Kristin Dodds

Daisy and Frederica Linden have tracked their missing father to Bodie, the most dangerous town in the Wild West, where bad men murder without guilt and single ladies are as rare and valuable as gold. Here they must depend upon the help of the society of absent friends, that secret network of boardinghouse keepers who know everyone's business - and make secrets their stock in trade.

Daisy Linden and her sister, Frederica, arrive by airship in Santa Fe, capital of the Texican Territories, determined to search for their missing father. But two surprises await them - the authorities' baffling refusal to help and a not-so-chance meeting with snake-oil salesman William Barnicott. To their joy, the Lindens find that their father has indeed been seen in Santa Fe. To their horror, it was an assignation with a cancan dancer in the dead of night.

For 13 years, Steven has lived alone with his mother. Until he plays an unwitting part in the resurrection of Ssanek, a long-dead god. Now, as Ssanek’s cult grows, he must decide between abandoning the world to its fate and risking everyone he cares for in a hopeless bid to banish the dark god. Meanwhile, half-elven Christabel searches for a way to bring her mother back from the dead, even as she fights those who see her human heritage as poison.