Music, Music, Music

Because Raphael was a musician before he was a detective, specific songs are referenced in the books. In the second book, he's working to solve the murder of a mysterious ghost, and in order to determine what year she died in, he plays music to get her reactions.

If you like music, I recommend reading on or near a device that will allow you to pull up the songs-- they will give you a sense of setting, character, and can serve as a bit of a soundtrack to the adventure. I do love the jazz era sound and I think you will, too.