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Surfing Detective Mystery #1
Murder on Moloka'i
When Boston heiress Adrienne Ridgely strides into Kai Cooke's Honolulu office, the "Surfing Detective" likes what he sees, but doubts what he hears. Adrienne's sister, environmental activist Sara Ridgely-Parke, has plunged to her death from a mule on Moloka'i—the first fatal incident on the soaring cliffs above Kalaupapa's fabled leper colony. Adrienne cries murder, perpetrated by Sara's ex-husband, developer J. Gregory Parke. Cooke journeys to Moloka'i, tracking tantalizing leads to an unlikely murder that, despite himself, he starts to believe in. Was the mule prodded or spooked or drugged? Did Parke do it for vengeance or Adrienne for an inheritance, as Parke alleges? Soon Cooke uncovers a motive more noxious than either of these, entangling him in the shady dealings of big-time developers, corrupt politicians, and underworld thugs. As he hops from island to island seeking a pivotal clue, the clock ticks down on more than the P.I.'s case or even his own life. The future of Moloka'i itself is at stake.
207 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 1, 2004
327 people are currently reading
902 people want to read
About the author
Chip Hughes
23 books26 followersChip Hughes learned to surf in San Diego in the late 1960s. He earned a Ph.D. in English at Indiana University in 1981 and taught American literature, film, writing, and popular fiction for nearly three decades at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. His
non-fiction publications include two books on John Steinbeck and numerous essays and reviews.
An active member of the Private Eye Writers of America, Chip launched the Surfing Detective mystery series in 2004 with Murder on Moloka‘i. Since 2011 the series has been published exclusively by Slate Ridge Press.
When not working on the series, Chip enjoys walking and running with his wife and companion of thirty-five years, surfing with his buddy, practicing the piano, getting together with Porsche club friends, and hanging out with his golden retriever. He tries to live "green" with recycling, solar panels, and an electric car. He generally eats vegetarian. Chip and his wife split their time between homes in Hawai‘i and upstate New York.
non-fiction publications include two books on John Steinbeck and numerous essays and reviews.
An active member of the Private Eye Writers of America, Chip launched the Surfing Detective mystery series in 2004 with Murder on Moloka‘i. Since 2011 the series has been published exclusively by Slate Ridge Press.
When not working on the series, Chip enjoys walking and running with his wife and companion of thirty-five years, surfing with his buddy, practicing the piano, getting together with Porsche club friends, and hanging out with his golden retriever. He tries to live "green" with recycling, solar panels, and an electric car. He generally eats vegetarian. Chip and his wife split their time between homes in Hawai‘i and upstate New York.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
December 29, 2017
AKA, the review in which I absolutely can not be bothered to remember the details.
I have absolutely no idea how this found my way onto my radar. I think Hawai'i + mystery + environmental message kept it there. For some reason, I assumed also a Hawaiian narrator, but alas, no. He's a gringo. Or the equivalent other word.
Short form: It's decent but nothing special. Kind of like a good Magnum P.I. episode, I suspect, although my memories of watching Magnum are equally hazy. Beautiful scenery, a couple of attractive ladies, bonding with the dude that takes care of the mules. It's perfectly serviceable read if you have it lying around on your kindle and your skull is too full of mucus to try and follow an epic space opera (I tried. It didn't work). Best of all, it'll even let you take a nap in the middle, unlike those other pesky mysteries that demand complete absorption. Lest that sound faintly damning, I'll also say that it didn't irritate me either. Not too much, at least. It was the perfect balance of vaguely interesting without being captivating.
So, surfer dude is also a private investigator. I can't remember why, or how. Might not have been explained. Although he is white, he feels like he is a native Hawaiian because he was adopted into a Hawaiian family, but I can't remember why. In fact, in retrospect, I can't remember much about the lead's history. He exists in the 'now,' which is pretty darn Zen surfer-dude of him. Perhaps it was hazy characterization. Hazy memory is also possible. There's a really awesome woman that died, and her estranged sister who wants her murder solved. Instead of being forthcoming about details, the sister mysteriously refuses to answer questions. So she's kind of vague and hazy as well, except I do remember that the narrator thinks she's really hot but uptight (the reason is probably that she's from Boston). And I think she has red hair, while her sister has blond hair, but I could be wrong about that. And her eyes change color from steely grey to something soft and fuckable. Super boringly obvious.
Our hero, whatever his name was, also has a way of connecting with all the locals by talking in a type of Hawaiian pidgeon that looks suspiciously like surfer dude talk with Hawaiin words thrown in. I appreciate the effort at cultural authenticity, except I kind of hate dialect of any form when written out (up here, we pronounce that 'ow-wt,' just so you are listening to it right). There's loads of Hawaiian words sprinkled through the text, reminding me of Sandra Cisneros, but not in a way I liked. More in a 'oh, this is what they mean by cultural appropriation' kind of way, amiright pahdner?
So, surfer dude doesn't entirely believe his rich, beautiful client, but gets involved because of the down-to-earth honesty of the mule dude and the utter suspiciousness of the four other riders who are clearly lying, along with the ex-husband who is also lying. Then there's some stuff about a Hawaiian land trust and development and--
zzzz
Where was I? Oh, to spice it up, his office gets rummaged through, and he gets warned off, and --this can hardly be a spoiler, people--he has sex with the beautiful client, because that's what lonely P.I.s do. But don't worry, he totally respects her space afterwards by thinking about his girlfriend. Anyway, there's more hijinks as he gets close to solving the case, coupled with some absolutely astonishing cross-dressing. I mean, in the history of cross-dressing in mystery books, this was about as believable as Magnum P.I. trying to cross-dress. All it took was some makeup and a hat and a dress! I might have got a little eye strain at that point, but I'm totally sure it was the mucus in my sinuses, and had nothing to do with my eyes rolling around.
Wow, that's a ton of detail for a vague little story. I guess the little grey cells were processing after all. Now if you were to ask me about it next June... The other vaguely interesting thing about this edition is that the author has an earlier--much earlier--version of the first chapter included. I didn't read it because by then, I realized my way out of feeling cruddy was right in front of me all along: Kate Daniels.
Two and a half stars.
I have absolutely no idea how this found my way onto my radar. I think Hawai'i + mystery + environmental message kept it there. For some reason, I assumed also a Hawaiian narrator, but alas, no. He's a gringo. Or the equivalent other word.
Short form: It's decent but nothing special. Kind of like a good Magnum P.I. episode, I suspect, although my memories of watching Magnum are equally hazy. Beautiful scenery, a couple of attractive ladies, bonding with the dude that takes care of the mules. It's perfectly serviceable read if you have it lying around on your kindle and your skull is too full of mucus to try and follow an epic space opera (I tried. It didn't work). Best of all, it'll even let you take a nap in the middle, unlike those other pesky mysteries that demand complete absorption. Lest that sound faintly damning, I'll also say that it didn't irritate me either. Not too much, at least. It was the perfect balance of vaguely interesting without being captivating.
So, surfer dude is also a private investigator. I can't remember why, or how. Might not have been explained. Although he is white, he feels like he is a native Hawaiian because he was adopted into a Hawaiian family, but I can't remember why. In fact, in retrospect, I can't remember much about the lead's history. He exists in the 'now,' which is pretty darn Zen surfer-dude of him. Perhaps it was hazy characterization. Hazy memory is also possible. There's a really awesome woman that died, and her estranged sister who wants her murder solved. Instead of being forthcoming about details, the sister mysteriously refuses to answer questions. So she's kind of vague and hazy as well, except I do remember that the narrator thinks she's really hot but uptight (the reason is probably that she's from Boston). And I think she has red hair, while her sister has blond hair, but I could be wrong about that. And her eyes change color from steely grey to something soft and fuckable. Super boringly obvious.
Our hero, whatever his name was, also has a way of connecting with all the locals by talking in a type of Hawaiian pidgeon that looks suspiciously like surfer dude talk with Hawaiin words thrown in. I appreciate the effort at cultural authenticity, except I kind of hate dialect of any form when written out (up here, we pronounce that 'ow-wt,' just so you are listening to it right). There's loads of Hawaiian words sprinkled through the text, reminding me of Sandra Cisneros, but not in a way I liked. More in a 'oh, this is what they mean by cultural appropriation' kind of way, amiright pahdner?
So, surfer dude doesn't entirely believe his rich, beautiful client, but gets involved because of the down-to-earth honesty of the mule dude and the utter suspiciousness of the four other riders who are clearly lying, along with the ex-husband who is also lying. Then there's some stuff about a Hawaiian land trust and development and--
zzzz
Where was I? Oh, to spice it up, his office gets rummaged through, and he gets warned off, and --this can hardly be a spoiler, people--he has sex with the beautiful client, because that's what lonely P.I.s do. But don't worry, he totally respects her space afterwards by thinking about his girlfriend. Anyway, there's more hijinks as he gets close to solving the case, coupled with some absolutely astonishing cross-dressing. I mean, in the history of cross-dressing in mystery books, this was about as believable as Magnum P.I. trying to cross-dress. All it took was some makeup and a hat and a dress! I might have got a little eye strain at that point, but I'm totally sure it was the mucus in my sinuses, and had nothing to do with my eyes rolling around.
Wow, that's a ton of detail for a vague little story. I guess the little grey cells were processing after all. Now if you were to ask me about it next June... The other vaguely interesting thing about this edition is that the author has an earlier--much earlier--version of the first chapter included. I didn't read it because by then, I realized my way out of feeling cruddy was right in front of me all along: Kate Daniels.
Two and a half stars.
March 19, 2016
3.5 stars
Murder on Moloka'i is a good mystery with lots of authentic Hawaiian scenery and setting. It is strictly mystery, however, with no romance (my usual genre). If you like private detective mysteries without a lot of romance, the Chip Hughes' Surfing Detective Mystery series may be one you would enjoy.
Murder on Moloka'i is a good mystery with lots of authentic Hawaiian scenery and setting. It is strictly mystery, however, with no romance (my usual genre). If you like private detective mysteries without a lot of romance, the Chip Hughes' Surfing Detective Mystery series may be one you would enjoy.
April 4, 2014
I think this would have been a better book if the author hadn't chopped so much out of it. Still, it was am ok read. I liked reading about Hawaii.
October 2, 2019
I mainly liked this book because I read it flying home from Hawaii and it referenced a lot of places I had been. Quick read although the writing felt a bit juvenile.
December 11, 2023
It is a law that one must read at least one cheesy murder mystery set in Hawai'i while soaking up the topical sun. [I think that law is in Leviticus.] Chip Hughes holds a PhD in English and taught for decades at the University of Hawai'i in Mānoa. He's also a surfer. His novel is just fine. Perhaps he tries too hard to be as hard as Chandler and Hammett in creating a tough private eye. Perhaps he tries too hard to demonstrate his mastery of the pidgin language (known in the Hawaiian language as "ʻōlelo paʻi ʻai). This pidgin has ingredients of English, Hawaiian, Japanese, Portuguese and Cantonese, with a light seasoning of Okinawan and Korean. The oddest thing of all is that his publisher made him cut his work from 75,000 words to 40,000 words. There is nothing odd about an editor insisting on excision and condensation. The odd that it that Dr. Hughes was so enamoured of some of the stuff he had to cut, that he reproduced bits of it (75 pages!) with accompanying notes about what he was trying to do in the parts that were clipped (and, at his hand in this second edition, restored, sort of). Had James Joyce done this in "Ulysses" or Dante Alighieri in "Divina Comedia" or Mikhail Bulgakov in "The Master and Margarita," we would all be in their debt. That Professor Hughes did it, seems to me to be an act of immature hubris.
May 14, 2019
I actually read this book twice, just finishing it for a second time on a flight back from Hawaii. I saw it in my Kindle and could not recall more than the basic introduction so assumed I had not finished it. I had. Not a memberable book, but a light flight or beach read.
As others have said, it is basically an episode of Magnum PI, which I assume was the author's intention.
I enjoyed the use of local terminology and real landmarks/locations.
As others have said, it is basically an episode of Magnum PI, which I assume was the author's intention.
I enjoyed the use of local terminology and real landmarks/locations.
January 30, 2016
My review on Amazon.
Keeping in mind this book is (I believe) the author's first or nearly first published fiction, I thought it was pretty good and I did enjoy it. Someone compared the writing to Raymond Chandler's; no, it's not *that* good. The mood is meant to be suspenseful, but it was rather lightweight. The characters were a little flat to me; all of the characters who were the distractions and red herrings, as well as the actual guilty parties, need a little jazzing up. I feel like Mr. Hughes was trying to write a 1930's style mystery set in the 2000's with modern concerns--which I'm sure can be done, but if so it would be by someone a little more skillful. The ending was a bit muddled, and felt rushed--as if the author ran out of patience or interest in this episode. "The Surfing Detective" needs the kind of surprises and depth the ocean he surfs upon has.
On the other hand, I do find the lead character engaging enough that I will likely read the rest of the series at some point. Writers only get better and more inventive as they go, so I expect a steep improvement book by book. I'm giving it four stars because the author captures Hawaii rather well; just enough local flavor and lingo, without boring the reader with minutiae.
Keeping in mind this book is (I believe) the author's first or nearly first published fiction, I thought it was pretty good and I did enjoy it. Someone compared the writing to Raymond Chandler's; no, it's not *that* good. The mood is meant to be suspenseful, but it was rather lightweight. The characters were a little flat to me; all of the characters who were the distractions and red herrings, as well as the actual guilty parties, need a little jazzing up. I feel like Mr. Hughes was trying to write a 1930's style mystery set in the 2000's with modern concerns--which I'm sure can be done, but if so it would be by someone a little more skillful. The ending was a bit muddled, and felt rushed--as if the author ran out of patience or interest in this episode. "The Surfing Detective" needs the kind of surprises and depth the ocean he surfs upon has.
On the other hand, I do find the lead character engaging enough that I will likely read the rest of the series at some point. Writers only get better and more inventive as they go, so I expect a steep improvement book by book. I'm giving it four stars because the author captures Hawaii rather well; just enough local flavor and lingo, without boring the reader with minutiae.
June 14, 2014
Ua mau ke ea o ka `aina i ka pono.
The life of the land is preserved in righteousness.
Chip Hughes plunges right into the ongoing crisis facing the Hawaiian islands - tourist development. Kai Cooke, the Surfing Detective, is hired to investigate the death of an activist along the mule trail on Moloka'i. The mules are one way to visit Kalaupapa - the leper colony secluded on a penisula. The mules traverse almost three miles with 26 switch backs from "topside" to the beach. Yet the mules are reliable in their footing, so it raises suspisions that the activitist may have been murdered. But how?
Hughes delivers a suspense filled story with vivid descriptions of the Hawaiian landscape. Having lived in Oahu, and visited Kalaupapa, I felt Hughes transported me back to the islands. He raised my consciousness of the real struggle between developer and preservationist. This is a quick read with little violence, other than references to the murder.
Recommended read for fans of Hawaii, cozy mysteries, and quirky characters.
I purchased this book from Chip Hughes when he was a guest speaker for the RWA Aloha Chapter.
The life of the land is preserved in righteousness.
Chip Hughes plunges right into the ongoing crisis facing the Hawaiian islands - tourist development. Kai Cooke, the Surfing Detective, is hired to investigate the death of an activist along the mule trail on Moloka'i. The mules are one way to visit Kalaupapa - the leper colony secluded on a penisula. The mules traverse almost three miles with 26 switch backs from "topside" to the beach. Yet the mules are reliable in their footing, so it raises suspisions that the activitist may have been murdered. But how?
Hughes delivers a suspense filled story with vivid descriptions of the Hawaiian landscape. Having lived in Oahu, and visited Kalaupapa, I felt Hughes transported me back to the islands. He raised my consciousness of the real struggle between developer and preservationist. This is a quick read with little violence, other than references to the murder.
Recommended read for fans of Hawaii, cozy mysteries, and quirky characters.
I purchased this book from Chip Hughes when he was a guest speaker for the RWA Aloha Chapter.
March 16, 2017
I've been fascinated by Molokai and the old Leper Colony located there--ever since a friend flew over and old me about it. Since, I've read just about everything I could find about the island. This book was really cool. Is uses Molokai and the Hawaiian Islands as the setting for a very interesting murder/detective novel. One of these days, I'm gonna get there myself!
September 22, 2012
This book is a fast, fun read with plenty of action. Kai Cooke, haole surfer turned P.I., is a local boy who speaks plenny da kine Pidgin and knows his way around the islands. I grew up in Hawai`i but never made the hike down to Kalaupapa, so I especially enjoyed seeing this remote area through the Kai's eyes. I will definitely be reader more of this author's work.
April 23, 2015
I enjoyed this book, because we go to Hawaii every year, have stayed on all the islands, and know how to pronounce the Hawaiian words. It could be a little tedious for readers new to the language.
I love to read books based in places I have been - it makes the story much more realistic because you can relate to the surroundings.
I love to read books based in places I have been - it makes the story much more realistic because you can relate to the surroundings.
February 29, 2016
Enjoyable mystery based in Molokai, one of most laid back islands I ever visited. I could easily remember the places mentioned. If you want fast paced this is not the book for you. It has the Hawaiian hang loose attitude. There is the mystery but he takes time to surf too. I liked the pace and the story. Overall a good read.
September 23, 2014
Fast, easy read; I enjoyed the Hawaiian pidgin English dialogues and their resulting island flavor. The "mystery" (from the book's sub-title) was terribly predictable, IMO; almost from the very beginning.
October 13, 2014
Good storyline. Interesting characters. I have to get into a book usually by the first page. Sometimes I will give a book a chapter to grab me. I was interested throughout the story. And Hawaii being my old stomping grounds made it even more interesting. I would read other books by this author.
July 7, 2015
Enjoyable
Who knew what to expect from a surfing detective? This is a charming story with an extremely twisty-turney plot that truly pulls the reader into the tale; it kept me enthralled from the moment I started to read until I finished the book a couple of hours later.
Who knew what to expect from a surfing detective? This is a charming story with an extremely twisty-turney plot that truly pulls the reader into the tale; it kept me enthralled from the moment I started to read until I finished the book a couple of hours later.
June 7, 2016
Really interesting murder mystery. I love the way the author weaves the storyline through a backdrop of local island settings and adds in Hawaiian terms that enhance the story and not just add them in just because. I very much like the authors writing style.
March 10, 2016
Since my daughter is in a OB/GYN residency in Hawaii, I'm finding lots of reasons to go there. This book told me how many Hawaiians converse and was entertaining while I learned something about the many islands he visits to solve the murder. Aloha oy vei. Time to book a ticket
September 21, 2015
Original!!!
This was a really good book.....a surfing detective?? Sounded corny but I got it anyways and I'm glad. Good mystery, a little humor. Time for book #2.
This was a really good book.....a surfing detective?? Sounded corny but I got it anyways and I'm glad. Good mystery, a little humor. Time for book #2.
July 20, 2017
At times this book had some hints of Philip Marlowe to it. It even started out with the beautiful woman walking in to Cooke's office. However, the dialogue in this book was richer and the author did a nice job of describing the places.
As a mystery there were an adequate number of suspects, mystery about how the murderer did it, and some red herrings. Once the culprit was identified it became more suspense than mystery.
A good deal of conversation takes place in pidgin. Normally writing in dialect annoys me, but I have history with Hawaii and actually found I enjoyed it. It seemed like really accurate pidgin to me. If that kind of writing bothers you and you don't have that link with Hawaii it may stretch your patience. One of the characters had a thick German accent and even the few sentences he spoke were rather grating - though grammatically correct.
I didn't feel there was a great deal of character development which again reminded me of Marlowe and other detectives of that era, but I found the story enjoyable and look forward to the next in the series.
There is some sex though not graphic.
A fatal injury to an animal occurs and is discussed on several occasions.
As a mystery there were an adequate number of suspects, mystery about how the murderer did it, and some red herrings. Once the culprit was identified it became more suspense than mystery.
A good deal of conversation takes place in pidgin. Normally writing in dialect annoys me, but I have history with Hawaii and actually found I enjoyed it. It seemed like really accurate pidgin to me. If that kind of writing bothers you and you don't have that link with Hawaii it may stretch your patience. One of the characters had a thick German accent and even the few sentences he spoke were rather grating - though grammatically correct.
I didn't feel there was a great deal of character development which again reminded me of Marlowe and other detectives of that era, but I found the story enjoyable and look forward to the next in the series.
There is some sex though not graphic.
A fatal injury to an animal occurs and is discussed on several occasions.
June 3, 2020
Mules are to be sure footed on cliffs, the death of a woman who falls. Was there something that distracted the mule. Ot because she was an environmental activist, Surfing detective has questions was it for inheritance, drugs. Good series, given audio for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
June 1, 2024
Well written murder mystery. When a client walks into Kai's PI office asking for his help in proving her sister was killed, rather than it being ruled an accident, he wasn't sure he could make the case. But events taking place during his investigation prove otherwise and puts his client and himself in mortal danger. Set in Hawai'i, it's an engaging read.
May 30, 2017
Good book. You have a surfing private investigator and the wealthy sister of woman who died unexplained (or did she?) Criminals, property developers, a doctor and a dead mule giving evidence. Who did it and will they be caught?
June 29, 2020
Murder in Paradise?
A young woman dies tragically in a fall from a mule. Was it an accident or something mush more ominous? The Surfing Detective is challenged to find out the truth.
A young woman dies tragically in a fall from a mule. Was it an accident or something mush more ominous? The Surfing Detective is challenged to find out the truth.
January 22, 2021
Perfect private investigator mystery: mysterious death, conspiracy, corruption set in paradise. Toss in a few Mai Tais and a PI who surfs and it's the perfect beach read--or the perfect read if you wish you were on a beach.
June 7, 2022
Land fraud in Hawaii.
Bribes to politicians, investors, including the underworld, leads to two murders and an attempted murder. The surfing detective must uncover a host of underhanded dealings to uncover the truth.
Bribes to politicians, investors, including the underworld, leads to two murders and an attempted murder. The surfing detective must uncover a host of underhanded dealings to uncover the truth.
March 3, 2025
Entertaining read
If you live in or are familiar with Hawaii, you might find this book enjoyable. I live in Hawaii, so many of the locations in the book are familiar to me. Nice summer reading material.
If you live in or are familiar with Hawaii, you might find this book enjoyable. I live in Hawaii, so many of the locations in the book are familiar to me. Nice summer reading material.
August 10, 2018
Enjoyable read. Good mystery. Kai's character was consistent. I thought the ending was a little rushed. The bonus pages added to the enjoyment of this story.
January 25, 2019
Murder on Molokai
The action was good and just about as evenly spaced as could be. The author has created a good idea for graft and greed, and carried it out well.
The action was good and just about as evenly spaced as could be. The author has created a good idea for graft and greed, and carried it out well.
August 15, 2019
3 1/2 stars. Decent mystery. Some typos. I’m love Hawaii so found that it brought me back tontust beautiful state! I’ll read another with Kai the protagonist.
December 16, 2019
Audible Audiobook
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews