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A Tiki Goddess Mystery #1
Mai Tai One On
Six months ago, if anyone would have told Em Johnson she'd end up divorced, broke, and running the dilapidated Tiki Goddess Bar on the magical North Shore of Kauai she would have told them to shove a swizzle stick up their okole.
As if all that isn't bad enough, when an obnoxious neighbor with a grudge is found dead in the Goddess luau pit, suspicion falls on Em and the rest of the Goddess staff. With the help of a quirky dance troupe of over-the-hill Hula Maidens, Em and the cast of characters must ban together to find the killer and solve the mystery before the next pupu party.
JILL MARIE LANDIS has written over twenty-five novels, which have earned awards and slots on such national bestseller lists as the USA TODAY Top 50 and the New York Times Best Sellers Plus. She is a seven-time finalist for Romance Writers of America's RITA Award in both Single Title and Contemporary Romance as well as a Golden Heart and RITA Award winner. She's written historical and contemporary romance as well as inspirational historical romance, and she is now penning The Tiki Goddess Mystery Series, which begins with MAI TAI ONE ON.
As if all that isn't bad enough, when an obnoxious neighbor with a grudge is found dead in the Goddess luau pit, suspicion falls on Em and the rest of the Goddess staff. With the help of a quirky dance troupe of over-the-hill Hula Maidens, Em and the cast of characters must ban together to find the killer and solve the mystery before the next pupu party.
JILL MARIE LANDIS has written over twenty-five novels, which have earned awards and slots on such national bestseller lists as the USA TODAY Top 50 and the New York Times Best Sellers Plus. She is a seven-time finalist for Romance Writers of America's RITA Award in both Single Title and Contemporary Romance as well as a Golden Heart and RITA Award winner. She's written historical and contemporary romance as well as inspirational historical romance, and she is now penning The Tiki Goddess Mystery Series, which begins with MAI TAI ONE ON.
228 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 8, 2011
174 people are currently reading
1062 people want to read
About the author
Jill Marie Landis
76 books250 followersJILL MARIE LANDIS is the bestselling author of nearly thirty novels which have appeared on the NYT bestseller list, USA Today and other national bestseller lists. She has won numerous awards for her heartfelt characters and sweeping emotional historical romances that include SUMMER MOON and MAGNOLIA CREEK and the Irish Angels Series; HEART OF STONE, HEART OF LIES, and HEART OF GLASS. All of her Historical Romances are available in eBook format.
She is currently writing The Tiki Goddess Mysteries series which includes MAI TAI ONE ON, TWO TO MANGO, THREE TO GET LEI'D, TOO HOT FOUR HULA and HAWAII FIVE UH-OH! from Bell Bridge Books.
Toes in the sand and head in the clouds, she is living the dream in Hawaii with her husband, Steve. Jill Marie loves to spend hours at the beach reading or writing and she also loves dancing the hula.
She is currently writing The Tiki Goddess Mysteries series which includes MAI TAI ONE ON, TWO TO MANGO, THREE TO GET LEI'D, TOO HOT FOUR HULA and HAWAII FIVE UH-OH! from Bell Bridge Books.
Toes in the sand and head in the clouds, she is living the dream in Hawaii with her husband, Steve. Jill Marie loves to spend hours at the beach reading or writing and she also loves dancing the hula.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 221 reviews
June 28, 2019
I've had this book sitting on my kindle for years, always meaning to get to it, but I never had. I'm so glad I finally did, it's a blast! We have a string of characters whose lives revolve around the Tiki Goddess Bar on the north shore of Kauai, focusing on manager Em. It starts off with a neighbour found dead in their luau pit, and Em, along with a troupe of middle aged hula dancers have to find the killer before their bartender is accused. Add a flamboyant pianist, a taste-testing macaw named David Letterman and a hunky detective that doubles as a fire dancer and we have a recipe ripe for fun.
I found myself with a smile on my face the whole time I was reading this book, often chuckling at the antics of the crew. I especially loved the Hula Maidens, warm hearted and hysterical, and the lengths they go to, to clear the name of their friends. I recommend this book to all lovers of cosy mysteries and warm hearted beach reads.
I found myself with a smile on my face the whole time I was reading this book, often chuckling at the antics of the crew. I especially loved the Hula Maidens, warm hearted and hysterical, and the lengths they go to, to clear the name of their friends. I recommend this book to all lovers of cosy mysteries and warm hearted beach reads.
May 26, 2016
Recently divorced Em Johnson leaves the mainland for the North Shore of Kauai to help out her uncle when she finds out that he and the bar he owns, the Tiki Goddess Bar, aren't doing so well. She figures the change will do her good. She helps get the bar back on its feet again, only to have a dead body turn up in the luau pit, the underground oven where the pigs are cooked. The Goddess staff are being looked upon as suspects, so Em and the Hula Maidens (the mostly senior dance troupe who perform at the Goddess even though they don't dance all that well) decide to investigate to find the real killer. This was a really fun and cute mystery. It has a very lively and colorful cast of characters including handsome police detective, Roland Sharpe, who moonlights as a fire dancer. The story is humorous with a small hint of romance and a wonderful setting on the beautiful Hawaiian island of Kauai.
September 15, 2011
Get ready to go on vacation to beautiful Kauai--in Hawaii. Makes sure to stop by the Tiki Goddess Bar, where the scenery is beautiful and the drinks are strong. California transplant Em is dealing with a recent divorce and running her uncle's bar. Uncle Louie may or may not be losing his marbles, there's a constant flow of tourists and locals and plenty of colorful characters. But the real complication comes in the form of a murder. Any one of them could be a suspect. A second murder has Em and her friends searching for clues, while a yummy detective is keeping a very close eye on Em. If only *that* would get more personal.
Fun, charming and full of atmosphere, Mai Tai One On is a delightful beginning to what promises to be a terrific mystery series.
