Let's Talk with Terry Ambrose

Let’s be honest, when you were a kid, Pig Latin was probably the coolest “secret code” this side of the playground. Turning “hello” into “ellohay” made you feel like a master codebreaker from an old spy novel. But here’s the thing: while Pig Latin can be a fun little twist on language, it doesn’t really qualify as a secret code—at least not one that would stump any grown-up for more than five seconds.

Meet The Case of the Beguiling Brooch

“The Case of the Beguiling Brooch” is the second Beachtown Detective Agency Mystery. It launched on Tuesday, and since it’s my turn in the “Let’s Talk” box, I thought I’d let you in on a little secret—this was not the book I expected to write. In the original version, there were no secret codes and a different plot line. (And, definitely, no Pig Latin!)

So, what happened? Did I watch “National Treasure” one too many times? (Not possible) Tried to solve an escape room and failed miserably? (Maybe) Or did I suddenly become a master cryptographer? (Definitely not).

The truth is, the plot for “The Case of the Beguiling Brooch” was driven by the characters. The victim, Benji Thompson, is a kindly art gallery owner. But here’s the twist. Benji died under questionable circumstances, and he left PI Jade Cavendish a secret message using a centuries-old encryption method.

The Cipher in History

Alright, let’s unravel the mystery of ciphers without getting tangled in tech speak. A cipher is like a secret code that transforms your everyday sentences into a language only spies—or kids passing notes in class—could decipher.

The concept of the Vigenère cipher was first described by Giovan Battista Bellaso in 1553. He introduced the idea of using a keyword to shift letters in a message that was considered unbreakable at the time. In 1586, Blaise de Vigenère published a similar cipher, and this is where the cipher got its name, despite being first described by Bellaso.

The Vigenère Cipher was widely used for centuries and was considered unbreakable until Charles Babbage published a method for cracking it in 1854. The last significant use of the method was in the American Civil War. Unless, of course, you’re a mystery writer who loves to bring history into his mysteries.

About The Case of the Beguiling Brooch

“The Case of the Beguiling Brooch” includes elements of history, mystery, romance, and, of course, humor—because what’s a whodunnit without some humor to break up all that drama? The story begins at the funeral of family friend Benji Thompson, but everything changes when an elegant woman hands PI Jade Cavendish a check for $10,000. The assignment? Solve a cryptogram and find a family heirloom that has been missing since World War II.

As Jade delves into the puzzle, she learns that Benji’s death was no accident—it was murder. And it’s somehow tied to the cryptogram.

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

With time running out, Jade must crack the cryptogram to recover the brooch and unmask the mysterious Valkyrie—or become the next victim.

Win a copy of The Case of the Beguiling Brooch!

To celebrate the 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. Have fun with the free online jigsaw puzzle, and then comment on my Friday Morning Post. Click here to enter (link becomes active on Friday morning.)

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

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