Step into the mesmerizing world of Ashton Ford, where psychic powers, sultry mysteries, and supernatural twists collide in a whirlwind of adventure! Don Pendleton’s Ashton Ford series, a six-novel gem from the 1980s, follows a former naval officer turned psychic detective as he unravels cosmic enigmas and battles otherworldly forces. With a blend of mystery, eroticism, and metaphysical musings, this series invites readers to question reality itself.
Unlike Pendleton’s action-packed Executioner series, Ashton Ford offers a cerebral, mystical ride. Picture a charismatic sleuth with a knack for seeing the future, navigating cases that tangle with UFOs, ghosts, and ancient cults. It’s a niche delight for fans of paranormal mysteries craving something bold and unconventional.
How Ashton Ford Began
Don Pendleton, the mastermind behind the iconic Mack Bolan Executioner novels, launched the Ashton Ford series in 1986 with a craving to explore life’s deeper mysteries. Inspired by his lifelong fascination with metaphysics and the paranormal, Pendleton crafted Ford as a vehicle to ponder existence itself. A former naval intelligence officer himself, Pendleton infused Ford with a blend of worldly grit and psychic flair, creating a hero who’s as much philosopher as detective.
The series emerged during the New Age movement’s peak, when interest in psychics and the supernatural soared. Pendleton saw an opportunity to weave his metaphysical musings into a fresh narrative, distinct from his action-adventure roots. The result? A character Booklist called “spectacular” and a series that dared to push boundaries.
The Heart of Ashton Ford
The Ashton Ford series spans six books, each a standalone adventure dripping with intrigue. Ashes to Ashes (1986) kicks things off as Ford aids a haunted heiress, plunging into a world of murder and ghostly apparitions. In Eye to Eye (1986), he tackles the mysterious disappearance of top astronomers, uncovering cosmic secrets under the world’s largest telescope. Life to Life (1987) sees Ford helping a psychic reverend whose followers are dying in horrifying ways, revealing an ancient mystical group. Finally, Time to Time (1988) explores a Hollywood star’s obsession with UFOs, dolphins, and extraterrestrial calls.
Themes of mysticism, psychic intuition, and the nature of reality pulse through every page. Ford’s cases blend hard-boiled detective work with metaphysical quests, set against vibrant backdrops like California mansions and observatories. The series’ erotic undertones add spice, with Ford’s charm and “unparalleled lover” status weaving romance into the supernatural. Pendleton’s chatty, first-person style makes Ford feel like a friend recounting wild tales over coffee, balancing grim mysteries with playful wit.
Pendleton himself described the series as a quest to understand “the why of existence itself,” using Ford to explore humanity’s place in the universe. This philosophical depth, paired with fast-paced plots, makes the series a unique bridge between pulp fiction and metaphysical reflection.
Why Ashton Ford Resonates
Though not as famous as Pendleton’s Executioner, the Ashton Ford series carved a niche for fans of paranormal mysteries. Its blend of psychic detective work and New Age philosophy tapped into the 1980s’ fascination with the unknown, offering a fresh alternative to horror or sci-fi. Readers praised Ford’s likability and the series’ conversational tone, with some calling it a “breath of fresh air” from Pendleton’s other works.
Today, the series remains a cult favorite, available in print, Kindle, and audiobooks. Its exploration of timeless questions—What lies beyond reality? Can we trust our perceptions?—keeps it relevant for curious minds. While no new books are planned, Ford’s legacy endures as a bold experiment in genre-blending storytelling.
- Publication Years: 1986–1988
- Number of Books: 6
- Genres: Paranormal Mystery, Supernatural Thriller
Dust off Ashes to Ashes and dive into Ashton Ford’s mind-bending world of psychic sleuthing and cosmic wonders!