Let's Talk with Terry Ambrose

I can’t believe it’s been two years since the first Beachtown Detective Agency mystery was released. It’s taken me far longer than I expected, but I finally have the second book in the series ready! The Case of the Beguiling Brooch will be available on November 19. I just received the cover from my designer and wanted to share. So, here it is! Ta da!

By the way, the cover was inspired by the backstory about the brooch. It’s a story that is only partially covered in the book, so I wanted to share the whole story with you today for this reveal.

Simone DuBois and A Mermaid’s Allure

In the vibrant and roaring 1920s, Simone DuBois, a captivating French socialite, dazzled the elite circles of Europe. Known for her stunning beauty and intellect, Simone was a fierce public advocate for women’s independence—a feminist ahead of her time. Despite swirling rumors of affairs with powerful men, she remained single, embracing her freedom and carving her own path through the extravagant parties of Paris, Berlin, and Venice.

Simone’s fascination with the sea and its mythical creatures, particularly mermaids, led her to commission an exquisite brooch she called “A Mermaid’s Allure.” Crafted with the finest attention to detail, the brooch featured two mesmerizing black opals set to mirror the enchanting gaze of a mermaid. These opals, known for their vibrant play-of-color against a dark, velvety background, reflected the myriad hues of the ocean’s depths, from the darkest abyss to the shimmering surface lit by moonlight.

Over time, Simone became the subject of envy for Marguerite Blanchard, a rival socialite who longed for the same level of attention and admiration. Marguerite, resentful and cunning, spreads rumors about Simone’s alleged affairs, hoping to tarnish her reputation. When Simone dies in a suspicious automobile accident, Inspector James Harrington investigates.

Harrington’s investigation eventually leads him to Victor Leclerc, the jeweler who crafted the brooch. Leclerc claims Simone used the brooch to transport microdots containing secret, encrypted documents. Victor’s claims force James to delve deeper into Simone’s life.

While searching Simone’s Parisian apartment, Harrington discovers a hidden compartment containing correspondence with influential figures across Europe. The letters, seemingly innocent, hint at an underground network aimed at relocating children who had been displaced by the ravages of war. Along with the letters, he also finds the brooch and another letter instructing her executor to sell it upon her death and donate the proceeds to continue her philanthropic efforts.

After concluding that Simone’s death was indeed accidental, Harrington closes the case. The press publishes a tribute to Simone and her secret dedication to worthy causes, finally putting an end to Marguerite’s rumors and ruining her reputation. The brooch is sold and the proceeds used as Simone instructed, but 100 years later, the brooch resurfaces. This time, it’s a catalyst for murder in The Case of the Beguiling Brooch.

About The Case of the Beguiling Brooch

Private Eye Jade Cavendish thought she was just attending another somber funeral, paying respects to the late Benji Thompson. But when an elegant woman named Hilda Bauer urgently pulls her aside, Jade’s day takes an unexpected turn. Hilda’s mother’s brooch, a family heirloom, was lost during World War II. Her only lead is a cryptogram left by the deceased along with a message that Jade could solve it..

A cryptic message from the dead.

Jade’s curiosity is piqued as she tries to decipher the cryptogram, only to realize she first needs a key. Her quest spirals her into a labyrinth of secrets, where nothing is as it seems. Just as she begins to untangle the mystery, Jade learns that Benji’s death was no accident—it was murder.

An art world full of shadows.

Determined to solve both Benji’s murder and the cryptogram, Jade dives into the enigmatic art world and unearths Benji’s link to an international art theft ring. Each clue brings her closer to the truth but also deeper into danger. With every step forward, the shadowy figure known as Valkyrie looms larger, marking Jade as the next target.

Two mysteries intertwine.

With time running out, Jade must crack the cryptogram to recover the brooch and unmask Benji’s killer. But time is running out, and the stakes are higher than ever as Valkyrie springs into action.

Don’t miss this exciting second book in the Beachtown Detective Agency series

“The Case of the Beguiling Brooch” is an enthralling mystery that keeps you on the edge of your seat. It blends cryptic puzzles, high-stakes drama, and dashes of humor in a captivating narrative. Join Jade Cavendish as she navigates the dark underbelly of the art world, where every revelation pulls you deeper into a web of deceit, danger, and unexpected laughs.

Discover the thrill of the chase, the allure of secrets unveiled, and moments that will make you chuckle. Buy your copy today and step into a world where every answer leads to more questions—and a smile.

Reviewers Wanted! I’m looking for advance readers. If you review books on Amazon or Goodreads and would be interested in receiving a free Kindle version in exchange for an honest review, please click here to contact me. 

Win a copy of Book 1 in the series!

To celebrate the upcoming release of The Case of the Beguiling Brooch, I’m giving away a signed paperback copy (US only, others, Kindle) to one lucky commenter. Entering is easy. Just leave a comment below, and you’ll be entered in the giveaway. If you want a second chance to win, stop by my website tomorrow morning and comment on my Friday Morning Post. Click here to enter (link becomes active on Friday morning.)

While you’re here, have you entered our October book giveaway? Two mysteries will go to one lucky entrant. The contest runs from October 1-22 and there are multiple ways to enter. ENTER HERE.

Want to learn more about author Terry Ambrose? Visit his WEBSITE.