What do you think?
Rate this book
Mahu #1
Mahu
Mahu---a generally negative Hawaiian term for homosexuals---introduces a unique character to detective fiction. Kimo Kanapa'aka is a handsome, mixed-race surfer living in Honolulu, a police detective confronting his homosexuality in an atmosphere of macho bravado within the police force.
A man of intelligence, strength, honesty, resourcefulness, and intense dedication to the people of Hawaii, Kimo is a hard-boiled hero you will never forget. Fast-paced, intricately plotted, thoroughly enjoyable, this is a sexy, surprisingly moving mystery about discovering oneself as much as catching a killer.
A man of intelligence, strength, honesty, resourcefulness, and intense dedication to the people of Hawaii, Kimo is a hard-boiled hero you will never forget. Fast-paced, intricately plotted, thoroughly enjoyable, this is a sexy, surprisingly moving mystery about discovering oneself as much as catching a killer.
350 pages, ebook
First published August 1, 2005
160 people are currently reading
789 people want to read
About the author
Neil S. Plakcy
235 books650 followersI have been a voracious reader all my life, mostly in mystery, romance, and science fiction/fantasy, though a college degree in English did push a lot of literary works into my list of favorites.
Quick note: sign up for my newsletter at plakcy.substack.com to get free prologues, epilogues and short stories.
I began writing seriously in high school after an inspiring assignment with A Separate Peace by John Knowles. I didn't know I was gay then, but I knew I was longing for an emotional connection with a best friend. That desire shows up across my writing, from romance to mystery to adventure. I am lucky to have found my special person, and I want to inspire readers to make those connections, to one person or a found family.
It took getting an MFA in creative writing to kick-start my career. That's where I honed my technical skills and began to understand what kind of storyteller I am.
I remember reading Freddie the Detective about a very smart pig inspired by Sherlock Holmes. I’ve always believed that dogs make the best detectives. They notice what humans miss — a faint scent, a subtle shift in body language, the hidden treat in your pocket. That belief inspired my Golden Retriever Mysteries, where Rochester helps his human, Steve Levitan, nose out the truth.
My passion is telling stories where community, loyalty, and sometimes love solve problems just as much as clues do. Whether it’s a cozy mystery in Bucks County, a thriller on the streets of Miami, or a romance unfolding under the Mediterranean sun, I want readers to feel the heartbeat of the place and the people.
I write because stories helped me feel less alone growing up, and now I want to give readers that same feeling: a companion, a puzzle, and maybe a laugh.
When I’m not writing, I’m probably walking one of my own goldens, teaching writing, or daydreaming about my next story.
Since then I've written dozens of books, won a couple of treasured awards, and enjoyed the support of readers.
Every place I’ve lived has made its way into my fiction: the rolling hills of Bucks County, the neon heat of Miami, the beaches of Hawaii, the cobbled streets of Europe. I love exploring how communities work — from a café where dogs guide healing, to a fraternity house in South Beach, to a police unit in Honolulu.
My goal is simple: to write stories that feel grounded in real people and real places, but with enough twists, romance, or danger to keep you turning pages late into the night.
I hope you'll visit my website, where you can sign up for my occasional newsletter, and also follow my author page on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/neil.plakcy.
Quick note: sign up for my newsletter at plakcy.substack.com to get free prologues, epilogues and short stories.
I began writing seriously in high school after an inspiring assignment with A Separate Peace by John Knowles. I didn't know I was gay then, but I knew I was longing for an emotional connection with a best friend. That desire shows up across my writing, from romance to mystery to adventure. I am lucky to have found my special person, and I want to inspire readers to make those connections, to one person or a found family.
It took getting an MFA in creative writing to kick-start my career. That's where I honed my technical skills and began to understand what kind of storyteller I am.
I remember reading Freddie the Detective about a very smart pig inspired by Sherlock Holmes. I’ve always believed that dogs make the best detectives. They notice what humans miss — a faint scent, a subtle shift in body language, the hidden treat in your pocket. That belief inspired my Golden Retriever Mysteries, where Rochester helps his human, Steve Levitan, nose out the truth.
My passion is telling stories where community, loyalty, and sometimes love solve problems just as much as clues do. Whether it’s a cozy mystery in Bucks County, a thriller on the streets of Miami, or a romance unfolding under the Mediterranean sun, I want readers to feel the heartbeat of the place and the people.
I write because stories helped me feel less alone growing up, and now I want to give readers that same feeling: a companion, a puzzle, and maybe a laugh.
When I’m not writing, I’m probably walking one of my own goldens, teaching writing, or daydreaming about my next story.
Since then I've written dozens of books, won a couple of treasured awards, and enjoyed the support of readers.
Every place I’ve lived has made its way into my fiction: the rolling hills of Bucks County, the neon heat of Miami, the beaches of Hawaii, the cobbled streets of Europe. I love exploring how communities work — from a café where dogs guide healing, to a fraternity house in South Beach, to a police unit in Honolulu.
My goal is simple: to write stories that feel grounded in real people and real places, but with enough twists, romance, or danger to keep you turning pages late into the night.
I hope you'll visit my website, where you can sign up for my occasional newsletter, and also follow my author page on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/neil.plakcy.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
May 18, 2021
Talk about problematic!
Sheesh, this book is really strange and full of triggers.
(The horse is named Trigger. He needs help. Stat.)
One of the strangest things is when it is supposed to be set. I would have sworn it was the late 1980's or early '90's because there are pay phones for a quarter, kids playing Pogs, no smart phones and little computer usage, along with serious fashion police moments. The main guy wears painter's pants with a floral shirt to look sexy?
Well, I don't. Also, go shave that rug off your chest. Ew.
The homophobia is also super old-fashioned. Using derogatory terms, being gay is super weird, nobody on the police force is gay, and our hero is fired for it. This stuff is very old-school. And not in a fun retro way.
The other strange thing is just how Hawaiian everything is. Do people who live in Hawaii really wake up each morning to macadamia pancakes and read a surfing magazine and then head to their parent's house for a luau? (Straight from the book) Or, are these stereotypes trying to shove anything Hawaii related into the pages? Because it was endless. Every single Hawaiian thing you can think of was mentioned. It seemed OTT. Like, I live in Texas, right? But, do I wake up everyday and put on my cowboy boots, eat grits, and read horse magazines before I head out to the rodeo?
Okay, you got me. I'm sitting on a horse right now.
The mystery itself was mediocre. It was pretty obvious from the start whodunnit, but I like police procedurals in general so that part was okay. Also, the MC was a pretty likable guy.
Still, overall I found the strangeness too much to overcome. I hate the gay-bashing and some of the exploitation that went on. Not worth it.
Sheesh, this book is really strange and full of triggers.
(The horse is named Trigger. He needs help. Stat.)
One of the strangest things is when it is supposed to be set. I would have sworn it was the late 1980's or early '90's because there are pay phones for a quarter, kids playing Pogs, no smart phones and little computer usage, along with serious fashion police moments. The main guy wears painter's pants with a floral shirt to look sexy?
Well, I don't. Also, go shave that rug off your chest. Ew.
The homophobia is also super old-fashioned. Using derogatory terms, being gay is super weird, nobody on the police force is gay, and our hero is fired for it. This stuff is very old-school. And not in a fun retro way.
The other strange thing is just how Hawaiian everything is. Do people who live in Hawaii really wake up each morning to macadamia pancakes and read a surfing magazine and then head to their parent's house for a luau? (Straight from the book) Or, are these stereotypes trying to shove anything Hawaii related into the pages? Because it was endless. Every single Hawaiian thing you can think of was mentioned. It seemed OTT. Like, I live in Texas, right? But, do I wake up everyday and put on my cowboy boots, eat grits, and read horse magazines before I head out to the rodeo?
Okay, you got me. I'm sitting on a horse right now.
The mystery itself was mediocre. It was pretty obvious from the start whodunnit, but I like police procedurals in general so that part was okay. Also, the MC was a pretty likable guy.
Still, overall I found the strangeness too much to overcome. I hate the gay-bashing and some of the exploitation that went on. Not worth it.
November 29, 2015
Divided on this one.
The writing is very good and Plakcy has clearly researched the Hawaiian location and police procedures. There's lots of details here and it feels realistic but at the same time the delivery is very factual, matter-of-fact, we're taken through the procedures rather than living them. Sometimes I found the Hawaii terms/details overwhelmed the narrative.
It's with Kimo's family that the most emotion lies. It's real and raw. His brother's anger, his parents confused loyalty, his colleagues prejudices. This isn't a romance but reads like a coming of age in many respects; at 32yrs Kimo is coming out and discovering himself, finding out what it means to him to be gay. The mystery is there to complicate and force his feelings into the open.
The narration is understated. While the emotions are there they never quite bubble to the surface. For me the effect is quite a bland level story just missing being a powerful read. It's good, yet I can't see myself following Kimo's journey from here.
The writing is very good and Plakcy has clearly researched the Hawaiian location and police procedures. There's lots of details here and it feels realistic but at the same time the delivery is very factual, matter-of-fact, we're taken through the procedures rather than living them. Sometimes I found the Hawaii terms/details overwhelmed the narrative.
It's with Kimo's family that the most emotion lies. It's real and raw. His brother's anger, his parents confused loyalty, his colleagues prejudices. This isn't a romance but reads like a coming of age in many respects; at 32yrs Kimo is coming out and discovering himself, finding out what it means to him to be gay. The mystery is there to complicate and force his feelings into the open.
The narration is understated. While the emotions are there they never quite bubble to the surface. For me the effect is quite a bland level story just missing being a powerful read. It's good, yet I can't see myself following Kimo's journey from here.
May 16, 2014
Plakcy writes in a subdued casual style and I easily found myself inside Kimo’s head living with him the daunting new path he has chosen to undertake. He has struggled with being gay his whole life and is now ready to accept it and out himself. But he still has no idea how to be gay and is in the process of working this out whilst dealing with his well founded fear of loosing his life as he knows it. As he begins showing his secret he learns that we all have secrets and how certain things give us glimpses of what secrets others have. He also learns who stood up to be counted in his life when the shit hit the fan.
Kimo is a thinker and his reflections, awareness of what is happening and honesty with himself, is refreshing. Plakcy includes little details in his writing which give an authentic feel. I liked his exploration of the family relationships.
The crime part of the story is very well done, very deftly interwoven with Kimo’s personal story creating a seamless whole. The finale of the case was truly a climax.
This book was a pleasure to read and I’m going on to the next story with a smile as I want more Kimo and family.
June 23, 2010
Mahu by Neil Plakcy – The thing I liked best about Plakcy’s detective Kimo, was also one of the things that subsequently pissed me off at the same time: his self-loathing and antiquated idea’s of what it meant to be a gay man. Granted, he’s just coming out of the closet, and not exactly willingly either, but I found myself wanting to help him one minute, tease and taunt him for being so socially inept the next, before finally wishing I could smack him upside the head already! He was a totally frustrating character who I totally wanted to sleep with throughout the entire book. : ) I have a major weak spot for flawed men who have a heart of gold, and Plakcy nearly did me in with Kimo. There’s something about him that made me want to jump into the pages of the book and help him. Not with investigation, mind you – I’m fine leaving that to the professionals. I just knew that if I could only get my hands on him I’d be able to make it all better – or least have a lot fun trying.
From my post, The Inside Reader on Elisa Rolle's Reviews & Ramblings -
http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/98440
From my post, The Inside Reader on Elisa Rolle's Reviews & Ramblings -
http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/98440
November 15, 2016
This has not been my week for MM-mystery.
As I read the blurb and other reviews, Kimo should be a cop with a heart of gold, and a strong sense of right and wrong. Admittedly I was warned that he made some mistakes, BUT (IMO) this dude was horrible.
We have this 'thought' around the 25% mark:
Every time I heard the word fag, I felt my body go tense. I was starting to look at straight couples together and get mad, that they had something I didn't. I was about to start calling people with kids breeders.
*phew* the first part, I understand AND sympathize with, that word is not only ugly and derogatory, it is just plain AWFUL.
But then... Then we have this:
The only men I can generally peg as gay are the faggy ones, and they don't do it for me. The way I figure it, if I was attracted to someone feminine, I'd stay with girls, and my life would be a lot easier.
*record scratch*
This lovely tid-bit shows up, almost immediately after the first 'thought'...
No! Just, NO!
Then we're supposed to believe that he has a heart of gold and is a good cop, but he leaves the scene of a murder, and almost doesn't come clean about it. And the only reason he DOES come clean is because his fingerprint is found on the body.
I get that 'coming out' is a deeply personal choice and event, but for me, that situation doesn't scream proper, golden-hearted cop, that situation screams selfish!
Also I did a few back and forths when they were interviewing two suspects; each suspect provides a different story of where they were at the time of the murder (together), and NOBODY lifts an eyebrow or says anything. Nothing is mentioned about them LYING, at the time.
It is only brought up again later when the cops are back at the station.
Is that how you would do that?!?
Add to that the weird back and forth with his partner on the force: 'We'll keep quiet with your fuck-up, it won't be a problem and it won't cost you your badge, you're still my partner' and then 'I want to do my own thing, cause I don't know know you any more!'
What?!?
Lastly the imagery of Hawii... *phew* Normally I love it when an author can 'place' me in the story, but this was WAAAAAY over the top.
I have a deep respect for cultural heritage, but when you spend half a page explaining the local words for north, south, east and west for example, and then uses one of those local expressions later on (when that description is forgotten), you lose some of the story, and end up spending some time going back and forth between pages to understand what the hell a sentence means.
Another consequence of using a LOT of local expressions and descriptions, is that it feels like a quiz is coming up, and that you should definitely take notes.
To follow this story I needed a legal pad, a number 2 pencil, 10 hours and a drop with Redbull injected directly into my veins
Maybe I'm lazy, but that is TOO much work for an entertaining evening on the couch.
So yeah, I might give book number 2 a try later on, but this -decidedly- did not work for me.
As I read the blurb and other reviews, Kimo should be a cop with a heart of gold, and a strong sense of right and wrong. Admittedly I was warned that he made some mistakes, BUT (IMO) this dude was horrible.
We have this 'thought' around the 25% mark:
Every time I heard the word fag, I felt my body go tense. I was starting to look at straight couples together and get mad, that they had something I didn't. I was about to start calling people with kids breeders.
*phew* the first part, I understand AND sympathize with, that word is not only ugly and derogatory, it is just plain AWFUL.
But then... Then we have this:
The only men I can generally peg as gay are the faggy ones, and they don't do it for me. The way I figure it, if I was attracted to someone feminine, I'd stay with girls, and my life would be a lot easier.
*record scratch*
This lovely tid-bit shows up, almost immediately after the first 'thought'...
No! Just, NO!
Then we're supposed to believe that he has a heart of gold and is a good cop, but he leaves the scene of a murder, and almost doesn't come clean about it. And the only reason he DOES come clean is because his fingerprint is found on the body.
I get that 'coming out' is a deeply personal choice and event, but for me, that situation doesn't scream proper, golden-hearted cop, that situation screams selfish!
Also I did a few back and forths when they were interviewing two suspects; each suspect provides a different story of where they were at the time of the murder (together), and NOBODY lifts an eyebrow or says anything. Nothing is mentioned about them LYING, at the time.
It is only brought up again later when the cops are back at the station.
Is that how you would do that?!?
Add to that the weird back and forth with his partner on the force: 'We'll keep quiet with your fuck-up, it won't be a problem and it won't cost you your badge, you're still my partner' and then 'I want to do my own thing, cause I don't know know you any more!'
What?!?
Lastly the imagery of Hawii... *phew* Normally I love it when an author can 'place' me in the story, but this was WAAAAAY over the top.
I have a deep respect for cultural heritage, but when you spend half a page explaining the local words for north, south, east and west for example, and then uses one of those local expressions later on (when that description is forgotten), you lose some of the story, and end up spending some time going back and forth between pages to understand what the hell a sentence means.
Another consequence of using a LOT of local expressions and descriptions, is that it feels like a quiz is coming up, and that you should definitely take notes.
To follow this story I needed a legal pad, a number 2 pencil, 10 hours and a drop with Redbull injected directly into my veins
Maybe I'm lazy, but that is TOO much work for an entertaining evening on the couch.
So yeah, I might give book number 2 a try later on, but this -decidedly- did not work for me.
July 20, 2019
Warnings:
Updated: 11/22/15
I'm starting the second book in this series today, so decided to skim through the first book as it's been over a year since I read it. I've added some content warnings.
This is not a romance book, so anyone looking for that should go into it knowing that. It is a very well-written cop procedural murder mystery. Kimo makes some questionable decisions during the course of the investigation that I would normally have little patience for, but as he's in the middle of an existential crisis, I can cut him some slack.
