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mg_in_md_'s review against another edition
4.0
To be rated/reviewed after this month's book club meeting
Set at the turn of the century (1900) in San Francisco, the first book in the Ravenwood Mysteries series introduces readers to Atticus Riot, a gambler-turned-detective who has returned home after twenty years of roaming the Barbary Coast. He is thrown into a case involving a missing heiress, Isobel Kingston, almost immediately and sets out to determine what has happened and why. He seems reluctant to jump back into sleuthing, however, but is clearly up to the task -- and sometimes gets a bit of encouragement from his dearly departed partner, the eponymous Ravenwood. As events unfold, it becomes evident that all is not what it seems and Riot will not rest until he uncovers the truth about the missing Isobel. In addition the story's pacing, I enjoyed the setting and historical details that factored into the mystery, and would definitely add the second book [b:A Bitter Draught|26057845|A Bitter Draught (Ravenwood Mysteries #2)|Sabrina Flynn|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1438965401s/26057845.jpg|45989265] to my "to read" list based on this fine first offering. Lots of interesting backstory and characters worth getting to know make this a series that shows great potential. The historical note at the end enhanced my reading experience overall, as the author pointed out some of the real figures who were featured in the story, and she provided some excellent recommendations for further reading on this time period and setting. A new-to-me author, Ms. Flynn is one I would seek out again!
Set at the turn of the century (1900) in San Francisco, the first book in the Ravenwood Mysteries series introduces readers to Atticus Riot, a gambler-turned-detective who has returned home after twenty years of roaming the Barbary Coast. He is thrown into a case involving a missing heiress, Isobel Kingston, almost immediately and sets out to determine what has happened and why. He seems reluctant to jump back into sleuthing, however, but is clearly up to the task -- and sometimes gets a bit of encouragement from his dearly departed partner, the eponymous Ravenwood. As events unfold, it becomes evident that all is not what it seems and Riot will not rest until he uncovers the truth about the missing Isobel. In addition the story's pacing, I enjoyed the setting and historical details that factored into the mystery, and would definitely add the second book [b:A Bitter Draught|26057845|A Bitter Draught (Ravenwood Mysteries #2)|Sabrina Flynn|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1438965401s/26057845.jpg|45989265] to my "to read" list based on this fine first offering. Lots of interesting backstory and characters worth getting to know make this a series that shows great potential. The historical note at the end enhanced my reading experience overall, as the author pointed out some of the real figures who were featured in the story, and she provided some excellent recommendations for further reading on this time period and setting. A new-to-me author, Ms. Flynn is one I would seek out again!
dawn_marie's review against another edition
1.0
From the Ashes by Sabrina Flynn was not an enjoyable read. The setup and setting could have been interesting if it were not for the highly predictable plot and poorly developed characters.
I did appreciate the setting, 1900 San Francisco, and Ms. Flynn showed glimpses of the societal structure, attitudes toward immigrants, and the resistance to modernization happen at the start of the 20th century.
The plot was a straightforward mystery, find out who kidnapped Mrs. Isobel Kingston and find a way to return her safely. The plot was so basic that the "twists" were not surprising nor was the perpetrator or his motivations. I could have dealt with the highly predictable plot (right down to clichéd dialog) if the characters were well developed and interesting. Sadly, they were neither, they were barely clichéd tropes: gambler turned detective, outcast brother, distraught father, aloof robber baron, unconventional daughter, helpful sidekick . . . and so on. Just because your lead characters happen to be a detective with manners who uses a cane, or the mouthy only daughter of rich parents doesn't make them interesting - or even likeable. And that was the biggest issue; I actively disliked the characters - - and not disliked in they are horrible people, yet they are well written and interesting a la Joe Abercrombie - - they were just poorly developed characters. Instead of a gentleman detective and headstrong heiress the author ended up with an emo-whinny guy who hates his job and an obnoxious, rude, woman who thinks nothing of using people.
This was not an enjoyable read - thank goodness it was short and free. I will take a hard pass on the rest of the series.
I did appreciate the setting, 1900 San Francisco, and Ms. Flynn showed glimpses of the societal structure, attitudes toward immigrants, and the resistance to modernization happen at the start of the 20th century.
The plot was a straightforward mystery, find out who kidnapped Mrs. Isobel Kingston and find a way to return her safely. The plot was so basic that the "twists" were not surprising nor was the perpetrator or his motivations. I could have dealt with the highly predictable plot (right down to clichéd dialog) if the characters were well developed and interesting. Sadly, they were neither, they were barely clichéd tropes: gambler turned detective, outcast brother, distraught father, aloof robber baron, unconventional daughter, helpful sidekick . . . and so on. Just because your lead characters happen to be a detective with manners who uses a cane, or the mouthy only daughter of rich parents doesn't make them interesting - or even likeable. And that was the biggest issue; I actively disliked the characters - - and not disliked in they are horrible people, yet they are well written and interesting a la Joe Abercrombie - - they were just poorly developed characters. Instead of a gentleman detective and headstrong heiress the author ended up with an emo-whinny guy who hates his job and an obnoxious, rude, woman who thinks nothing of using people.
This was not an enjoyable read - thank goodness it was short and free. I will take a hard pass on the rest of the series.
mamap's review against another edition
3.0
Quick read
An easy mystery. Not a lot of depth, but an interesting premise. Nice twist at the end. Good for the summer.
An easy mystery. Not a lot of depth, but an interesting premise. Nice twist at the end. Good for the summer.
mackstacks's review against another edition
4.0
I almost didn’t keep reading after a few chapters in. But I’m so glad I did! Twists I didn’t see coming, suspense, action. I liked it! Will read others in the series.
twstdtink's review against another edition
4.0
This was a really fun Sherlock Holmes type mystery novel with a great cast of characters. It was short, perfect for a beach read, and kept me guessing the entire time.
julianav's review against another edition
5.0
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book having bought it on a special via Book Bub. And I'm glad I took a chance. It's refreshing, evocative and historically accurate, which is a rare thing these days. Atticus Riot is at first a somewhat cliched figure, but I grew to appreciate him as the book went on. 1900s San Francisco was incredible in this book, just the right mix of seedy and hopeful.
The second character I absolutely loved I won't mention by name lest I reveal spoilers, but this character helped make the book.
Will definitely read the rest of the series
The second character I absolutely loved I won't mention by name lest I reveal spoilers, but this character helped make the book.
Will definitely read the rest of the series
kate907's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
carbonaden's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
sethmoko's review against another edition
4.0
Page-turning historical fiction. If you’re a fan of Laurie King, as I am, you’ll enjoy this. Turn of the 20th Century San Francisco, class distinctions, gender roles, all the fun!