This document contains excerpts from "Flamethrower," a novel by Maggie Estep, introducing the protagonist Ruby Murphy, who is a former museum employee now working at an amusement park game. The narrative follows Ruby as she becomes entangled in a mystery involving her psychiatrist, Jody Ray, after discovering a severed leg in Jody's home. Ruby embarks on a quest to locate the missing Jody, encountering various quirky characters and dangerous situations, ultimately revealing a complex plot centered around kidnapping and an insurance scam, while simultaneously navigating her strained personal relationships and newfound sense of purpose.