Original review:
This was a thoughtful portrayal of a closeted gay cop in Hawaii forced to come out when a case hits a little too close to home, and all the various consequences of that. There's also background dropped that will be carried forward through the rest of the series, such as the various family connections between the cops and the gangsters, and Kimo's previous encounter with a surf competitor. I found all the reactions to Kimo coming out to be believable. This isn't sugar-coated like you'd read in other stories, but it's not all dire either. Some are okay with it, some are not, others just don't understand or care. The case itself was sufficiently involved to hold my attention without being overly complicated. I'm looking forward to continuing with the series.
Updated: 11/22/15
I'm starting the second book in this series today, so decided to skim through the first book as it's been over a year since I read it. I've added some content warnings.
This is not a romance book, so anyone looking for that should go into it knowing that. It is a very well-written cop procedural murder mystery. Kimo makes some questionable decisions during the course of the investigation that I would normally have little patience for, but as he's in the middle of an existential crisis, I can cut him some slack.
Original review:
This was a thoughtful portrayal of a closeted gay cop in Hawaii forced to come out when a case hits a little too close to home, and all the various consequences of that. There's also background dropped that will be carried forward through the rest of the series, such as the various family connections between the cops and the gangsters, and Kimo's previous encounter with a surf competitor. I found all the reactions to Kimo coming out to be believable. This isn't sugar-coated like you'd read in other stories, but it's not all dire either. Some are okay with it, some are not, others just don't understand or care. The case itself was sufficiently involved to hold my attention without being overly complicated. I'm looking forward to continuing with the series.
May 4, 2012
This book is brilliant!!!
I have had this book on my to-read shelf forever and I wish I had read it sooner. It is a really fab murder mystery that kept me guessing to the end!! The story weaves romance, family, friends, conflict, coming out and self-realisation into an excellent whole. It is both gripping and exciting. Kimo the detective solves the murder at the same time as coming to terms with his sexuality, his emotional needs and the ripple effects that result from his coming out. Not only is the story engaging, but it is set in Oahu (Hawaii) with a backdrop of sun, surfing, sand , mountains and beauty. All these different aspects come together to create a book that is emotionally and intellectually satisfying. Reading this was like eating a very good meal and I am completely satisfied, but of course hungry for more. I am so glad that this is a series. Six more books to go!!
I have had this book on my to-read shelf forever and I wish I had read it sooner. It is a really fab murder mystery that kept me guessing to the end!! The story weaves romance, family, friends, conflict, coming out and self-realisation into an excellent whole. It is both gripping and exciting. Kimo the detective solves the murder at the same time as coming to terms with his sexuality, his emotional needs and the ripple effects that result from his coming out. Not only is the story engaging, but it is set in Oahu (Hawaii) with a backdrop of sun, surfing, sand , mountains and beauty. All these different aspects come together to create a book that is emotionally and intellectually satisfying. Reading this was like eating a very good meal and I am completely satisfied, but of course hungry for more. I am so glad that this is a series. Six more books to go!!
August 3, 2011
I think my friend said it right when she said that this one is "a little bit by the book". Truthfully, I find it a bit hard to be engaged during the first half of the story. Oh, I think Neil Plakcy writes well, he definitely knows about what he is writing (I definitely welcome the backdrop of Hawaii) but at the same time, the story seems to be too much in details and it doesn't really set off
... until Kimo is outed, and THEN it starts to get interesting. Because then, the repercussion of it, how Kimo deals with his family and the brush-off he gets from his colleagues, brings the story to a different level. It's like prior to that, the story is in flat line. After, reading about his parents' reaction, reading about how his brother tries to get hold on the fact that he has a gay brother, THAT is moving, THAT is something that draws me into Kimo's life.
I don't really care about the murder mystery, though. It's nice that Kimo finally solves the case. Be aware that those who looks for romance, it's not really the case here too. Oh, Kimo shares his attraction to a couple of guys but it's not really romance. Neil Plakcy clearly states that this is Kimo's journey, from realizing that he doesn't want to lie to himself anymore, that he "IS" a gay man ... and the steps he takes from there, to come out to his family, to make his first "men" date, to get his gay friends, and so on.
As a first book, I think it's okay. I do want to know more about Kimo in the next book and what life brings to him next.
... until Kimo is outed, and THEN it starts to get interesting. Because then, the repercussion of it, how Kimo deals with his family and the brush-off he gets from his colleagues, brings the story to a different level. It's like prior to that, the story is in flat line. After, reading about his parents' reaction, reading about how his brother tries to get hold on the fact that he has a gay brother, THAT is moving, THAT is something that draws me into Kimo's life.
I don't really care about the murder mystery, though. It's nice that Kimo finally solves the case. Be aware that those who looks for romance, it's not really the case here too. Oh, Kimo shares his attraction to a couple of guys but it's not really romance. Neil Plakcy clearly states that this is Kimo's journey, from realizing that he doesn't want to lie to himself anymore, that he "IS" a gay man ... and the steps he takes from there, to come out to his family, to make his first "men" date, to get his gay friends, and so on.
As a first book, I think it's okay. I do want to know more about Kimo in the next book and what life brings to him next.
October 9, 2017
Mahu was the first mystery novel I published, as well as the first in the series, so I threw in everything I had learned about Hawaii, about police work, and about the coming out process. It's probably the longest book I have written, but clearly one of my favorites, because I was able to use that length to really get into Kimo's head.
I believe that by giving him my internal life (and my own concerns about coming out) but giving him an exterior life so different from my own, I was able to create a full, well-rounded character. Since I'm an only child, it was great to give him two older brothers. I'm not an athlete, but Kimo is a former champion surfer. We both share a love of reading, though.
I believe that by giving him my internal life (and my own concerns about coming out) but giving him an exterior life so different from my own, I was able to create a full, well-rounded character. Since I'm an only child, it was great to give him two older brothers. I'm not an athlete, but Kimo is a former champion surfer. We both share a love of reading, though.
April 19, 2021
Hey. C'mere. Come closer.
Great. Now listen. I know this book was written in the early 2000s. I know this book is the start of a ground breaking, multi-award winning series. I know the age of consent in Hawaii is 16. I promise you I went into this, with the bar real real real low.
But I feel like. Maybe just a little bit.
We can all agree it's weird to find an overweight, 25ish yr old man who:
A. Diddled a 16 year old.
B. Manipulated 16 year old to do illegal stuff.
C. Shot a 6 year old child's father.
D. Left the corpse for the 6 yr old to find.
E. Exposes himself to the police in a bathrobe.
F. Forced himself on the 16 yr old again.
G. Chases after 14/15 year olds (while already in a relationship to boot) for sex.
To be in any way, attractive. Even by early 2000's standards (I actually thought this book was written before then because of how backwards everything is. In fact, for some reason I got it into my head that this was written in the 90s. I think I blacked out the actual date because I was so shocked this was written in 2005 and there was no way it could have been written in the last 15ish years.) I think we can all agree on that.
And I feel like we can agree it's weird to tell the 16 year old that you find his sexual predator sexy.
Even if we ignore all the sexism, superior/hateful attitude to men who don't fit the masculine ideal, the racism, homophobia of course internal and otherwise, and how again the age of consent in Hawaii at the time was 16... I think we can all agree that's weird right?
It's really weird.
Great. Now listen. I know this book was written in the early 2000s. I know this book is the start of a ground breaking, multi-award winning series. I know the age of consent in Hawaii is 16. I promise you I went into this, with the bar real real real low.
But I feel like. Maybe just a little bit.
We can all agree it's weird to find an overweight, 25ish yr old man who:
A. Diddled a 16 year old.
B. Manipulated 16 year old to do illegal stuff.
C. Shot a 6 year old child's father.
D. Left the corpse for the 6 yr old to find.
E. Exposes himself to the police in a bathrobe.
F. Forced himself on the 16 yr old again.
G. Chases after 14/15 year olds (while already in a relationship to boot) for sex.
To be in any way, attractive. Even by early 2000's standards (I actually thought this book was written before then because of how backwards everything is. In fact, for some reason I got it into my head that this was written in the 90s. I think I blacked out the actual date because I was so shocked this was written in 2005 and there was no way it could have been written in the last 15ish years.) I think we can all agree on that.
And I feel like we can agree it's weird to tell the 16 year old that you find his sexual predator sexy.
Even if we ignore all the sexism, superior/hateful attitude to men who don't fit the masculine ideal, the racism, homophobia of course internal and otherwise, and how again the age of consent in Hawaii at the time was 16... I think we can all agree that's weird right?
It's really weird.
December 10, 2023
I am 0 for 4 with this Kobo Plus audiobook subscription right now....
DNF @15%
Have you ever wondered what it'd be like for a guy who went to Hawai'i once to write a book explaining all of the language and cultural differences to a reader? Boy, do I have the book for you.
That tied with 2005 slurs, homophobia, and sexism - I'm out.
DNF @15%
Have you ever wondered what it'd be like for a guy who went to Hawai'i once to write a book explaining all of the language and cultural differences to a reader? Boy, do I have the book for you.
That tied with 2005 slurs, homophobia, and sexism - I'm out.
July 3, 2012
4.5 stars.
The best things about this book are, in my opinion, the setting and the protagonist, Kimo.
I really had the impression I could see Hawaii through Kimo's eyes, and I felt I was there with him, enjoying the sun and the sea. It's not a postcard picture, because as a local Kimo has to suffer tourists crowding places and streets and also he visits outside the tourist places, telling us what's behind the beautiful façade. I also liked the mixed cultures and how everyone carries their heritage, the stereotypes and clichés, but also what's special in their cultures.
Kimo is coming to terms with his sexuality and he feels lost and alone for a long time in the story. He has to overcome the shock people around him experience when he reveals he's gay. Those close to Kimo find it hard to accept it, because it challenges the image they had of him and their own prejudice. Kimo has to face all the range of emotions from anger to shame, and I found I cared very much about him and his well-being.
The book is not a romance, because there is no romantic interest, it's the story of a man who's decided which way to turn at a crossroad and he can't turn back. It takes time for all the people involved to come to terms with Kimo's coming-out, from his partner from the police to Kimo's family, but there's a beautiful and optimistic message of acceptance of the people who matter in Kimo's life.
The crime/suspence part of the story wasn't as enganging, because there were times when I couldn't believe Kimo wasn't making the immediate connections between the pieces of information he was gathering.
I will read the rest of the series for sure.
The best things about this book are, in my opinion, the setting and the protagonist, Kimo.
I really had the impression I could see Hawaii through Kimo's eyes, and I felt I was there with him, enjoying the sun and the sea. It's not a postcard picture, because as a local Kimo has to suffer tourists crowding places and streets and also he visits outside the tourist places, telling us what's behind the beautiful façade. I also liked the mixed cultures and how everyone carries their heritage, the stereotypes and clichés, but also what's special in their cultures.
Kimo is coming to terms with his sexuality and he feels lost and alone for a long time in the story. He has to overcome the shock people around him experience when he reveals he's gay. Those close to Kimo find it hard to accept it, because it challenges the image they had of him and their own prejudice. Kimo has to face all the range of emotions from anger to shame, and I found I cared very much about him and his well-being.
The book is not a romance, because there is no romantic interest, it's the story of a man who's decided which way to turn at a crossroad and he can't turn back. It takes time for all the people involved to come to terms with Kimo's coming-out, from his partner from the police to Kimo's family, but there's a beautiful and optimistic message of acceptance of the people who matter in Kimo's life.
The crime/suspence part of the story wasn't as enganging, because there were times when I couldn't believe Kimo wasn't making the immediate connections between the pieces of information he was gathering.
I will read the rest of the series for sure.
February 7, 2017
This is more of a coming out story wrapped within a crime story than a m/m romance.
July 13, 2013
Neil Plakcy's entire "Mahu" series is not just great gay fiction, it's great fiction.
These are not romances; they're detective stories. With a mixed-race Hawai'ian native cop in the midst of dealing with being gay.
And he is surrounded by a bevy of interesting friends and colleagues and an awesome family network that will fill every book and give this series a poignancy and emotional heft far beyond the average cop story or the average coming out story.
I am an unashamed Plakcy fan - but these books are a landmark in my long life as a reader of fiction - right up there, even better than, Joseph Hansen's Brandstetter mysteries...
These are not romances; they're detective stories. With a mixed-race Hawai'ian native cop in the midst of dealing with being gay.
And he is surrounded by a bevy of interesting friends and colleagues and an awesome family network that will fill every book and give this series a poignancy and emotional heft far beyond the average cop story or the average coming out story.
I am an unashamed Plakcy fan - but these books are a landmark in my long life as a reader of fiction - right up there, even better than, Joseph Hansen's Brandstetter mysteries...
August 21, 2021
An introductory novel to Kimo, a cop who works in Honolulu on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. In this story Kimo is struggling to come to terms with his sexuality. He knows he is gay but how to tell everyone and how will they all react. We have to remember that this novel was first published in 2005 and the times have changed for the better in some places but not all.
There is also the mystery thread intertwining with Kimo's coming out. Who killed Tommy Pang and why?
I enjoy reading books from this author and this is no exception. I will definitely be reading further in the series - thank goodness for KU.
There is also the mystery thread intertwining with Kimo's coming out. Who killed Tommy Pang and why?
I enjoy reading books from this author and this is no exception. I will definitely be reading further in the series - thank goodness for KU.
March 30, 2011
I wanted to read Mahu series for a long time. The books were not available in digital format, so I picked up other Neil Plakcy's books and had rather mixed reactions to them. I was happy to learn that MLR had picked up the series. After reading Mahu, I'm certain I wouldn't be the only new Neil Plakcy/Kimo fan out there.
Mahu isn't really a mystery, at least not in a whodunit sense. It's a good police procedural and drama, but what really shines in this novel is the character of Kimo, a closeted detective. At the beginning of the novel, Kimo participates in a failed drug bust. High on adrenaline, he goes to a gay bar and, at the end of the night, witnesses a man dumping a dead body. He reports the crime anonymously and from there things go downhill for Kimo.
There is a lot to like about this book. The Hawaiian setting gives unique atmosphere to the story. The smells, the colors, the sound of surf, the food, the tourists, the locals - everything connects reader firmly to the place. The islands have their own rhythm and characters live according to it. Kimo is a dedicated police officer, described as someone who never quits, but he goes home at the end of the shift and there is rarely any investigating on weekends. Can you imagine Harry Bosch going home early in the middle of investigation? And there is surfing, of course, Kimo's first love and ongoing passion. It calms him, centers him, gives him joy in the most difficult moments. Everything connected to it - a surfer riding a cresting wave, the ebb and flow of water - adds a wonderful symbolism to Kimo's search for a murderer and, more importantly, search for himself.
I've read many coming-out stories in the past but, for some, reason, it was Kimo's story that resonated with me the most. It's interesting that, at the beginning, Kimo just didn't seem such a fascinating character. The story begins a bit too slowly for my taste, but then Kimo just sneaks up on you. On one page I thought: "All right, I'm ready for the story to move on", and on the other, I was all choked up and misty-eyed. Kimo is so far in the closet that no one knows that he is gay. He acts as a ladies man, changing girlfriends like handkerchiefs, but there is no running from who you are and Kimo isn't sure he wants to anymore. Mr.Plakcy described his feelings so realistically, that I could acutely feel his fear, his pain, his fascination, his attractions, his elation... the entire range of emotions. Kimo is changing in front of our eyes and both he and people in his life have to accept (or not) these changes. He is flawed and makes some serious mistakes on the way, but he is inherently honest, good-natured and kind. He has a heart of gold and it was difficult to read how it got broken repeatedly. I admit it, on several occasions I wanted to hug him and slap him at the same time. His calm "I understand" to some hurtful comments really made my heart ache for him. Plakcy doesn't pull any punches when it comes to describing Kimo's experiences - from open hatred and disdain, subtle distancing to complete acceptance - all reactions to Kimo's coming out are there.
This is where other characters come into play to complete the picture. I liked Kimo's family, especially his father. His initial shock and anger didn't stop him from loving his son and doing everything possible to help him. His brothers, his partner Akoni (who I initially loathed but who proved to be a decent man after all), his friends, Mr. Chin, his colleagues were all great addition to the story. There were no black & white characters here, which I really appreciated. Kimo's memories of significant moments in his past were enlightening and occasional bits of humor surprising and welcome.
I'm really, really hoping that MLR Press would republish the sequels fast, because I really want to see how Kimo grows and what the future holds for him. That is the appeal of any good series after all. I can't recommend Mahu strong enough. Kimo is certainly going to the top of my favorite detective list.
Mahu isn't really a mystery, at least not in a whodunit sense. It's a good police procedural and drama, but what really shines in this novel is the character of Kimo, a closeted detective. At the beginning of the novel, Kimo participates in a failed drug bust. High on adrenaline, he goes to a gay bar and, at the end of the night, witnesses a man dumping a dead body. He reports the crime anonymously and from there things go downhill for Kimo.
There is a lot to like about this book. The Hawaiian setting gives unique atmosphere to the story. The smells, the colors, the sound of surf, the food, the tourists, the locals - everything connects reader firmly to the place. The islands have their own rhythm and characters live according to it. Kimo is a dedicated police officer, described as someone who never quits, but he goes home at the end of the shift and there is rarely any investigating on weekends. Can you imagine Harry Bosch going home early in the middle of investigation? And there is surfing, of course, Kimo's first love and ongoing passion. It calms him, centers him, gives him joy in the most difficult moments. Everything connected to it - a surfer riding a cresting wave, the ebb and flow of water - adds a wonderful symbolism to Kimo's search for a murderer and, more importantly, search for himself.
I've read many coming-out stories in the past but, for some, reason, it was Kimo's story that resonated with me the most. It's interesting that, at the beginning, Kimo just didn't seem such a fascinating character. The story begins a bit too slowly for my taste, but then Kimo just sneaks up on you. On one page I thought: "All right, I'm ready for the story to move on", and on the other, I was all choked up and misty-eyed. Kimo is so far in the closet that no one knows that he is gay. He acts as a ladies man, changing girlfriends like handkerchiefs, but there is no running from who you are and Kimo isn't sure he wants to anymore. Mr.Plakcy described his feelings so realistically, that I could acutely feel his fear, his pain, his fascination, his attractions, his elation... the entire range of emotions. Kimo is changing in front of our eyes and both he and people in his life have to accept (or not) these changes. He is flawed and makes some serious mistakes on the way, but he is inherently honest, good-natured and kind. He has a heart of gold and it was difficult to read how it got broken repeatedly. I admit it, on several occasions I wanted to hug him and slap him at the same time. His calm "I understand" to some hurtful comments really made my heart ache for him. Plakcy doesn't pull any punches when it comes to describing Kimo's experiences - from open hatred and disdain, subtle distancing to complete acceptance - all reactions to Kimo's coming out are there.
This is where other characters come into play to complete the picture. I liked Kimo's family, especially his father. His initial shock and anger didn't stop him from loving his son and doing everything possible to help him. His brothers, his partner Akoni (who I initially loathed but who proved to be a decent man after all), his friends, Mr. Chin, his colleagues were all great addition to the story. There were no black & white characters here, which I really appreciated. Kimo's memories of significant moments in his past were enlightening and occasional bits of humor surprising and welcome.
I'm really, really hoping that MLR Press would republish the sequels fast, because I really want to see how Kimo grows and what the future holds for him. That is the appeal of any good series after all. I can't recommend Mahu strong enough. Kimo is certainly going to the top of my favorite detective list.
September 20, 2022
Audiobook reviewEvery time I pick up a book narrated by Joel Leslie, my immediate reaction is always "Oh no, not him again". There's just something about his tone/intonation that sounds condescending to me, and I can't stand condescending people so it gets my back up.
At the same time, Joel Leslie is also brilliant at narrating books. He makes them come alive. Every time. And he has such a wide range of accents that he delivers without fail. So even though the first few minutes of his books are a bit of a struggle for me, I always end up enjoying his narration, without fail. Which is why I keep forgetting that oh, no moment each time I pick up his books.
Mahu was a really good combination of coming out intertwined in a murder mystery.
A drunken night out changes Kimo's life in ways he never expected.
On his way home after hanging out and drinking with his friends, Kimo impulsively decides to go into a gay bar not far from his home. Going into this bar is his first step to admitting who he really is - a gay man. And he is fascinated by what he finds, and so turned on. But most of all he is scared. Leaving the bar he witnesses a crime. A crime he has no idea how to handle.
I found it refreshing that Kimo was honest with his partner from the beginning and didn't cover up or make excuses for what he did and didn't do that night outside the bar. That easily could've turned out to be one of those big and dramatic dragged out secrets that just explodes in the end of the book. The ones where you're thinking "Why wasn't he just honest from the beginning?" I was honestly waiting (resigning myself) for it to happen but it never did. Sure he didn't shout it from the rooftop or tell everyone, but he did enough to keep it from becoming dramatic.
I liked Kimo and his struggles felt real. Sure he came across as melodramatic and a bit too scared of himself at times, but honestly - who am I to judge others feelings and beliefs? (And yes, I know that Kimo is a fictional character, but the sentiment still applies).
Something that didn't work for me was that basically as soon as Kimo started to admit to himself that he was gay, every gay guy he meets turns him on - and he turn them on. It was never ending and just too much. I don't know if it was supposed to be because that he was allowing himself to see, after repressing that side of him for so long, but it just didn't work for me. I really don't mind exploring or cruising/hooking up or whatever, but this came across more like a teen boy just discovering what his dick could do - with as much self-control...
This book was written some 10+ years ago, and you can tell that while reading. There are a number of issues raised in this book, and you realise how much some things have changed in that time in regards to rights and opinions, and how many that are (sadly) still the same.
I loved reading about Kimo's first stumbling steps towards admitting to himself and others that he was gay. You can feel that his struggles and fears are real. By the end of the book he still has a long way to go, but he is on his way, there's promise in that ending. It was a really good start to a promising series and it will be interesting to see what happens next.
A copy of this audiobook was provided in exchange for an honest review
February 8, 2015
4.5 stars
Ono (means yummy or good). Pogs! Boogie boards! Oahu! I wanna go back. There's nothing like getting to the end of a book and wanting to continue. Unfortunately, I only just ordered the rest of the series this morning, so it'll be at least a week .... >sigh<
At first, I thought the writing a little choppy and slow, but it soon picked up and smoothed out, sweeping along like a perfect wave under a surf board, making the story fly in a almost perfect ride. (For the record, the closest I ever got to surfing was a boogie board, which holds its own magic.)
I like Kimo, the protagonist, who, at the start of the story is in denial of his orientation, dating women one after another, trying to find the one who would make him happy until the night he walks into a gay bar, witnesses a murder, and finds his old life unraveling along with the lies and the denials. Along the way we meet his parents, who, though confused, prove to be the most supportive people he could have, his brothers, Haoa and Lui, who are not happy at their youngest brother's unexpected revelations, and his best friend, Harry. The brothers soon come around (thanks in part to their wives) and help at a critical juncture in the story.
At its heart, this book is about a guy who is just beginning to discover himself. He's a homicide detective and proud of the fact, but dismayed by the possible loss of his job due to prejudice (note this book was originally published in 2005; hopefully, things have improved since then in reality). He's ostracized by his boss and his colleagues and finds himself in hot water for some missteps at the beginning of the case he and his partner, Akoni, are investigating. To make things more confusing, Kimo finds he's attracted to one of the suspects in the case.
There's a nice mix of personal angst, family unity of all sorts, unexpected support from unexpected places, walking around Waikiki, surfing lore, lovely Hawai'ian words, and the music of the islands. This is a definite reread.
Ono (means yummy or good). Pogs! Boogie boards! Oahu! I wanna go back. There's nothing like getting to the end of a book and wanting to continue. Unfortunately, I only just ordered the rest of the series this morning, so it'll be at least a week .... >sigh<
At first, I thought the writing a little choppy and slow, but it soon picked up and smoothed out, sweeping along like a perfect wave under a surf board, making the story fly in a almost perfect ride. (For the record, the closest I ever got to surfing was a boogie board, which holds its own magic.)
I like Kimo, the protagonist, who, at the start of the story is in denial of his orientation, dating women one after another, trying to find the one who would make him happy until the night he walks into a gay bar, witnesses a murder, and finds his old life unraveling along with the lies and the denials. Along the way we meet his parents, who, though confused, prove to be the most supportive people he could have, his brothers, Haoa and Lui, who are not happy at their youngest brother's unexpected revelations, and his best friend, Harry. The brothers soon come around (thanks in part to their wives) and help at a critical juncture in the story.
