Natural Predators

Mahu #7

by Neil S. Plakcy

The death of an island patrician in a warehouse fire puts openly gay Honolulu homicide detective Kimo Kanapa'aka, his partner and their foster son in danger.

The beautiful tropical island of O'ahu is filled with predators, from high-flying owls to bottom-dwelling criminals. When the body of an island patrician is found in a warehouse fire, tracking his killers will bring openly gay Honolulu homicide detective Kimo Kanapa'aka into contact with many of those predators, natural and otherwise. Kimo and his detective partner Ray Donne dig deep into the history of Hawai'i as the islands were teetering on the brink of statehood in order to understand the victim, his killer, and their motives. Kimo and his partner, fire investigator Mike Riccardi, decide to become foster parents for a homeless teen who witnessed the crime, while preparing to become dads themselves.

Genres: Mystery, M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Crime, Fiction, LGBT

278 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 15, 2013

About the author

I have been a voracious reader all my life, mostly in mystery, romance, and science fiction/fantasy, though a college degree in English did push a lot of literary works into my list of favorites.

Quick note: sign up for my newsletter at plakcy.substack.com to get free prologues, epilogues and short stories.

I began writing seriously in high school after an inspiring assignment with A Separate Peace by John Knowles. I didn't know I was gay then, but I knew I was longing for an emotional connection with a best friend. That desire shows up across my writing, from romance to mystery to adventure. I am lucky to have found my special person, and I want to inspire readers to make those connections, to one person or a found family.

It took getting an MFA in creative writing to kick-start my career. That's where I honed my technical skills and began to understand what kind of storyteller I am.

I remember reading Freddie the Detective about a very smart pig inspired by Sherlock Holmes. I’ve always believed that dogs make the best detectives. They notice what humans miss — a faint scent, a subtle shift in body language, the hidden treat in your pocket. That belief inspired my Golden Retriever Mysteries, where Rochester helps his human, Steve Levitan, nose out the truth.

My passion is telling stories where community, loyalty, and sometimes love solve problems just as much as clues do. Whether it’s a cozy mystery in Bucks County, a thriller on the streets of Miami, or a romance unfolding under the Mediterranean sun, I want readers to feel the heartbeat of the place and the people.

I write because stories helped me feel less alone growing up, and now I want to give readers that same feeling: a companion, a puzzle, and maybe a laugh.

When I’m not writing, I’m probably walking one of my own goldens, teaching writing, or daydreaming about my next story.
Since then I've written dozens of books, won a couple of treasured awards, and enjoyed the support of readers.

Every place I’ve lived has made its way into my fiction: the rolling hills of Bucks County, the neon heat of Miami, the beaches of Hawaii, the cobbled streets of Europe. I love exploring how communities work — from a café where dogs guide healing, to a fraternity house in South Beach, to a police unit in Honolulu.

My goal is simple: to write stories that feel grounded in real people and real places, but with enough twists, romance, or danger to keep you turning pages late into the night.

I hope you'll visit my website, where you can sign up for my occasional newsletter, and also follow my author page on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/neil.plakcy.

Reviews

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by Neil S. Plakcy and therefore the first book I have read in this series. I had heard wonderful things about this series but still nothing prepared me for the richness and depth of the story and characters. The characters range from low level thugs to runaway teens, to high society lawyers and businessman, and everything in between. All the characters have a defining “voice” consistent with their histories and culture. Kimo and his partner track down two suspects in the case. We travel with Kimo and Ray as they travel from one side of the island to the other, collecting Hawaiian history and geographical facts as we go. The murder has a complex history. The foster child part will make you laugh and cry, sometimes both together. We also get to observe Kimo and his partner Mike work through yet another potential obstacle to happiness with regard to surrogate fatherhood and still read in amazement as the author rolls in more layers much like the tropical habitats that abound in Hawaii. If I thought they would have heard it, I would have offered a round of applause upon finishing this story.

[Ami · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.85 stars rounded up

Neil Plakcy's "Mahu" is one of the few gay-mystery series that I read. I enjoy this series for being quite balanced between the day-to-day investigation and the updates of the life of Kimo Kanapaka'a. "Natural Predators" is book #7 -- on the mystery side, Kimo and his detective-partner Ray investigating the death of an old lawyer while on the personal-life side, Kimo and his life-partner is finally moving forward with the idea of having baby with their lesbian friends, Cathy and Sandra.

