Cate Touryan is a local author of an award-winning coming-of-age novel, a historical mystery set in a fictionalized Avila Beach in 1971. Her storytelling draws from a lifetime spent near coastlines. Born on the Mediterranean coast and now living in the Central California shore that inspired her first novel, she brings a literary, lyrical voice shaped by years of work in education and editing. 

Her writing moves between fiction and creative nonfiction, and her stories are known for rich atmosphere, compassion for conflicted characters, and a faith that sees the invisible.

To read more of her work and receive a free e-book or audiobook of her prequel short story, “The Gulch Run Gangster,” please visit her website and subscribe to her newsletter, Cate’s Quarterly.

2025 IAN Book of the Year, Cross Genre
2026 Illumination Award, Gold Medal Winner, General Fiction
2026 IPPY Award, Silver Medal Winner, Best First Book