City of Secrets Author P.J. Tracy Shares Det. Margaret Nolan’s Favorite LA Spots

Santa Monica’s Farmers Market

Maggie is in great shape and understands the importance of eating local, fresh, and clean, even if she doesn’t always adhere to the philosophy. You’ll find her here most Saturday mornings scouring the stalls (and fighting the city’s top chefs) for exotic gems like Persian mulberries, heirloom avocados, fraises des bois, Thai guavas, and fresh porcini mushrooms. But her real motivation to make the early morning drive is Röckenwagner Bakery’s jalapeño cheddar bagels and bacon cheese twists.

Getty Villa Museum, Malibu

Amazing art, amazing architecture, amazing grounds, plus they have a monorail. What’s not to love? A short drive from her house in San Fernando Valley, Maggie comes here to clear her head. It’s almost impossible to think about murder here…almost.

Hotel Bel-Air

For brunch, lunch, dinner, or cocktails, this spectacular property is the pinnacle of LA decadence and escapism. Even the dead body she found in the lake a couple of years ago doesn’t ruin the ambiance. But she only comes here for crime scenes or if her colleague and wealthy lover Remy is paying.

Griffith Park Observatory

Hiking to the top is a great workout, and you’re rewarded with the best views in the city, day or night. Plus, you can see the Hollywood sign. This iconic sight gives even the most jaded Angelenos a thrill.

La Brea Tarpits

Like most people, Maggie is fascinated by wooly mammoths and saber-toothed tigers. She loves walking the same ground they did not that long ago during the Ice Age. When she starts thinking about them getting stuck and dying in the tar pits though, her mind just can’t help going to the dark side.