The mystery part
This part is good -- I mean, for those looking for high-speed chase or gun-actions will be bored. Very bored. But for me, it's nice. I'm sure that not all of homicide investigation is pumped up with adrenaline. Some are matters of looking for paper trails and interviewing suspects. The victim was a prime mover behind the drive of Hawaii for statehood. So I learned something new (hey, I'm an outsider yeah, I don't know ALL of the history of USA states :p) -- that Hawaii was given option between statehood and remained as territory.

The personal part
Hmmm, this one, I have teeny tiny issue with. The issue about whether they should have children or not, was already presented in the previous book. As a single child, Mike desperately wants to have one. But Kimo ... not so much? I just feel that each side has quite strong arguments, that when Kimo finally say 'yes' to the whole thing feels rushed. Like he doesn't want to keep going with the same arguments with Mike, and he does love Mike. I guess I am left with certain doubts whether Kimo actually make his decision with 100% certainty.

I do, however, enjoy the addition into Kimo and Mike's ohana, when they become foster parents for a gay teenager, Dakota. That part, I approve.

There's one short story at the end of this book, called Alpha and Omega, which gives another update regarding the baby issue, since it sets almost nine months later. Oh, and there's an interesting 'update' on Kimo and Ray's professional life. I wonder if this means that the next book will have Kimo and Ray working for the FBI? ... since this one is not really written in the short story.

All in all, it's a good sequel. I have to reduce the rating from 4-stars due to my disatisfaction regarding the personal part (a.k.a. the baby argument).

[Relly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

4 ⭐️

I did enjoy this book but it felt like this one had a different feel than the others in the series.

There was still a case – the first murder victim was not a very likeable person, a lawyer for big corporations, and the case progressed throughout the book but it also focussed a lot on Kimo’s personal life.

Kimo and Mike’s home life was brought to the forefront with the addition of Dakota and their fostering him. It was D Day for the decision on helping the Sandra and Cathy have a baby and this was discussed throughout the book. It surprised me that when we started this one it seemed to me like the guys had flipped their standpoints. I felt in the last book that Kimo was leaning more towards wanting to do it, and yet when we start this one, he was the one opposing the donation not wanting to be a father.

Time was also spent with Ray and Kimo discussing their impending move to the FBI taskforce and whether they were going to do and be happy. Once Ray said he wanted to go and would go on his own, it was then left to see if Kimo would go with him. I liked this bit as it showed that Ray would do what was right for him and his family, and it also showed Kimo being responsible and growing up a bit.

I also enjoyed the short story at the end of the book about Kimo’s grandmother coming to Hawaii and Sandra giving birth

I’m interested to seeing where this now leads

[Lois - Who Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love this series. I would highly recommend that they be read in order as the series shows Kimo’s growth and changes over the years. This one really focuses on Mike and Kimo taking the next step in their relationship and thinking about becoming fathers. The first step is taking in a foster child that Kimo knows through his volunteer work. It may have taken them a while to get there, but Mike and Kimo are really good together.

The mystery was really interesting with lots of twists and turns. The history lesson about statehood was both fascinating and horrifying. I loved the short story at the end and I really wanted more of Kimo’s grandmother’s diary.

I am so happy that I have so many more books to read and I don’t have to give up Kimo and Mike yet!

[Ulysses Dietz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclosure: I'm a huge Neil Plakcy fan, so any new book by him has me all a-tremble with anticipation. Most of all I have loved his "Mahu" series, the title based on Hawai'ian slang for "queer." His newest entry into that long series moves Kimo Kanapa'aka in a direction that might not please everybody; but for this middle-aged gay father of two, it went right to where I live.

Plakcy's murder mystery plots are always interesting, and always tied somehow into the unique culture of Hawai'i, the US's most distant state. Plakcy's style is matter-of-fact, like Kimo himself. There is poetry in his descriptions of Oahu's physical realities - both beautiful and ugly; but Plakcy's prose is not about description. What really makes his books a joy to read is the people you meet along the way.

In "Natural Predators" Kimo is facing two dilemmas that swirl in and out of the murder investigation: whether to embrace a possible move with his investigative partner, Ray Donne, into a collaboration with the local FBI office; and whether to tackle, with his life-partner, Mike Riccardi, the challenges of parenthood. Both of these possibilities mean major changes to the happy, comfortable life that he and Mike have created. And Plakcy's particular skill is making the reader care as much about these personal issues as we care about the murders - disturbing and confusing murders - taking place around him.

The greatest treasure in Plakcy's books is everybody else - all that extended group of co-workers, acquaintances, friends and family with which the narrative is richly spiced. The sprawling metropolis of Honolulu seems like a big village, full of characters who are all, somehow, interconnected by the complexities of Hawai'ian culture, regardless of their ethnicity.

And Kimo's family is at the center of it all. His relationship with his parents and siblings, and his evolving partnership with Mike and his family, allow us not only insight into the ethnic diversity of "being Hawai'ian," but into the core concept of "ohana," the extended network of relationships that, to Kimo, means family.

While this book might signal the end of the series, there are certainly unexplored avenues and unsolved crimes in paradise. But I finished this novel with an even deeper sense that the Kanapa'aka clan - and Kimo and Mike themselves - are folks that I don't want to lose touch with, and very much hope I'll get to meet again.

[Ije the Devourer of Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want more. I want the author to keep writing this series for ever.

That's how I feel right now and I feel this way because Detective Kimo Kanapa'aka is one of my favourite characters. I just lurve him.

I lurve this series. I lurve the setting and I lurrrrrve Hawaii.

This series has it all for me : Kimo, murder, mystery and Hawaii. I could actually stop there but I have to try and explain why I enjoyed this book and why I hope for many more.

Hawaii is one of my favourite places on earth and to have a series set there is truly a pleasure. I have been to the Islands and found a deep seated healing peace in the beauty of place and in the people. The writing takes me back there, back to the sun, sand and sea of Hawaii. The mysteries are interesting and authentic in the way they portray both the crimes and Island life, but best of all the mysteries keep me guessing to the end.

This story sees Kimo and Mike as a settled and established couple but now considering fatherhood. It is great to have followed this series from the beginning and to see them progress through all their difficulties to a place of strong love for each other.

I enjoyed the way Kimo and Mike explore the possibilities of parenting and what it might mean for the two of them at the same time as solving a major crime. I can't say the mystery was full of suspense and tension, it isn't a thriller, but it is a puzzle. Kimo knows the answers are just there, kind of shrouded in darkness ahead of him and he has to keep searching for the light which will reveal all. And of course he does that by pulling together with Ray his fellow detective and by seeking the wisdom of friends and family. I enjoyed this.

Once again another great story in a really great series and I hope for many more stories to come.

[Kaje Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another good installment in the Mahu series, an ongoing gay mystery series about Honolulu homicide detective Kimo Kanapa'aka. By this point Kimo is in a stable relationship with his boyfriend Mike, a fire investigator. They share a home, and a dog, and are talking about sharing even more in the future.

This series is composed of one solid book after another. They are definitely best read in order, since the heart of the series is Kimo's progress from being inadvertently outed in the first book, to the solid place he finds himself in here. It's an interesting and not completely smooth journey, and well worth following. The murder plots are interesting, the secondary characters, like Kimo's partner Ray, and his ex fuck-buddy Gunter, become old friends and add warmth and color. There is a strong sense of family, and the stories are imbued with the history and feel of the islands.

This book moves Kimo in a somewhat new direction, personally and professionally. It might signal the end of the series, and if so, would leave me happy and content with where Kimo and Mike have ended up. But I will read another, if Neil Plakcy writes it.

There is a little short story at the end, after the novel, that wraps up a few loose threads (and gives us a hot look at Mike and Kimo together, where the sex in the novel is pretty much off page.) I wouldn't mind another glimpse of this growing clan down the road, but this was a sweet and satisfying ending.

[Linda ~ they got the mustard out! ~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another great installment in this series. I'm really enjoying seeing Kimo and Mike's relationship develop and grow stronger. They can have disagreements now without them becoming big fights, and they've learned from previous disagreements. They're also thinking about making that next step in expanding their family. And even Gunter gets to have some development in his character and the direction of his life, so it was fun to see how they're all growing up. There's even a possible job change for Kimo and Ray, whose partnership continues to be strong. (Oh, and apparently all that stuff Kimo was trying to keep from Sampson in Mahu Vice is now common knowledge. Not sure when that came to light, if this is a between-books development or an inconsistency. The way this series is written I can handwave it as a between-books thing.)

This book was stronger on the character development than it was on mystery. Not that the mystery wasn't layered and complex, because it was. But I would've thought that Kimo and Ray would've at least suspected the perp more than they did, and it certainly took them a little too long to connect all the dots.

There's also a short story at the end of this book that makes me wonder if Placky has ever been in a maternity ward at all. That was all just strangely paced and felt a little too quickly resolved and too neatly done, but for a short story, it served another purpose that worked pretty well, so I'm split on this one.

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, let me say that I’m an unabashed fan for the works of Neil Plakcy. Whenever I finish reading one of his novels, I’m convinced it was his best work yet.

‘Natural Predators’ is no exception to that rule. The murders that openly gay Honolulu homicide detective Kimo Kanapa'aka and his detective partner Ray Donne had to solve, were written with skill, making the entire process believable.

[The rest of this review could well be considered a Spoiler Alert. If you don’t want to know how ‘Natural Predators’ ends, you should stop reading at this point]

More importantly, in this particular volume of the Mahu Investigations Series, the character development of Kimo and his partner, fire investigator Mike Riccardi, as well as their ever expanding family was spot on.

Kimo and Mike decide to become foster parents for Dakota, a homeless teen who witnessed the crime, and finally became dads themselves in a heart warning ending to the book.

If you read only one book of this series, this is the one I’d recommend.

[J.E.S. Hays · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good read in the Mahu series! The word means homosexual in Hawaiian and police detective Kimo Kanapa'aka happens to be one. He and his work partner Ray catch a case that ties in with love partner Mike's arson investigation--and it only gets more complicated from there. Ray and Kimo must dig into the long-buried past to solve this case, and not everyone wants the past exposed.

Mike and Kimo also decide to become foster parents after locating a homeless teen who may have seen the crime. Dakota makes an interesting addition to their little family and Mike and Kimo are thinking seriously about fathering a child for their lesbian friends (if Kimo can get over his fear that he will be a horrible father). If you like a good mystery and a cast of interesting, complicated characters, you should read the Mahu series yourself

[Andrew · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really liked and was starting to really get into the Mahu series until this book.

The series is thoughtfully written and I really liked all the Hawaiian island and cultural details, notably the musical references. The characters were well developed and realistic set in plausible storylines.

I was even willing to overlook my disappointment in the depiction of intimate scenes in this series which I thought were glossed over and underwhelming by an author who writes erotic fiction as well.

But I draw the line where this book is taking this series and decided to stop reading any further. I’m just not down with where Kimo’s personal life is heading. His relationship with Mike, his bf, seemed pretty realistic until all this baby business and wanting kids. I’m just not interested in reading about the parenthood adventures of a gay homicide cop and his fire investigator boyfriend. This whole story arc of surrogate fathers is just too contrived and seems unnatural to me.

[Wende · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kimo and Mike are back and this was a great mystery. The couple has grown and are now stepping their feet into fatherhood. I missed this book somehow and have read the next two in the series. So I know how much their lives have changed. They are one of my favorite couples and really hope there are many more books!

[Deborah H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful novel

These books get better & better. I can't wait to read then next one. Though I will as I've read books 4-7 back to back and it's time I do more than read. The characters are so well written I don't need to remind myself it's fiction to believe "in them" as other characters in novels I find myself needing to do much to often.

[Sienna S'Zell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've enjoyed the storyline for these 7 novels featuring Hawai'i and the wonderful mix of origin of the characters, most of whom are likable. Good plots, interesting exploration of what family can mean to a gay person, and all the hassles our society still creates for them.

[Misty · Rating 4 out of 5]

** 4.5 Stars **

[Saundra Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great characters, great plot. This series grabbed me immediately. I will be reading more for sure!

[Pixie Mmgoodbookreviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Hearts

Review written for MM Good Book Reviews

http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/

This story is part of a series and is best read in order. Kimo and his fire investigator life partner, Mike, are called to an early morning warehouse fire where a dead body has been discovered. Kimo and Ray, his work partner, have to dig deep into Hawaii’s history to resolve the murder of a high profile patrician, just who is killing off the elders of the Island and why? Whilst investigating the murder, Kimo and Mike take in a teenager who might have witnessed something he shouldn’t have and they try their best to become foster parents to the young man, even while they struggle with the personal decision to become donors to two of their friends.

I really enjoyed this mystery that dates back over 50 years and delves into the history of Hawaii. Kimo and Ray work together to solve the murder of one of the countries patrician’s, when they discover the wife of another patrician murdered in the same fashion they begin to realise it is the connected to a murder more than 50 years before. Kimo and Mike have choices to make in their personal lives when two friends ask them to be sperm donors and a young man needs shelter, Mike is all for having a family, but Kimo is worried about the responsibilities that will fall to them.

This is a great combination of work and personal lives, both sides are drawn together, but neither overtakes the importance of the other. The way this story is written is really good, we get drawn into the mystery and investigation and we also get drawn into the personal aspects of the story, making us vested in both being resolved. Much to our enjoyment this story is easy to follow, even if you haven’t read all the stories in the series, you still get filled in on the important details that you might have missed from previous books. Neil Plakcy makes good use of all the characters, drawing them into the story in useful ways and making each one important.

Kimo and Mike are a great couple and this story shows that even though they are madly in love, they still have their ups and downs, the slight conflict that we see between them is wonderfully done and it isn’t brushed over when they do come to an agreement, because doubts arise when Dakota (foster son) is injured. The mystery side is brilliant, it drags you in as they follow the meagre leads they can dig up, but it also leaves you with a warning… if you are going to commit murder, don’t leave somebody else to clean up your mess ‘cause it just might come back to bite you in the ass lol. At the end of the book there is a free short called Alpha and Omega where it is a year on and we can catch up on Kimo, Mike and Dakota.

I am going to recommend this to those who love murder mysteries, learning about another culture, personal dilemmas, deep love and a happy ending.

[Sharon Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mahu series is one that I have followed from the start and it's one that I particularly like. I've enjoyed watching Kimo develop as a proud, gay man and I also really like the mysteries that are presented.
I find that these days I want to read longer stories and series so that I can bond with the main character and I have certainly done this with Kimo.
Although in this book Kimo and his work partner Ray spend a lot of time investigating the deaths of two elderly characters I really feel that the main focus is on Kimo and Mike as they first become foster parents and then become dads themselves.
I downloaded the book yesterday morning and I had finished it by midnight. I've said in other reviews that I feel guilty about reading a book so quickly when I know that the author has spent so much of his time writing it but I really didn't want to put the book down.
I'm certainly hoping that Mr Plakcy has other stories planned for these characters as I know that I will be reading.

[Suze · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm sad - this is last full length Kimo at present and I have enjoyed reading this series and seeing Kimo grow as a person. Though part of the theme in this one is Kimo still being immature!
It felt a much softer book. The murder element definitely took a back seat for me, and even though there were murders it was much more of an investigation into the past for me. Not as gritty in the police elements as previous.
However, this was more than balanced out by the developments in Mike and Kimo's life as first Dakota comes into their ohana and then they have to decide what to do about becoming Dads with Sandy and Cathy.
Then there is their own families - though Kimo's brothers are quiet in this one but Kimo does connect more emotionally with his Dad. And Mike's parent appear to have softened and come to the literal rescue big time.
And with a bonus epilogue type story at the end tying up baby daddy arc, this is a great spot to stop (though hopefully not forever!)

[Garrick Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once more, it was very satisfying to immerse myself into Kimo's world. As usual, Neil Plakcy writes in a fluid, natural style that makes for easy and gratifying reading. In this book, I felt happily reunited with Kimo's partner, Mike. So often, in first person point of view writing, it is easy to be swamped with the experiences of the protagonist at the expense of some of the supporting characters. I felt this a little in the last book, but in Natural Predators the old magic and easy sexuality between Kimo and Mike was re-established in my mind. I was stirred, both in the mind and below the belt, by the suggestive, but erotic way in which the two men interacted. The story? Well, as to be expected, it was very well written and held my attention. Thank you for this treat, Neil!

[Julie-from-mtl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a very good example of why I love series so much. We get to know the characters gradually and get a feeling of intimacy without it ever feeling rushed or artificial. I've just spent a great few days immersed in Kimo and Mike's world and couldn't get enough. Highly recommended, as is the whole Mahu series.

[Drianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kimo investigates a mystery while pondering parenthood. Reliable story, with all the things that characterize the other books in the series.

[Susinok · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic mystery, as always. It was great to catch up with Mike and Kimo and the rest of the ohana. Looking forward to the next one already. :)

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to follow

[Murphy]

Love this series!

[Marianne Boutet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story; I also enjoyed the undertone of the history of Hawaiian statehood vs. independence.

[Jim Senter · Rating 3 out of 5]

The most enjoyable Mahu story I've read so far!