Book Spotlight: A Night of Surf-Noir at Hermosa Beach Museum

On September 16, our volunteers had the pleasure of attending a captivating event at the Hermosa Beach Museum, where local authors came together for an evening of thrilling readings from the upcoming surf-noir anthology The Amber Waves of Autumn. The event was hosted by editor David M. Olsen and featured renowned author Michael Scott Moore, alongside talented local writers like Hoda Mallone, Francesca Lia Block, Nix Xander Wolf, Kathryn McGee, and more. The atmosphere was charged with creative energy as each author shared not just their stories, but also the inspiration behind their work.

What made this evening truly memorable was hearing the authors read their pieces aloud. The surf-noir genre offers a dark, mysterious twist on coastal life, and these writers transported us right into the heart of their stories. With vivid descriptions and raw emotions, it was easy to get swept up in the worlds they created—feeling the ocean breeze, hearing the surf, and experiencing the tension that lurks beneath the surface of each narrative. Whether it was a suspenseful plot or a deep dive into personal struggles, every story left an impression.

We highly recommend The Amber Waves of Autumn to anyone who loves stories that explore the shadowy side of beach culture. This anthology is perfect for those who want to get lost in gripping, atmospheric tales. Keep an eye out for this collection—it’s bound to be a local favorite!