Lana'i of the Tiger

Islands of Aloha Mystery #3

by JoAnn Bassett

In mid-November, Maui wedding planner Pali Moon is hustled into witness protection after sticking her nose in a hush-hush federal sting operation aimed at taking down a vicious drug lord. She’s sent to the private island of Lana’i, Hawaii, to hang out while the feds finish up. After a month she’s bored, homesick and WITSEC’s worst nightmare until she lands a job tending a cozy B & B in Lana’i City. Movie mogul Tyler Benson checks in and he decides on a whim to marry his long-time girlfriend on Lana’i—far from the stalking paparazzi. But before long, the bushes are rustling with reporters and photogs hoping to get a scoop on the wedding or a candid photo of the reclusive celeb. Then a body is found in Tyler’s fiancée’s suite and the tabloids shout, amen! Who needs a ho-hum wedding when you can have a star-studded murder?

“Living on the dole isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, and neither is living on the lam.”

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Cozy, Ebooks, Mystery Thriller, Amazon

306 pages, Paperback

First published September 3, 2012

About the author

JoAnn was born and raised in Seattle, but always preferred palm trees to pine trees. She wrote instructional books and videos for a living but dreamed of "making stuff up" once she put the working life behind her. In 1996, she and her husband bought a home on Maui. Best day ever. She loved living on the beach but her husband longed to get back to "normal" so they moved to Arizona. Now JoAnn writes about life in the islands as a way to stay connected. Her "Islands of Aloha" mystery series will feature a story set in each of the major Hawaiian islands, starting with Maui.

Reviews

[Una Tiers · Rating 3 out of 5]

A light read with pleasant writing but unbelievable segements.

[Randee · Rating 4 out of 5]

3rd book in a series of 8. Great series that makes me feel I’m in Hawaii. Now on to the 4th!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even in Witness Protection, Maui wedding planner Pali Moon, now going by "Penny Morton," can find a murder mystery to solve. This time she's the chief suspect's alibi -- but she can't say anything because she's supposed to be lying low. Can she find other evidence that will prove that Tyler Benson is not the real killer?

Editing oversights found in Kindle text:

Location 66, That sort of jived with the frugal lifestyle / That sort of JIBED with the frugal lifestyle ; 178, You're husband's untimely fatal heart attack / YOUR husband's untimely fatal heart attack ; 302, why don't I try and make you a cup / why don't I try TO make you a cup ; 360, You mean, you
husband? / You mean, YOUR husband? ; 505, a wonderful woman we called, Auntie Mana / a wonderful woman we CALLED AUNTIE Mana (no comma) ;

Location 550, Fiancee now, right darling? / Fiancee now, RIGHT, darling? ; 587, Yeah unfortunately, her idea of roughing it / YEAH, unfortunately, her idea of roughing it ; 594, Yeah, well that's something / Yeah, WELL, that's something ; 649, Mahalo Darryl / MAHALO, Darryl ; 673, Tyler Benson's narrowed his eyes / Tyler BENSON narrowed his eyes ;

Location 717, drape them with tablecloths and added a dozen blooming orchids / drape them with tablecloths and ADD a dozen blooming orchids ; 737, He started back-peddling / He started back-PEDALING ; 829, to read would-be bride's moods / to read would-be BRIDES' moods ; 1081, his life was about skid downhill / his life was about TO skid downhill ;

Location 1282, From what I heard her dog sort of saved the day / From what I HEARD, her dog sort of saved the day ; 1299, with you I've got to get on back / with YOU, I've got to get on back ; 1359, Oh sorry / OH, sorry ; 1381, Oh great / OH, great ; 1536, Oh great / OH, great ; 1694, sea stars, little clams, miniscule fish / sea stars, little clams, MINUSCULE fish ; 1736, My voice sounded a crabby / My voice sounded a BIT crabby ;

Location 1762, to carry a couple day's worth of supplies / to carry a couple OF DAYS' worth of supplies ; 1772, to try and make out my reflection / to try TO make out my reflection ; 1866, The windward side of the Lana'i / The windward side OF LANA'I (omit "the") ; 1984, Hello Auntie Cora / HELLO, Auntie Cora ; 1998, well you know my husband / WELL, you know my husband ;

Location 2001, They are very brave men those special forces soldiers / They are very brave MEN, those special forces soldiers ; 2004, Oh my poor girl / OH, my poor girl ; 2047, but I better lay low / but I better LIE low ; 2066, she fitted the straw hat low my forehead / she fitted the straw hat low
ON my forehead ; 2173, Yeah, well Ekana's a great name / Yeah, WELL, Ekana's a great name ;

Location 2199, Yeah well, unfortunately, there's a little more / YEAH, well, unfortunately, there's a little more ; 2416, I took a couple semesters of Spanish / I took a couple OF semesters of Spanish ; 2466, Something's not jiving for me here / Something's not JIBING for me here ; 2723, now the
police allege his prints were / now the police ARE ALLEGING his prints were ; 2760, and shuttle busses parked / and shuttle BUSES parked ;

Location 2875, they hadn't picked up on my gaff / they hadn't picked up on my GAFFE ; 2972, Where can we reach her? / Where can we reach HER?" (needs end quote) ; 3154, Hey Glen / HEY, Glen ; 3198, Oh great / OH, great ; 3274, Look Farrah / LOOK, Farrah ; 3298, Hi Pali / HI, Pali ; 3431, Not
far behind, came Sir Lipton / Not far BEHIND CAME Sir Lipton (no comma needed) .

[Alice Hazelbaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Island hopping and crime investigating!

Although I’ve only been to a Hawaii 3-4 times, reading this series always stirs up the most wonderful scents and scenes, as if I was there! Pali Moon has been sent from Maui to Lanai in the witness protection program after once again getting involved in someone else’s nefarious affairs. But this time the bad guys, a drug cartel, is most unhappy with her and have put a price on her head!! She’s bored to death and finds a temporary job workIng for a Bed & Breakfast. But, even in Lanai, Pali winds up investigating an apparent double murder, when the fiancé of her reclusive but famous guest is murdered! Detective Wong, in charge of both cases, can’t believe Pali is involved again. Between the two cases, Pali has her hands full, even though she’s supposed to be keeping a low profile! Amidst lots of island hopping, and new friends, can Pali keep an innocent man out of jail? Another great read!

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded up

This isn’t my favorite series, but it’s a good escape when I need to read something set in a warm, tropical climate. I can’t decide if it’s a mystery series that’s a bit heavy on the romance, or a romance series with a good deal of mystery. Either way, I enjoyed this book and was pleasantly surprised that it’s set in the days leading up to Christmas.

I’ve never been in the MC’s circumstances, but I can understand her frustration at being cut off from everyone, in a location where nobody knows her, especially at the holidays. Being who she is, it makes sense that she would get involved in the murder investigation involving a man she just met. There weren’t a lot of suspects to consider, so the eventual naming of the guilty party – and the motive to go with it – was a surprise, but it probably should not have been.

[Kathleen Ibbotson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great read

Having visited Maui and Oahu reading this series actually can bring you so close you can almost hear the ocean and smell the beautiful leis. I could feel the breezes and the warm sun even though I'm here in New England and it's in the 30's. An easy relaxing read that brings the characters to life and satiated the readers curious need to sit back and enjoy a good book. Is there anything better?

[Pamela · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This is book #3 in a series; but stands alone. When Pali is whisked into Witness Protection to protect her from a drug ring in Maui, her world turns upside down. Even under those circumstances she manages to get involved in investigating a pair of deaths at an exclusive hotel nearby. Fast paced and enjoyable read.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Characters continue to grow and intertwine. Love the storyline of this one. The series is enjoyable, holds your interest with unexpected twists and turns and the character's personalities have gotten stronger.

[Melinda Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Island Adventure

Good book! Kept me guessing throughout. Pali is an interesting snoop. Can't wait to read more in the series. I really liked the fact that this particular story was concluded.

[Lesley Looper · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what to expect with this one, but I liked it better than I thought I would! Of course, the Lana'i setting was nice. And I like the title's play on words. :-)

[Delia Papas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vacation

It's like you're on vacation. The characters and the way that the area is described, is wonderful. Ready to read the next book.

[Trudy Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

good sunday afternoon read

[Dinnl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read, and fun.

[Deby Wilson Atkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this book down!!!

Love the details and I feel like I’m on vacation on the Hawaiian Islands!!! Can’t wait to see my friends in the next book.

[Donald F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maui Waltz

I lived in Hawaii while in the Marines and before my deployment to Vietnam. I have returned often over the years. Joann has given me a little bit of herself while reading, and rouses memories of my youth.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an excellent read! Can’t wait for the next book so its time to keep reading. Thanks for writing these great books!

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun mystery series.

[Gillie Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little too violent for me. I’m also getting real bored with the whole “stay out of police business” … “I’ll put myself in danger whenever I want” scenario.

[Nancy Bennett · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the ending, but I found the rest of the book to be infuriating in some of the more far-fetched scenarios.

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read several books in this series and have enjoyed them a lot.

[Marie (UK) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh i enjoyed this it isn't great literature but an easy read with likeable characters for the most part and undemanding of the reader

[Mac Daly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pali Moon is in in witness protection on the Island of Lana'i. She's supposed to be keeping a low profile, but this is Pali. That's not her style. Out of boredom, she takes on a job managing a B&B. What could go wrong? When her first guest is caught up in a murder, she has to figure out how to help without revealing her true identity. The perfect beach read, especially if that beach is in Hawaii.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 3 in a series, but it stood up well on its own. Would read others in series. Fans of Hawai'i based fiction will enjoy.

[June Ahern · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this good, lighthearted mystery. Pali Moon, or Penny, the name assigned her during her witness protection time on the too quiet island of Lana'i. She is there awaiting her turn to testify about kingpin drug dealers while the cops plan a big sting. The busy wedding planner isn't used to being stuck with nothing to do and no one to pal around with. Bored and unhappy, she turns her sights on getting a job and a place where tourism is happening, but not as often as in her home turf of Maui. Her job is running a B&B while the owners are off on their own adventure. In comes a movie mogul, later met by his snotty girlfriend. Pali/Penny is attracted to the movie guy, but is not so to his girlfriend, who soon becomes his fiancee. Pali is right in her glory -- planning a wedding and then darn! the Paparazzi gets hold of the scoop and all murder breaks out. How can Pali keep in hiding? How can she be helpful? How can she keep her nosy self out of it cries her cop handler! A good story, fun characters, lovely Hawaii sunsets and ocean views. Pali's own love problems - leaving town without letting her boyfriend know? Tut tut, says an unexpected visit from her hometown. And then there's Auntie who needs help. All in all, Pali/Penny is a helpful, if not a troublesome at times, person.

My first read of Ms. JoAnn Bassett but I am certain not my last. As I said, I enjoyed the fast pace, the lovely descriptions of the Hawaiian splendor and of course, a good mystery.

[Pashun Ballard · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a light-hearted read. Short and fast.

[Anthea Harms · Rating 1 out of 5]

"In mid-November, Maui wedding planner Pali Moon is hustled into witness protection after sticking her nose in a hush-hush federal sting operation aimed at taking down a vicious drug lord. She’s sent to the private island of Lana’i, Hawaii, to hang out while the feds finish up. After a month she’s bored, homesick and WITSEC’s worst nightmare until she lands a job tending a cozy B & B in Lana’i City. Movie mogul Tyler Benson checks in and he decides on a whim to marry his long-time girlfriend on Lana’i—far from the stalking paparazzi. But before long, the bushes are rustling with reporters and photogs hoping to get a scoop on the wedding or a candid photo of the reclusive celeb. Then a body is found in Tyler’s fiancée’s suite and the tabloids shout, amen! Who needs a ho-hum wedding when you can have a star-studded murder?"

The only reason I gave it 2 stars is because the description of the Hawaii island is really good. The story and plot is very mediocre.

[Carlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book (I think) in the Aloha mystery series and the first one I have read. Although it took me awhile to get into the characters, ultimately I really liked Pali Moon, the protagonist. The best part of the book, however, is the setting in Lana'i, one of the Hawaiian Islands. The descriptions of places, the views, the feeling of the settings, came across so well that even though I've never had the good fortune to visit, I could totally imagine what it looked like. The author lived on Maui for 8 years, and her familiarity with and love of Hawaii are evident throughout.

The murder mystery plot was somewhat far-fetched (aren't most of them!) and there wasn't a particularly satisfying ending to the puzzle (did Tyler ever learn about Pali's help?), but all in all I enjoyed the book and want to start reading at the beginning of the series to learn more about the characters and Hawaii.

[Lady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hiding from drug dealers on the WRONG island does not seem to be good for "Penny's" (Pali) mental health... She is bored and stir crazy and homesick. Eventually she decides to go find a job..What could possibly go wrong? Well Penny still has her knack for finding trouble (even under a different name) so mayhem will surely ensue! If it weren't for bad luck she'd have no luck at all...

Comedic action and adventure in an unfamiliar local make for an amusing read. I was hooked from the beginning of the series and with each book I become more and more addicted :) The ups and downs of Pali's love life are a true mystery but the romance is really just a sidebar in this series. There are still plenty of thrills and chills to go around. I can't wait to read the next book!

****this series is suitable for mature young adult through adult readers

[Pat · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had fun reading this book, but I felt it wasn't as good as "Maui Widow's Waltz", which is the only other book in the series I have read. Maybe I am being a little more critical this time because I read the other book on Maui a few weeks ago while on vacation, and read this one while sick in bed in frigid, snow-covered Michigan! Once again, the atmospherics made the book, with the Hawaii descriptions and vibe taking center stage. The plot was pretty ho-hum. I realize that this is a series revolving around Pali, but I feel that these types of books should function as stand-alone stories too, and we just aren't given quite enough back story to make it work in this book. I will be reading more in this series because I really enjoy the characters, but I think I will wait until I get back to Maui (hopefully next winter)!

[Bryan Spellman · Rating 4 out of 5]

41 of 75 for 2015. This is the second book I've read in this series, and I was not disappointed. Our heroine has been put in the Witness Protection program and shipped off to another island in the Hawai'ian chain. She is forced to get a job just to stave off boredom and cabin fever. But Lana'i is a small island with a very small population. Will she be able to stay hidden? Will she be able to stay out of trouble? This is Pali Moon, of course she won't. She attracts trouble, this time in the form of a major tv/movie personality who may or may not be guilty of a major crime. And Pali is his only alibi. But she can't come forward because she's in the Witness Protection program. Ah, will it all work out? Of course, but the twists and turns until the final denouement are well worth the ride. Highly recommended.