In 1890s San Francisco, former Pinkerton operative Sabina Carpenter and her detective partner, ex-Secret Service agent John Quincannon, undertake what initially appear to be two unrelated investigations. The two cases eventually connect in surprising fashion, but not before two murders and other felonies complicate matters even further. And not before the two sleuths are hindered, assisted and exasperated by the bughouse Sherlock Holmes.

Bill, the “Nameless Detective,” and his wife Kerry were in the Sierra foothills falling in love with a cabin when Kerry went missing. Bill begins a search that uncovers just what price the citizens in town without pity may have to pay. Following the few leads he has, Bill comes face to face with the Hellbox.