Terry Ambrose

Writing is like a good barbecue sauce, if it ain't bold, it ain't worth doing.

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Mystery of the Lei Palaoa

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Mystery of the Lei Palaoa

Mystery of the Lei Palaoa

$.99
Author:
Series: McKenna Mystery, Book 5
Genre: Mystery
Publication Year: 2015
ASIN: B019L0PB30

McKenna witnesses a fight over a precious lei niho palaoa in a coffee shop and soon finds the man dead on the streets of Honolulu. McKenna and PI wannabe Chance Logan are determined to find the lei palaoa and the killer, but at what price?

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A precious necklace…an arrogant stranger…an unsolvable murder…

Apartment manager Wilson McKenna just got a gift card to Honolulu’s newest, upscale coffeehouse from his rich, PI-wannabe tenant, Chance Logan. Wouldn’t you know it? Trouble breaks out during their first visit when the barista confronts an arrogant customer over the lei niho palaoa he wears around his neck. McKenna knows the lei palaoa is only worn by Hawaiian royalty—and this guy is anything but.

The argument turns violent and a short time later, the troublemaker is found murdered, and the lei palaoa is missing. The cops have one suspect in their sights—the store owner.

McKenna and Chance set out to find the real killer. As the investigation expands, they realize dead men tell no lies, but the living certainly do. Can they crack a case with no clues, no evidence, and no witnesses?


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About the Author
Terry Ambrose

I started out as a skip tracer. Just in case you don't know, that's the guy who finds the people who don't want to be found. It was the little things—getting paid to lie—that made skip tracing the fun part of the job. The other part of my job was to collect money from deadbeats. I must confess, I never personally stole a car, but did sometimes hire big guys with tow trucks to work in the dark and “help” when negotiations failed. Those years of chasing deadbeats taught me many valuable life lessons, such as liars come from all walks of life, and always keep your car in the garage

Other Books in "McKenna Mystery"
Photo Finish
Kauai Temptations
Big Island Blues
Honolulu Hottie
North Shore Nanny
A Damsel for Santa
Maui Magic
The Scent of Waikiki
Look Inside
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the page above are "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

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Con Game

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Con Game

Con Game

$2.99
Author:
Series: License to Lie, Book 2
Genres: Mystery, Thriller
Publication Year: 2014
Length: 311 pp
ASIN: 0985954043
ISBN: 9780985954048

A million-dollar con gone wrong. A failed attempt at murder. A young girl living on the streets. In this con game, only the strongest survive.

Con artist Roxy Tanner just walked away with $2.6 million on her latest job, but left behind a dead body. Skip Cosgrove wants to help Roxy find out who killed her mark, but he has his own problems—a man the former criminologist once helped put behind bars is back for revenge. With the cops closing in on Roxy, and a killer on the hunt for Skip, the last thing they need is a gutsy street kid turning their lives upside down—until it happens. Now, all three must decide how far they will go to survive a killer’s con game.

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What the pros say about Con Game

“A gripping fast-paced read, with characters you will want to see again and again!” — Deborah Crombie, New York Times Bestselling author of  ”The Sound of Broken Glass”

“Once again author Terry Ambrose has given us an original tale with a unique and different set of characters, and a murder investigation that, while it doesn’t follow conventional guidelines, yet holds the reader spellbound until the last surprising roundup of victims and perps. And once again the reader comes away wanting more.” — Lois Santalo, Midwest Book Review

“Ambrose touches on high-finance malfeasance, adultery and drug dealing with the kind of snark that will remind readers of Elmore Leonard. Given their moral nuances, Roxy and Skip are entertaining anchors for a series, and the introduction of Lily brings the promise of further complications for their relationship. . . A solid second round of capers featuring this attractive, cynical couple.” — Kirkus Reviews

Awards for Con Game

2014 San Diego Book Awards – Best Thriller


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About the Author
Terry Ambrose

I started out as a skip tracer. Just in case you don't know, that's the guy who finds the people who don't want to be found. It was the little things—getting paid to lie—that made skip tracing the fun part of the job. The other part of my job was to collect money from deadbeats. I must confess, I never personally stole a car, but did sometimes hire big guys with tow trucks to work in the dark and “help” when negotiations failed. Those years of chasing deadbeats taught me many valuable life lessons, such as liars come from all walks of life, and always keep your car in the garage

Other Books in "License to Lie"
License to Lie
Shadows from the Past
Look Inside
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the page above are "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

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License to Lie

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License to Lie

License to Lie

$2.99
Author:
Series: License to Lie, Book 1
Genres: Mystery, Thriller
Publication Year: 2013
Length: 304 pp.
ASIN: 0985954051
ISBN: 9780985954055

Never trust a soul—even your own.

