What do you think?
Rate this book
Treasure Coast: A Crime Thriller
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.
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.
- GenresFiction
311 pages, Paperback
Published February 12, 2025
53 people are currently reading
1149 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
April 30, 2025
Treasure Coast is an intricate crime thriller filled with compelling characters and set in Florida’s beautiful coast. The story is fast paced with multiple plots expertly woven together, leaving the reader hungry for the next chapter. If you are a fan of crime thrillers, pick up a copy and get comfortable.
November 22, 2024
James Foley unveils his debut novel Treasure Coast, a gripping crime thriller set in the physically idyllic yet morally treacherous backdrop of southeast Florida. When Miami homicide detective Lisa Owens delves into the murder of a close friend, her dogged pursuit of justice leads her into a dangerous underworld, testing both her resolve and her trust in those around her.
With a wide cast of locals, Treasure Coast provides readers with characters to root for and villains to hate. Foley’s talent in penning twists, tension, and interleaving dark secrets, makes for a brisk-paced read that’s impossible to put down. Fans of David Baldacci’s John Puller series—specifically The Forgotten—are going to love this one! Five stars!
With a wide cast of locals, Treasure Coast provides readers with characters to root for and villains to hate. Foley’s talent in penning twists, tension, and interleaving dark secrets, makes for a brisk-paced read that’s impossible to put down. Fans of David Baldacci’s John Puller series—specifically The Forgotten—are going to love this one! Five stars!
November 3, 2025
I received a digital copy of "Treasure Coast" in a free give-a-way for an honest review.
I give this book 3.5 stars ( rounded up to 4 for Goodreads)
This novel was an easy and enjoyable read full of intrigue and suspense. This crime drama included a good collection of characters. I enjoyed many of the characters, though some seemed a bit cliche and two-dimensional. I also appreciated the diverse cast, including some LGBTQ+ representation.
While some of the plot bordered on being over-complicated, overall, it was engaging and well-written. This story is worth reading and a good way to spend an afternoon.
*******Small Spolier *****
I did not think the quick romance tacked onto the very end was necessary. A smart, career woman can have a happy ending without getting a man. But it was fine.
I give this book 3.5 stars ( rounded up to 4 for Goodreads)
This novel was an easy and enjoyable read full of intrigue and suspense. This crime drama included a good collection of characters. I enjoyed many of the characters, though some seemed a bit cliche and two-dimensional. I also appreciated the diverse cast, including some LGBTQ+ representation.
While some of the plot bordered on being over-complicated, overall, it was engaging and well-written. This story is worth reading and a good way to spend an afternoon.
*******Small Spolier *****
I did not think the quick romance tacked onto the very end was necessary. A smart, career woman can have a happy ending without getting a man. But it was fine.
February 9, 2025
An engrossing, character-driven crime thriller that thoughtfully explores grief, atonement and post-loss romance alongside gritty police work. Recommended for Karin Slaughter fans.
Miami senior homicide investigator Lisa Owens became a police officer as a direct response to the unsolved shooting death of her fiance, Scott Diaz. Was Scott, a congressional aide, gunned down for political reasons? When a D.C. cop invites Lisa to come hear about a potentially significant new piece of evidence, supportive friend Dorothy encourages her to take matters into her own hands.
But Lisa’s world is turned upside down when Dorothy herself is the victim of a shocking murder, the details of which readers won’t soon forget. Lisa, a self-described “hopeless workaholic,” is fueled by her desire to deliver answers for the families of murder victims, and with Dorothy’s death, she’s determined to give herself that same sense of closure. In the course of investigating Dorothy’s murder, Lisa finds herself in the crosshairs of a terrifying mobster known as Angel.
Greedy, unafraid and sadistic, Angel proves to be a worthy antagonist to Lisa’s relentless work ethic. Author James Foley goes to great lengths to demonstrate that Angel has little regard for human life, but his most brilliant stroke is rendering Angel so unpredictable. For example, when a drunk Wall Street trader accidentally bumps into him, spilling beer on Angel’s favorite silk suit, Angel smashes the guy’s face into a concrete pillar before punching his girlfriend in the nose. It’s a formula for an off-the-hook villain that fills the novel with unrelenting dread. And by the way, Angel proves to be just the tip of the iceberg in a deep criminal enterprise anchored by mastermind Ricardo DesFuentes.
When it comes to Lisa’s quest for justice, Foley is wisely planting the seeds for a series. While a satisfying measure of closure is achieved, not everything is wrapped up in a neat bow, and that’s something that will serve fans well over the long term. That doesn’t stop Foley, however, from advancing Lisa’s love life. Readers who value multidimensional character development will be quite pleased with Lisa’s arc.
Miami senior homicide investigator Lisa Owens became a police officer as a direct response to the unsolved shooting death of her fiance, Scott Diaz. Was Scott, a congressional aide, gunned down for political reasons? When a D.C. cop invites Lisa to come hear about a potentially significant new piece of evidence, supportive friend Dorothy encourages her to take matters into her own hands.
But Lisa’s world is turned upside down when Dorothy herself is the victim of a shocking murder, the details of which readers won’t soon forget. Lisa, a self-described “hopeless workaholic,” is fueled by her desire to deliver answers for the families of murder victims, and with Dorothy’s death, she’s determined to give herself that same sense of closure. In the course of investigating Dorothy’s murder, Lisa finds herself in the crosshairs of a terrifying mobster known as Angel.
Greedy, unafraid and sadistic, Angel proves to be a worthy antagonist to Lisa’s relentless work ethic. Author James Foley goes to great lengths to demonstrate that Angel has little regard for human life, but his most brilliant stroke is rendering Angel so unpredictable. For example, when a drunk Wall Street trader accidentally bumps into him, spilling beer on Angel’s favorite silk suit, Angel smashes the guy’s face into a concrete pillar before punching his girlfriend in the nose. It’s a formula for an off-the-hook villain that fills the novel with unrelenting dread. And by the way, Angel proves to be just the tip of the iceberg in a deep criminal enterprise anchored by mastermind Ricardo DesFuentes.
When it comes to Lisa’s quest for justice, Foley is wisely planting the seeds for a series. While a satisfying measure of closure is achieved, not everything is wrapped up in a neat bow, and that’s something that will serve fans well over the long term. That doesn’t stop Foley, however, from advancing Lisa’s love life. Readers who value multidimensional character development will be quite pleased with Lisa’s arc.
February 17, 2025
James Foley crashes the Florida shores with his debut novel, Treasure Coast, like bales of cocaine dropped strategically for the sea turtle farmer. What does that mean? You will have to read Treasure Coast to find out. The author tells a riviting fast paced crime story with brilliance. Never choppy like the surf or washed out like the dunes.
Advertised as commercial fiction, Treasure Coast does not disappoint. Not many police crime thrillers have this much energy. Hat’s off to author James Foley for delivering such raw nonstop drama.
Treasure Coast sets out on a mission, to never slow down, or give the reader a chance to breath. There are many moving parts in this story centered around drug smuggling cartels, crooked cops, depraved politicians, and murder. The reader gets a birds eye view of every angle possible to these crimes as Detective Lisa Owens tries to unravel not one but three murders possibly tied to a single event. She must weave her way through a tangle of characters, some crooked, some worse. It is hard not to root for many of the characters running in and out of Stypman Island and crossing paths with who we believe to be the good guys or the bad. The better friendlier faces are easily corruptible and the bad well sometimes they seem to mean well. You have to pay attention but that's not hard as this story delivers the goods on shore. Well worth the read.~Paul Jantzen author of Sour Apples: A Novel For Those Who Hate to Read.
Advertised as commercial fiction, Treasure Coast does not disappoint. Not many police crime thrillers have this much energy. Hat’s off to author James Foley for delivering such raw nonstop drama.
Treasure Coast sets out on a mission, to never slow down, or give the reader a chance to breath. There are many moving parts in this story centered around drug smuggling cartels, crooked cops, depraved politicians, and murder. The reader gets a birds eye view of every angle possible to these crimes as Detective Lisa Owens tries to unravel not one but three murders possibly tied to a single event. She must weave her way through a tangle of characters, some crooked, some worse. It is hard not to root for many of the characters running in and out of Stypman Island and crossing paths with who we believe to be the good guys or the bad. The better friendlier faces are easily corruptible and the bad well sometimes they seem to mean well. You have to pay attention but that's not hard as this story delivers the goods on shore. Well worth the read.~Paul Jantzen author of Sour Apples: A Novel For Those Who Hate to Read.
