As the world"s greatest detective, Simon Archard long ago lost interest in crimes that present to him absolutely no challenge - but when a sudden spate of extraordinary homicides and impossible events threatens the gas-lit streets of Partington, only Archard and his partner Emma Bishop can separate the guilty from the innocent! Ruse takes place on the planet Arcadia, in a Victorian-era setting tinged with elements of magic and wonder. The most visible difference from circa 1880"s London is that it has actual gargoyles which are regarded by the populace as creatures as commonplace as stray dogs. This edition collects issues #1-17 of the Eisner and Harvey nominated series which served as the flagship title for the innovative comic book company, Crossgen.