Two experts in the art of communications. Both are driven by their goals—and they’re on opposite sides of the law. But, when her father is kidnapped, they join forces—and learn that with $5,000,000 and their lives on the line, it’s hard to trust each other—or themselves.

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What the pros say about License to Lie

“License to Lie is not a conventional murder mystery and it does not follow the usual formulas. Terry Ambrose is breaking new ground and proving that there are new directions for mysteries to take. . .This one is highly recommended.” — Midwest Book Review

“The author writes a thriller that instead of gore, utilizes intellect and emotion, in an action packed story line to propel readers to an unexpected, but very satisfying, conclusion. On all levels License to Lie justifiably earned this five star rating!” —San Francisco Book Review (1776 Productions)

“License to Lie is fast and well written, almost sure to satisfy discerning readers of thrillers.  There’s a verve to Ambrose’s language and the story moves with assurance, defying easy predictions.  Bravo to this writer.  I hope there’s more to come.” — T. Jefferson Parker, Author of The Jaguar and The Border Lords

“Fast-paced, unpredictable, and a lot of fun–no one is who they seem in this smart and twisty tale of high finance and double dealing. This unlikely and irresistible crime-fighting duo will charm you–and keep you happily turning the pages.” — Hank Phillippi Ryan, Anthony, Agatha and Macavity award-winning author

Awards for License to Lie

2013 San Diego Book Awards – Best Thriller Finalist


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About the Author
Terry Ambrose

I started out as a skip tracer. Just in case you don't know, that's the guy who finds the people who don't want to be found. It was the little things—getting paid to lie—that made skip tracing the fun part of the job. The other part of my job was to collect money from deadbeats. I must confess, I never personally stole a car, but did sometimes hire big guys with tow trucks to work in the dark and “help” when negotiations failed. Those years of chasing deadbeats taught me many valuable life lessons, such as liars come from all walks of life, and always keep your car in the garage

Other Books in "License to Lie"
Con Game
Shadows from the Past
Look Inside
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the page above are "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

All Series

Big Island Blues

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Big Island Blues

Big Island Blues

$2.99
Author:
Series: McKenna Mystery, Book 3
Genre: Mystery
Publication Year: 2014
Length: 274 pp.
ASIN: 1502813726
ISBN: 9781502813725

McKenna, a former skip tracer, flies to the Big Island of Hawaii to help find his best friend’s missing niece. No sooner has McKenna’s search begun than he’s got a teenage hacker messing with his investigation, has uncovered deep family secrets, and is caught in the middle of a twenty-year-old plan of revenge. Even worse, everyone he questions is spooked by a 70-year-old Indian curse on a 1942 Martin guitar.

With a killer on the loose and his best friend’s very hot sister pressuring him for results, McKenna’s got more than trouble in paradise, he’s got a volcano ready to blow.

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What the pros are saying about Big Island Blues

“Big Island Blues sizzles from a gripping beginning to a finale both taut and sweet. As they say in the islands – maikaʻi loa” (Hawaiian for very good).—Bestselling and award-winning author Carolyn Hart

“Move over Magnum, goodbye Dano.  McKenna’s a real deal dude who verbally jousts with a raft of quirky characters while propelling the action forward at a breakneck pace.” — Laura Childs, New York Times bestselling author of the Tea Shop Mysteries, Cacklberry Club Mysteries, and Scrapbook Mysteries.

[iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/ka87siu2FC0″ frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen]

Other McKenna Mysteries

Photo Finish

Kauai Temptations


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About the Author
Terry Ambrose

I started out as a skip tracer. Just in case you don't know, that's the guy who finds the people who don't want to be found. It was the little things—getting paid to lie—that made skip tracing the fun part of the job. The other part of my job was to collect money from deadbeats. I must confess, I never personally stole a car, but did sometimes hire big guys with tow trucks to work in the dark and “help” when negotiations failed. Those years of chasing deadbeats taught me many valuable life lessons, such as liars come from all walks of life, and always keep your car in the garage

Other Books in "McKenna Mystery"
Photo Finish
Kauai Temptations
Honolulu Hottie
Mystery of the Lei Palaoa
North Shore Nanny
A Damsel for Santa
Maui Magic
The Scent of Waikiki
Look Inside
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the page above are "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

All Series

Kauai Temptations

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Kauai Temptations

Kauai Temptations

$2.99
Author:
Series: McKenna Mystery, Book 2
Genre: Mystery
Publication Year: 2013
Length: 276 pp
ASIN: 0985954035
ISBN: 9780985954031

Wilson McKenna never wrote a bad check in his life. So how did he end up with $4,000 in returned checks on an island he’s never been to? He knows one thing, make that two, the bank wants their money, and he’s going to Kauai to track down the crook who stole his checks. Before you can say “welcome to the island,” he’s almost arrested for impersonating himself, the woman who trashed his credit turns up dead, and McKenna feels like he’s up to his ‘umi’umi in hot lava.

