Help for a friend

I'm trying to help a friend re-discover a mystery series that she read and
enjoyed several years ago. These are the only details that she can remember
about the series:

1. It takes place in Southern California
2. The main character is an ex-policeman who became independently wealthy
because of money from his uncle who was a smuggler.
3. The ex-policeman's ex-wife is a redhead who helps him manage his money.

Any help that you could give me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.