Sands of Lanikai

by Bob Hogue

Be taken on an unforgettable journey of suspense, adventure, mystery and romance in a coming-of-age story about the small town of Kailua, Oahu in November/December 1941. Sands of Lanikai, takes us back to the days just before December 7th and imagines a spy entering the waters of Kailua Bay. Will the spy be discovered? What is his mission? What impact will his presence have on the opening days of World War II? At the same time, learn about young Paul Sands, an enigmatic young drifter who is suddenly faced with a family tragedy. Sands arrives in Kailua and Lanikai just before Thanksgiving 1941 disconsolate over the death of his last-remaining relative. Can he find out what killed his grandfather? Will the mystery surrounding this sudden death unveil other truths? What impact will have it have on his own life? Sands is helped by several colorful characters, including Hawaiian/Portuguese cowboy Jorge Luis and his beautiful half-sister, Healani, along with Honolulu policeman and Kailua-resident Jack Burns. Jorge battles with the local servicemen while Officer Burns tries to help unravel the mystery, and lovely Healani teaches young Paul how to truly understand the local way of life. In Kailua and Lanikai, we discover that country means a way of life so much different from today. The town is very small and very rustic and dominated by Hawaiian cowboys, or paniolos, along with small town folks of many ethnicities and cultures mixed in with a growing military presence. But the land they all live in is incredibly beautiful and its what brings them together. Hogue's passion for the beauty of the area is felt throughout the narrative--from the gorgeous beaches to the lush mountains that dominate Windward Oahu. And as tensions mount towards the inevitability of war, suspicions escalate about who can be trusted and who can't. As the mystery unravels and the suspense and romance build, the adventure is only beginning for Paul Sands. What he discovers and what you discover may surprise you.

312 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 7, 2009

Reviews

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sands of Lanikai by Bob Hogue is a fictitious account of life in Kailua, a small town on Oahu’s windward coast, and of events leading up to the Japanese attack on the island’s military bases including Pearl Harbor. I learned quite a bit of Hawaiian history but believe the book could have been made better with the help of an experienced editor. Some foul language also detracted from the story.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy to read bit of historical fiction. A predictable plot with some good information about Hawaiian history.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked this up the second time only because a resident of Kailua, Hawaii assured me that it was well researched and historically accurate. I kept reading it because I was in Kailua and the author's descriptions of Kailua in 1941 were vivid and interesting. The story itself was contrived and perhaps geared to the younger reader.

[LP · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot was predictable and the writing style a little underdeveloped, but the characters were likeable and the history was interesting. In fact, the historical aspect was the best thing about the book: the descriptions of what Kailua was like in the 1940s, the old Pali Road, the attack on the air base and its aftermath, etc.

[Bo · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun read! I felt like I was watching a 1940's movie filmed in Kailua. I loved the romance between Paul and Healani and the way the main character grew in his appreciation for Hawaii. Just a great book to take the beach with you!

[Bc · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful story about Kailua! I loved the descriptions and the great characters--a very fun read! I actually finished it on the 4th of July, the same day Bob Hogue said he started writing it :)

[Jorge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved da book! Best part was having a guy named Jorge as one of da main characters!

[K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the most well written book ever and the plot was a little "okay really?" but overall it was an entertaining story and certainly a good read by the pool.

[Pat Belardi · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you know the area or are interested in Hawaiian history from WW2 then it is an interesting read.

[Ruth A Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Landlord appreciated the history

Enjoyed reading about the Lanka I have come to love these past 43 years. It is a special place still