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Disaster #3
The Pearl Harbor Murders
On December 7, 1941, the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor took the United States by surprise. But what if someone saw it coming?
Many believe that a war with Japan is imminent--and unavoidable--but world-famous author Edgar Rice Burroughs is too busy basking in the Hawaiian sun to pay the rumors much mind. That is, until he finds Pearl Harada--a popular Japanese-American singer--murdered on the beach. . . .
Soon the island is buzzing with speculation. Was one of Pearl's many ex-boyfriends involved in her murder? Could it have been a race-related attack? Burroughs believes she died because she knew too much. But before he can figure out who silenced Oahu's sultriest songstress, bombs decimate Pearl Harbor--and leave the entire country shuddering in their wake. . .
Many believe that a war with Japan is imminent--and unavoidable--but world-famous author Edgar Rice Burroughs is too busy basking in the Hawaiian sun to pay the rumors much mind. That is, until he finds Pearl Harada--a popular Japanese-American singer--murdered on the beach. . . .
Soon the island is buzzing with speculation. Was one of Pearl's many ex-boyfriends involved in her murder? Could it have been a race-related attack? Burroughs believes she died because she knew too much. But before he can figure out who silenced Oahu's sultriest songstress, bombs decimate Pearl Harbor--and leave the entire country shuddering in their wake. . .
254 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 1, 2000
107 people are currently reading
340 people want to read
About the author
Max Allan Collins
804 books1,321 followersReceived the Shamus Award, "The Eye" (Lifetime achievment award) in 2006.
He has also published under the name Patrick Culhane. He and his wife, Barbara Collins, have written several books together. Some of them are published under the name Barbara Allan.
Book Awards
Shamus Awards Best Novel winner (1984) : True Detective
Shamus Awards Best Novel winner (1992) : Stolen Away
Shamus Awards Best Novel nominee (1995) : Carnal Hours
Shamus Awards Best Novel nominee (1997) : Damned in Paradise
Shamus Awards Best Novel nominee (1999) : Flying Blind: A Novel about Amelia Earhart
Shamus Awards Best Novel nominee (2002) : Angel in Black
Japanese: マックス・アラン・コリンズ
or マックス・アラン コリンズ
He has also published under the name Patrick Culhane. He and his wife, Barbara Collins, have written several books together. Some of them are published under the name Barbara Allan.
Book Awards
Shamus Awards Best Novel winner (1984) : True Detective
Shamus Awards Best Novel winner (1992) : Stolen Away
Shamus Awards Best Novel nominee (1995) : Carnal Hours
Shamus Awards Best Novel nominee (1997) : Damned in Paradise
Shamus Awards Best Novel nominee (1999) : Flying Blind: A Novel about Amelia Earhart
Shamus Awards Best Novel nominee (2002) : Angel in Black
Japanese: マックス・アラン・コリンズ
or マックス・アラン コリンズ
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
August 12, 2017
In his Disaster Mystery series, Max Allan Collins takes a major event in history and wraps it in a fictional mystery, placing a famous person in the midst of the turmoil. The Pearl Harbor Murders is the third book in the series. The first two mysteries occurred on the Titanic and at the scene of the Hindenburg disaster. The Titanic mystery introduced me to a mystery writer I hadn't heard of before: Jacques Futrelle (who actually died in the Titanic sinking). Since then I have enjoyed many of his detective stories! The Hindenburg mystery featured creator of The Saint, Leslie Charteris, investigating a murder on board the famous airship before it exploded. (Charteris was not on the Hindenburg when it exploded, but he was a passenger on its earlier maiden voyage). I loved both of the first books in the series....so I quickly moved on to The Pearl Harbor Murders.
The basics: Tarzan author Edgar Rice Burroughs is on the island of Oahu with his son in December 1941, enjoying the Hawaiian sun. Two days before the Japanese attack on the harbor, a young Japanese singer, Pearl Harada, is found murdered. She had requested a meeting with a local Naval officer, but was killed before it could take place. Burroughs believes the girl had information about Japanese spies in Hawaii, but was silenced before she could tell what she knew. Just as Burroughs and local detectives start seriously delving into Harada's murder and the possibility of espionage, the Japanese attack. With ships burning in the harbor and bullets raining from the sky, Burroughs and his son must figure out who killed the singer and who helped the Japanese military plan their attack.
There is truth in the plot of this book. Edgar Rice Burroughs was actually on the Island of Oahu during the attack in 1941, and helped patrol the harbor after it was over. He became the oldest war correspondent during World War II after the US entered the war. The author was outspoken about the events, even writing a letter containing his eyewitness account of the attack. He addressed the letter to: Whomever Gives a Damn. Needless to say the man had cast iron balls and the attitude to go with them. But what do you expect of the man who created Tarzan?!
Here is a link to the text of his letter: http://www.erbzine.com/mag10/1023.html
I enjoyed The Pearl Harbor Murders. It was a bit slower paced than the first two books, but once the story got going, it was great! The Disaster Mystery series does not make light of the actual historical events, and many actual facts are included in the story. The mystery portion of the plot is fictional -- but the plot was believable and mixed well with actual historical events.
All in all, an exciting and interesting book. The mystery had enough possible suspects and suspense to keep me listening intently through this entire audio book. Dan John Miller narrated. His voice and pace were perfect, making it an enjoyable listening experience.
I have read many books by Edgar Rice Burroughs, but I did not know that he was in Hawaii at the time of the Japanese attack. I have a new respect for the man after learning what he did to assist during the aftermath and about his work as a war correspondent.
Burroughs wrote nearly 80 books. Most were in the adventure and science fiction/fantasty genres. His most famous characters are Tarzan and John Carter of Mars.
Max Allan Collins is an award winning author and has written many books about detectives and criminal investigations including several CSI stories and the Nathan Heller series. For more information about the Disaster Mystery series and his other books, check out his website: http://www.maxallancollins.com/blog/
The basics: Tarzan author Edgar Rice Burroughs is on the island of Oahu with his son in December 1941, enjoying the Hawaiian sun. Two days before the Japanese attack on the harbor, a young Japanese singer, Pearl Harada, is found murdered. She had requested a meeting with a local Naval officer, but was killed before it could take place. Burroughs believes the girl had information about Japanese spies in Hawaii, but was silenced before she could tell what she knew. Just as Burroughs and local detectives start seriously delving into Harada's murder and the possibility of espionage, the Japanese attack. With ships burning in the harbor and bullets raining from the sky, Burroughs and his son must figure out who killed the singer and who helped the Japanese military plan their attack.
There is truth in the plot of this book. Edgar Rice Burroughs was actually on the Island of Oahu during the attack in 1941, and helped patrol the harbor after it was over. He became the oldest war correspondent during World War II after the US entered the war. The author was outspoken about the events, even writing a letter containing his eyewitness account of the attack. He addressed the letter to: Whomever Gives a Damn. Needless to say the man had cast iron balls and the attitude to go with them. But what do you expect of the man who created Tarzan?!
Here is a link to the text of his letter: http://www.erbzine.com/mag10/1023.html
I enjoyed The Pearl Harbor Murders. It was a bit slower paced than the first two books, but once the story got going, it was great! The Disaster Mystery series does not make light of the actual historical events, and many actual facts are included in the story. The mystery portion of the plot is fictional -- but the plot was believable and mixed well with actual historical events.
All in all, an exciting and interesting book. The mystery had enough possible suspects and suspense to keep me listening intently through this entire audio book. Dan John Miller narrated. His voice and pace were perfect, making it an enjoyable listening experience.
I have read many books by Edgar Rice Burroughs, but I did not know that he was in Hawaii at the time of the Japanese attack. I have a new respect for the man after learning what he did to assist during the aftermath and about his work as a war correspondent.
Burroughs wrote nearly 80 books. Most were in the adventure and science fiction/fantasty genres. His most famous characters are Tarzan and John Carter of Mars.
Max Allan Collins is an award winning author and has written many books about detectives and criminal investigations including several CSI stories and the Nathan Heller series. For more information about the Disaster Mystery series and his other books, check out his website: http://www.maxallancollins.com/blog/
January 31, 2015
The time: The few days leading up to the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941
The place: Honolulu
The top of the cast: Edgar Rice Burroughs and his son, Hulbert, as amateur detectives
The caper: Several murders of people the Burroughs know in Honolulu get them involved in matters relating to our conflict with Japan.
This is the first of Collins' "Disaster Series" that I have read. As usual, his research is impeccable and he gives us a fascinating picture of the mix of cultures, religions, citizens, visitors, and military that was Honolulu at this crucial juncture in America's history. Collins is a master at making you feel as if you are walking down a particular street; taking in all the details; what is in the windows; the mix of people walking past; what they are wearing; the ambiance of sounds, smells and atmosphere.
In addition we get to know a lot about: the Burroughs family; the personalities of our military leaders in Hawaii; architecture both in Honolulu and on the mainland; and, the man who wrote those wildly popular books about life in Africa, on Venus and Mars.
Collins is always entertaining. I am not as captivated by this book. If you are more interested in the period than in the "mystery," you, too, will find this an enjoyable read.
The place: Honolulu
The top of the cast: Edgar Rice Burroughs and his son, Hulbert, as amateur detectives
The caper: Several murders of people the Burroughs know in Honolulu get them involved in matters relating to our conflict with Japan.
This is the first of Collins' "Disaster Series" that I have read. As usual, his research is impeccable and he gives us a fascinating picture of the mix of cultures, religions, citizens, visitors, and military that was Honolulu at this crucial juncture in America's history. Collins is a master at making you feel as if you are walking down a particular street; taking in all the details; what is in the windows; the mix of people walking past; what they are wearing; the ambiance of sounds, smells and atmosphere.
In addition we get to know a lot about: the Burroughs family; the personalities of our military leaders in Hawaii; architecture both in Honolulu and on the mainland; and, the man who wrote those wildly popular books about life in Africa, on Venus and Mars.
Collins is always entertaining. I am not as captivated by this book. If you are more interested in the period than in the "mystery," you, too, will find this an enjoyable read.
January 9, 2015
Max Allan Collins has written much better, much, much better.
Set in Honolulu December 7, 1941, Edgar Rice Burroughs (writer of Tarzan fame) and his son set out to discover who murdered the talented Japanese singer just days before the infamous attack.
Part fiction, part non-fiction, glad I didn't buy it but listened in the car.
Set in Honolulu December 7, 1941, Edgar Rice Burroughs (writer of Tarzan fame) and his son set out to discover who murdered the talented Japanese singer just days before the infamous attack.
Part fiction, part non-fiction, glad I didn't buy it but listened in the car.
August 30, 2017
An excellent blend of fact and fiction. Hawaii 1941, the first days of December. Edgar Rice Burroughs and his son Hulbert are in residence at the Niumula Hotel (true) and we are introduced to many of the historical figures who were present at the time. The fictional part of the story is the mystery of who killed the beautiful Japanese singer. Was it one of her former boyfriends or her current boyfriend or his father? Hmmm. Drawing into the story a factual detective, and the Burroughs father and son team as amateur detectives on the case, we explore the history of those couple of days before the attack on Pearl Harbor; military decisions and the personnel who made them, spies and the failures in military intelligence, the party atmosphere that prevailed before the attack, the loveliness of Hawaii, the horrible devastation of the attack. The book is both a fictional murder mystery and a factual and loving memorial and tribute to those who were there and those who lost their lives in the attack.
Very good, recommended.
February 28, 2018
Love mysteries revolving around an historical event. A double murder 2 days before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Edgar Rice Burroughs the author of Tarzan books becomes the person playing detective (along with his youngest son) in solving these murders. Fast paced and plenty of suspense and intrigue.
February 18, 2016
Enjoyable novel featuring Edgar Rice Burroughs and his son Hulbert (Hully) in Hawaii on the brink of the Pearl Harbor attack. Burroughs is the author of the Tarzan series of books and has always been one of my favorites since I was a teen. In fact, I have a collection of his novels and still read them occasionally.
In this novel, Burroughs and Hully are trying to solve the murder of a beautiful half-Japanese singer two days before the fateful attack. The murder is thought to be an act of passion; however, Burroughs is able to connect it to Japanese agents working in Honolulu prior to the Japanese attack. This novel was a blend of fact and fiction. Burroughs actually was in Hawaii during the attack. The novel also includes actual personages of the time including General Short and Admiral Kimmel who were partially blamed for the unpreparedness of the navy and army prior to the attack. The Honolulu of 1941 was also well described and added to the story.
I also read Collins' The Lusitania Murders, the fourth book in this disaster series, a few years ago and enjoyed it as well. I'll be looking out for the others in the series. Overall, I would recommend this one.
In this novel, Burroughs and Hully are trying to solve the murder of a beautiful half-Japanese singer two days before the fateful attack. The murder is thought to be an act of passion; however, Burroughs is able to connect it to Japanese agents working in Honolulu prior to the Japanese attack. This novel was a blend of fact and fiction. Burroughs actually was in Hawaii during the attack. The novel also includes actual personages of the time including General Short and Admiral Kimmel who were partially blamed for the unpreparedness of the navy and army prior to the attack. The Honolulu of 1941 was also well described and added to the story.
I also read Collins' The Lusitania Murders, the fourth book in this disaster series, a few years ago and enjoyed it as well. I'll be looking out for the others in the series. Overall, I would recommend this one.
September 12, 2015
Absolutely brilliant... should serve as a textbook for those who want to write with real people and against a backdrop of historical events. Mr Collins presents a very plausible and nail-biting account of the run-up to the 'day of infamy' and though we know what is going to happen and every effort will be futile, the author succeeds in inducing a suspension of disbelief in some part of us that this will not come to pass.....
February 5, 2014
An entertaining historical mystery featuring a famous author, Edgar Rice Burroughs, and an infamous day in history. Listened to the audio version which was narrated by Dan John Miller who gave a steady performance.
April 26, 2024
[Overall Scor: 3.5-3.8]
This was a fun little romp. It was well crafted and it was pleasing to find out that this story used real people in this historical-fictional mystery novel. However, it somehow missed the mark.
This novelist is talented, having never heard of Max Allan Collins before, I see a lot of time and research went into the making of this novel. For the most part, I was unable to put this novel down. Maybe this was because I knew it was a short read. The characters and writing just flowed so well but that doesn't mean there weren't problems with it.
For one, it felt at times, you were right there on December 5th and 6th 1941, but it felt contrived at times, researched if you will. Two, the historical limitations did make the mystery feel snubbed in the end, meaning there were 2 options, the killer escapes or the killer doesn't, with not much wiggle room for anything else. There was no sprawling web or "big stink" if you will.
However, it fills it's role of giving you a classy, pretty well polished "who done it" set around the day of infamy. This book could easily be read in a day. It's an easy read and very pro-Hawaiian.
The only advice I can give a fellow reader is don't expect this to have much to do with December 7th itself. We don't get to see the attack until roughly page 195 out 254 [roughly depending on your copy of the novel]. Within those 45 pages (excluding the epiloge) the attack happens and the crime is solved. I can't say I was expecting a long-winded conclusion, but I did suspect the attack to happen sooner than it did. To this reviewer it seemed the novelist ran out of wiggle room and thus the story had to end.
I ponder if this story would've gotten a higher review if the entire story, the crime, the figuring out and the conclusion wasn't all done in three days. I feel, considering the build up of the story prior to the historical event, could've stretched out longer, meaning like a week of hunting down "who done it", to make the ending more climactic. Also I didn't much care for all the suspects pretty much dying and never touching up on the "held" suspect, who was in custody through out the entirety of the novel. Except for the epiloge where he makes a brief appearance. Won't spoil it as to how. Just saying it gives a jumbled up ending that I don't think the story deserved.
Didn't "hate" this novel [1 Star], I didn't "love" it [5 Stars] and time I almost "really liked" it [4 Stars] but since I never loved it only really liked it during the middle of the story. I have to give a [3 Star] Review. It was fun though, with a bevy of characters, all unique and some cookie cutter, but it all worked. I just can't put this on my top tier shelf, nor can I put it on the bottom shelf. If you like history and mystery, then pick it up. Though, don't expect the greatest mystery. It's pandering to its target audience and it does it well!
[Overally Generous Score: 3.7-4.4 (max)]
This was a fun little romp. It was well crafted and it was pleasing to find out that this story used real people in this historical-fictional mystery novel. However, it somehow missed the mark.
This novelist is talented, having never heard of Max Allan Collins before, I see a lot of time and research went into the making of this novel. For the most part, I was unable to put this novel down. Maybe this was because I knew it was a short read. The characters and writing just flowed so well but that doesn't mean there weren't problems with it.
For one, it felt at times, you were right there on December 5th and 6th 1941, but it felt contrived at times, researched if you will. Two, the historical limitations did make the mystery feel snubbed in the end, meaning there were 2 options, the killer escapes or the killer doesn't, with not much wiggle room for anything else. There was no sprawling web or "big stink" if you will.
However, it fills it's role of giving you a classy, pretty well polished "who done it" set around the day of infamy. This book could easily be read in a day. It's an easy read and very pro-Hawaiian.
The only advice I can give a fellow reader is don't expect this to have much to do with December 7th itself. We don't get to see the attack until roughly page 195 out 254 [roughly depending on your copy of the novel]. Within those 45 pages (excluding the epiloge) the attack happens and the crime is solved. I can't say I was expecting a long-winded conclusion, but I did suspect the attack to happen sooner than it did. To this reviewer it seemed the novelist ran out of wiggle room and thus the story had to end.
I ponder if this story would've gotten a higher review if the entire story, the crime, the figuring out and the conclusion wasn't all done in three days. I feel, considering the build up of the story prior to the historical event, could've stretched out longer, meaning like a week of hunting down "who done it", to make the ending more climactic. Also I didn't much care for all the suspects pretty much dying and never touching up on the "held" suspect, who was in custody through out the entirety of the novel. Except for the epiloge where he makes a brief appearance. Won't spoil it as to how. Just saying it gives a jumbled up ending that I don't think the story deserved.
Didn't "hate" this novel [1 Star], I didn't "love" it [5 Stars] and time I almost "really liked" it [4 Stars] but since I never loved it only really liked it during the middle of the story. I have to give a [3 Star] Review. It was fun though, with a bevy of characters, all unique and some cookie cutter, but it all worked. I just can't put this on my top tier shelf, nor can I put it on the bottom shelf. If you like history and mystery, then pick it up. Though, don't expect the greatest mystery. It's pandering to its target audience and it does it well!
[Overally Generous Score: 3.7-4.4 (max)]
December 21, 2025
The Pearl Harbor Murders is a strong reminder of why Max Allan Collins remains such a dependable and engaging storyteller. As a longtime fan, I found this book every bit as entertaining and informative as his other works that blend real history with fictional characters. Collins has a real talent for making history feel immediate and personal without overwhelming the reader with detail.
The structure of the book works especially well. Dividing the story into three sections set on December 5, 6, and 7 creates a natural sense of momentum and unease. Each day carries its own weight, with tension quietly building as the clock moves closer to events the reader knows are coming. It is a simple but very effective framework.
The December 7 section leans most heavily on documented historical events, and understandably so. Collins treats that day with care, weaving his fictional narrative into the known facts without feeling forced or disrespectful. The result is a vivid sense of chaos and urgency that feels grounded rather than sensationalized.
You do not need to be an expert on Pearl Harbor to enjoy this novel. Collins makes the setting accessible and clear, even for readers who come in with only a general understanding of the history. That said, having some familiarity with the time period does add an extra layer of appreciation, especially as real events begin to intersect more directly with the story.
Overall, The Pearl Harbor Murders is an absorbing mix of mystery, history, and suspense. Collins once again proves how well he can balance factual events with compelling fictional storytelling. It is an engaging read that works both as a mystery novel and as a dramatic window into a pivotal moment in history.
The structure of the book works especially well. Dividing the story into three sections set on December 5, 6, and 7 creates a natural sense of momentum and unease. Each day carries its own weight, with tension quietly building as the clock moves closer to events the reader knows are coming. It is a simple but very effective framework.
The December 7 section leans most heavily on documented historical events, and understandably so. Collins treats that day with care, weaving his fictional narrative into the known facts without feeling forced or disrespectful. The result is a vivid sense of chaos and urgency that feels grounded rather than sensationalized.
You do not need to be an expert on Pearl Harbor to enjoy this novel. Collins makes the setting accessible and clear, even for readers who come in with only a general understanding of the history. That said, having some familiarity with the time period does add an extra layer of appreciation, especially as real events begin to intersect more directly with the story.
Overall, The Pearl Harbor Murders is an absorbing mix of mystery, history, and suspense. Collins once again proves how well he can balance factual events with compelling fictional storytelling. It is an engaging read that works both as a mystery novel and as a dramatic window into a pivotal moment in history.
December 6, 2023
There's nothing more intriguing than to read a mystery set within an historical event, such as the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. And then to add in several real live individuals, such as Edgar Rice Burroughs and his son Hulbert "Hully" Burroughs, who really did reside in Hawaii at the time.
And then you add into the mix Max Allan Collins, who creates a believable murder that happens just a couple of days before the attack — who could ask for more?
The action begins just two days before the attack and Collins creates a very realistic scene of the Americans believing that they would soon be in the midst of war with Japan, some expecting an attack — but not in Hawaii, so its almost a festive atmosphere are soldiers, sailors, officers and celebrities join in the usual festivities of a luau, bar hopping and country club dances.
But Burroughs Sr., known as OB, has made many contacts throughout the community and has heard the rumblings, including that Hawaii could be attacked and soon. And as a writer, he has the itch to know more and to be in the thick of things. So he reaches out to the military, as well as the FBI. And picks up the bits and pieces along the way.
The one thing he didn't figure on was a murder, especially practically on the doorstep of the cottage he rents. The police are involved, but OB figures they are happen to pin the death on the living person on the scene when it is discovered. OB and Hully think there are other suspects and different motives and together, they start their own investigation.
The locations, the action and the dialogue are all solid, as is the storyline overall. And its very easy, fun book to read, as I did, in between errands, chores and holiday shopping. And I learned a whole lot about Pearl Harbor, the attack and the man who created Tarzan.
And then you add into the mix Max Allan Collins, who creates a believable murder that happens just a couple of days before the attack — who could ask for more?
The action begins just two days before the attack and Collins creates a very realistic scene of the Americans believing that they would soon be in the midst of war with Japan, some expecting an attack — but not in Hawaii, so its almost a festive atmosphere are soldiers, sailors, officers and celebrities join in the usual festivities of a luau, bar hopping and country club dances.
But Burroughs Sr., known as OB, has made many contacts throughout the community and has heard the rumblings, including that Hawaii could be attacked and soon. And as a writer, he has the itch to know more and to be in the thick of things. So he reaches out to the military, as well as the FBI. And picks up the bits and pieces along the way.
The one thing he didn't figure on was a murder, especially practically on the doorstep of the cottage he rents. The police are involved, but OB figures they are happen to pin the death on the living person on the scene when it is discovered. OB and Hully think there are other suspects and different motives and together, they start their own investigation.
The locations, the action and the dialogue are all solid, as is the storyline overall. And its very easy, fun book to read, as I did, in between errands, chores and holiday shopping. And I learned a whole lot about Pearl Harbor, the attack and the man who created Tarzan.
May 13, 2019
So far, this is the best of the four Disaster books by Mr. Collins that I have read (Titanic, Hindenburg, War of the Worlds, Pearl Harbor). Each disaster is experienced by a prominent writer, who perforce becomes the detective. This time it is Edgar Rice Burroughs, the creator of Tarzan, who is visiting Oahu in December, 1941. He and his son, Hully, are drawn into the murder of a popular young singer at their hotel. Was it a jealous lover or something far more sinister?
(I'm kicking myself for not realizing the significance of the clue Mr. Collins provided.)
Errors found in Kindle text:
Page 24, Well come on in / Well, come ; 52, No he hasn't / No, he hasn't ; 53, Yes I am / Yes, I am ; 63, well it's his idea / well, it's ; 82 & 83, No thanks / No, thanks ; 94, our hearts we didn't / hearts, we didn't ; 120, But Mr. Harada / But, Mr. Harada ; 122, clean breast it / breast OF it ;128, For once Burroughs valued / once, Burroughs ; 152, Oh yes indeed / Oh, yes, indeed ; 154, Oh hell / Oh, hell ; 158, And of course Fielder / And of course, Fielder ; 165, last week I asked / week, I asked .
For the length of this book, this is a remarkably short list, and all but one are commas that should have been present but were not.
(I'm kicking myself for not realizing the significance of the clue Mr. Collins provided.)
Errors found in Kindle text:
Page 24, Well come on in / Well, come ; 52, No he hasn't / No, he hasn't ; 53, Yes I am / Yes, I am ; 63, well it's his idea / well, it's ; 82 & 83, No thanks / No, thanks ; 94, our hearts we didn't / hearts, we didn't ; 120, But Mr. Harada / But, Mr. Harada ; 122, clean breast it / breast OF it ;128, For once Burroughs valued / once, Burroughs ; 152, Oh yes indeed / Oh, yes, indeed ; 154, Oh hell / Oh, hell ; 158, And of course Fielder / And of course, Fielder ; 165, last week I asked / week, I asked .
For the length of this book, this is a remarkably short list, and all but one are commas that should have been present but were not.
August 21, 2017
Console moving historical fiction novel
The 1941 7Dec. Hawaiian saga moved quickly esp .the infamous7 Dec _ Sunday morning. Surpriseattack. Imagine the 19-20. year old E2 working overtime motherland new Radar 6microscope above. Honolulu harbor - seeking out the alarm for army - navy. D R H really enjoyed. References. To Wahkike hotels where I took my new bride 20 0 8. I.e.FortResses. . Royal Hawaiian Hotel . A neat paradise
The 1941 7Dec. Hawaiian saga moved quickly esp .the infamous7 Dec _ Sunday morning. Surpriseattack. Imagine the 19-20. year old E2 working overtime motherland new Radar 6microscope above. Honolulu harbor - seeking out the alarm for army - navy. D R H really enjoyed. References. To Wahkike hotels where I took my new bride 20 0 8. I.e.FortResses. . Royal Hawaiian Hotel . A neat paradise
November 23, 2018
Short and sweet mystery featuring Edgar Rice Burroughs and his son investigating murders and a conspiracy in the days before the Pearl Harbor attack. I enjoy these Collins historical fiction mystery stories. You get just enough historical fact thrown in with a nice little mystery. And it's a short read.
August 1, 2024
Edgar Rice Burroughs, the creator of Tarzan, and his son were (really) in Hawaii in early December 1941. This book is a fictional account of Burroughs helping to solve 2 murders just as Pearl Harbor is attacked. I've read most of Collins' Nathan Heller series and I'm now reading his disaster series. I like most of Collins stuff but this is one of his weakest. It was OK, 2 stars.
May 17, 2019
Mixing pulp writer Edgar Rice Burroughs (author of Tarzan and John Carter tales) into the middle of a murder mystery set just prior to the Japanese sneak attack on Pearl Harbor makes for a pretty potent and enjoyable mix.
March 1, 2021
Sometimes a bit confusing
Was an easy read until the bombing started. No spoilers here, but the story gets a little more jumbled, which would have been appropriate for the setting. Everything got more confusing as the bombing went on.
Was an easy read until the bombing started. No spoilers here, but the story gets a little more jumbled, which would have been appropriate for the setting. Everything got more confusing as the bombing went on.
January 26, 2022
This was fun. Edgar Rice Burroughs is the detective of a murder of a show girl just days before Pearl Harbor. Collins blended fiction and fact really well. It was a slight mystery but the sense of place and character was quite good and I really enjoyed this.
August 5, 2023
This was a quick and interesting read. Collins is an excellent storyteller, and Burroughs and son make a surprisingly strong detection team. The insight into the Oahu culture in the days leading up to Pearl Harbor is fascinating and made me want to read up on pre-war Hawaii.
February 19, 2024
A Must Read!
Max Collins affords his readers to witness the historical events of the Pearl Harbor attack through potent descriptions and vivid dialogue through the genre of murder mystery. A captivating read!
Max Collins affords his readers to witness the historical events of the Pearl Harbor attack through potent descriptions and vivid dialogue through the genre of murder mystery. A captivating read!
May 19, 2017
Historical mystery
Well written with well drawn characters, a fast moving plot and a fascinating look at pre war Hawaii A great read.
Well written with well drawn characters, a fast moving plot and a fascinating look at pre war Hawaii A great read.
October 1, 2019
I love historical fiction & this does not disappoint. Thoroughly enjoyed fact & fiction at it's best.
April 21, 2020
This was a different book for me but I enjoyed it.
May 1, 2020
The historical angle was interesting and the characters were nice, but the story was very dry. I had a hard time getting into it.
July 16, 2020
Loved this one. ERB is one of my favorite authors, so having him as the main character in this book was great. Max Allan Collins does an amazing job melding fact and fiction into a fantastic story.
June 3, 2021
The description of the Japanese attack on Pearl was heartbreaking. The mystery was bland and boring.
April 8, 2024
Old fashion detective story. A bit of history thrown in. And a mystery with Edgar Rice Boroughs and his son in the middle.
June 15, 2020
A fun read. A mystery combining actual events and fictional events and characters both real and imagined. I have liked all the Max Allan Collins books I've read.
December 25, 2016
In these books combining a disaster and a mystery, Collins seems to write in the style of his mystery writer detective. Since Edgar Rice Burroughs used the technique of having two characters working on the mystery in alternate chapters, Collins does it in this case, using Burroughs and his son, Hully (short for Hulbert) as the two investigators of two murders that may be linked to some espionage. After all, the story begins on December 5, 1941. Collins does a great deal of research, not only on his main character, but on the history of the event. The reader gets a vivid sense of the time and the place and of the way in which the military is often deceived by its own knowledge and assumptions. All of the military are expecting that the war with Japan may happen and they are feeling reassured that they have a great number of ships, planes, personnel and ammunition to respond quickly when the attack happens somewhere in the Pacific. However, they never believe that it would happen on the Hawaiian island. This is just the launching pad for their military maneuvers. Getting the ships out of the harbor is difficult because there are so many of them and the port is more of a resource than easily maneuverable . The danger that the military are most prepared for is sabotage from the Japanese inhabitants whom they do not recognize as being Americans even though many of them are second generation. Racism plays it part as it will with the Japanese Americans on the west coast of the United States once the war erupts. Central to the story is a romance between the Japanese/American singer and a naval officer whose general father disapproves of the match even though the girl was born in San Francisco of mixed parentage. It is her knowledge and the attempt to talk to the general that results in her murder. Meanwhile, the soldiers and sailors and tourists are having their usual lovely lei decked weekend. When the military finally take the information the Burroughs have for them, they promise that it is so urgent they will take care of it on Monday morning. As in all these books, it is the readers’ knowledge of what is going to happen that the characters do not share that adds the edge to this book. In this book, the disaster that is about to happen underscores how little people know what the real dangers are and how worlds can change instantly, falling apart, and unpredictable. One can see why Collins devoured Burroughs books when he was a kid.
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