February 22, 2025
I love a good crime novel ala David Baldacci or James Patterson, so I was hopeful when I picked up Treasure Coast. I tore through this book in record time; it's a solid thriller. This isn’t your typical, predictable crime novel. Lisa Owens, the detective, isn't just another cardboard cutout tough cop. She's has emotional depth and real pain, with a drive for justice that feels realistic and authentic. The idyllic setting of Stypman Island sharply contrasts with the suspenseful plot, which is packed with unexpected twists that unfold naturally, maintaining a perfect pace. The level of detail and nuance just adds to the layers of intrigue and keeps you turning the pages. I personally love a novel that weaves in an undercurrent of reality and, while Stypman Island may not actually exist, I’ve been to the Treasure Coast of Florida (yes, that is a real place!) and Foley’s portrayal of the area felt right on the mark. When you pick up Treasure Coast, by James Foley, just know you’re getting a novel that checks all the boxes: a well-written, beautifully organized, and gripping crime novel, emotional depth and gripping character arcs, and an intimate and engaging depiction of south Florida. If you’re looking for your next read, I can’t recommend it enough. Looking forward to seeing what comes next!
February 14, 2025
Treasure Coast is a gripping thriller set along the Florida coast, where paradise meets peril. From the very first chapter, the novel pulls you into a world of high-stakes intrigue, weaving together mystery and greed. The story follows Lisa the detective who has a relentless desire for what is right. As she digs deep into the evil of some of the people in this coastal town, she finds herself deeply involved to search for the truth. The novel is hard to put down and each page brings a new revelation or heart-pounding twists. The author's descriptions of the Florida coastline are vivid and immersive and he blends the mystery with the beauty of the land and nature. Really impressed with the first book this writer has published and sure hope to read more of his books. Fans of authors like James Patterson will find themselves hooked from the first page to the last. Highly recommended for anyone who loves a novel that keeps them on the edge of their seat.
February 16, 2025
Treasure Coast is the kind of thriller that grabs you from the first page and doesn’t let go. The author weaves together a story that is equal parts gritty police procedural, emotional reckoning, and pulse-pounding suspense. Miami homicide detective Lisa Owens is a powerhouse protagonist—flawed, determined, and fiercely compelling.
What sets this book apart is its balance of atmospheric setting and relentless tension. You feel the weight of the humid air, the lurking danger in the shadows, and the pulse of a storm rolling in. Every time I thought I had it figured out, the story veered in an entirely unexpected direction.
If you love intelligent, fast-paced thrillers with complex characters and high stakes, Treasure Coast is a must-read. Fans of Karin Slaughter and Michael Connelly will devour this. I hope this is the start of a Lisa Owens series—I’m not ready to let go of these characters yet! Absolutely five stars!
What sets this book apart is its balance of atmospheric setting and relentless tension. You feel the weight of the humid air, the lurking danger in the shadows, and the pulse of a storm rolling in. Every time I thought I had it figured out, the story veered in an entirely unexpected direction.
If you love intelligent, fast-paced thrillers with complex characters and high stakes, Treasure Coast is a must-read. Fans of Karin Slaughter and Michael Connelly will devour this. I hope this is the start of a Lisa Owens series—I’m not ready to let go of these characters yet! Absolutely five stars!
May 18, 2025
Intense.
The scenery is more than beautiful, but the criminals and a few of the cops are beyond evil. The area is historically known for greed and gold, but the new pirates operate on land and are every bit as ruthless. Not all murders are a shot to the head, but gruesome tableaux done by a sadistic psychopath. Meanwhile an obsessed homicide cop from Miami gets involved when a dear friend is one of the victims and what she uncovers is a boatload of corruption and greed. Gripping!
The story itself grabbed me and wouldn't let go until I finished it. Highly recommend!
I requested and received an uncorrected digital galley from Black Rose Writing via NetGalley. #bookbub *****review @goodreads @the.storygraph @librarythingofficial #TreasueCoast by James Foley #crimethriller @blackrosewriting #crimethriller #mystery #drugtrade #suspense #conflict #murders #triggers #obsessedcop #smugglers #scentdog #gangsters #psychopath #corruption #greed #targetedgeriatrics #suspense #triggers
The scenery is more than beautiful, but the criminals and a few of the cops are beyond evil. The area is historically known for greed and gold, but the new pirates operate on land and are every bit as ruthless. Not all murders are a shot to the head, but gruesome tableaux done by a sadistic psychopath. Meanwhile an obsessed homicide cop from Miami gets involved when a dear friend is one of the victims and what she uncovers is a boatload of corruption and greed. Gripping!
The story itself grabbed me and wouldn't let go until I finished it. Highly recommend!
I requested and received an uncorrected digital galley from Black Rose Writing via NetGalley. #bookbub *****review @goodreads @the.storygraph @librarythingofficial #TreasueCoast by James Foley #crimethriller @blackrosewriting #crimethriller #mystery #drugtrade #suspense #conflict #murders #triggers #obsessedcop #smugglers #scentdog #gangsters #psychopath #corruption #greed #targetedgeriatrics #suspense #triggers
October 27, 2025
Treasure Coast is an absorbing and emotionally charged thriller that blends crime, grief, and redemption with the pulse of South Florida’s underworld. James Foley delivers more than a murder mystery he offers a human story about loss, justice, and the haunting need for closure.
Detective Lisa Owens is a protagonist defined by grit and pain, a woman who channels heartbreak into determination. Her investigation into her friend’s murder unfolds across vividly drawn island settings, where beauty collides with danger and every clue carries emotional weight. The pacing is sharp, the tension consistent, and Foley’s ability to balance action with introspection makes this a standout entry in modern crime fiction.
Treasure Coast is not only a gripping thriller, it’s a layered exploration of trauma, courage, and the thin line between justice and obsession.
Detective Lisa Owens is a protagonist defined by grit and pain, a woman who channels heartbreak into determination. Her investigation into her friend’s murder unfolds across vividly drawn island settings, where beauty collides with danger and every clue carries emotional weight. The pacing is sharp, the tension consistent, and Foley’s ability to balance action with introspection makes this a standout entry in modern crime fiction.
Treasure Coast is not only a gripping thriller, it’s a layered exploration of trauma, courage, and the thin line between justice and obsession.
Currently reading
February 10, 2025In Treasure Coast, author James Foley has mastered the art of bringing together seemingly unrelated plot lines into an absorbing complex trail of intrigue. It is impossible not to become invested in the lives and outcome of Foley’s protagonists, unexpectedly thrust into a dark world of drug running and murder. Readers will leave the last page reluctantly, left with enjoying an intricately plotted gritty mystery and a vivid appreciation of Florida’s wealthy playgrounds and the area’s dark underbelly of drug smuggling and money laundering.
-Scott Eveloff MD, author of Do Not Resuscitate and The Golem’s Holocaust
-Scott Eveloff MD, author of Do Not Resuscitate and The Golem’s Holocaust
February 14, 2025
Move over David Baldacci! I could not put this book down once I started it. It’s amazing how James created these characters that flowed through the story together. The twists and turns as a story moved along caught me by surprise and I couldn’t wait to hear what happened next. I’m hoping this is not the only book he will write because the main character, Lisa has so much more to tell us. Absolutely recommend this as a must read. Although the book is fiction, it is clear that James either lived through many of these scenarios or did phenomenal research to bring this book alive.Unbelievable attention to detail, what a great storyteller!
July 15, 2025
SIZZLING AND SUSPENSEFUL -- This is a rip-snorting tale, full of fun and suspense. You can always count on Florida to supply some kooky characters, but James Foley deserves considerable credit for assembling a fine cast of hard villains, soft villains, honest cops, corrupt cops, and an admirable golden doodle. Lisa Owens, a Miami homicide detective, takes the lead in a homicide investigation on Stypman Island when a close friend is murdered there. She’s a terrific investigator and she teams up with Stypman Island cop Kim Witherspoon, who suspects that her chief of police is corrupt. A fast-paced story and a well-crafted, satisfying murder mystery. Hopefully, more to come!
February 21, 2025
I loved this book! A real page turner filled with suspense and mysteries that drove me to stay up reading late into the night. The characters were so well developed, I thought I knew them. A well-told story with references to the impact political self-dealing and corporate greed has on fragile eco-systems. It puts a spot light on our fears of crime and feelings of betrayal towards leaders and law enforcement for not protecting us against those who bring harm and destruction. I can't believe this is a first novel by this author. I want more from James Foley!
February 14, 2025
Treasure Coast is a gripping adventure that perfectly blends suspense, wit, and a dash of coastal charm. From the moment I dove into its pages, I was hooked—not just by the intriguing plot, but by Foley's masterful character development and rich, vivid descriptions of the Florida coast. If you’re a fan of mysteries that are as clever as they are entertaining, Treasure Coast is a must-read. Can’t wait for Foley’s next book!
February 14, 2025
Treasure Coast is an exciting and thrilling read. Follow along with Lisa Owens as she tries to find out why her best friend ended up brutally murdered in a seemingly serene and picturesque oceanfront condo. There are lots of twists and turns as the secrets of the characters slowly come to light. A hurricane, some vulnerable sea turtle nests, and a couple of concerned residents and their spunky dog, make for a crime thriller that keeps you guessing. I loved it!
February 17, 2025
Great read! I usually read a couple of hours in the morning, so it takes me a week or more to finish a novel. Once I got started on this one though, I really wanted to find out what happens next and I finished it in two days!
The author created some interesting characters and I’m looking forward to seeing what he does with them in his next book. I loved the setting too! It makes me want to move to that island off the coast of Florida. I mean, except for the murders and all.
The author created some interesting characters and I’m looking forward to seeing what he does with them in his next book. I loved the setting too! It makes me want to move to that island off the coast of Florida. I mean, except for the murders and all.
February 24, 2025
Treasure Coast is an elaborate, action-packed mystery that left me yearning for more. Foley's polished story-telling facilitates connection and empathy to the characters as he offers unfiltered glimpses into all of their perspectives. The combination of substance and intrigue made for a compelling read, with unpredictable twists and turns filled with dark secrets and complicated histories. Foley's debut novel is a gripping dichotomy of corruption and justice.
March 24, 2025
Pleasently Surprised It was pretty good. I selected because I live on the Treasure Coast so I was looking forward to eading about something I was familar with. But no so much that was written was familiar. I was pretty sure the author was not a floridian from some of the things written. But that's ok. The characters were developed well and the plot was interesting. If he writes more I will read them.
June 5, 2025
I planned to read this book over the entire course of my two week cruise. However, once I got onboard, I couldn't put it down, and ended up finishing all 300 pages in less than a day and a half. And that's only because my wife made me put it down so she could go to sleep! I live on the Treasure Coast, and I could relate to every reference and description Mr. Foley so cleverly wove into his riviting crime thriller. Truly an incredibly compelling story - can't wait for the next installment!
December 4, 2024
"A hold-your-breath thriller as Detective Lisa Owens uses her smarts and gritty determination to hunt down the murderer responsible for killing the most important person in her life, all the while battling ruthless drug cartels and corruption. Set in south Florida, the integration of sea turtle rescue into the plot is an added bonus. Makes me want to visit the Treasure Coast"
February 10, 2025
Treasure Coast by James Foley is a fast-paced thriller, chock full of twists and turns that keep you guessing. I enjoyed following along with the hero characters, including a particularly smart dog, as they try to uncover who is behind several murders and mysteries in a small Florida coast community. Foley creates a compelling and suspenseful tale that will keep you reading late into the night.
February 17, 2025
A Great Read
I found this book to be a page turner. I became really immersed in the Florida vibe. The story has many interesting, well drawn characters whose stories intertwine. The narrative switches back and forth between them and kept me constantly wanting to know what happens next. Highly Recommend!
I found this book to be a page turner. I became really immersed in the Florida vibe. The story has many interesting, well drawn characters whose stories intertwine. The narrative switches back and forth between them and kept me constantly wanting to know what happens next. Highly Recommend!
March 24, 2025
This was definitely a book that was hard to put down! I read it sitting on the beach in Florida and was intrigued and captivated from the very first pages until the very end. Twists and turns, and interesting characters kept me from putting it down. Congratulations, the world has a new great author, James Foley!
July 4, 2025
I'm not really a crime reader, but this book had me hooked! The description of the setting on an island was so rich you can imagine it easily, and the characters, though many, were well developed and you either love em or hate em.... I would definitely recommend Treasure Coast whether you are an avid crime reader or not!
November 30, 2025
Definitely a thriller! This book is hard to put down. There are are a lot of characters who you really either hate or love. Marley is a great dog character. Interesting facts about the turtles and how mankind is affecting them in many negative ways.
Lots a bad guys who get their in the end.
Lots a bad guys who get their in the end.
February 26, 2025
I loved this book! The author has brilliantly woven these characters into this story, creating surprises and excitement the whole way through. If you love quick action, fun dialogue, and smart storytelling, you’ll love this book as much as I did.
February 27, 2025
Treasure Coast is a treasure of a read. You come to love the characters as they fight through exciting twists and turns. And the real hero just may be a mini golden doodle. A fantastic Beach Read even if you only wish you were on the beach
March 19, 2025
Treasure Coast: A Crime Thriller
Engaging mystery novel with compelling narrative and easy readability.
The narrative features a complex cast of characters that may challenge readers to track their interactions and development.
Engaging mystery novel with compelling narrative and easy readability.
The narrative features a complex cast of characters that may challenge readers to track their interactions and development.
Read
May 12, 2025"A fast-paced crime thriller that is unpredictable, with a magnetic draw that begs you to continue reading." - The Mystery Review Crew
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews