Treasure Coast by James Foley
Author Interview + Book & Author Info + Author Pet Corner!
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Treasure Coast
“An engrossing, character-driven crime thriller that thoughtfully explores grief, atonement and post-loss romance alongside gritty police work. Recommended for Karin Slaughter fans.” –BestThrillers
A stunning island with turquoise waters, billowing palm trees, and nesting sea turtles is the stuff of dreams. But the dark nights on the beaches of Florida’s Treasure Coast hide dangerous secrets that can turn those dreams into nightmares.
Miami homicide detective, Lisa Owens, doesn’t trust other cops. After the murder of her fiancé was left unsolved, she vowed to make a difference by becoming one herself. Obsessed with getting killers off the streets and bringing justice to grieving families, she buries herself in her work while staying stuck in the past.
When lightning strikes twice and her lifelong friend is brutally murdered on Stypman Island, Lisa launches an investigation of her own. Out of her jurisdiction and determined to find answers, she lands in the crosshairs of the most dangerous criminal she’s ever encountered and among people who will forever change her.
To purchase Treasure Coast click on any of the following links: Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Interview with Treasure Coast Debut Author James Foley
Treasure Coast centers on homicide detective Lisa Owens. What would you like readers to know about her?
Lisa is no stranger to tragedy but I chose not to write her as a dark, morose and damaged character, the way detectives with troubled pasts are usually portrayed.
She’s sad but she still has a brightness to her despite unimaginable loss. Although the detective in her is hell bent on finding answers, what’s really driving her isn’t her loss but love for her dead fiancé and her lifelong friend. And love; real love, can’t help but be bright.
Treasure Coast takes place around the beaches of Florida. What makes that a great place to set a novel of suspense?
When I was living in Florida, I walked the beach very late at night scouting for nesting sea turtles for a local environmental organization. I did this without a flashlight so as not to disturb any turtles making their way to and from the ocean. The beach is spectacular when its pitch dark and you’re out there alone. The stars shine so much brighter in the absence of ambient light, and there are billions of them. The surface of the ocean gleams in the moonlight and on the horizon, the cruise ships heading to the Caribbean sparkle like tiny diamonds.
I’m sure you get the idea, it’s breathtaking. But it’s also scary as hell because alone in the darkness, you just don’t know what you’ll run into and given South Florida’s location, the waters off its coastline are a haven for a plethora of criminal activity. A perfect setting for a crime thriller? I think so.
Treasure Coast was inspired by illegal activity on a barrier island, which you were living on at the time. Tell us about that incident and how it helped you write your first thriller.
One day packages of cocaine floated up on a local beach. I’d seen square groupers (bales of marijuana) wash up before but the cocaine was something new.
Since I was working with sea turtles at the time, I had an idea about putting the two together. A weird combination I know, but it works. Sadly, Florida’s not short on greed, corruption, shady politics and environmental mismanagement. Combining all of that together makes for a great story.
Tell us about your road to publication with Treasure Coast:
I made my share of mistakes and my experience isn’t all that different from other new writers. I queried much too early when my book wasn’t yet there, I had a bad experience with a disreputable editor and ended up needing to hire a second one and because I really didn’t know what I was doing, I didn’t find any success with agents.
Having made my career in business, I was used to solving difficult problems so just I kept at it. At a writer’s conference, I heard about Black Rose Writing and decided to submit my manuscript to them. They accepted it on the condition that I make some changes which I did.
They were right by the way; the changes made the book better.
When you aren’t writing and reading mystery/thrillers, you like to travel. What has been one of your favorite destinations and why?
It’s hard to pick just one. I’m an ocean guy and feel my best in the Caribbean, so St. John and St. Bart’s immediately come to mind.
But then, there are the Greek Islands. You can sign me up for that combination platter of ancient history and turquoise water any time.
An African safari is next though, it’s been on my bucket list for years.
You now live in my hometown of San Diego. What’s your favorite thing about living in Southern California?
There are so many things that make Southern California an amazing place to live but for me, it’s being near my sons, Chris and JJ.
My wife and I followed them out here after enduring a lonely “Covid Christmas” without them. The creative community in SoCal is also a big plus, I’ve met so many talented, inspiring people here. And the weather… well it’s San Diego, no need to say more.
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Writers:
Don’t give up and stay curious because there’s a lot to learn.
Great advice!
Author Pet Corner!
Marley is a min-goldendoodle and she’s in my book.
I’d planned to take her with me to book signings and events thinking readers would enjoy meeting her. But life threw me a curveball and she unexpectedly passed away from a brain tumor in September.
We didn’t plan on another dog, at least not right away, then we heard about Maple. She’s a rescue from Baja, Mexico who’d been abandoned in a garbage dump because she was pregnant.
She needed a better life and our plans changed. She’s been with us for a few months and is living the life she deserves.
I’m so sorry for your loss, but how wonderful to have found Maple.
Treasure Coast Author James Foley
James Foley is the author of the debut crime thriller, Treasure Coast, set for release on February 13, 2025. After leaving a successful career in business, James found inspiration for his novel while living on a barrier island, where packages of illegal narcotics washed up on a local beach. This event sparked the creation of Treasure Coast, a gripping story filled with suspense, secrets, and unexpected twists.
James currently resides in San Diego with his wife, Suzanne, and their rescue dog, Maple. When he’s not writing, James enjoys tequila, live music, and exploring new destinations—Africa is next on his travel list. He is a member of International Thriller Writers, the national organization Sisters in Crime, its San Diego chapter, Partners in Crime, and is actively involved in the local writing community.
To learn more about James, check out his Website.
Elena Hartwell/Elena Taylor
