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Bandit gold and sunken pirate ships. What could be better for the reputation of a quaint coastal California town like Seaside Cove?

Local eyebrows go up when eight friends come searching for a 16th Century Spanish galleon. After all, everybody knows there’s no such thing as Spanish gold off this part of the California coast.

The group’s visit turns ugly when a killer strikes and leaves Seaside Cove Bed & Breakfast owner Rick Atwood with a trunkful of questions. Who murdered one of his guests? Will his precocious ten-year-old daughter stop interfering in his investigation? And can he squelch the latest town gossip? Which is, of course, can Rick and his daughter do what the cops can’t and solve the crime?

229 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 21, 2017

209 people are currently reading
998 people want to read

About the author

Terry Ambrose

35 books314 followers
Terry Ambrose started out skip tracing and collecting money from deadbeats and quickly learned that liars come from all walks of life. He never actually stole a car, but sometimes hired big guys with tow trucks and a penchant for working in the dark when “negotiations” failed.
A resident of Southern California, he loves spending time in Hawaii, especially on the Garden Island of Kauai, where he invents lies for others to read. His years of chasing deadbeats taught him many valuable life lessons including—always keep your car in the garage.

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5 stars
107 (37%)
4 stars
96 (33%)
3 stars
66 (22%)
2 stars
13 (4%)
1 star
7 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for Mark Baker.
2,404 reviews203 followers
January 3, 2025
Rick Atwood has relocated to Seaside Cove with his ten-year-old daughter, Alex, to run the bed and breakfast he’s inherited from his grandfather. He’s still trying to get completely comfortable running the business when a group of treasure hunters book the place. They think they have a lead on a ship that sunk years before, but Rick notices the group always seems to be fighting. When one of them is found dead on the rocks near the B&B, Rick is asked to use his reporter skills to help the local police. But with everyone in the groups constantly lying, will Rick ever discover the truth?

The book took me a little while to get into. Alex plays a big part in the story, and some of the chapters are even from her point of view. I wasn’t sure how I felt about that or her character at the beginning, but she grew on me. I also had trouble keeping the suspects straight early on since sometimes they were mentioned by first name and other times last name. That, too, became less of an issue as the book progressed. I did like the series regulars, and there are hints at some secrets from the past that I’m curious to learn more about. The main mystery was strong with lots of lies for Rick to look past to find the truth. Being a bed and breakfast, we get a couple of delicious sounding breakfast bread recipes at the end. Hopefully, I can book a return visit to this bed and breakfast soon.

Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
Profile Image for LORI CASWELL.
2,882 reviews328 followers
March 17, 2018
Dollycas’s Thoughts
I have to start by commenting on that cover! So beautiful. I would love to escape to that room and place immediately and I may never come back.

Rick Atwood has inherited a Bed & Breakfast in Seaside Cove from his grandfather, Captain Jack. He and his 10-year-old daughter Alex have moved in. They also seem to inherit Marquetta, a young attractive chef, who knows everything about running the B&B. The place is at full capacity as a group of treasure seekers has come to town to search a vessel that is said to have sunk just off the coast. Unfortunately, one of the group is found dead – murdered and now Rick has a house full of suspects and his daughter wants to help solve the case.

This is a unique cozy mystery. Alex is not your typical 10-year-old. That girl is inquisitive and takes nosy to a whole new level. Her father does his best to reel her in and keep her safe but she really knows no bounds. Rick a former investigative reporter steps in to help the young officer in charge of the investigation. He has never had to handle a murder before and the mayor has tied his hands as far as asking for support for another department. He usually spends his time checking water meters and keep the tourists out of trouble. He really needs Rick’s help to find the killer.

The author has taken a unique approach. Marquetta had given a journal to Alex as soon as she arrived. The chapters go back and forth from Rick’s and Alex’s point of views. Alex’s pages usually start with or are just a journal entry. I loved her perspective of what was going on around her. Some of her ideas are pure fantasy and some are right on the nose. Rick has and is going to have his hands full with his daughter now and for many years to come.

The mystery itself had a lot of moving parts, it was fun to follow along with Alex and Rick to get a bird’s eye view of their investigation. It was also interesting to learn the history of these sunken treasures found under the sea and the business thinking behind the groups of treasure hunters.

I was very taken with the characters Mr. Ambrose had introduced. They were believable and so real they jumped right off the pages. The pint-size Nancy Drew, Alex, absolutely stole my heart.

I loved this story! I am excited about this series! A perfect escape, summer read or virtual vacation!
Profile Image for Carol.
1,643 reviews67 followers
September 18, 2017
Let us go on a treasure hunt!!! We are going to
Seaside Cove. This is a quaint town on the
California coast. This is where Rick Atwood is
owner of the Seaside Cove Bed & Breakfast.
He lives there with his ten year old daughter.
The B&B is full with a peculiar group looking
for lost treasure. None of the group seems to
get along with each other. They each received
any invitation with a piece of a treasure map.
Now they are focused on finding a sunken
16th Century Spanish galleon which in all
probability was never near this part of the
California coast.
Then one of the group is found dead on the
edge of the cliff!!!!! Who is it ??
Which one of the guest is the murderer or is
there a unknown killer loose on the Cove?
Rick is determined to help find the culprit.
The characters along with the small town of
Seaside Cove are very well described, realistic
and artfully created. The town has a quirkiness
that draws you right into the setting. You will
enjoy meeting the town folks.
The story is narrated from several different views.
There is suspense, mystery, secrets, intrigue,
humor, spying, family issues and a hint of a budding
romance.
There is overall good development throughout the
story with smooth, fluent writing sharing plenty of
little details to keep the reader's attention.
This is the first book in a new cozy series. Looking
forward to the next one.
A highly recommended read!!!
Profile Image for Robin Leslie Coxon.
171 reviews51 followers
September 28, 2017
The setting for Terry’s new Bed and Breakfast book is Seaside Cove, a quiet small town located on the coastline. Rick Atwood and his daughter, Alex, moved from New York when Rick was left the Bed and Breakfast by his grand-father, Captain Jack, an actual Navy Captain during World War II. Knowing nothing about running a B&B, Rick is thankful for a beautiful young woman named Marquetta, who was sent to a top culinary school down in San Francisco by his Capt. Jack. Rick questions his grandfather’s intention to pay for this young woman to attend the culinary school but doesn’t feel he should intrude. Tales of sunken ships and gold treasures have brought eight guests to the Bed and Breakfast. It is to be a weekend stay with each guest receiving a 3”X3” piece of a treasure map. When all the pieces are joined it will direct them to a sunken ship rumored to contain a treasure. Many of those attending show aggression with others giving the story a spicy touch to start with. When one of the members is found dead along the rocks, there is the mystery to who is the killer. Add to the dimension of this book the touch of a young girl who aspires to try to assist in solving the murder and you have the touches of a young Nancy Drew.
This book is totally different from Terry’s previous books, and although I enjoyed Terry’s other books I could relate to the storyline in this book more. The setting and characters gave the story a cozy feel in addition to the investigation of who did in one of the guests. I loved Marquetta for being an independent woman who had a secret she didn’t want to share. Also, the blooming relationship between Rick and Marquetta is an interesting turn. I am eagerly waiting for the next in this series.

Profile Image for Vivian.
769 reviews13 followers
September 25, 2017
The cover of this book initially caught my eye and I put the release date on my calendar as I was anxious to read it. I am less than impressed with this offering. I am a reasonably intelligent person, but I found it difficult to keep track of the characters. I also felt I was on the outside dispassionately looking in at the activities - I never felt involved with the story and felt no connection to the characters. And to have only one greenhorn police investigator in town and the mayor not allow anyone to call for additional assistance?? And to involve a ten-year-old in a murder investigation?? The attempt at romance made me feel like I was in junior high school. I gave this story a three star rating because I can appreciate how much work it is to write a book, but this one just didn't do it for me.
Profile Image for Deborah Almada.
1,262 reviews40 followers
June 27, 2021
I really wanted to like this book, I like the idea of a male main character, the B & B on the California coast, a 10 year old daughter. It could have been interesting but just not my cup of tea. We get almost no set up, and while mysteries set up future volumes I just did not have enough information to get invested in these characters. While Rick, his daughter Alex and his employee/housekeeper cook have potential as characters everyone else in this book including the mayor, are very unlikable characters, the victim and all the suspects are just hateful. The cop/meter reader has no experience, the mayor won't let him call in help to save the town image, an Rick who we guess was an investigative reporter in another life is basically in charge of the case. Just not in anyway believable.
Profile Image for Karen.
290 reviews
October 2, 2017
Impressive! Was delighted with the young girl being added as a character. Makes it easy to read to a younger child and introduce them to the cozy mystery genere.
91 reviews2 followers
October 4, 2022
seaside cove

So I had a heck of a time trying to keep the suspects straight in my mind while reading, but at the same time I think the motive for the murder is relatively clear. I felt like I needed to create a logic Chart to keep track of the suspects and why they had an axe to grind. Overall I enjoyed the story and the setting. I really like the main characters and I am looking forward to reading the next story.
Profile Image for Andrea Stoeckel.
3,173 reviews132 followers
September 29, 2017
[I received and voluntarily reviewed this advanced copy from the author]

“Who were these people? Other than liars. How were they tied together? Other than their little treasure hunting club....”

Terry Ambrose introduces us to Rick Atwood and his young daughter Alex who have inherited a Bed and Breakfast in the village of Seaside Cove on the Northwest Coast. It isn’t easy going from a news reporter to a single Dad, but Rick and his kitchen manager Marquetta are taking it a guest at a time.

At this point, the B+B is full of a disparate group of investors who are there to search for and hopefully find a sunken boat rumored to have “ treasure” aboard. However one member of the group has a different agenda, and when he is found dead on the rocks below the house, the underlying agenda points to anyone and everyone...

This is the basis of another series and Terry Ambrose, in true murder mystery style, gives us a lot of pieces to his puzzle. Each character is finely crafted. I really like Marquetta and I’m looking forward, as Rick is, to finding out more about her and how she “fits” into the late Captain Jack’s backstory. I could happily settle into Seaside Cove for a long time. Recommended.


1,323 reviews23 followers
February 16, 2018
This was a good read . I liked how the story flowed and the characters were just so good. Terry hit the ball to the third base on this one!
Profile Image for Karen (BaronessBookTrove).
1,126 reviews108 followers
September 5, 2023
A Treasure to Die For by Terry Ambrose has Rick Atwood trying to shelter Alex from investigating a mysterious death at their bed and breakfast.
Will Rick save the reputation of his bed and breakfast? Can he keep Alex from investigating?
Rick and Alex Atwood
Rick Atwood is a young father trying to make the bed and breakfast work while raising his ten-year-old daughter. He inherited the bed and breakfast from his grandfather and changed coasts. He changes coasts to give Alex a slower life style than the always busy New York life. Rick has been running the bed and breakfast for a while now when his latest guests show up, and he isn't too sure about them. Granted, I wouldn't be either, as these people are snobs. The change probably was also so Alex wouldn't grow up around him being a crime reporter anymore as well. I have to say that I love to see Rick not wanting to investigate but still ends up helping when he sees that the deputy needs help. I like Rick as he wants what is best for his only child, and he wants Alex to live a life without being near crimes, unlike his crime reporter job that he retired from back in New York.

Alex Atwood is ten years old and loves life on the Pacific coast. She is trying not to upset her dad, except she loves problem solving and figures her dad needs help with solving the mystery. I love Alex here since she isn't quite the character I know yet, and I can see the building blocks that Mr. Ambrose has started, even from the beginning of how he wanted Alex to be.

A Treasure to Die For CR
The Mystery
Eight friends show up at the bed and breakfast to try to find the San Manuel ship that supposedly ran aground somewhere off the coast of Seaside Cove. All seven "friends" disliked the victim, and as things started to unravel once he was gone, I fell for every red herring. I dismissed the actual killer because he wasn't that involved in the mystery like the others. Well played, Mr. Ambrose!
Five Stars
A Treasure to Die For by Terry Ambrose is the start of a beautiful series that helped shape the characters into how they are in the books I started with in this series. I love how innocent Alex seems while also wanting to help her dad with investigating despite the dangers it could lead to. I also like to see how the Atwoods act around Marquetta before anything unfolds for them. Mr. Ambrose did a great job on this book.

I am giving A Treasure to Die For by Terry Ambrose five stars, and I highly recommend it.


The Series

Seaside Cove Bed and Breakfast Mystery Series


Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of A Treasure to Die For by Terry Ambrose.

Until the next time,

Karen Signature

Happy Reading!

This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove

Profile Image for Joanne.
465 reviews13 followers
August 29, 2024
If Seaside Cove Bed & Breakfast was real I would love to take a vacation in San Manuel, California. The main charcters: Rick Atwood, a former investigator/crime newspaper reporter, Alex his 10yr old daughter, and Marquette the bed 'n breakfast's chef and all around helper.

Captain Jack left the property to his grandson Rick to carry on the business. Luckily a very experienced Marquette came with the business so Rick wouldn't flounder on his own. I love the interactions of Rick, Alex, Marquette. Their relationships are growing and I hope to see their growth in the book series.

The eight guests prove to be mysterious. Are they friends or acquaintences? The supposed reason that they have gathered is to put together the section of the map each received. The lure of gold from a pirate 16th century Spanish galleon makes them greedy and suspicious. With the death of one of the eight adventurers the town police stumbles to solve the crime but Rick helps Policeman Adam, the town's meter reader, to put together a crime scene and further the investigation.

I loved Alex trying to help her Dad solve the mystery. She even has her friend Robbie mixed up in her campaign that gets them in trouble. Alex's journal writing is s0 necessary to her life. Marquette who gave her the journal is the glue of the B'n B.
Another less serious thread is funny Rick has become the most eligible bachelor in San Manuel. Every mother wants him to come to dinner and meet their daughters. Poor Rick is a bit overwhelmed and doesn't want to be the local "catch" of the day.

Read this enjoyable book of characters and sinners.

Profile Image for Rumeur.
359 reviews4 followers
September 22, 2017
First book in new cozy genre series---Seaside Cove B&B by Terry Ambrose

First guests to the B&B are 8 treasure seekers. Each person has been given a piece of the treasure map. 1 of the treasure seekers, who had the part of map that showed where they believed it to be, was murdered. Main character, Rick, owner of the B&B, is trying to figure out what happened, at same time, his 10 yr old daughter Alex & her friend Robbie also make their first attempts at some sleuthing
The cast of characters, main & not as main, are well developed & the reader can quickly figure out who is who & what they do. Rick speaks with some shop owners who each have a specialty with the type of shop they own
The quest of the San Manuel treasure----is it real, or was it folklore? Who killed Mr Gordon?

I'd recommend this book to all those that love a great mystery & for anyone who loves a sea themed, treasure searching type story

I'd like to thank the author for allowing me to pre-read a copy of his newest cozy mystery & in return I've written an honest review. I wish him great success on this new cozy series & cant wait to see what happens next at Seaside Cove
Profile Image for Donna.
301 reviews
March 6, 2023
This was a very interesting book. For starters, the main character was male which you don't find too often in cozies and I enjoyed that. Plus Rick, the main character, has the cutest little girl named Alex who "talks" to her journal which I loved. Everything is going great for Rick and Alex in opening the bed and breakfast he inherited. They have a group of treasure hunters as their guest which seems to be going fine until one of them is murdered. With Rick being a reporter before becoming a B&B owner he is very curious and interested in the murder plus the local sheriff doesn't have a lot of experience in murders so he can use Rick's help. Alex also decides to help (without her father knowing) to solve the murder. I love any book set near or on the coast but this one also had a great story that flowed smoothly from scene to scene. Also had several suspects and great characters with some you like some you don't and some you hope continue in the next book. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
2,267 reviews44 followers
October 25, 2024
There were so many things I liked about A Treasure to Die For. I liked having a male sleuth--Rick Atwood to read about. I enjoyed the diary entries that his ten year old daughter--Alex made throughout the book. I liked the setting of a B & B near the water. I liked that the author really let us get to know the main characters. I rate this book 4 1/2 stars only because at times I had a little trouble keeping all the suspects straight. Rick Atwood is separated and lives with his daughter a B & B. Their current guests are a group of people who are looking for an old sunken ship--the San Manuel. One of the guests is found dead on the rocks near the water. So which one of the other treasure hunters killed him and why. This is another entertaining read by Terry Ambrose.
Profile Image for Celest.
724 reviews9 followers
April 21, 2023
A Very Entertaining Mystery

Terry Ambrose is a new author for me and I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters are well developed and realistic, some with secrets. This story has a lot of surprises, and suspects to investigate and keep us entertained. Rick is a great single father and investigator for being the owner of a BnB. Adam is just learning to be a cop, so needed some help from Rick's experiences as a reporter. They worked well together, hopefully we'll get more of this team in future stories. A very enjoyable start to this series. There was also a hint of romance in the air.
486 reviews2 followers
January 5, 2018
Who killed Jim

Story of a murder at the Seaside Cove bed and breakfast. A group of treasure hunters come to stay at the inn. They're in town to find the treasure of San Manuel. The leader of the treasure hunters, Jim Gordon, is found on the shore, dead. There is no love lost between any of the other treasure hunters and none of them liked Jim Gordon at all. Rick, the inns' owner helps the deputy figure out the case, since the deputy has no experience. Okay read.
Profile Image for BJ.
465 reviews5 followers
November 15, 2020
Changing my mind

KU borrow. I don't like 'cozy mysteries'! At least I thought i didn't! But... I've loved Ambrose's McKenna series, all 10 of them, so I thought I'd give his Seaside Cove books a try. Well, I loved this first one! He builds interesting characters, has great and charming settings and a really good adventure/ mystery. I think I'll go on to the next one and so should you!
501 reviews4 followers
November 9, 2017
I enjoy cozy mysteries and this one did not disappoint. The clues were convoluted enough to not give away 'whodunit', but not wildly off track. The touch of the 10 year-old and her diary was sweet. Hopefully, Adam will be allowed to 'grow' in his role. I'm looking forward to the next in the series. Based on Mr. Ambrose's other books and this one, it should be good.
Profile Image for Janiska nordstrom.
99 reviews
April 6, 2018
Different

This is a different kind of cozie. The main character is male, separated from his wife and has a young daughter. He inherited the B & B from his grandfather. It’s a bit unclear why there is a suspected mystery with the grandfather. One of the guests is murdered, but between 2 adults and a 10 year old, the murderer is caught
Profile Image for Donna.
1,202 reviews4 followers
February 4, 2024
Treasure

This delightful first in a series cozy mystery has me guessing throughout the book. I love the characters throughout especially the main characters Rick, Alex(Rick's daughter) and housekeeper/cook at the B&B. There is a treasure hunt group staying at the B&B when a murder occurs. Several suspects later the truth comes out.
Profile Image for Barbara Tobey.
3,030 reviews86 followers
September 11, 2017
Treasure hunters stay at the Seaside Cove B & B. Father and 10 year old daughter solve the murder mystery. Several personal issues and heartache add interest to the tale. The author provided an advance copy for my voluntary review. I look forward to reading the next one in this series.
4,417 reviews43 followers
October 5, 2017
When is a treasure hunt not a treasure hunt? When does a dumbwaiter become an amusement park type of a ride? Who are the Planners, the Doers, and the Desperate? These are just a few of the things you will learn in this book. I enjoyedit very much and highly recommend it.
146 reviews1 follower
October 9, 2017
Interesting read.

The reason I liked this book so much is more about the characters than the mystery. The writing made me care about the characters and their daily life. I haven't read such endearing characters since Agatha Christie.
Profile Image for Sheri.
1,731 reviews20 followers
July 24, 2018
This was such a fun read! I love the perspective of every other chapter being an entry in the 10 year old daughter diary of the inn keeper. Excellent start to a new series. I cant wait to read now from this author.
25 reviews
August 17, 2018
Interesting Read

There were so many lies told in this book by the suspects, I was almost convinced I did it! I love to read about the pursuit of sunken treasure and this was no disappointment.
Profile Image for Karen.
440 reviews
September 19, 2018
Great Book!

This was a quick read and an excellent book. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters! Good mystery and it kept me guessing until the end! Highly recommend to cozy lovers!
251 reviews
August 18, 2020
Treasure to die for

The story in this book is solid however I was confused all the way to the end. For me it was hard to keep the characters straight I’m going to read the next one and see if it’s me or just this story
4,417 reviews43 followers
December 12, 2020
When is a treasure hunt not a treasure hunt? When does a dumbwaiter become an amusement park type of a ride? Who are the Planners, the Doers, and the Desperate? These are just a few of the things you will learn in this book. I enjoyed it very much and highly recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews

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