Fun, charming and full of atmosphere, Mai Tai One On is a delightful beginning to what promises to be a terrific mystery series.
September 16, 2017
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Doesn’t that cover just scream fun! and murder!
Em Johnson’s uncle owns Tiki Goddess Bar on the North Shore of Kauai. The Hula Maidens, a group of seniors who dance at the joint have written to Em and asked her to come because they are worried about her uncle’s memory, plus the place is losing money fast. With nothing to hold her on the mainland she hops a plane. She has been there are 6 months and some of her ideas have started to turn the place around. The jury is still out on her uncle. But when one of the bar’s neighbors is found dead, in the Imu, (the pit where they cook the pigs for the luaus) Uncle Louie is the police’s prime suspect.
What really makes this book sing or I should say dance is its cast of quirky characters. Their antics had me in stitches from the first page until the last. The Hula Maidens are a hoot and Detective Roland is a fire dancer when he isn’t trying to put Uncle Louis or their new bartender behind bars. A new neighbor is quite flamboyant and the dead neighbor took obnoxious to a whole new level. There is also parrot named David Letterman, who is the taste tester for Uncle Louie’s new creations and he is a big fan on the television show Survivor. The ringmaster trying to hold this whole circus together is Em Johnson and while trying to protect the people she cares for she doesn’t always make the best decisions.
This series gets off to a nice start with not only a murder or two but also a kidnapping and a human femur bone found on a shelf. Everyone seems to be holding something back and those secrets lead in many different directions. Detective Roland seems to be around often but in addition to asking questions the Hula Maidens think he has romantic ideas about Em. She feels a little spark too, but until the case is solved she has no interest in the fire dancer, no matter how good he looks in that loin cloth.
I have never been to Hawaii and probably will never get there so I really enjoyed this little virtual escape. I will be back when I read book #2, Two to Mango.
If you like your cozy mysteries to include a nice slice of humor, fix yourself a mai tai and enjoy!
Doesn’t that cover just scream fun! and murder!
Em Johnson’s uncle owns Tiki Goddess Bar on the North Shore of Kauai. The Hula Maidens, a group of seniors who dance at the joint have written to Em and asked her to come because they are worried about her uncle’s memory, plus the place is losing money fast. With nothing to hold her on the mainland she hops a plane. She has been there are 6 months and some of her ideas have started to turn the place around. The jury is still out on her uncle. But when one of the bar’s neighbors is found dead, in the Imu, (the pit where they cook the pigs for the luaus) Uncle Louie is the police’s prime suspect.
What really makes this book sing or I should say dance is its cast of quirky characters. Their antics had me in stitches from the first page until the last. The Hula Maidens are a hoot and Detective Roland is a fire dancer when he isn’t trying to put Uncle Louis or their new bartender behind bars. A new neighbor is quite flamboyant and the dead neighbor took obnoxious to a whole new level. There is also parrot named David Letterman, who is the taste tester for Uncle Louie’s new creations and he is a big fan on the television show Survivor. The ringmaster trying to hold this whole circus together is Em Johnson and while trying to protect the people she cares for she doesn’t always make the best decisions.
This series gets off to a nice start with not only a murder or two but also a kidnapping and a human femur bone found on a shelf. Everyone seems to be holding something back and those secrets lead in many different directions. Detective Roland seems to be around often but in addition to asking questions the Hula Maidens think he has romantic ideas about Em. She feels a little spark too, but until the case is solved she has no interest in the fire dancer, no matter how good he looks in that loin cloth.
I have never been to Hawaii and probably will never get there so I really enjoyed this little virtual escape. I will be back when I read book #2, Two to Mango.
If you like your cozy mysteries to include a nice slice of humor, fix yourself a mai tai and enjoy!
October 29, 2013
Mai Tai One On is every single cozy mystery you've every read. It's not bad for what it is, but I've read the same book a dozen times before. Different authors, different characters but essentially the same book.
March 25, 2020
I was thrilled to be traveling to Hawaii...I mean...duh. I was sent to meet up with Em Johnson who had moved to the North Shore of Kauai to help out with her uncle’s drinking establishment, the “Tiki goddess bar”. A concerned group of Uncle Louie’s friends reported that he was having memory problems, and needed Em. The bar was starting to lose profit, and Louie just couldn't handle things on his own. Em who just went through an embarrassing and ugly divorce was good with the move away from California...and where better than paradise?!.
So when I arrived Em was settling into her new job and life at the tiki goddess bar. She had been in Hawaii a few months, and was making some positive changes to the bar. The night I arrived they were hosting a luau and pig roast. Until then we were all hanging out having a cocktail and a good time when a tourist ran into the bar hysterical. Once Em got her calmed down (there may have been some water to the face involved lol) the tourist explained “there’s a man roasting in the barbecue pit”. By the way a Hawaii native promptly explained the correct term is an IMU not barbecue pit. Anyways back to the real issue...a body ROASTING in the Imu! The body turned out to be Louie’s neighbor (and not exactly friend) Harold. Harold and Louie fought over the same woman years ago...Louie won….and Harold was still bitter.
Well Em and I (and even though we didn’t ask them...or were ready for their help lol...the hula maidens) knew we needed to figure out what happened here….
My thoughts: I loved this book!! The title and cover are great!! What really makes this book awesome are the quirky characters!!! The hula maidens (they could make the book themselves lol), Uncle Louie, and even David Letterman...yes I said David Letterman...no...not the talk show host. David Letterman is Uncle Louie’s bird...he is a real hoot! The author also did an amazing job at creating an awesome setting. She paints the picture so well...you feel like you're at the tiki...laughing at the hula maidens new outrageous outfits. This book is fun, fast paced,and filled with all kinds of action...hula dancing (well they try lol), fire dancing, luaus, kidnappings, and more!! Recipes included.
I recommend you pull up a seat and enjoy some sun, the hula maidens, and one of Uncle Louie's cocktails...maybe a huli huli boolie!!
check out my website at: http://beachbumbookworm.com/
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank Netgalley, the author Jill Marie Landis, and the publisher for this opportunity.
So when I arrived Em was settling into her new job and life at the tiki goddess bar. She had been in Hawaii a few months, and was making some positive changes to the bar. The night I arrived they were hosting a luau and pig roast. Until then we were all hanging out having a cocktail and a good time when a tourist ran into the bar hysterical. Once Em got her calmed down (there may have been some water to the face involved lol) the tourist explained “there’s a man roasting in the barbecue pit”. By the way a Hawaii native promptly explained the correct term is an IMU not barbecue pit. Anyways back to the real issue...a body ROASTING in the Imu! The body turned out to be Louie’s neighbor (and not exactly friend) Harold. Harold and Louie fought over the same woman years ago...Louie won….and Harold was still bitter.
Well Em and I (and even though we didn’t ask them...or were ready for their help lol...the hula maidens) knew we needed to figure out what happened here….
My thoughts: I loved this book!! The title and cover are great!! What really makes this book awesome are the quirky characters!!! The hula maidens (they could make the book themselves lol), Uncle Louie, and even David Letterman...yes I said David Letterman...no...not the talk show host. David Letterman is Uncle Louie’s bird...he is a real hoot! The author also did an amazing job at creating an awesome setting. She paints the picture so well...you feel like you're at the tiki...laughing at the hula maidens new outrageous outfits. This book is fun, fast paced,and filled with all kinds of action...hula dancing (well they try lol), fire dancing, luaus, kidnappings, and more!! Recipes included.
I recommend you pull up a seat and enjoy some sun, the hula maidens, and one of Uncle Louie's cocktails...maybe a huli huli boolie!!
check out my website at: http://beachbumbookworm.com/
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank Netgalley, the author Jill Marie Landis, and the publisher for this opportunity.
August 5, 2020
A fun romp set on the island of Kauai, despite the serious matter of loss of life, thanks to The Hula Maidens. Looking forward to more.
August 14, 2011
Best selling and award winning author Jill Marie Landis delivers a story that resembles a Mai Tai - fruity, tasty, and perfect for a summer escape. And let's not forget the umbrella! Known for her historical and contemporary books, Landis truly put her pu'uwai (heart) and `uhane (soul) into MAI TAIN ONE ON as she lives on Kauai's North Shore. Only a kama'aina (resident) could translate the island's culture into the colorful characters that brings Tiki tackiness into the reader's home.
The product description accurately sets the stage - Uncle Louie and the TIKI GODDESS BAR have become a favorite watering hole along Kauai's North Shore. Louie's customers-turned- friends, aka the Hula Maidens, grew concerned with his health. So they sent his niece, Emily Johnson, a one way ticket to visit her uncle. Little did they know that Em was at the end of her rope - divorced, broke, and out of options.
Upon her arrival on the Garden Isle, Em integrates herself in the TIKI GODDESS BAR and the local community. Soon, the GODDESS is operating in the black. The Hula Maidens gain a permanent home to perform. And Em hires Sophie - a twenty something local girl seeking to start anew (something that Em can appreciate). Just as the GODDESS denizens have control of their lives, Uncle Louie's feuding neighbor is discovered dead in the GODDESS's imu pit.
As the GODDESS gang finds themselves suspects, they morph into junior detectives to solve the mystery and end the mayhem that threaten their wacky, yet comfortable, way of life. Landis herslef morphs into a Hai' mo'elelo (storyteller) as she reveals how the GODDESS gang balances the Hawaiian culture in a modern world. I commend Landis for including a wide spectrum of kama'aina - the Hawaiians and the transplants, the "aunties" (older women) and the wahine (younger women), the kahuna (priest) and the Hula Maidens, the lunch trucks and the tourist traps. Landis demonstrates that Kauai is truly the American melting pot.
Landis also treats readers to two poignant scenes that remind us of her heartwarming romances. Shortly after the smoking body is discovered, Louie closes the GODDESS for the night by singing a love song to his deceased Hawaiian wife for whom the bar is named. Indeed, love transcends time. And as the story ends, Landis surprises us with a hint of romance. To say any more would spoil the reader's pleasure.
In the Tahitian language, Maita'i translates as "good". But MAI TAI ONE ON is No Ka Oi - none is better.
The product description accurately sets the stage - Uncle Louie and the TIKI GODDESS BAR have become a favorite watering hole along Kauai's North Shore. Louie's customers-turned- friends, aka the Hula Maidens, grew concerned with his health. So they sent his niece, Emily Johnson, a one way ticket to visit her uncle. Little did they know that Em was at the end of her rope - divorced, broke, and out of options.
Upon her arrival on the Garden Isle, Em integrates herself in the TIKI GODDESS BAR and the local community. Soon, the GODDESS is operating in the black. The Hula Maidens gain a permanent home to perform. And Em hires Sophie - a twenty something local girl seeking to start anew (something that Em can appreciate). Just as the GODDESS denizens have control of their lives, Uncle Louie's feuding neighbor is discovered dead in the GODDESS's imu pit.
As the GODDESS gang finds themselves suspects, they morph into junior detectives to solve the mystery and end the mayhem that threaten their wacky, yet comfortable, way of life. Landis herslef morphs into a Hai' mo'elelo (storyteller) as she reveals how the GODDESS gang balances the Hawaiian culture in a modern world. I commend Landis for including a wide spectrum of kama'aina - the Hawaiians and the transplants, the "aunties" (older women) and the wahine (younger women), the kahuna (priest) and the Hula Maidens, the lunch trucks and the tourist traps. Landis demonstrates that Kauai is truly the American melting pot.
Landis also treats readers to two poignant scenes that remind us of her heartwarming romances. Shortly after the smoking body is discovered, Louie closes the GODDESS for the night by singing a love song to his deceased Hawaiian wife for whom the bar is named. Indeed, love transcends time. And as the story ends, Landis surprises us with a hint of romance. To say any more would spoil the reader's pleasure.
In the Tahitian language, Maita'i translates as "good". But MAI TAI ONE ON is No Ka Oi - none is better.
May 3, 2014
This is the first book I have read by Ms. Landis, but it won't be my last. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
The characters are original and interesting. I enjoyed spending time with Em, Uncle Louie and the staff of the Tiki Goddess Bar in beautiful Kauai, Hawaii. Oh, and the Hula Maidens! Loved the oldster Hula Maidens! The story is entertaining and flows at a great pace. All with a mystery that had me guessing until the end.
I can't wait for my next visit to The Tiki Goddess Bar!
The characters are original and interesting. I enjoyed spending time with Em, Uncle Louie and the staff of the Tiki Goddess Bar in beautiful Kauai, Hawaii. Oh, and the Hula Maidens! Loved the oldster Hula Maidens! The story is entertaining and flows at a great pace. All with a mystery that had me guessing until the end.
I can't wait for my next visit to The Tiki Goddess Bar!
October 19, 2018
now i am hooked. This was such a great, easy and creative book. i was hooked after the first page.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
July 18, 2018
Firstly, the one thing that puts me off a book, and takes stars away in the speed of light: grammar errors. One is fine, two is okay-ish, after that it's just annoying.
Ok, a nice storyline idea, but the characters and the happenings felt chaotic and somewhat rushed, rather than being a smoothly flowing story. Some humour in there, which is almost making me want to read the next book in the series. Can't say I'd recommend this book, unfortunately.
Ok, a nice storyline idea, but the characters and the happenings felt chaotic and somewhat rushed, rather than being a smoothly flowing story. Some humour in there, which is almost making me want to read the next book in the series. Can't say I'd recommend this book, unfortunately.
September 22, 2018
Em has recently relocated to Kauai to help her uncle and get awy from her sleezy ex husband. Since arriving she has helped turn her uncles bar around and kept it from shutting down. She's just settling into life when her uncle's annoying neighbor is found dead in their BBQ pit. Sophie, one of Em's waitresses is immediately fingered as the murdered due to her shady past. Em is convinced that Sophie is innocent and sets out to prove her innocence. Em starts to wonder if her instincts are correct though when more and more evidence starts pointing to Sophie. Em has the help of her uncle and an aging group of Hula dancers.
This was a fun book, but I did get a little confused when the author kept switching back and forth between Sophie and Em.
This was a fun book, but I did get a little confused when the author kept switching back and forth between Sophie and Em.
February 10, 2020
2020 bk 54. What a fun read. A mystery set in Hawaii. Em as the main character is a good author's tool to use in describing the unfamiliar and the familiar as she moves to Hawaii to help her uncle run his Tiki Bar. This allows her all the leeway of someone with ties to the community, but learning (which lets the reader learn) about her new home. When neighbor is murdered and one of Em's employees is suspect, Em and her hula dance troop spring into action. I loved the characters and the plot and have already ordered the next two books in the series.
May 31, 2021
I enjoyed this first book in a cozy mystery series set in Kauai, Hawaii. Em Johnson at a low point in her life is offered a chance to start over helping her uncle run the Tiki Goddess, a bar on the North Shore of Kauai. Of course I love the location, but I also loved the quirky characters, that are really funny. Oh, and there is a murder mystery as well.
July 27, 2018
This was an enjoyable and fun cozy mystery - I especially loved that it takes place on my beloved Kauai. I love being able to picture where everything is happening. It pushed it up to the 4* rating from 3.5*. I will definitely check out the next in series.
July 29, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyed this funny cozy mystery. Found myself laughing at parts. Fun cast of characters, especially the hula maidens. Found myself wanting to try some of the strange drink concoctions that the main character Em Johnson's uncle came up with. Also enjoyed the Hawaiian setting
August 29, 2011
Murder in Paradise
Emily Johnson, broke and newly divorced, came to Mauai to help her uncle, after the geriatric and pitifully bad dance troupe who performed at her uncle's Tiki Goddess Bar, the Hula Maidens, had contacted Em to inform her of his declining mental health and sent her a one-way plane ticket. In the six months since she started helping him out, business has improved and the historic hangout is slowly getting back into the black. And that's despite the bar's nearest neighbor, an odious man named Harold. He had a habit of burning trash in his yard, despite being asked not to, and the trades carry the noxious fumes right over into the bar.
That was, of course, before his dead body was discovered roasting in the bar's luau pit.
The police investigating his murder are focusing on both Em's uncle and the bar's bartender Chloe. Business has never been better but the stress has never been higher. Em, along with the wacky women of the Hula Maidens, have decided they have to solve the crime and save their family and friends. Delicious homicide detective Roland Sharpe would rather Em not pull a Nancy Drew impression, but stopping her would take more muscle than even he has.
Em's determination to clear her friend and keep her uncle's name clear puts her in danger when her poking around starts to uncover potential motives for murder. If the killer takes note of Em's secret sleuthing, it'll take more than the quirky Hula Maidens to save her butt. It'll take a miracle.
Maybe it was bad timing, as the past few books I've read really rocked my book-loving heart. Maybe it was my too-high expectations, as I've read books by Landis before and like her writing style. Maybe it was the setting, or the plot, or the characters. Maybe it's a little of all of that. Whatever it was, I couldn't seem to connect to either the story or the characters in this mystery, and that made it difficult to enjoy Mai Tai One On like I thought I would.
I was expecting a lighter-toned murder mystery laced with humor that highlighted quirky and raucous secondary characters. I went into the book thinking I'd fall for the Maidens and chuckle along with Em as she amateur-sleuthed her way into solving the case. Instead I ended up annoyed with Em's character, frustrated and disappointed by her morally and legally questionable actions and obtuse behavior which bordered on stupid more than once. The Maidens didn't appeal to me, either. There was too much back biting and snarky nastiness between them and too many waspish digs directed at others to consider them sympathetic or entertaining or make them evenly likable throughout the book.
Roland's character was forbidding and standoffish, and though I was interested in him as one of my favorite characters, he was too often relegated to the sidelines of the storyline for my tastes. The small sparks of simpatico and attraction between him and Em were some of my favorite parts of the book, but they were too few and far apart to truly impact my entertainment level with the book as a whole.
The plotline of the mystery was fairly straightforward and it evolved at a steady pace with a narrative that was smooth and easily readable. Unfortunately the elements of the whodunit weren't all that mysterious, and I had the who and why figured relatively early. That's not necessarily a detractor for me, and wouldn't have been in this case had I been able to enjoy the characters more, but without that, the fact that there were few potential killers or motives became more glaring. Later suspense elements of the story were equally disappointing and a little odd in their development. I didn't quite buy the perpetrator's actions or motivations during the last part of the book.
For me, the book was disappointing. The cover and the story description gives an impression about the tone of the book that I don't think the story supported, and I don't think Landis did quite enough to make her characters as flamboyantly entertaining as she could have. I can forgive one or two of the things that didn't work for me in this book, but put together, there just wasn't enough left for me to like. I don't think I'll be revisiting the Tiki Goddess Bar and its patrons.
Disclosure: An ARC of this book was provided to me by Bell Bridge Books via NetGalley. This rating, review, and all included thoughts and comments are my own.
~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.
Emily Johnson, broke and newly divorced, came to Mauai to help her uncle, after the geriatric and pitifully bad dance troupe who performed at her uncle's Tiki Goddess Bar, the Hula Maidens, had contacted Em to inform her of his declining mental health and sent her a one-way plane ticket. In the six months since she started helping him out, business has improved and the historic hangout is slowly getting back into the black. And that's despite the bar's nearest neighbor, an odious man named Harold. He had a habit of burning trash in his yard, despite being asked not to, and the trades carry the noxious fumes right over into the bar.
That was, of course, before his dead body was discovered roasting in the bar's luau pit.
The police investigating his murder are focusing on both Em's uncle and the bar's bartender Chloe. Business has never been better but the stress has never been higher. Em, along with the wacky women of the Hula Maidens, have decided they have to solve the crime and save their family and friends. Delicious homicide detective Roland Sharpe would rather Em not pull a Nancy Drew impression, but stopping her would take more muscle than even he has.
Em's determination to clear her friend and keep her uncle's name clear puts her in danger when her poking around starts to uncover potential motives for murder. If the killer takes note of Em's secret sleuthing, it'll take more than the quirky Hula Maidens to save her butt. It'll take a miracle.
Maybe it was bad timing, as the past few books I've read really rocked my book-loving heart. Maybe it was my too-high expectations, as I've read books by Landis before and like her writing style. Maybe it was the setting, or the plot, or the characters. Maybe it's a little of all of that. Whatever it was, I couldn't seem to connect to either the story or the characters in this mystery, and that made it difficult to enjoy Mai Tai One On like I thought I would.
I was expecting a lighter-toned murder mystery laced with humor that highlighted quirky and raucous secondary characters. I went into the book thinking I'd fall for the Maidens and chuckle along with Em as she amateur-sleuthed her way into solving the case. Instead I ended up annoyed with Em's character, frustrated and disappointed by her morally and legally questionable actions and obtuse behavior which bordered on stupid more than once. The Maidens didn't appeal to me, either. There was too much back biting and snarky nastiness between them and too many waspish digs directed at others to consider them sympathetic or entertaining or make them evenly likable throughout the book.
Roland's character was forbidding and standoffish, and though I was interested in him as one of my favorite characters, he was too often relegated to the sidelines of the storyline for my tastes. The small sparks of simpatico and attraction between him and Em were some of my favorite parts of the book, but they were too few and far apart to truly impact my entertainment level with the book as a whole.
The plotline of the mystery was fairly straightforward and it evolved at a steady pace with a narrative that was smooth and easily readable. Unfortunately the elements of the whodunit weren't all that mysterious, and I had the who and why figured relatively early. That's not necessarily a detractor for me, and wouldn't have been in this case had I been able to enjoy the characters more, but without that, the fact that there were few potential killers or motives became more glaring. Later suspense elements of the story were equally disappointing and a little odd in their development. I didn't quite buy the perpetrator's actions or motivations during the last part of the book.
For me, the book was disappointing. The cover and the story description gives an impression about the tone of the book that I don't think the story supported, and I don't think Landis did quite enough to make her characters as flamboyantly entertaining as she could have. I can forgive one or two of the things that didn't work for me in this book, but put together, there just wasn't enough left for me to like. I don't think I'll be revisiting the Tiki Goddess Bar and its patrons.
Disclosure: An ARC of this book was provided to me by Bell Bridge Books via NetGalley. This rating, review, and all included thoughts and comments are my own.
~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.
July 10, 2013
Mai Tai One On by Jill Marie Landis
4 stars
I had read the third book in the series Three to Get Lei'd. Which was good and I was looking on my kindle and realized I had the first book
Mai Tai One on it. So I read it too. It did not disappoint. I laughed I was kept guessing on who to trust. I did know who was innocent because they
were still characters in the third book. After I had read it I went and bought the second book and am excited to read that soon.
Mai Tai One On is full of over the top fun characters. The Hula Maidens are a group of senior citizens who are dancing the hula dances at the Tiki Goddess
Bar for free. They don't dance very well but have fun doing it. They get into a lot of trouble and mischief.
Em Johnson has been divorced and broke when the Hula Maidens had a fund raiser and paid for her airline ticket over to help her run the Tiki Goddess for her
Uncle louie Marshall who was having problems with his finances. She is bringing new ideas to the bar that is bringing more business in.
While everyone is in the bar someone put a dead body in the luau pit. It was their neighbor who has argued with Louis for 40 years. He is not a likeable character
He burns a lot of trash and the smoke really bothers the bar. Especially when it is the Luau night.
Sophie Chin one of the bartenders went over that morning and had a fight with him. She was late for work that day and became a suspect. She was living in her
car when Em had hired her. Em did not ask about her background or call referrals at all.
Em is asking questions in the wrong area and is kidnapped by someone.
Detective Roland is the one in charge of the murder investigation. He is good looking and on the side he dances with fire knifes on the side. He flirts with
Em. (I want to see more of them together in future) He is always trying to get the Maidens to stop crazy stunts and asking Questions.
Their is also a parrot called David Letterman that predicts if a drink Louie makes up will be a success or failure. He brings more laughter to the story but I don't
think serving drinks to critters is smart idea.
I do enjoy this series of books. They are pretty clean. Lot of the story takes place in the bar. Has good suspense and mystery. fun characters. Has murder, kidnapping,
even a car chase in it with the hula Maidens doing the chasing. Just needs a little more romance. I have now read two of the books and look forward to reading
Two to Mango next in the series.
4 stars
I had read the third book in the series Three to Get Lei'd. Which was good and I was looking on my kindle and realized I had the first book
Mai Tai One on it. So I read it too. It did not disappoint. I laughed I was kept guessing on who to trust. I did know who was innocent because they
were still characters in the third book. After I had read it I went and bought the second book and am excited to read that soon.
Mai Tai One On is full of over the top fun characters. The Hula Maidens are a group of senior citizens who are dancing the hula dances at the Tiki Goddess
Bar for free. They don't dance very well but have fun doing it. They get into a lot of trouble and mischief.
Em Johnson has been divorced and broke when the Hula Maidens had a fund raiser and paid for her airline ticket over to help her run the Tiki Goddess for her
Uncle louie Marshall who was having problems with his finances. She is bringing new ideas to the bar that is bringing more business in.
While everyone is in the bar someone put a dead body in the luau pit. It was their neighbor who has argued with Louis for 40 years. He is not a likeable character
He burns a lot of trash and the smoke really bothers the bar. Especially when it is the Luau night.
Sophie Chin one of the bartenders went over that morning and had a fight with him. She was late for work that day and became a suspect. She was living in her
car when Em had hired her. Em did not ask about her background or call referrals at all.
Em is asking questions in the wrong area and is kidnapped by someone.
Detective Roland is the one in charge of the murder investigation. He is good looking and on the side he dances with fire knifes on the side. He flirts with
Em. (I want to see more of them together in future) He is always trying to get the Maidens to stop crazy stunts and asking Questions.
Their is also a parrot called David Letterman that predicts if a drink Louie makes up will be a success or failure. He brings more laughter to the story but I don't
think serving drinks to critters is smart idea.
I do enjoy this series of books. They are pretty clean. Lot of the story takes place in the bar. Has good suspense and mystery. fun characters. Has murder, kidnapping,
even a car chase in it with the hula Maidens doing the chasing. Just needs a little more romance. I have now read two of the books and look forward to reading
Two to Mango next in the series.
April 3, 2014
Four & a half stars. There is just one thing keeping this from being a five star read and it was a sudden jump that jolted my smooth reading pace. It made me say, "What the heck?" before I could continue with the story. Sorry, I won't tell you more than that because I really try to avoid spoilers in my reviews.
This was a great cozy mystery! Think Nancy Drew and Murder, She Wrote meets Magnum PI & Hawaii Five-0. Add in the North Avenue Irregulars or the Golden Girls, a crazy parrot, aging mix-ologist, a girl with a sketchy past, Mango and his life partner, Kauai, and flaming swords and how could you not have fun.
Seriously, I love the Hawaiian islands so the setting for the series is perfect for me. Not to mention the tropical drinks made by Uncle Louie a the Tiki Goddess. So glad the author added in recipes for some of the drinks mentioned.
The main character (Em) is not a native, but she is strong and confident and compassionate. She is redirecting her life after a messy divorce and helping her Uncle Louie put the Tiki Goddess back in the black. Things are going well until disaster strikes and she and her friends go about trying to solve the case since the local detective seems to be focusing his investigation on the wrong person.
The local detective...remember those flaming swords I mentioned? Yep, he moonlights as a fire dancer. I kept seeing Chin Ho Kelly (Daniel Dae Kim) as Roland. *swoons* It was difficult sometimes because his narrow-minded search was making me as crazy as it was Em and the Hula Maidens. [Chin is rarely that narrow minded on Hawaii Five-0.]
The rag-tag gang really comes through.
If you like mysteries that are not gory then this series is for you. I'm adding the next two to my "to be read" list and have signed up for the newsletter.
Aside note: I do hope that the author continues to do in-depth research on Hawaii, its people, culture, traditions, and language.
This was a great cozy mystery! Think Nancy Drew and Murder, She Wrote meets Magnum PI & Hawaii Five-0. Add in the North Avenue Irregulars or the Golden Girls, a crazy parrot, aging mix-ologist, a girl with a sketchy past, Mango and his life partner, Kauai, and flaming swords and how could you not have fun.
Seriously, I love the Hawaiian islands so the setting for the series is perfect for me. Not to mention the tropical drinks made by Uncle Louie a the Tiki Goddess. So glad the author added in recipes for some of the drinks mentioned.
The main character (Em) is not a native, but she is strong and confident and compassionate. She is redirecting her life after a messy divorce and helping her Uncle Louie put the Tiki Goddess back in the black. Things are going well until disaster strikes and she and her friends go about trying to solve the case since the local detective seems to be focusing his investigation on the wrong person.
The local detective...remember those flaming swords I mentioned? Yep, he moonlights as a fire dancer. I kept seeing Chin Ho Kelly (Daniel Dae Kim) as Roland. *swoons* It was difficult sometimes because his narrow-minded search was making me as crazy as it was Em and the Hula Maidens. [Chin is rarely that narrow minded on Hawaii Five-0.]
The rag-tag gang really comes through.
If you like mysteries that are not gory then this series is for you. I'm adding the next two to my "to be read" list and have signed up for the newsletter.
Aside note: I do hope that the author continues to do in-depth research on Hawaii, its people, culture, traditions, and language.
October 24, 2011
I purchased this for my Kindle when there was a .99 cent special. It sounded fun and came highly recommended by authors I love like Kristin Hannah and Carly Phillips. This isn't my typical genre but with the low price, I was willing to take a chance.
I was expecting a little more "romance", but it was mostly mystery with a comedic twist. Since I have never been to Hawaii, some of the terms and way of life described in Hawaii was new to me. I could see those who are familiar with the Hawaiian life-syle would appreciate that part of the book more. I did appreciate the author making one of the characters from Iowa and not making her too "hickish".
Since there were a couple murders and an attempted murder in the story, you were easily drawn into finding out who was the next to fall and who the murderer was. Even though the story leads you in several directions, I did guess the murderer early on, but it didn't change my interest in finding out if and/or how that person would be caught.
This was an enjoyable light read. It is perfect for a weekend getaway or for taking a break from heavier reading. It will make you laugh and make you wish you were relaxing at the Tiki Goddess bar yourself! The fun part is, the author includes some signature Tiki Goddess drink recipes at the back of the book. I may have to try out some of those! I will be watching for Book 2 of the series to come out!
I was expecting a little more "romance", but it was mostly mystery with a comedic twist. Since I have never been to Hawaii, some of the terms and way of life described in Hawaii was new to me. I could see those who are familiar with the Hawaiian life-syle would appreciate that part of the book more. I did appreciate the author making one of the characters from Iowa and not making her too "hickish".
Since there were a couple murders and an attempted murder in the story, you were easily drawn into finding out who was the next to fall and who the murderer was. Even though the story leads you in several directions, I did guess the murderer early on, but it didn't change my interest in finding out if and/or how that person would be caught.
This was an enjoyable light read. It is perfect for a weekend getaway or for taking a break from heavier reading. It will make you laugh and make you wish you were relaxing at the Tiki Goddess bar yourself! The fun part is, the author includes some signature Tiki Goddess drink recipes at the back of the book. I may have to try out some of those! I will be watching for Book 2 of the series to come out!
July 25, 2011
Mai Tai One On was a fun book that combined mystery, humor, and some light romance. I received this book as an ARC from Netgalley, and am glad that I had the opportunity to read it. I enjoyed the quirky characters, and the storyline was interesting enough to keep my attention throughout the book.
Em Johnson's marriage and life in California has crumbled, and when she is asked by some of his friends, she goes to Kauai to help her Uncle Louie, who owns and runs a Tiki Bar. Louie seems to be having some confusion and memory problems, so Em begins taking care of the Tiki Bar and making improvements. She is supported by the Hula Maidens, the live performers who dance at the bar. When bodies began turning up, Em tries to figure out who is behind the murders. She is intrigued by Detective Roland Sharpe, but she decides that she must carry out the investigation herself when it appears that some of the people she cares about may be implicated by the police.
Em was a great lead character, and I enjoyed the developing relationship between her and Roland. The Hula Maidens were a bit on the silly side, but I still enjoyed them. I liked the way the mystery played out, and I look forward to the next book in this series.
Em Johnson's marriage and life in California has crumbled, and when she is asked by some of his friends, she goes to Kauai to help her Uncle Louie, who owns and runs a Tiki Bar. Louie seems to be having some confusion and memory problems, so Em begins taking care of the Tiki Bar and making improvements. She is supported by the Hula Maidens, the live performers who dance at the bar. When bodies began turning up, Em tries to figure out who is behind the murders. She is intrigued by Detective Roland Sharpe, but she decides that she must carry out the investigation herself when it appears that some of the people she cares about may be implicated by the police.
Em was a great lead character, and I enjoyed the developing relationship between her and Roland. The Hula Maidens were a bit on the silly side, but I still enjoyed them. I liked the way the mystery played out, and I look forward to the next book in this series.
May 22, 2013
After reading two books that were not favorites of mine, I decided to read this cozy mystery, and what a refreshing surprise this story was. It drew me right into the story from the very first line: "They would have found the body sooner if it hadn't been two-for-one Mai Tai Night...."
It was fun and sometimes silly, but delightfully charming, especially the 'quirky dance troupe of over-the-hill Hula Maidens' I can just picture them in my mind, as I read about their out of step dancing...The book was a fast read for a sunny afternoon of fun reading on your favorite beach. Oh! if only I could have been reading this on the beaches of Kauai, Hawaii, with a Mai Tai or two or three, by my side, the tradewinds sweeping along the beach keeping me cozy and cool, my favorite kind of memory.
Even though this book is the first book in a series it is also a stand alone book as well. This book is part of my Kindle library, I liked it and therefore awarded it 4**** Now I'm off the read the second book in the series "Two to Mango."
It was fun and sometimes silly, but delightfully charming, especially the 'quirky dance troupe of over-the-hill Hula Maidens' I can just picture them in my mind, as I read about their out of step dancing...The book was a fast read for a sunny afternoon of fun reading on your favorite beach. Oh! if only I could have been reading this on the beaches of Kauai, Hawaii, with a Mai Tai or two or three, by my side, the tradewinds sweeping along the beach keeping me cozy and cool, my favorite kind of memory.
Even though this book is the first book in a series it is also a stand alone book as well. This book is part of my Kindle library, I liked it and therefore awarded it 4**** Now I'm off the read the second book in the series "Two to Mango."
August 3, 2012
I picked up Mai Tai One On as a a readalong read over my summer holidays. It is the perfect holiday read with hula dancers, cocktails and of course murder!!
Em is helping her Uncle Louie at his tiki bar, while she recovers from a recent divorce. What starts into a nice time on a island turns into a hunt for a killer when an employee at the tiki bar is found dead and the local police officer is intent on pinning the crime on one of Em's new friends, Sophie.
This was the first time I read a book by Jill Marie Landis and I loved it! I loved all the Hawaiian terms, the cocktails (oh yes I loved the cocktails) and the suspense. The murder wasn't easy to solve and I had a fun time watching Em and the Hula Maidens (hula dancers trying to solve it).
The secondary characters were all so fun. There is even a parrot called David Letterman that taste tests all the cocktails
This is a absolute perfect read for the summer and I can't wait to read the second book in the series.
Em is helping her Uncle Louie at his tiki bar, while she recovers from a recent divorce. What starts into a nice time on a island turns into a hunt for a killer when an employee at the tiki bar is found dead and the local police officer is intent on pinning the crime on one of Em's new friends, Sophie.
This was the first time I read a book by Jill Marie Landis and I loved it! I loved all the Hawaiian terms, the cocktails (oh yes I loved the cocktails) and the suspense. The murder wasn't easy to solve and I had a fun time watching Em and the Hula Maidens (hula dancers trying to solve it).
The secondary characters were all so fun. There is even a parrot called David Letterman that taste tests all the cocktails
This is a absolute perfect read for the summer and I can't wait to read the second book in the series.
December 28, 2012
This is a zany murder mystery based in a tacky tiki bar on Kauai in Hawaii. While the main character is from California, she is suffering form the aftermath of a messy divorce and is worried about her uncle, who owns the bar. The book is full of wacky characters, who mostly have good hearts and pull together when most needed.
I really enjoyed the different take on life, and the reflection of the culture of Hawaii residents. The cop is hot and I would looove to see his fire dance. And I liked Sophie, with her girl girl with a bad past burden.
I really enjoyed the different take on life, and the reflection of the culture of Hawaii residents. The cop is hot and I would looove to see his fire dance. And I liked Sophie, with her girl girl with a bad past burden.
May 5, 2013
What has happened to proofreading? If someone wants to pay me, I would be happy to proofread their novels. Does someone truly not know the difference between break and brake when talking about how to stop a car?
I am more amazed every day about all of the typos creeping into allegedly best selling books.
I am more amazed every day about all of the typos creeping into allegedly best selling books.
March 16, 2016
Barely made it through.. Won't be reading any more in this series...
September 4, 2025
It wasn't cosy and light-hearted enough, somehow? It didn't deliver on the hilarious, light and breezy vibes I expected based on the cover and blurb. Not that it was a serious affair, but the tone felt a little off.
What's more, the mystery was extremely predictable. The who was obvious almost from the moment they were introduced and the why shortly after. It made the story drag, and Em appear a little too thick for my liking.
While it was not the best, I was intrigued by the characters and interested in the setting. It's set in Hawaii and I'll admit that I'm highly motivated by the fact that I'm struggling to find a good cosy mystery series set on a tropical (or even subtropical) island, so I'll give the next instalment a try!
What's more, the mystery was extremely predictable. The who was obvious almost from the moment they were introduced and the why shortly after. It made the story drag, and Em appear a little too thick for my liking.
While it was not the best, I was intrigued by the characters and interested in the setting. It's set in Hawaii and I'll admit that I'm highly motivated by the fact that I'm struggling to find a good cosy mystery series set on a tropical (or even subtropical) island, so I'll give the next instalment a try!
July 9, 2017
Wanting something fun and surefire, I went with this 5-star recommendation from author Jayne Ann Krentz. It wasn't quite what I was expecting-- definitely more mystery than romance, though romantic tension definitely played a part. I enjoyed the spunky heroine, who heads to Hawaii to help her uncle revive his floundering bar (the titular Tiki Goddess) while making a fresh start for herself after a bad divorce. Murder and a few wacky hijinks ensue. I found myself enjoying the snappy dialogue, the motley cast of characters, and the amateur sleuthing. Fun!
October 20, 2017
I loved the cover. It is bright and colorful and it definitely screams Hawaii. The title is what actually drew me in because it is catchy. The characters were fun. Especially the Hula Maidens. They are a hoot! The mystery itself kept you interested. Although, I did figure out who was behind everything, it wasn't glaringly obvious. I did second guess myself later for a brief moment. Overall, it is a nice cozy mystery that is perfect to cozy up with on a cool night.
September 11, 2018
5 Stars
Laugh Out Loud Cozy Hawaiian Mystery
This is the funniest cozy mystery this reader has ever had the pleasure of reading. It features an enormous selection of great characters with a rundown Hawaiian Tiki bar as the backdrop. The plot has several great twists with an ending that is perfect. This is the first in a series of 5 books and I can't wait to read them all! I received this book at no cost and this is my honest review.
Laugh Out Loud Cozy Hawaiian Mystery
This is the funniest cozy mystery this reader has ever had the pleasure of reading. It features an enormous selection of great characters with a rundown Hawaiian Tiki bar as the backdrop. The plot has several great twists with an ending that is perfect. This is the first in a series of 5 books and I can't wait to read them all! I received this book at no cost and this is my honest review.
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