At its heart, this book is about a guy who is just beginning to discover himself. He's a homicide detective and proud of the fact, but dismayed by the possible loss of his job due to prejudice (note this book was originally published in 2005; hopefully, things have improved since then in reality). He's ostracized by his boss and his colleagues and finds himself in hot water for some missteps at the beginning of the case he and his partner, Akoni, are investigating. To make things more confusing, Kimo finds he's attracted to one of the suspects in the case.
There's a nice mix of personal angst, family unity of all sorts, unexpected support from unexpected places, walking around Waikiki, surfing lore, lovely Hawai'ian words, and the music of the islands. This is a definite reread.
July 6, 2012
This was a great story with strong "coming out" theme about Hawaiian cop Kimo who is also a son, brother, friend and avid surfer who's finally coming to terms with his sexuality while investigating an intricate murder case. Kimo is a kind of a man with whom I would certainly like to meet in my real life.
I'm definitely looking forward to reading another book in this series.
I'm definitely looking forward to reading another book in this series.
October 30, 2019
I hadn't read anything in this series by Neil S. Plakcy, one of my favorite authors, until last week when I read the 11th book, Deadly Labors. Really enjoyed Deadly Labors so decided to read the entire series starting with volume # 1.
Mahu is one of Plakcy's finest works. Great characters, great family and friends, great mystery with unforeseen plot twists.
A very satisfying read.
Mahu is one of Plakcy's finest works. Great characters, great family and friends, great mystery with unforeseen plot twists.
A very satisfying read.
March 6, 2024
MAHU
Neil S. Plakcy
The time line felt off. Just the level of homophobia didn't feel good for 2005. I get the police attitude about it, but by 2005 I just don't see it correctly done. I don't think a police department as large as HPD would respond in that manner.
This took it from 4 to 3 stars for me.
3 stars
Happy Reading!
Neil S. Plakcy
The time line felt off. Just the level of homophobia didn't feel good for 2005. I get the police attitude about it, but by 2005 I just don't see it correctly done. I don't think a police department as large as HPD would respond in that manner.
This took it from 4 to 3 stars for me.
3 stars
Happy Reading!
Read
August 14, 2020DNF at 55%
I wish I read it some years ago when I was less critical considering ANY gay genre.
I picked it up because I REALLY was in the mood for a GOOD mystery, doesn't matter WHAT sexual preferences a MC has. The negative reviews complained about the lack of romance. For me it was a positive aspect - I didn't want ANY romance, I wanted a mystery with a gay MC. I got a gay MC, I didn't get a good mystery, I am sorry about it.
I wish I read it some years ago when I was less critical considering ANY gay genre.
I picked it up because I REALLY was in the mood for a GOOD mystery, doesn't matter WHAT sexual preferences a MC has. The negative reviews complained about the lack of romance. For me it was a positive aspect - I didn't want ANY romance, I wanted a mystery with a gay MC. I got a gay MC, I didn't get a good mystery, I am sorry about it.
January 3, 2009
Kimo Kanapa’aka’s world turns upside down in MAHU. At 32, the hero of Māhū has reached the pinnacle of his profession, detective on the Honolulu Police Department’s homicide squad, based at the Waikīkī station. But a difficult murder case, as well as turmoil in his personal life, is about to threaten everything he has worked for.
A life-threatening drug bust in chapter 1 makes Kimo realize that it’s time to stop lying to himself. He’s drawn to the Rod and Reel Club, a gay bar in Waikīkī, where he has a couple of beers and begins the long process of accepting his attraction to other men. Leaving the club, though, he stumbles onto two men dropping a dead body in an alley, and he launches himself into a nightmare where his private life becomes public news.
Kimo’s pursuit of this case takes him from the seamy underside of Chinatown to the elegance of million-dollar homes in Maunalani Heights, from gay bars where young men stride naked down runways to bloody crime scenes.
(From Neil’s site. Posted with permission.)
This was defnitely a different read for me, not an ebook and not strictly a romance, but I could not resist picking it up. Surfing, cops and a mystery were a rather huge temptation and I am certainly glad I did.
Kimo was an incredibly engaging character. It was not that he leapt off the page but rather quietly shared his story with honesty, feeling and flaws. I can only imagine the struggle a man in his position and occupation would go through coming to terms with his sexuality and also the public nature of this disclosure to his family and colleagues. But Kimo, even when he is low, had this very strong sense of self and with it a quiet confidence. He is sharp, intelligent and has an honorable feel about him that I found very readable. He’s also sexy as hell and this doesn’t hurt either!
The relationships Kimo has with his family were well drawn and the dynamics that are played out in the book are a huge part of what made this so enjoyable. I am quite sure if I had a problem with a sister we’d sit down and discuss it but not Kimo and his brother. There is a scene about half way through, a scuffle, that had me laughing, rolling my eyes and thinking - boys! Even his relationship with his mum and dad was something quite special.
I loved the setting of Hawaii and the descriptions were evocative, drew me in and made me wish I was there. In one part of the book Kimo gets up early one morning to surf after a hard night, ‘… it’s like you can imagine some god pulling back the night revealing the day for you.‘ Big, beautiful sky and sea. My bags were packed! The island feel of the book was appealing due to living in a pacific country myself. I think I have said before that most books I read are set in the continental US and while Hawaii is a state it still feels like somewhere closer to home and I could identify with some of the cultural references. I also found some of the history that slips into the story fascinating.
This was such an enjoyable read and there are two more books in the series with another coming in 2009. I was also interested to see that there are some Kimo-rotica in several anthologies which you check out at Neil’s website. The version of Mahu I read is now out of print but is being re released in March of 2009 by Alyson Books. It has a gorgeous new cover to match later releases in the series.
Definitely a book for the summer and I cannot wait to read more about Kimo Kanapa’aka. Fingers crossed my lovely bookstore in the city has book 2!
Check out more of my reviews on my blog http://sharrow.wordpress.com/
A life-threatening drug bust in chapter 1 makes Kimo realize that it’s time to stop lying to himself. He’s drawn to the Rod and Reel Club, a gay bar in Waikīkī, where he has a couple of beers and begins the long process of accepting his attraction to other men. Leaving the club, though, he stumbles onto two men dropping a dead body in an alley, and he launches himself into a nightmare where his private life becomes public news.
Kimo’s pursuit of this case takes him from the seamy underside of Chinatown to the elegance of million-dollar homes in Maunalani Heights, from gay bars where young men stride naked down runways to bloody crime scenes.
(From Neil’s site. Posted with permission.)
This was defnitely a different read for me, not an ebook and not strictly a romance, but I could not resist picking it up. Surfing, cops and a mystery were a rather huge temptation and I am certainly glad I did.
Kimo was an incredibly engaging character. It was not that he leapt off the page but rather quietly shared his story with honesty, feeling and flaws. I can only imagine the struggle a man in his position and occupation would go through coming to terms with his sexuality and also the public nature of this disclosure to his family and colleagues. But Kimo, even when he is low, had this very strong sense of self and with it a quiet confidence. He is sharp, intelligent and has an honorable feel about him that I found very readable. He’s also sexy as hell and this doesn’t hurt either!
The relationships Kimo has with his family were well drawn and the dynamics that are played out in the book are a huge part of what made this so enjoyable. I am quite sure if I had a problem with a sister we’d sit down and discuss it but not Kimo and his brother. There is a scene about half way through, a scuffle, that had me laughing, rolling my eyes and thinking - boys! Even his relationship with his mum and dad was something quite special.
I loved the setting of Hawaii and the descriptions were evocative, drew me in and made me wish I was there. In one part of the book Kimo gets up early one morning to surf after a hard night, ‘… it’s like you can imagine some god pulling back the night revealing the day for you.‘ Big, beautiful sky and sea. My bags were packed! The island feel of the book was appealing due to living in a pacific country myself. I think I have said before that most books I read are set in the continental US and while Hawaii is a state it still feels like somewhere closer to home and I could identify with some of the cultural references. I also found some of the history that slips into the story fascinating.
This was such an enjoyable read and there are two more books in the series with another coming in 2009. I was also interested to see that there are some Kimo-rotica in several anthologies which you check out at Neil’s website. The version of Mahu I read is now out of print but is being re released in March of 2009 by Alyson Books. It has a gorgeous new cover to match later releases in the series.
Definitely a book for the summer and I cannot wait to read more about Kimo Kanapa’aka. Fingers crossed my lovely bookstore in the city has book 2!
Check out more of my reviews on my blog http://sharrow.wordpress.com/
February 16, 2013
I have mixed feelings about this book. Most of it I liked, some not so much. In reviewing this book, I'm going to tell a bit about myself to give some perspective.