Too late, McKenna realizes that some temptations can get you killed.

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What the pros say about Kauai Temptations

2014 Mystery and Mayhem Contest Finalist

“More delicious than a Coconut Mocha Frap (and that’s saying something), this rambunctious, character driven whodunit, kept me laughing out loud while I wallowed in the exotic locale beside the engaging amateur sleuth Wilson McKenna as he unraveled a timely case involving identity theft and murder.  Terry Ambrose has penned a truly engaging, page turner of a mystery in Kauai Temptations.” — Jenn McKinlay, New York Times Best Selling Author of the Cupcake Bakery Mysteries and the Library Lover’s Mysteries!

“Kauai Temptations is a fast-paced mystery with quirky characters and loads of island charm. Recipe for a great day at the beach: sunscreen, bamboo mat, mango shave ice, and Kauai Temptations in your beach bag!” — JoAnn Bassett, author of The Islands of Aloha Mystery Series

Kauai Temptations Trailer

[iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/Tlq1-M_GwuE” frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen]

Other McKenna Mysteries

Photo Finish

Big Island Blues


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About the Author
Terry Ambrose

I started out as a skip tracer. Just in case you don't know, that's the guy who finds the people who don't want to be found. It was the little things—getting paid to lie—that made skip tracing the fun part of the job. The other part of my job was to collect money from deadbeats. I must confess, I never personally stole a car, but did sometimes hire big guys with tow trucks to work in the dark and “help” when negotiations failed. Those years of chasing deadbeats taught me many valuable life lessons, such as liars come from all walks of life, and always keep your car in the garage

Other Books in "McKenna Mystery"
Photo Finish
Big Island Blues
Honolulu Hottie
Mystery of the Lei Palaoa
North Shore Nanny
A Damsel for Santa
Maui Magic
The Scent of Waikiki
Look Inside
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the page above are "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

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Photo Finish

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Photo Finish

Photo Finish

$0.99
Author:
Series: McKenna Mystery, Book 1
Genre: Mystery
Publication Year: 2012
Length: 264 pp.
ASIN: 0985954019
ISBN: 9780985954017

Wilson McKenna’s newest tenant is hot, gives great hugs, and just saw a dead body being thrown from a plane. McKenna’s not one to get involved in other people’s problems, especially those of a woman half his age, but before he knows it he’s volunteered to find the plane and its owner—and found more trouble than he’s ever seen in his life. He’s uncovered an island drug ring, pissed off a sociopath, and set himself up as the victim in a beautiful woman’s con that could cost him his life.
If only trouble didn’t have such great legs.

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What the pros say about Photo Finish

2013 San Diego Book Awards Finalist – Mystery and Thriller

Terry Ambrose has created an appealing protagonist for his new mystery series. Clever as well as cantankerous, McKenna is a man whose weakness for women is exceeded only by his loyalty to his friends. Ambrose’s choice of the beautiful island of Oahu as the book’s setting provides yet another assurance that this will be a series well worth following. — Carol Thomas, Mystery Series Examiner, Examiner.com

A magnificent read!! If you are looking for a thrilling but relaxing and humorously written book, “Photo Finish” is the perfect book for you…cleverly constructed plot…colorful cast of brilliantly realistic characters. — Books4Tomorrow

“Toss together a bit of Hawaiian voodoo, a con artist on the trail of a big score, and a wiseass hero who can’t resist getting involved. Mix with wit. Add a touch of sarcasm and you have Terry Ambrose’s ‘Photo Finish’—a mystery as refreshing as a visit to the islands themselves.” — Deborah Coonts, author of “So Damn Lucky”, the latest in the Lucky O’Toole Vegas Adventure Series

Photo Finish Trailer

[iframe src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/Dj-fqEEAEHE” width=”560″ height=”315″ frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen=”allowfullscreen”]

Other McKenna Mysteries

Kauai Temptations

Big Island Blues


Spread the love
About the Author
Terry Ambrose

I started out as a skip tracer. Just in case you don't know, that's the guy who finds the people who don't want to be found. It was the little things—getting paid to lie—that made skip tracing the fun part of the job. The other part of my job was to collect money from deadbeats. I must confess, I never personally stole a car, but did sometimes hire big guys with tow trucks to work in the dark and “help” when negotiations failed. Those years of chasing deadbeats taught me many valuable life lessons, such as liars come from all walks of life, and always keep your car in the garage

Other Books in "McKenna Mystery"
Kauai Temptations
Big Island Blues
Honolulu Hottie
Mystery of the Lei Palaoa
North Shore Nanny
A Damsel for Santa
Maui Magic
The Scent of Waikiki
Look Inside
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the page above are "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

All Series