Ring of Fire

A former Confederate spy arrives in San Francisco in June 1866, with the intention of re-igniting the war. He revives a group of pro-Confederate conspirators to help him carry out his plan of shelling the city from a ship outfitted with cannon, which is to be the signal for the thousands of disgruntled Southern men to take up arms again. However, the murder that opens the narrative leads to an investigation. Soon the U.S. Army lieutenant assigned to the case uncovers the conspiracy, which begins a race to stop the conspirators.

Thaddeus Daniels, a former Confederate spy arrives in San Francisco in June 1866, with the intention of re-igniting the war. He revives a group of pro-Confederate conspirators (Knights of the Golden Circle) to help him carry out his plan of shelling the city from a ship outfitted with cannon. This will be the signal for the thousands of disgruntled Southern men to take up arms again. However, Daniels is recognized by a former foe, whom the spy subsequently murders. The murder leads to an investigation. Soon the U.S. Army lieutenant assigned to the case begins to slowly uncover the conspiracy, which starts a race to stop the conspirators.

A native San Franciscan, John Winch has been researching the history of the city for many years. He has a B.A. in English Literature from U.C. Berkeley and a Master's Degree in Creative Writing from S.F. State University. He is currently working on his fourth novel.