I have an uncle who lived for a couple of years in Hawai'i. While there he came down with a terminal case of Aloha, so after he graduated from college and got married he and his bride moved back to Honolulu and he has hardly ever left the rock since. I had the wonderful opportunity of spending most of every summer there throughout my growing-up years and through a great deal of college.
That being said, I really enjoyed reading about many of those places I know so well. I also enjoyed his accounting of Hawaiian life. It was mostly accurate. Hawai'i is perhaps one of the most ethnically diverse places on Earth. It is a blend of Christian, Shinto, Buddhist, Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Samoan, Hawaiian, Portugese, etc., etc. While so many of these cultures are blending, it is perhaps the most ethnically aware societies I've ever encountered. While there are lots and lots of mixed families, sensitivity to the different cultures is ever present and (though buried rather deep,) racial/cultural discrimination is ever-present, especially toward haoles--at least from my perspective.
Placky seemed to do a pretty good job of telling this part of Hawai'i. He did a great job of talking about all the different places I remember so well.
However, after awhile all the references just seemed to become overwhelming. The story, was in my opinion a cop/murder mystery, not a Perillo Tours Guide Book. I just didn't need to know the name of every tree he was standing under or the name of the neighborhood or the name of the church. It just seemed like he'd gotten ahold of an AAA Guide Book and was going through and checking off every landmark he could list.
The title of the book and the references to mahu were very strange. Mahu does not really translate to homosexual. Mahu is really a very course and denigrating term. Its connotation is a combination of faggot and queen in the most negative of contexts. It was disconcerting to me to have it used so much...along with their English counterparts. Kimo was most certainly NOT a mahu.
I felt that as a cop/mystery it fell short. There were some really basic clues given early in the story that any descent cop would have followed up on. I understand that Plakcy was laying the groundwork for solving the case later, but unfortunately, these clues were, or should have been, obvious to a seasoned detective. I also found it rather disturbing to have wrapped up the case so easily early on and then have to have if re-solved. Just kind of messy writing.
I also felt there was just too much detail and rambling. The author spent quite a bit of time dealing with Kimo's pitty-party, which bugged me, and the homophobic theme gets a little over-told.
With all that, it was a fun and entertaining read. I'm going to try a couple more in the series. I hope they will become more focused on cops, murder mysteries and a relationship for Kimo. The rest I can leave for that AAA Tour Guide.
Oh yeah. And if you are in Honolulu, the best burgers in town are at Teddy's Bigger Burgers. Waikiki one is right across from the zoo. Enjoy!!!
I have an uncle who lived for a couple of years in Hawai'i. While there he came down with a terminal case of Aloha, so after he graduated from college and got married he and his bride moved back to Honolulu and he has hardly ever left the rock since. I had the wonderful opportunity of spending most of every summer there throughout my growing-up years and through a great deal of college.
That being said, I really enjoyed reading about many of those places I know so well. I also enjoyed his accounting of Hawaiian life. It was mostly accurate. Hawai'i is perhaps one of the most ethnically diverse places on Earth. It is a blend of Christian, Shinto, Buddhist, Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Samoan, Hawaiian, Portugese, etc., etc. While so many of these cultures are blending, it is perhaps the most ethnically aware societies I've ever encountered. While there are lots and lots of mixed families, sensitivity to the different cultures is ever present and (though buried rather deep,) racial/cultural discrimination is ever-present, especially toward haoles--at least from my perspective.
Placky seemed to do a pretty good job of telling this part of Hawai'i. He did a great job of talking about all the different places I remember so well.
However, after awhile all the references just seemed to become overwhelming. The story, was in my opinion a cop/murder mystery, not a Perillo Tours Guide Book. I just didn't need to know the name of every tree he was standing under or the name of the neighborhood or the name of the church. It just seemed like he'd gotten ahold of an AAA Guide Book and was going through and checking off every landmark he could list.
The title of the book and the references to mahu were very strange. Mahu does not really translate to homosexual. Mahu is really a very course and denigrating term. Its connotation is a combination of faggot and queen in the most negative of contexts. It was disconcerting to me to have it used so much...along with their English counterparts. Kimo was most certainly NOT a mahu.
I felt that as a cop/mystery it fell short. There were some really basic clues given early in the story that any descent cop would have followed up on. I understand that Plakcy was laying the groundwork for solving the case later, but unfortunately, these clues were, or should have been, obvious to a seasoned detective. I also found it rather disturbing to have wrapped up the case so easily early on and then have to have if re-solved. Just kind of messy writing.
I also felt there was just too much detail and rambling. The author spent quite a bit of time dealing with Kimo's pitty-party, which bugged me, and the homophobic theme gets a little over-told.
With all that, it was a fun and entertaining read. I'm going to try a couple more in the series. I hope they will become more focused on cops, murder mysteries and a relationship for Kimo. The rest I can leave for that AAA Tour Guide.
Oh yeah. And if you are in Honolulu, the best burgers in town are at Teddy's Bigger Burgers. Waikiki one is right across from the zoo. Enjoy!!!
October 27, 2013
Oh this book is just fun. Murder mystery, surfing, Hawaii, hot boy on boy action. What's not to love?!
The trimming's aside, this is a great little police procedural, murder mystery style book. Murder happens, policeman makes mistakes, rapidly tries to cover up mistakes while solving crime, gets kicked off case, must solve crime at all costs and does. I would mark that as a spoiler, but really. All of us who read crime fiction or murder mysteries knows that's how it goes. It's like the quote from That's Entertainment of either Frank Sinatra or Gene Kelly (I'd have to crawl under the house to get the VHS to tell you which one). Everyone knows the plot to a musical is "Boy meets girl. Boy falls in love with girl. Boy looses girl. Boy sings song and wins girl back." It's not a spoiler if we all know that's going to happen!
So disclaimers aside about spoilers, this book does it well. Throw in Hawaii for a nice change of scene. And more importantly for cultural twists on the coming out story. Mind you, that did surprise me somewhat. As well as the workplaces response. There is no workplace in this country that could have responded to an employee coming out like that that would not get it's arse sued off for discrimination and wrongful dismissal. I have a hard time believing that in a country like the States where you seem to be able to sue any one for anything, that this was not an issue.
However the book reminded me again and again we were not in the States, we were in Hawaii. There were a large mix of cultures and traditions at play here and it was interesting to learn about them all. Kimo's family particularly is one we get a good glimpse into and learn a few of their customs and quirks.
Maybe again, not the best on the train read. Although the cover is pretty inconspicuous. But if you are prone to blushing like myself, maybe not the best place to read this book. The sex isn't graphic and usually tastefully dealt with with the literary equivalent of the fade out. I realise that with masculine sexuality there may be a bit more physicality to some sexual experiences, but I did feel there was a few scenes where sex was used as a power play thing, and danced around the edges of sexual abuse. But we never got to the line, let alone fell over it. It just was a little... off... at times. But when it was all with good intentions, I have absolutely no problems with that or the amount of nipples. There's lots of nipples.
For more reviews, visit: http://rusalkii.blogspot.com.au/
The trimming's aside, this is a great little police procedural, murder mystery style book. Murder happens, policeman makes mistakes, rapidly tries to cover up mistakes while solving crime, gets kicked off case, must solve crime at all costs and does. I would mark that as a spoiler, but really. All of us who read crime fiction or murder mysteries knows that's how it goes. It's like the quote from That's Entertainment of either Frank Sinatra or Gene Kelly (I'd have to crawl under the house to get the VHS to tell you which one). Everyone knows the plot to a musical is "Boy meets girl. Boy falls in love with girl. Boy looses girl. Boy sings song and wins girl back." It's not a spoiler if we all know that's going to happen!
So disclaimers aside about spoilers, this book does it well. Throw in Hawaii for a nice change of scene. And more importantly for cultural twists on the coming out story. Mind you, that did surprise me somewhat. As well as the workplaces response. There is no workplace in this country that could have responded to an employee coming out like that that would not get it's arse sued off for discrimination and wrongful dismissal. I have a hard time believing that in a country like the States where you seem to be able to sue any one for anything, that this was not an issue.
However the book reminded me again and again we were not in the States, we were in Hawaii. There were a large mix of cultures and traditions at play here and it was interesting to learn about them all. Kimo's family particularly is one we get a good glimpse into and learn a few of their customs and quirks.
Maybe again, not the best on the train read. Although the cover is pretty inconspicuous. But if you are prone to blushing like myself, maybe not the best place to read this book. The sex isn't graphic and usually tastefully dealt with with the literary equivalent of the fade out. I realise that with masculine sexuality there may be a bit more physicality to some sexual experiences, but I did feel there was a few scenes where sex was used as a power play thing, and danced around the edges of sexual abuse. But we never got to the line, let alone fell over it. It just was a little... off... at times. But when it was all with good intentions, I have absolutely no problems with that or the amount of nipples. There's lots of nipples.
For more reviews, visit: http://rusalkii.blogspot.com.au/
September 6, 2015
Mahu is a great combination of mystery and coming out novel. In the course of an investigation at a gay bar, Kimo, so deep in the closet he can hardly see the door, suddenly finds himself and his sexuality at risk of being exposed. Kimo is an easy character to feel for. He's not perfect by any means, but he tries to be honest with himself and he's determined to do the right thing. The mystery was good and kept me flipping pages as well. Looking forward to the next in the series!
March 28, 2012
All the Mahu books are worth reading. Kimo Kapana is a kind, gentle gay man that you root for in every book.
own-and-need-to-read
December 13, 2014NTS: in dropbox --> Stories
November 9, 2018
3.5 Stars
I really enjoyed this story, but there were aspects of it I struggled with, preventing it from being a 5 Star read for me. This book really isn't a romance, but more a gay fiction mystery with an MC who is struggling with his sexuality and coming out. The book was first released more than a decade ago, in 2005, and so takes place in a time before smart phones etc and I think we have come a long way since then with gay marriage being legal in many places around the globe and a lot more acceptance of gay people.
I struggled with the lack of political correctness, with even the MC describing someone as 'faggy' and the word 'faggot' being thrown at him or others quite a few times. In a way that is of course an accurate representation of what a gay cop coming out in that time (and in many places even today) might have to expect and what the author himself as gay man might have experienced in his own life. It only gets problematic for me in a few places where the MC himself as a gay man uses words like that in problematic ways. An example for that would be when his brother tells him he hates fags and thus struggles with the MCs sexuality and Kimo, the MC, tells him that his brother actually hates 'femme' gay men and can continue to do so, but since Kimo 'acts like a man' him being gay does not have to be a problem.
Now, I actually really like Kimo as character and I think he shows through his actions, also towards femme men, that he respects them, even if he is not attracted to them. However, the book seemed really politically incorrect in places and it took me out of the book at times.
I realize that I write this as a gay man in a time when I have far more rights, acceptance and a different culture that I grew up in, but it still bothered me and I have to mention it in my review. Other people might not struggle with this in the same way, but it prevented me from fully falling for the MC, even though I really liked the character and cared about his struggles.
Having said that, I really thought the mystery was very strong and I enjoyed the book a lot. Even though there is no romantic HEA at the end, it was very interesting to see the MC dip his toe into the dating pool after being forced out by circumstances. The different relationships he has with family, friends and co-workers and how they change after his coming out were really well written and felt very authentic.
Another big highlight for me was the setting of the story. We really get to see Hawaii through Kimo's eyes and learn a lot about the culture. I felt like I was discovering a new place through reading, which is something I love. It was also really cool that Kimo was a surfer as well as being a homocide detective. He loves to ride waves and charges his energy that way and it is a great balance to his at times very dark job. It gives the character a very different dynamic than many other very grim detectives I have read about, even if the story is not always sunshine and rainbows.
Another thing I enjoyed is the complexity of the characters. The MC has quite a few flaws, but is still likable. And he actually realizes that he has flaws and works on being a good man. There are a lot of characters who do not have the perfect reaction to him coming out, but they are still not shown to be evil, but just human. Many of them really come a long way by the end of the book and I am really looking forward to see the future of these characters in the follow-up books.
If you love mysteries and gay fiction and do not need a big romance and happy ending, this book might be for you. I can strongly recommend the audiobook, because Joel Leslie did an amazing job (like always) and really brings the characters to life.
I really enjoyed this story, but there were aspects of it I struggled with, preventing it from being a 5 Star read for me. This book really isn't a romance, but more a gay fiction mystery with an MC who is struggling with his sexuality and coming out. The book was first released more than a decade ago, in 2005, and so takes place in a time before smart phones etc and I think we have come a long way since then with gay marriage being legal in many places around the globe and a lot more acceptance of gay people.
I struggled with the lack of political correctness, with even the MC describing someone as 'faggy' and the word 'faggot' being thrown at him or others quite a few times. In a way that is of course an accurate representation of what a gay cop coming out in that time (and in many places even today) might have to expect and what the author himself as gay man might have experienced in his own life. It only gets problematic for me in a few places where the MC himself as a gay man uses words like that in problematic ways. An example for that would be when his brother tells him he hates fags and thus struggles with the MCs sexuality and Kimo, the MC, tells him that his brother actually hates 'femme' gay men and can continue to do so, but since Kimo 'acts like a man' him being gay does not have to be a problem.
Now, I actually really like Kimo as character and I think he shows through his actions, also towards femme men, that he respects them, even if he is not attracted to them. However, the book seemed really politically incorrect in places and it took me out of the book at times.
I realize that I write this as a gay man in a time when I have far more rights, acceptance and a different culture that I grew up in, but it still bothered me and I have to mention it in my review. Other people might not struggle with this in the same way, but it prevented me from fully falling for the MC, even though I really liked the character and cared about his struggles.
Having said that, I really thought the mystery was very strong and I enjoyed the book a lot. Even though there is no romantic HEA at the end, it was very interesting to see the MC dip his toe into the dating pool after being forced out by circumstances. The different relationships he has with family, friends and co-workers and how they change after his coming out were really well written and felt very authentic.
Another big highlight for me was the setting of the story. We really get to see Hawaii through Kimo's eyes and learn a lot about the culture. I felt like I was discovering a new place through reading, which is something I love. It was also really cool that Kimo was a surfer as well as being a homocide detective. He loves to ride waves and charges his energy that way and it is a great balance to his at times very dark job. It gives the character a very different dynamic than many other very grim detectives I have read about, even if the story is not always sunshine and rainbows.
Another thing I enjoyed is the complexity of the characters. The MC has quite a few flaws, but is still likable. And he actually realizes that he has flaws and works on being a good man. There are a lot of characters who do not have the perfect reaction to him coming out, but they are still not shown to be evil, but just human. Many of them really come a long way by the end of the book and I am really looking forward to see the future of these characters in the follow-up books.
If you love mysteries and gay fiction and do not need a big romance and happy ending, this book might be for you. I can strongly recommend the audiobook, because Joel Leslie did an amazing job (like always) and really brings the characters to life.
March 6, 2024
It's not that it's terrible.
There is a lot of interesting stuff in this coming out story/surfing story/gay mystery/travel brochure/PSA about homophobia/meditation on family/Hawaiian language dictionary.
One could even say that there's too much in this coming out story/surfing story/gay mystery/travel brochure/PSA about homophobia/meditation on family/Hawaiian language dictionary.
There is definitely a maximalist approach to this book and it shows in every side character and detailed building description. I feel like I could now navigate Waikiki blindfolded. All the same, the mystery suffers as the MC is somehow connected to almost everyone involved in one way or another and the coincidences mount like crazy. At the same time, the MC comes off a little dense as it takes him a while to make the connections the reader can see a mile away.
All of this was forgivable until the climax in which the MC It was a very, very, very stupid moment in an otherwise serious book.
I'm probably going to pass on the rest of this series. I don't feel a strong enough connection to the writing or the characters to continue on.
There is a lot of interesting stuff in this coming out story/surfing story/gay mystery/travel brochure/PSA about homophobia/meditation on family/Hawaiian language dictionary.
One could even say that there's too much in this coming out story/surfing story/gay mystery/travel brochure/PSA about homophobia/meditation on family/Hawaiian language dictionary.
There is definitely a maximalist approach to this book and it shows in every side character and detailed building description. I feel like I could now navigate Waikiki blindfolded. All the same, the mystery suffers as the MC is somehow connected to almost everyone involved in one way or another and the coincidences mount like crazy. At the same time, the MC comes off a little dense as it takes him a while to make the connections the reader can see a mile away.
All of this was forgivable until the climax in which the MC It was a very, very, very stupid moment in an otherwise serious book.
I'm probably going to pass on the rest of this series. I don't feel a strong enough connection to the writing or the characters to continue on.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews