Introducing Hugo Sandoval and a New Eco-Mystery Series
When the natural and built world collide, the Earth needs a good building inspector
San Francisco (September 26, 2023) — The novel, The Rotting Whale by Jann Eyrich, published by Sibylline Press, is the first in the new Hugo Sandoval Eco-Mystery Series. The series introduces San Francisco’s eccentric building inspector Hugo Sandoval, who is a bit of a mystery himself. Steeped in the noir of The City, the old-school inspector with his trademark Borsalino fedora is a media darling, reluctant bachelor, and people’s hero fighting the good fights on San Francisco’s waterfront in a modern era that—with each requested permit—attempts to eclipse the old San Francisco Sandoval loves.
Fans of cozy mysteries who revel in great characters and exotic locations will also appreciate the new genre of eco-mystery which dares to investigate crimes against Nature. In this series, these crimes are perpetuated by sea level rise, a curious villain indeed. Hugo is joined in solving these mysteries by a cast of equally quirky but charming characters who revere him; they also cover for his Monk-like idiosyncrasies that prevent him from being wedged in tight spaces and deserted on high perches. Readers will meet Carmen, his corporate lawyer ex-wife: T. Ray, his best friend and fellow sleuth: his intuiPve assistant Mrs. Dunne who steers their office on OPs Street, as well as the many regulars who populate Sandoval’s San Francisco.
In the first episode of the series, Hugo must reluctantly venture outside his beloved city 200 miles north and find his sea legs before he can solve the mystery of how a 90-ton blue whale became stranded—twice—in a remote inlet of the North Coast. This first episode is set on the turbulent Mendocino Coast against the backdrop of a failing fishing fleet, illegal cannabis grows, and the struggling town of Fort Bragg.
Fans of the series will also enjoy Hugo’s personal website www.hugomysteries.com, where his views of City waterfront projects are logged, sighPngs of the man are reported, and the main characters are brought into the light. Hugo also makes appearances on Facebook and Instagram under @hugomystery. Future episodes include The Blind Key releasing March 2024 and The Singing Lighthouse in Spring 2025.
Reclusive author Jann Eyrich worked as an independent woman contractor in San Francisco residing in the legendary shacks of Telegraph Hill where she was gi]ed anchorage to the City and insight into the characters she now creates for Hugo.
CONTACT: Vicki DeArmon, Sibylline Press, vicki@sibyllinepress.com, 707-776-7284