California Dreamin'

HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: One of the coolest parts of living in New England is the beach towns. The elegant Marblehead, the hip Swampscott. The clamor of Hyannis, the Kennedyesque Osterville, the literary Truro, the wonderful P’town. The traffic, yeah, it can be a real pain, but there’s always a dunkin’s along the way.

But California beach towns–well, they’re different, aren't they? As mystery author Terry Ambrose (such an early pal of Jungle Red!) knows all too well.

Location, Location, Location

 by Terry Ambrose

I’ve always been a bit of a nomad. It started when I was six. Okay, I admit, it was my parents who moved us about every two years while I was growing up. But after graduating college, all the moves have been on me (my wife usually just sighed and went along on the next adventure). I’ve lived in Southern and Northern California, Arizona, Idaho, and Washington. But, for me, Southern California beach towns are my favorites.

The beach towns have their own distinct personalities. Some, like San Diego, try to be all grown up. (“Look at us, we have museums, sports teams, and a convention center!”) While others, like Pacific Beach, are still reveling in their beachihood (“Hey, man, come hang out on the boardwalk and hit the waves!”)

Carlsbad also has its own personality. We live only a few miles from this North San Diego County town. In fact, when we moved back to Southern California from Arizona, we wanted to live in Carlsbad. What we discovered was that Carlsbad zip codes carried an outrageous premium. (“Sorry, dude, you crossed the street. Price went up 50k.”) Yes, the Carlsbad dream cratered, but we landed not that far away.

I can see why those zip codes carry such a high price tag. There’s something special about Carlsbad. Maybe it’s the attitude. Maybe it’s just the near-perfect climate. For whatever reason, a ton of people visit this funky little town each year. The cool thing is all those visitors get to be pretend-locals for a week before they have to go home.

One of the unique things about Carlsbad Village is that there are no chain stores. Yes, there’s a Starbucks. And a few fast-food places. But actual shops? No way. Instead, the streets are lined with boutiques and galleries you won’t find anywhere else. In fact, there are even a couple of private investigators with offices on the outskirts that little geographic gem.

Among Carlsbad’s many attractions is the sea wall. It’s a hugely popular walk along the ocean with two options. If you’re the kind who likes to get close to the water (like me!) it’s a bit of a steep descent down to sea level. But, once you’re down there, a paved walkway meanders along the shore for about 3/4 of a mile (one way). For those who are more inclined to enjoy an overlook without the climb, there’s a sidewalk along Carlsbad Boulevard. Either walk offers spectacular views of the ocean, a chance to watch the surfers bob out in the ocean, and that wonderful sea breeze.

Carlsbad felt like the ideal location to situate my new Beachtown Detective Agency series. Located in the midst of a huge metropolitan area, it still feels unique and small. It’s one of those places that makes you want to stay and wander.

Of course, there are plenty of those kinds of places, and I’d love to hear about some of your favorites. Leave a comment to let me know!

HANK: I realized when I was checking this for typos, that instead of Marblehead, I had typed Marplehead. TOTALLY different place!
How about you, Reds and readers. Do you have a favorite beach town? Or one you’d love to visit? (I just read a scathing article about Positano, did you see that?)

Terry Ambrose has written fifteen published mysteries. His series include the McKenna Trouble in Paradise Mysteries, the Seaside Cove Bed & Breakfast Mysteries, the License to Lie thriller series, and the Beachtown Detective Agency mysteries.

The Amorous Assailant has frustrated police for months. His MO is

always the same. He binds his victims with red silk, kisses them, and leaves them with a red rose. Women throughout the city are worried they’ll be his next victim.

Novice PI Jade Cavendish isn’t one of them, though. After inheriting the Beachtown Detective Agency, she’s worried about landing a paying client. Any client. She’d even settle for a dognapping.

Gina Rose, a wealthy young heiress, has a problem. Her new husband, a man she thought was her perfect match, is bleeding her dry. When Gina hires Jade to prove her husband is defrauding her, Jade quickly learns he's a terrible businessman. His investment properties are oozing money like open wounds.

On the surface, it appears Gina simply has bad taste in men. But Jade refuses to give up on her client so easily. Her investigation pulls her into a world filled with greed, one where secrets are a way of life, events are not always what they seem, and lies conceal deadly realities—including the Amorous Assailant’s true motive.


“Ambrose’s mystery is thrilling and unpredictable…An entertaining and suspenseful detective tale.” — Kirkus Reviews