a first 5 star review for me. I generally save these for "higher end literature" but, as I said.
Bel & Riot are at it again with the whole family in tow. Multiple mysteries come together tying up some previous loose ends and exposing a new one. This looks to be a part 1 of 2 and I can't wait until the next one.
My only complaint is if I have to read 'my twin" or " twin" one more time.. it's like the overused noun "mate" in another series. OMG we know Ari & Bel are twins. Bel is Ari's sister, she's Bel, she's Miss Amsel, she's Mrs Riot twin twin twin twin twin... My father never in his entire life referred to his twin brother as "my twin." Gah 😖
Bel & Riot are at it again with the whole family in tow. Multiple mysteries come together tying up some previous loose ends and exposing a new one. This looks to be a part 1 of 2 and I can't wait until the next one.
My only complaint is if I have to read 'my twin" or " twin" one more time.. it's like the overused noun "mate" in another series. OMG we know Ari & Bel are twins. Bel is Ari's sister, she's Bel, she's Miss Amsel, she's Mrs Riot twin twin twin twin twin... My father never in his entire life referred to his twin brother as "my twin." Gah 😖
April 6, 2024
A stellar achievement!
Each book gets progressively better. The characters are human with their complications. The San Francisco atmosphere of the 1900s is deliciously described and believable based on the author's notes. The plots are complex and far-reaching. I'm moving on to the last book. Kudos!
Each book gets progressively better. The characters are human with their complications. The San Francisco atmosphere of the 1900s is deliciously described and believable based on the author's notes. The plots are complex and far-reaching. I'm moving on to the last book. Kudos!
December 28, 2023
Another good one in this series. A bit more emphasis on the personalities and their interconnectedness than on the mystery but the mystery was complex and intriguing as always.
June 5, 2021
Latest book in this series, I thought I would just start with a couple chapters and then call it a night....well, it sucked me right in and the next thing i knew it was 2 A.M!
Atticus is returning with his family from vacation and recovery from his injuries when he is arrested. Bel and the children work to get him freed but another murder has occurred and that takes a priority.
Everyone is into the pool with this one, including Miss Lily and her boys, Bels twin is now running the Ravenwood Agency ( heaven forbid!) and corrupt cops and the Pinkertons.
This was a great read and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Atticus is returning with his family from vacation and recovery from his injuries when he is arrested. Bel and the children work to get him freed but another murder has occurred and that takes a priority.
Everyone is into the pool with this one, including Miss Lily and her boys, Bels twin is now running the Ravenwood Agency ( heaven forbid!) and corrupt cops and the Pinkertons.
This was a great read and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
October 28, 2021
Atticus is accused of murder and Bel has to solve a case without him in order to get help to prove his innocence, but does she really want to know the truth? If that doesn't catch your attention, nothing will. Interspersed between all this, are even more little mysteries and dramas that tug at your heart strings and draw your attention. I've yet to find a recurring character the author hasn't managed to make me love . . . or hate, whichever the case may be. I'm only sad I've come to the end of the series. I certainly hope the next one comes out soon, because she left us with a cliff hanger, which I don't mind at all. It gives me all the more reason to look forward to the next adventure.
June 4, 2021
"Beyond The Pale" is riveting, mysterious, horrifying, and fantastic!
Just as AJ is recovering from the near-death beating, he's thrown in jail for murder.
Bel is beside herself with worry, but as usual, she rolls up her sleeves to find a way to assist, but it doesn't appear in a form that she'd have anticipated.
Jin, Sarah, Grimm, and Tobias manage to wrangle themselves into the action, much to the dismay of both their parents...and the law.
And let's not forget how Lotario manages to solve an intricate puzzle, while Tim pulls out his gun and makes a statement with death.
Great series, terrific characters; I am hooked, and you'll be too...read this today!
Just as AJ is recovering from the near-death beating, he's thrown in jail for murder.
Bel is beside herself with worry, but as usual, she rolls up her sleeves to find a way to assist, but it doesn't appear in a form that she'd have anticipated.
Jin, Sarah, Grimm, and Tobias manage to wrangle themselves into the action, much to the dismay of both their parents...and the law.
And let's not forget how Lotario manages to solve an intricate puzzle, while Tim pulls out his gun and makes a statement with death.
Great series, terrific characters; I am hooked, and you'll be too...read this today!
May 6, 2021
Another great one
These books get better and better. While the cast of characters is delightful and varied, it will help readers if Ms. Flynn chooses names that don't start with the same letter so often. Mack. Matthew. Monty. Murphy.
Riot and Bel's love for each other is touching and I do love those scenes. Ari is also a favorite. The history mixes in well with these fascinating mysteries . Also helps that Ms. Flynn is a talented writer.
Well done!
These books get better and better. While the cast of characters is delightful and varied, it will help readers if Ms. Flynn chooses names that don't start with the same letter so often. Mack. Matthew. Monty. Murphy.
Riot and Bel's love for each other is touching and I do love those scenes. Ari is also a favorite. The history mixes in well with these fascinating mysteries . Also helps that Ms. Flynn is a talented writer.
Well done!
January 22, 2022
love this family!
I love reading about this amazing group of people. If you are not happy with the family you were well go and create another. Each character is so rich so worldly. They all care for each other. The relationship between Isabel and a riot is beautiful. I wish we could have a series on the Ravenwood agency. It would have so much more depth, love, suspense,and fun. Thank you for writing another great story I could not put it down.
I love reading about this amazing group of people. If you are not happy with the family you were well go and create another. Each character is so rich so worldly. They all care for each other. The relationship between Isabel and a riot is beautiful. I wish we could have a series on the Ravenwood agency. It would have so much more depth, love, suspense,and fun. Thank you for writing another great story I could not put it down.
May 6, 2021
So worth waiting or...Thank you Ms. Flynn!!!!!!!r
I Love all of the characters, their storylines, and I never know the murderer until Ms. Flynn reveals him/her-my basic judge of a successful Murder mystery......Can't wait for the next book to find out about the White family, Lilly and her children.....
I Love all of the characters, their storylines, and I never know the murderer until Ms. Flynn reveals him/her-my basic judge of a successful Murder mystery......Can't wait for the next book to find out about the White family, Lilly and her children.....
June 21, 2021
"We are a very exciting family," Jin said. That's almost an understatement. Riot and Bel don't disappoint in this most recent Ravenwood mystery. Full of complex story lines, interesting characters, hints of their past and future. 1900s San Francisco is so much more the wild west than I ever imagined. And the cliffhanger ending certainly makes me eager to read the next book.
March 9, 2022
Such a excellent series
I have read every book in this series. They are engaging, develop beautifully and hold interest. Now I have to wait for the next! Characters are wonderfully developed. Growth and learning in a wide r range of situations.
Historical context is well researched and interesting.
Highly recommended.
I have read every book in this series. They are engaging, develop beautifully and hold interest. Now I have to wait for the next! Characters are wonderfully developed. Growth and learning in a wide r range of situations.
Historical context is well researched and interesting.
Highly recommended.
May 6, 2021
Exciting and Awesome as Usual!
I'm always in awe of the historical detail in a Ravenwood mystery. I love the diverse cast, the investigations, and the dialog. Heck, I just love the series. Which means I get nothing else done when a new title appears. Darn you, Sabrina Flynn!
I'm always in awe of the historical detail in a Ravenwood mystery. I love the diverse cast, the investigations, and the dialog. Heck, I just love the series. Which means I get nothing else done when a new title appears. Darn you, Sabrina Flynn!
June 29, 2021
Fantastic Storylines
I discovered these books a week or so ago and have been binge-reading ever since. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire Ravenwood Mysteries series. I loved each storyline and am waiting with bated breath on #9.
I discovered these books a week or so ago and have been binge-reading ever since. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire Ravenwood Mysteries series. I loved each storyline and am waiting with bated breath on #9.
March 15, 2022
Absorbing read.
Character driven, well researched series. Use of apostrophe for plural possessive is distractingly chancy but that is just being picky. I am really looking forward to the next instalment.
Character driven, well researched series. Use of apostrophe for plural possessive is distractingly chancy but that is just being picky. I am really looking forward to the next instalment.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews