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Ghosts of Waikīkī
In this atmospheric debut mystery, an out-of-work journalist and the homicide detective who broke her heart must cipher out a murder before the clock runs out, perfect for fans of Naomi Hirahara and Jane Pek.After the newspaper she works for folds and the freelance assignments no longer pay the bills, Maya Wong reluctantly returns to her native Hawaiʻi to ghostwrite controversial land developer Parker Hamilton's biography. But when the Hamilton patriarch is found dead under suspicious circumstances, Maya is unwittingly drawn into the investigation. Maya’s family and friends aren't happy about her work for Hamilton. And now, with her ex, Detective Koa Yamada on the case, she’s forced to contend with the very person she was determined to avoid. All too soon, Maya is dodging assailants and digging for clues while juggling girls’ nights out with her old BFFs and weekly family dinners. Convinced the police are after the wrong man, Maya is determined to stop the killer before it’s too late. Exploring timely issues in Hawaii, including locals getting priced out of paradise, The Ghost of Waikiki is an engrossing mystery in the vein of The Verifiers.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published November 19, 2024
59 people are currently reading
6003 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer K. Morita
1 book63 followersFormer newspaper reporter Jennifer K. Morita believes a good story is like good mochi - slightly sweet with a nice chew.
Her debut mystery, THE GHOST OF WAIKIKI to be released by Crooked Lane Nov.19, is about an out-of-work journalist who reluctantly becomes the ghost writer for a controversial developer. When she stumbles into murder - and her ex - she discovers coming home to paradise can be murder.
Jennifer writes for a university in Northern California, where she lives with her husband and two daughters. When she isn’t pushing Girl Scout cookies, she enjoys reading, experimenting with recipes, Zumba and Hot Hula.
Her debut mystery, THE GHOST OF WAIKIKI to be released by Crooked Lane Nov.19, is about an out-of-work journalist who reluctantly becomes the ghost writer for a controversial developer. When she stumbles into murder - and her ex - she discovers coming home to paradise can be murder.
Jennifer writes for a university in Northern California, where she lives with her husband and two daughters. When she isn’t pushing Girl Scout cookies, she enjoys reading, experimenting with recipes, Zumba and Hot Hula.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
January 6, 2025
make this a series immediately jennifer take all my money 💳
August 4, 2024
"It was a long, thrilling tale, and don’t ask me how I managed to stay patient while waiting to discover the identity of the killer. I was tempted to skip to the last page, but I restrained myself."
The novel tells the gripping story of Maya Wong, a former journalist turned writer, who is experiencing a difficult period in her career. Suddenly, an exciting opportunity arises, and like a drowning person grabbing a lifeline, she accepts. Maya takes on the role of ghostwriter for a book about a land developer family and travels to Hawaii, where the family resides. Coincidentally, Hawaii is also her hometown, which appears unchanged despite the passage of time. As Maya becomes entangled in the family's affairs, a prominent family member dies, and although she hasn't reported in years, her investigative instincts resurface. She also reconnects with her ex, and despite having no intention of reuniting, the homicide investigation keeps bringing them together.
Will she successfully complete the book, or will she become consumed by events that seem unrelated but are somehow connected to her?
The novel is beautifully written, with events unfolding chronologically and the word choice both precise and accessible. The vivid descriptions allow readers to visualize the stunning Hawaiian scenery. The plot is well-structured, and each character is richly developed. The editing and grammar are impeccable, leaving no room for complaints.
However, the main character occasionally frustrated me. Despite being introduced as clever, brave, and impatient, she sometimes makes foolish decisions. While these actions drive the plot forward, they made her less likable to me. Nevertheless, I recommend this story to anyone seeking a thrilling read with a subtle touch of romance.
The novel tells the gripping story of Maya Wong, a former journalist turned writer, who is experiencing a difficult period in her career. Suddenly, an exciting opportunity arises, and like a drowning person grabbing a lifeline, she accepts. Maya takes on the role of ghostwriter for a book about a land developer family and travels to Hawaii, where the family resides. Coincidentally, Hawaii is also her hometown, which appears unchanged despite the passage of time. As Maya becomes entangled in the family's affairs, a prominent family member dies, and although she hasn't reported in years, her investigative instincts resurface. She also reconnects with her ex, and despite having no intention of reuniting, the homicide investigation keeps bringing them together.
Will she successfully complete the book, or will she become consumed by events that seem unrelated but are somehow connected to her?
The novel is beautifully written, with events unfolding chronologically and the word choice both precise and accessible. The vivid descriptions allow readers to visualize the stunning Hawaiian scenery. The plot is well-structured, and each character is richly developed. The editing and grammar are impeccable, leaving no room for complaints.
However, the main character occasionally frustrated me. Despite being introduced as clever, brave, and impatient, she sometimes makes foolish decisions. While these actions drive the plot forward, they made her less likable to me. Nevertheless, I recommend this story to anyone seeking a thrilling read with a subtle touch of romance.
January 7, 2025
Ghost of Waikiki is a debut mystery/thriller. The main character, Maya, a newly-unemployed newspaper reporter, (temporarily?) returns to Hawaii from California when she gets a ghost writing gig. After her first interview at the client's home, there's a murder in the swimming pool and Maya's journalistic instincts kick in. This pits her against her ex-boyfriend, a police detective, and the main reason she left home in the first place.
One plot point involves non-native developers coming into Hawaii, buying property for malls - making it hard for local businesses to compete, and high priced resorts - causing local residents to struggle financially. There's also commentary on colonialism and who gets to write the history of a place.
If this book turns out to be the set up for a new series, I am there for it. I enjoyed the major and supporting characters, and would enjoy more stories set in this space. Also, I loved the descriptions of local food (the characters eat a lot in this book), and I kind of want to try some.
One plot point involves non-native developers coming into Hawaii, buying property for malls - making it hard for local businesses to compete, and high priced resorts - causing local residents to struggle financially. There's also commentary on colonialism and who gets to write the history of a place.
If this book turns out to be the set up for a new series, I am there for it. I enjoyed the major and supporting characters, and would enjoy more stories set in this space. Also, I loved the descriptions of local food (the characters eat a lot in this book), and I kind of want to try some.
December 18, 2024
Back in town after years away, an out of work journalist, Maya Wong, takes a job in her hometown in Waikiki, Hawaiʻi, to ghostwrite Parker Hamilton's biography. The day Maya meets the Parker, a successful land developer, she meets two other men, Parker's father Charles, and a young man about her age who is wandering about the grounds of the Hamilton estate but is not seen again.
Parker's father dies suddenly under suspicious circumstances, and police are on the case soon. The homicide detective in charge of the case, Koa Yamada, is the man Maya was involved with before she left for the mainland.
As Maya eases back into life on the island and into her family's and friends' lives, she quickly discovers that none of them are happy about her new job working for someone whose family has been integral in destroying part of the original inhabitants' legacy, whether from seizing power many years earlier, or in buying up land, and gentrifying neighbourhoods.
Maya also learns that there have been a series of robberies along the beach that she likes to run on.
When Maya learns that the police are after the young man she met on the estate, she is convinced he had nothing to do with the murder because of things that she observed, and through successive conversations she has with the family. She begins digging into matters, earning herself her former boyfriend's annoyance, and the violent attention of robbers. She also learns more about the Hamiltons, and about the effects gentrification is having on the locals, who are being priced out of good locations for their businesses and homes. Maya does end up figuring out what is really going on, and in the process strips the shine off the Hamiltons.
Even though the mystery had a lot of moving parts, it took a secondary place to my interest in Maya and her reintegration into her old life in Waikiki. Seeing the changes wrought by tourism and unchecked land development has altered the look and feel of the island, and the livelihoods of those who have been there for generations.
I also liked the tough conversations Maya has with her friends and family about her long disappearance from home, as well as the tense relationship she has with former romantic partner Koa. There is plenty of interesting detail here to continue to work through if Jennifer K. Morita decides to continue Maya adventures. I would read them if she did, as I enjoyed this solid story with a "research and looking for clues" approach to solve a mystery with much money and influence at stake.
I switched back and forth between the prose and the audio. Voice actor Jennifer Robideau uses a variety of tones and inflections to inhabit all the characters. Her work as Maya was a pleasure to listen to, from Maya's reluctance and ambivalence at the novel's opening, but which gradually transforms into something more adamant when she determines to find out what happened at the estate, especially as she learns how close to home the Hamilton plans reach in Waikiki. Robideau also brings a verve to Maya's best friend Lani that I really enjoyed.
Thank you to Netgalley, Crooked Lane Books and Spotify Audiobooks for these ARCs in exchange for my review.
Parker's father dies suddenly under suspicious circumstances, and police are on the case soon. The homicide detective in charge of the case, Koa Yamada, is the man Maya was involved with before she left for the mainland.
As Maya eases back into life on the island and into her family's and friends' lives, she quickly discovers that none of them are happy about her new job working for someone whose family has been integral in destroying part of the original inhabitants' legacy, whether from seizing power many years earlier, or in buying up land, and gentrifying neighbourhoods.
Maya also learns that there have been a series of robberies along the beach that she likes to run on.
When Maya learns that the police are after the young man she met on the estate, she is convinced he had nothing to do with the murder because of things that she observed, and through successive conversations she has with the family. She begins digging into matters, earning herself her former boyfriend's annoyance, and the violent attention of robbers. She also learns more about the Hamiltons, and about the effects gentrification is having on the locals, who are being priced out of good locations for their businesses and homes. Maya does end up figuring out what is really going on, and in the process strips the shine off the Hamiltons.
Even though the mystery had a lot of moving parts, it took a secondary place to my interest in Maya and her reintegration into her old life in Waikiki. Seeing the changes wrought by tourism and unchecked land development has altered the look and feel of the island, and the livelihoods of those who have been there for generations.
I also liked the tough conversations Maya has with her friends and family about her long disappearance from home, as well as the tense relationship she has with former romantic partner Koa. There is plenty of interesting detail here to continue to work through if Jennifer K. Morita decides to continue Maya adventures. I would read them if she did, as I enjoyed this solid story with a "research and looking for clues" approach to solve a mystery with much money and influence at stake.
I switched back and forth between the prose and the audio. Voice actor Jennifer Robideau uses a variety of tones and inflections to inhabit all the characters. Her work as Maya was a pleasure to listen to, from Maya's reluctance and ambivalence at the novel's opening, but which gradually transforms into something more adamant when she determines to find out what happened at the estate, especially as she learns how close to home the Hamilton plans reach in Waikiki. Robideau also brings a verve to Maya's best friend Lani that I really enjoyed.
Thank you to Netgalley, Crooked Lane Books and Spotify Audiobooks for these ARCs in exchange for my review.
November 18, 2024
Fascinating look at Maya Wong’s return to Hawaii and her new job as a biographer, which is cut short when one of the subjects is murdered. I enjoyed exploring Oahu with her as she reconnected with family and friends all the while investigating who was behind the murder of her new boss. Morita does a great job of making Maya seem like both a newcomer and a native at the same time, delving into the ways that outsiders are treated at times. Not too heavy, great for a beach read or a rainy afternoon.
I received a copy from #NetGalley, #spotifyaudiobooks, and #crookedlanebooks for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley, #spotifyaudiobooks, and #crookedlanebooks for an honest review.
January 4, 2025
I picked up this debut mystery by a local author, and I really loved it! Reporter Maya goes home to Hawai'i for a ghostwriting gig, and her shady rich employer's father is found dead while she's on their property.
This was just a good old-fashioned mystery. Clues and detective work (and character work) will always beat cheap thrills for shock value in my book. Maya also deals with tense relationships with old friends and her detective ex-boyfriend. I enjoyed this all the way through.
This was just a good old-fashioned mystery. Clues and detective work (and character work) will always beat cheap thrills for shock value in my book. Maya also deals with tense relationships with old friends and her detective ex-boyfriend. I enjoyed this all the way through.
November 26, 2024
This was such a thrilling debut! It was SO good, and I can't wait to see what the author comes out with next!
Maya has finally returned home to Hawaii, but it isn't to visit family or friends. She's returned for a job she's taken as a ghostwriter for a prominent Hawaiian family. A family who believes they made Hawaii. But when the patriarch is found floating in the pool under suspicious circumstances, the ghostwriting comes to a halt, and her investigative skills take over. She was a journalist on the main land, so she can't help herself. Her ex, the person she's been trying to avoid, Koa Yamada just happens to be the lead detective on the case. He wants her to stay out of it, especially when it starts getting dangerous for her. But can she stay out of the way?
This book was incredibly addictive and totally bingeable! It was a gripping page-turner that kept me completely invested. The mystery was intriguing, and I was definitely shocked by the outcome! I never would have guessed it!
The setting was atomspheric, and I loved how the author included the Hawaiian culture in this book. I'm not going to lie. I absolutely loved the food references! If you're looking for a completely unpredictable whodunit, this is the book for you! I HIGHLY recommend it!
Maya has finally returned home to Hawaii, but it isn't to visit family or friends. She's returned for a job she's taken as a ghostwriter for a prominent Hawaiian family. A family who believes they made Hawaii. But when the patriarch is found floating in the pool under suspicious circumstances, the ghostwriting comes to a halt, and her investigative skills take over. She was a journalist on the main land, so she can't help herself. Her ex, the person she's been trying to avoid, Koa Yamada just happens to be the lead detective on the case. He wants her to stay out of it, especially when it starts getting dangerous for her. But can she stay out of the way?
This book was incredibly addictive and totally bingeable! It was a gripping page-turner that kept me completely invested. The mystery was intriguing, and I was definitely shocked by the outcome! I never would have guessed it!
The setting was atomspheric, and I loved how the author included the Hawaiian culture in this book. I'm not going to lie. I absolutely loved the food references! If you're looking for a completely unpredictable whodunit, this is the book for you! I HIGHLY recommend it!
December 13, 2024
Maya has landed a plum assignment, ghost writing a book for a wealthy land developer. While she appreciates the income it will bring, it also means returning home to Hawaii and the ghost of a failed romance. Unfortunately, the job doesn't look so good when her subject's father winds up floating in the pool.
To add to the complication, her aforesaid failed romantic partner, Koa, is the lead detective on the case.
Filled with complicated family dynamics, twists and turns, and engaging characters this makes for one satisfying mystery. I hope to read more from Maya and Koa.
To add to the complication, her aforesaid failed romantic partner, Koa, is the lead detective on the case.
Filled with complicated family dynamics, twists and turns, and engaging characters this makes for one satisfying mystery. I hope to read more from Maya and Koa.
June 30, 2024
It is not a good sign when I put down a book to read a different book, and I did that with.this one several times..
I know from the afterword the author really put her heart into this book, and really loves Hawaii. So do I, I've never been there but I've read scads of book set there, and traveling to the Islands would be a dream come true vacation for me.
All that said, I liked this book, but I didn't love it. Somehow Maya just didn't come off the page for me as a character, I found her at times to be downright annoying.. I didn't quite guess the murderer immediately, but a lot of the plot was pretty predictable especially if you've watched enough episodes of Hawaii Five-O - - either the original or the reboot!
So in the spirit of aloha I will give this book three stars, it probably only rates about a 2.75.
I know from the afterword the author really put her heart into this book, and really loves Hawaii. So do I, I've never been there but I've read scads of book set there, and traveling to the Islands would be a dream come true vacation for me.
All that said, I liked this book, but I didn't love it. Somehow Maya just didn't come off the page for me as a character, I found her at times to be downright annoying.. I didn't quite guess the murderer immediately, but a lot of the plot was pretty predictable especially if you've watched enough episodes of Hawaii Five-O - - either the original or the reboot!
So in the spirit of aloha I will give this book three stars, it probably only rates about a 2.75.
February 16, 2025
Overly complicated and not believable, but did love the descriptions of Hawaii, and I enjoyed learning about the culture. Didn’t love the characters.
November 5, 2024
As someone from Hawaii who now lives on the mainland I’m not really sure how to rate this book. So much of it was nostalgic to me and I really loved how Jennifer wove local Hawaiian culture into the book. For that reason I had a hard time separating my love of Hawaii from this book.
This is a good first novel and a decent mystery. I wouldn’t say it was a complete page turner but it had enough to keep me interested. I would say that I didn’t feel that the main character Maya was fully rounded character and I didn’t connect with her at all. She was pleasant but not riveting. I would say the same about all the characters. I didn’t feel any depth from them, there were just there.
I didn’t guess who the murderer was which is a great sign because I’ve read A LOT of thrillers/mysteries.
All in all I would say this was an enjoyable novel and this author definitely shows promise and I would pick up her next novel.
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
This is a good first novel and a decent mystery. I wouldn’t say it was a complete page turner but it had enough to keep me interested. I would say that I didn’t feel that the main character Maya was fully rounded character and I didn’t connect with her at all. She was pleasant but not riveting. I would say the same about all the characters. I didn’t feel any depth from them, there were just there.
I didn’t guess who the murderer was which is a great sign because I’ve read A LOT of thrillers/mysteries.
All in all I would say this was an enjoyable novel and this author definitely shows promise and I would pick up her next novel.
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
August 10, 2025
This was enjoyable, though I get frustrated by the "plucky" heroine who keeps insisting to the "brooding" detective/love interest that everything is fine when it clearly isn't. She's smart enough to solve a murder but too dumb to realize someone is stalking her? come on. at least it resolved well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2025
Absolutely enjoyed this book. Hooked from the first page, drawn to Maya’s story of feeling out of place and returning to a possible home. And also the entertaining and twisty mystery central to the novel, which highlights Hawaiian history and digs into modern trends of quick development. I also appreciated the depictions of great friendship and the romantic tension as well.
An amazing debut; do yourself a favor and be swept away by the history, heart, and homicide happening in this well-written novel.
An amazing debut; do yourself a favor and be swept away by the history, heart, and homicide happening in this well-written novel.
February 14, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Spotify Audiobooks for an audio copy in exchange for an honest review.
2.5 Stars
After fleeing for college, Maya Wong, has reluctantly returned to her home island of Oahu taking a ghost writing position for a wealthy family's son Parker Hamilton. Day one of meeting the family the head of the family is found dead in the family swimming pool. Maya is thrust into the middle of the suspicious death's investigation, lead by her ex. The Hamilton family has been land developers for years and are working on a new deal that has some islanders protesting. This list of potential suspects is staggering and Maya can't help but feel off balanced as she tries to reunite her Hawaiian roots and her journalistic aspirations.
I will begin by saying that I loved the Hawaiian setting and culture that is woven into the narrative, it makes me want to return to the islands. The story itself I found hard to enjoy, it is very slow with too many frivolous descriptions that are unnecessary, distracting and irritating. The premise is very vanilla pockmarked with stereotypes and an ending I saw a mile off. I struggled to want to finish the book but did. This is not one I will be following as a series.
One part of my struggle with this book was the narration of my audiobook read by Jennifer Robideau. Her performance was grating and flat. I hate when I can hear a narrator take a giant breath before every sentence. It is irritating. I would not recommend this audio book.
2.5 Stars
After fleeing for college, Maya Wong, has reluctantly returned to her home island of Oahu taking a ghost writing position for a wealthy family's son Parker Hamilton. Day one of meeting the family the head of the family is found dead in the family swimming pool. Maya is thrust into the middle of the suspicious death's investigation, lead by her ex. The Hamilton family has been land developers for years and are working on a new deal that has some islanders protesting. This list of potential suspects is staggering and Maya can't help but feel off balanced as she tries to reunite her Hawaiian roots and her journalistic aspirations.
I will begin by saying that I loved the Hawaiian setting and culture that is woven into the narrative, it makes me want to return to the islands. The story itself I found hard to enjoy, it is very slow with too many frivolous descriptions that are unnecessary, distracting and irritating. The premise is very vanilla pockmarked with stereotypes and an ending I saw a mile off. I struggled to want to finish the book but did. This is not one I will be following as a series.
One part of my struggle with this book was the narration of my audiobook read by Jennifer Robideau. Her performance was grating and flat. I hate when I can hear a narrator take a giant breath before every sentence. It is irritating. I would not recommend this audio book.
January 3, 2025
It was fine, I liked the Hawaiian setting, but the author seemed to need to overemphasize Hawaiian culture in every other sentence. Mystery was predictable.
November 22, 2024
Although I liked the premise, I didn’t care for the characters.
I also feel that I would’ve enjoyed it much more if I were Asian, as there were constant references to Asian food, sayings, etc… like overpowering references…
That being said, I love Hawaii,and vacationed there on our honeymoon…so this book definitely called to me.
And, it opened with a HUGE bang! A dead body in a pool…one that the main character had just interviewed!
So, there is the ability to get my attention! But for me, it floundered a bit after that. I felt like I was not so invested in the characters…or the plot.
It definitely had its good moments, and I did read it all the way through, but I just feel like I wasn’t fully invested.
For that reason, I’m giving it 2 1/2 ⭐️⭐️💫, rounded up to 3.
And because this is not a great review, I’ll limit it to here and NetGalley.
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #SpotifyAudiobooks for an ARC of the audiobook which releases on 11/19/24.
The Ghosts of Waikiki by Jennifer Morita and narrated nicely by Jennifer Robideau.
Feel free to like, follow and friend me on: Goodreads,
Insta @ #BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine.
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
I also feel that I would’ve enjoyed it much more if I were Asian, as there were constant references to Asian food, sayings, etc… like overpowering references…
That being said, I love Hawaii,and vacationed there on our honeymoon…so this book definitely called to me.
And, it opened with a HUGE bang! A dead body in a pool…one that the main character had just interviewed!
So, there is the ability to get my attention! But for me, it floundered a bit after that. I felt like I was not so invested in the characters…or the plot.
It definitely had its good moments, and I did read it all the way through, but I just feel like I wasn’t fully invested.
For that reason, I’m giving it 2 1/2 ⭐️⭐️💫, rounded up to 3.
And because this is not a great review, I’ll limit it to here and NetGalley.
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #SpotifyAudiobooks for an ARC of the audiobook which releases on 11/19/24.
The Ghosts of Waikiki by Jennifer Morita and narrated nicely by Jennifer Robideau.
Feel free to like, follow and friend me on: Goodreads,
Insta @ #BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine.
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
January 10, 2025
This book recalled our visit to magical Oahu. The author drew attention to the issues facing Hawaiians who are being priced out of their land without distracting from the mystery. I really want more of these characters-I hope she writes a series.
February 3, 2025
Very good, well written thriller…hopefully more in series will follow…ha
July 7, 2025
This book was such a great thriller with twists at every turn that kept me guessing “who dun it” until the end!
February 6, 2025
This is a round up to 3.5. I enjoyed this book, especially for its atmospheric depiction of Honolulu and its culture. It’s fast paced and absorbing. As an aside, I really hoped the author would include a bitter mochi recipe!
June 17, 2025
I enjoyed this book. I did not guess who the killer was which made it more enjoyable. I listened to the audiobook. This was another one of my book club books that I normally would not have read but glad I did. I would recommend this book.
March 2, 2025
3.75 ✨ for crime fiction
Also read this on a long travel day from Iceland. Genre fiction + plane ride is equal to wine + cheese night, imo.
For a crime / mystery novel: enjoyed it. Not so complicated that the final act felt like a deus ex machina device, nor was it horribly convoluted in a way that genuinely upset me. All the clues were there the whole time.
Also, the characters were well written and believable. I was invested in the personal and professional experiences of everyone, and was sad that there wasn’t a little extra happily ever after epilogue.
Overall, would recc to a friend who wanted this kind of story to read. Is this the best book in the world? No. Does it do its job pretty well within its genre? Yes. I’m a huge advocate for enjoyable genre fiction over pretentious artwank any day (although I’ll still read the classics).
Now I must away and read some Scottish poetry.
Also read this on a long travel day from Iceland. Genre fiction + plane ride is equal to wine + cheese night, imo.
For a crime / mystery novel: enjoyed it. Not so complicated that the final act felt like a deus ex machina device, nor was it horribly convoluted in a way that genuinely upset me. All the clues were there the whole time.
Also, the characters were well written and believable. I was invested in the personal and professional experiences of everyone, and was sad that there wasn’t a little extra happily ever after epilogue.
Overall, would recc to a friend who wanted this kind of story to read. Is this the best book in the world? No. Does it do its job pretty well within its genre? Yes. I’m a huge advocate for enjoyable genre fiction over pretentious artwank any day (although I’ll still read the classics).
Now I must away and read some Scottish poetry.
December 3, 2024
A return to the tropical island wonder of her birth was never going to be paradise, but a dead body in the pool during her first day of work is the start of a deadly mystery that a journalist must solve before she’s the next victim. Jennifer K Morita is a debut author and I was eager to try her book when I spotted the title and then read the blurb.
Ghosts of Waikiki opens with Maya Wong returned to Hawaii after leaving to pursue her journalism career. Her San Francisco paper folded, her rent went up, and she is hired out of the blue to do a ghostwriter job for a wealthy Hawaiian businessman who wants to write the family history. She no sooner meets Parker Hamilton, his wife, son, and father than Charles Hamilton is discovered floating face down in his pool. Maya’s investigative journalism instincts kick in and she notices little things that make the killer start to notice here. Meanwhile, she’s faced with resettling in her hometown and having to do the investigation partnered with the ex, the police detective on the case, she really hoped to never encounter when she came home.
Ghosts of Waikiki had all the cultural color and vivid Hawaiian island life I was hoping for as the backdrop to a mystery. I liked that the author gave it a blend of nostalgic, but clear-eyed reality view of the commercialized tour-laden life there and how the wealthy have changed things and not for the better of many of the non-wealthy locals. The investigation was interesting and I had my suspicions for which I was partly right. Maya is a good representation of someone who left and returned and is trying to figure out her life. I felt the crackling energy between her and Koa Yamada, who is the police detective that reluctantly gets her help on the case. They also get a chance to make peace with their past.
I didn’t completely settle into the author’s writing style or Maya, but I could still appreciate much about the plot, characters, and even the fun, local dialogue showing the author knows Hawaii as an insider. I’m not sure if this is a standalone story, but I wouldn’t mind if it became a series. Those who appreciate the surrounding setting and a personal story for the main character as much as a murder mystery should definitely consider this one for their stack.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on 11.20.24
Ghosts of Waikiki opens with Maya Wong returned to Hawaii after leaving to pursue her journalism career. Her San Francisco paper folded, her rent went up, and she is hired out of the blue to do a ghostwriter job for a wealthy Hawaiian businessman who wants to write the family history. She no sooner meets Parker Hamilton, his wife, son, and father than Charles Hamilton is discovered floating face down in his pool. Maya’s investigative journalism instincts kick in and she notices little things that make the killer start to notice here. Meanwhile, she’s faced with resettling in her hometown and having to do the investigation partnered with the ex, the police detective on the case, she really hoped to never encounter when she came home.
Ghosts of Waikiki had all the cultural color and vivid Hawaiian island life I was hoping for as the backdrop to a mystery. I liked that the author gave it a blend of nostalgic, but clear-eyed reality view of the commercialized tour-laden life there and how the wealthy have changed things and not for the better of many of the non-wealthy locals. The investigation was interesting and I had my suspicions for which I was partly right. Maya is a good representation of someone who left and returned and is trying to figure out her life. I felt the crackling energy between her and Koa Yamada, who is the police detective that reluctantly gets her help on the case. They also get a chance to make peace with their past.
I didn’t completely settle into the author’s writing style or Maya, but I could still appreciate much about the plot, characters, and even the fun, local dialogue showing the author knows Hawaii as an insider. I’m not sure if this is a standalone story, but I wouldn’t mind if it became a series. Those who appreciate the surrounding setting and a personal story for the main character as much as a murder mystery should definitely consider this one for their stack.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on 11.20.24
July 3, 2024
Note: Thank you to NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books, and Kristi Jones for the advanced reader copy of the book. This review will also be posted on NetGalley. What follows is my unbiased review of the book.
Ghosts of Waikiki is a good mystery novel, perfect for summer reading. It has just about everything it needs for light reading while at the same time keeping me turning the page. Not to mention, the setting in Hawaii is perfect for a mental vacation while reading.
Maya Wong is an unemployed newspaper reporter who lands a job ghostwriting a novel back in Hawaii where she grew up. She hasn’t been back home in some time but has misgivings about reacquainting herself with her old friends, particularly her ex-boyfriend Koa.
The Hamiltons are a powerful and wealthy family on the island. Maya was hired to ghostwrite the biography of Parker Hamilton in hopes that it would help boost his son, Steven, to a career in politics. During one of the days at the Hamilton mansion, the patriarch of the family, Charles Hamilton, is found floating in the pool of what at first appears to be a heart attack.
However, Maya soon seems to be the target of a serial mugger. It’s a little too much of a coincidence for Koa, who is now a police detective. He soon insinuates himself in Maya’s life as he tries to protect her and she resists. Meanwhile, she also comfortably falls into her old life with her friends and family, all the while trying to solve the mystery of what happened to Charles Hamilton.
To read my full review please go to Ghosts of Waikiki by Jennifer Morita – Who Dun It in Paradise
Ghosts of Waikiki is a good mystery novel, perfect for summer reading. It has just about everything it needs for light reading while at the same time keeping me turning the page. Not to mention, the setting in Hawaii is perfect for a mental vacation while reading.
Maya Wong is an unemployed newspaper reporter who lands a job ghostwriting a novel back in Hawaii where she grew up. She hasn’t been back home in some time but has misgivings about reacquainting herself with her old friends, particularly her ex-boyfriend Koa.
The Hamiltons are a powerful and wealthy family on the island. Maya was hired to ghostwrite the biography of Parker Hamilton in hopes that it would help boost his son, Steven, to a career in politics. During one of the days at the Hamilton mansion, the patriarch of the family, Charles Hamilton, is found floating in the pool of what at first appears to be a heart attack.
However, Maya soon seems to be the target of a serial mugger. It’s a little too much of a coincidence for Koa, who is now a police detective. He soon insinuates himself in Maya’s life as he tries to protect her and she resists. Meanwhile, she also comfortably falls into her old life with her friends and family, all the while trying to solve the mystery of what happened to Charles Hamilton.
To read my full review please go to Ghosts of Waikiki by Jennifer Morita – Who Dun It in Paradise
November 20, 2024
Jennifer K. Morita’s Ghosts of Waikiki is a captivating mystery that blends Hawaiian culture, family tension, and a gripping murder investigation into a story that is as atmospheric as it is engaging. With vivid descriptions of Waikiki and a rich cast of characters, Morita transports readers to an island paradise tinged with darkness and intrigue.
The story follows Maya, who reluctantly returns to her hometown only to find herself entangled in a murder that hits too close to home. The plot expertly balances personal stakes with the twists and turns of the investigation, keeping readers guessing until the final pages. Maya’s emotional journey—navigating strained family dynamics while confronting the unexpected dangers around her—is as compelling as the central mystery.
One of the novel’s strengths lies in its ability to surprise. While the ending may not align with what some readers might anticipate, it is nevertheless satisfying and true to the story’s core themes. Morita’s ability to defy expectations adds an extra layer of intrigue, making the book not just a whodunit but a nuanced exploration of trust, resilience, and self-discovery.
For fans of mysteries with a strong sense of place and character-driven storytelling, Ghosts of Waikiki is a rewarding read. It combines a richly atmospheric setting with a tightly woven plot that will keep you turning the pages. Whether you’re drawn by the allure of Hawaii or the pull of a great mystery, this book delivers on both fronts.
The story follows Maya, who reluctantly returns to her hometown only to find herself entangled in a murder that hits too close to home. The plot expertly balances personal stakes with the twists and turns of the investigation, keeping readers guessing until the final pages. Maya’s emotional journey—navigating strained family dynamics while confronting the unexpected dangers around her—is as compelling as the central mystery.
One of the novel’s strengths lies in its ability to surprise. While the ending may not align with what some readers might anticipate, it is nevertheless satisfying and true to the story’s core themes. Morita’s ability to defy expectations adds an extra layer of intrigue, making the book not just a whodunit but a nuanced exploration of trust, resilience, and self-discovery.
For fans of mysteries with a strong sense of place and character-driven storytelling, Ghosts of Waikiki is a rewarding read. It combines a richly atmospheric setting with a tightly woven plot that will keep you turning the pages. Whether you’re drawn by the allure of Hawaii or the pull of a great mystery, this book delivers on both fronts.
December 16, 2024
Ghosts of Waikiki was a “good not great” for me. Still worth a read if you’re into amateur sleuth novels and island life / settings.
The good:
- The author clearly knows a lot about Hawaiian culture and history and has a lot of love for the islands.
- the story starts off great and is easy to get into
The not so good:
- characters outside of the main two were confusing and not distinctive enough to keep separate in my mind
- ending seemed rushed but slow at the same time, certain parts very predictable
The neutral:
- narration by Jennifer Robideau was very robotic but the word pronunciations and accent helped with the Hawaiian names and setting.
- the plot was neither outstanding nor terrible, some chapters were written very well and others were slow and hard to stay invested.
Thank you to NetGalley, Spotify Audiobooks and Jennifer K. Morita for the audio ARC!
The good:
- The author clearly knows a lot about Hawaiian culture and history and has a lot of love for the islands.
- the story starts off great and is easy to get into
The not so good:
- characters outside of the main two were confusing and not distinctive enough to keep separate in my mind
- ending seemed rushed but slow at the same time, certain parts very predictable
The neutral:
- narration by Jennifer Robideau was very robotic but the word pronunciations and accent helped with the Hawaiian names and setting.
- the plot was neither outstanding nor terrible, some chapters were written very well and others were slow and hard to stay invested.
Thank you to NetGalley, Spotify Audiobooks and Jennifer K. Morita for the audio ARC!
January 2, 2025
What a fun book! A happy combination of police procedural and investigative journalism for the plot. Lots of likable characters, especially the hapa protagonist—part Hawaiian, part Chinese—who returns to her home on Oahu after years working as journalist in California.
What sets this book above the run-of-the-mill mystery novel is the lush Hawaiian atmosphere that had me longing to go back to Hawaii after reading only a chapter. The story is infused with Hawaiian culture: myth, food, language, dress, mores, and the ways that characters interact with each other. Morita sprinkles the narrative with lots of Hawaiian terms, many of which can easily be deciphered by context. She effortlessly flavors the story with descriptions and details of beaches, plants, neighborhoods, sunsets, and architecture that make Hawaii come alive with color and fragrance.
What sets this book above the run-of-the-mill mystery novel is the lush Hawaiian atmosphere that had me longing to go back to Hawaii after reading only a chapter. The story is infused with Hawaiian culture: myth, food, language, dress, mores, and the ways that characters interact with each other. Morita sprinkles the narrative with lots of Hawaiian terms, many of which can easily be deciphered by context. She effortlessly flavors the story with descriptions and details of beaches, plants, neighborhoods, sunsets, and architecture that make Hawaii come alive with color and fragrance.
May 16, 2024
GHOSTS OF WAIKIKI tells the story of unemployed newspaper reporter Maya Wong, who reluctantly returns home to Hawaii to ghostwrite the memoir of a dodgy real estate developer. Before she can settle into the assignment, a man dies under mysterious circumstances and Maya gets plunged into the middle of a murder investigation. Maya clashes with the lead homicide detective, who happens to be her ex-boyfriend, while finding herself in the sights of the killer as she digs for the truth before she becomes the next victim.
Ghosts of Waikiki by Jennifer K. Morita is an entertaining murder mystery chock full of contemporary issues in Hawaii, including the impact of tourism and out-of-state investment that is pricing the locals out of paradise.
Unemployed journalist Maya Wong reluctantly returns to her native Hawaii to ghostwrite the memoir of dodgy real estate developer Parker Hamilton. But when Charles, the Hamilton family patriarch, dies under suspicious circumstances, Maya can’t resist involving herself in the investigation. The deeper she gets involved, the more she clashes with the lead homicide detective, her ex-boyfriend Koa, and the greater risk Maya runs in becoming a killer’s next victim.
I rarely read murder mysteries featuring amateur detectives because they are often not very realistic. But this one is an exception given the lead character, Maya Wong, is a journalist and her investigative skills as a reporter and her connection to the family realistically applies to the case at hand. She also has an intimate connection with the lead police detective, which gives her access to information about the official investigation even though he continually warns her to stay out of it. But Maya’s curiosity, stubbornness, and the habits she picked up as a news reporter means she just can’t resist getting and staying involved. She quickly learns the only thing more dangerous than hunting a killer is being hunted by one, but Maya persists in trying to find out who killed Charles Hamilton.
I really enjoyed the set-up of this novel. When her California newspaper goes out of business, out of desperation, Maya takes a job ghostwriting the memoir of a controversial real estate developer. This produces angst for her on many levels. As a native Hawaiian who left home for the mainland to pursue a career as a journalist, she feels uncomfortable working with a man she knows does more harm than good for the locals. His huge developments not only force local mom and pop businesses to go under, but developers like Parker Hamilton make it difficult for the locals to buy homes. It’s like she is working for the arch-nemesis of her own people. In addition, Maya must deal with the stress of dealing with the friends and family she left behind when she departed for the mainland.
Maya’s ethical dilemma over writing the memoir gets eclipsed quickly when the patriarch of the Hamilton family, Charles Hamilton II, dies under suspicious circumstances and the cops soon suspect foul play. Unable to resist her past news hound instincts, Maya searches for clues to the killer’s identity, drawing the killer’s attention, and making herself a target. But even when things get dicey, Maya can’t let it go. It almost turns into a full-on cat-and-mouse game, with her never seeming to be fully aware of just how precarious her situation is.
Like most amateur detective murder mysteries, this one aims for the right vibe rather than perfection, but overall, it stays believable. The authentic local Hawaiian manner of speech adds authenticity and makes the characters more relatable to readers. Morita’s endearing writing style reminds me of another California crime fiction writer who has become a recent favorite of mine. I feel she is an exciting fresh voice in crime fiction we’ll be hearing more from. Ghosts of Waikiki is a strong debut which I very much enjoyed reading and recommend to fans of mystery and detective fiction. I hope to meet the character Maya Wong again soon.
Crooked Lane Books, an imprint of The Quick Brown Fox & Company LLC, will publish Ghosts of Waikiki on November 19, 2024. I received an advance review copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley used for this review, which represents my honest opinions.
Ghosts of Waikiki by Jennifer K. Morita is an entertaining murder mystery chock full of contemporary issues in Hawaii, including the impact of tourism and out-of-state investment that is pricing the locals out of paradise.
Unemployed journalist Maya Wong reluctantly returns to her native Hawaii to ghostwrite the memoir of dodgy real estate developer Parker Hamilton. But when Charles, the Hamilton family patriarch, dies under suspicious circumstances, Maya can’t resist involving herself in the investigation. The deeper she gets involved, the more she clashes with the lead homicide detective, her ex-boyfriend Koa, and the greater risk Maya runs in becoming a killer’s next victim.
I rarely read murder mysteries featuring amateur detectives because they are often not very realistic. But this one is an exception given the lead character, Maya Wong, is a journalist and her investigative skills as a reporter and her connection to the family realistically applies to the case at hand. She also has an intimate connection with the lead police detective, which gives her access to information about the official investigation even though he continually warns her to stay out of it. But Maya’s curiosity, stubbornness, and the habits she picked up as a news reporter means she just can’t resist getting and staying involved. She quickly learns the only thing more dangerous than hunting a killer is being hunted by one, but Maya persists in trying to find out who killed Charles Hamilton.
I really enjoyed the set-up of this novel. When her California newspaper goes out of business, out of desperation, Maya takes a job ghostwriting the memoir of a controversial real estate developer. This produces angst for her on many levels. As a native Hawaiian who left home for the mainland to pursue a career as a journalist, she feels uncomfortable working with a man she knows does more harm than good for the locals. His huge developments not only force local mom and pop businesses to go under, but developers like Parker Hamilton make it difficult for the locals to buy homes. It’s like she is working for the arch-nemesis of her own people. In addition, Maya must deal with the stress of dealing with the friends and family she left behind when she departed for the mainland.
Maya’s ethical dilemma over writing the memoir gets eclipsed quickly when the patriarch of the Hamilton family, Charles Hamilton II, dies under suspicious circumstances and the cops soon suspect foul play. Unable to resist her past news hound instincts, Maya searches for clues to the killer’s identity, drawing the killer’s attention, and making herself a target. But even when things get dicey, Maya can’t let it go. It almost turns into a full-on cat-and-mouse game, with her never seeming to be fully aware of just how precarious her situation is.
Like most amateur detective murder mysteries, this one aims for the right vibe rather than perfection, but overall, it stays believable. The authentic local Hawaiian manner of speech adds authenticity and makes the characters more relatable to readers. Morita’s endearing writing style reminds me of another California crime fiction writer who has become a recent favorite of mine. I feel she is an exciting fresh voice in crime fiction we’ll be hearing more from. Ghosts of Waikiki is a strong debut which I very much enjoyed reading and recommend to fans of mystery and detective fiction. I hope to meet the character Maya Wong again soon.
Crooked Lane Books, an imprint of The Quick Brown Fox & Company LLC, will publish Ghosts of Waikiki on November 19, 2024. I received an advance review copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley used for this review, which represents my honest opinions.
July 7, 2024
A promising blurb and a cool cover: I was really curious and grabbed the book. And right from the start: Wow, what an exciting crime novel with a great protagonist. And in Hawaii, on the road with locals. That was really good!
So, and now a little more about the plot. The story is written from the first-person perspective of Maya Wong, who is in her early 30s, a native Hawaiian with Asian roots, and who returns to her old home after many years in California. She came to California 12 years ago and worked as a journalist, but in the internet age things are not going well for print media, and when Maya gets a job as a ghostwriter, she ends up back in Waikiki. She is supposed to help the local construction giant Parker Hamilton write his biography. Maya has mixed feelings: as a local, she is aware of Hamilton's sometimes dubious construction deals, but hey, the job is well paid and you have to make a living somehow. In any case, the family and old friends are happy about her return, and Maya is quickly integrated again.
When her client's father is found dead in the swimming pool at her first official job meeting, Maya's old reporter instinct is awakened and she quickly finds herself in very dangerous investigations - and is also constantly confronted with the one person she actually doesn't want to meet: Detective Koa Yamada, her ex-boyfriend......
My reading impression: Super exciting story. Believable characters, cool crime story with lots of twists. For me, this was an interesting setting; we were off the beaten track in Hawaii, learned a lot about the state's history, and there were interesting insights into the construction and land development industry. It really captivated me from the first page.
I also really liked the author's style. Linguistically a bit more elegant than a lot of what I usually read in English. Very clear, structured expression, and yet very lively - perhaps I notice this more as a non-native speaker than other readers; I actually had to look up a few words, but it hardly affected the flow of the reading.
As the author, like her main character Maya, also worked as a freelance journalist, the feeling / atmosphere is of course authentic; that comes across perfectly.
Yes, everything was right for me here; there was a lot of action, a lot of local spirit in a dream setting, a lot of emotions - friends, family, and of course love - all thumbs up!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the review copy!
So, and now a little more about the plot. The story is written from the first-person perspective of Maya Wong, who is in her early 30s, a native Hawaiian with Asian roots, and who returns to her old home after many years in California. She came to California 12 years ago and worked as a journalist, but in the internet age things are not going well for print media, and when Maya gets a job as a ghostwriter, she ends up back in Waikiki. She is supposed to help the local construction giant Parker Hamilton write his biography. Maya has mixed feelings: as a local, she is aware of Hamilton's sometimes dubious construction deals, but hey, the job is well paid and you have to make a living somehow. In any case, the family and old friends are happy about her return, and Maya is quickly integrated again.
When her client's father is found dead in the swimming pool at her first official job meeting, Maya's old reporter instinct is awakened and she quickly finds herself in very dangerous investigations - and is also constantly confronted with the one person she actually doesn't want to meet: Detective Koa Yamada, her ex-boyfriend......
My reading impression: Super exciting story. Believable characters, cool crime story with lots of twists. For me, this was an interesting setting; we were off the beaten track in Hawaii, learned a lot about the state's history, and there were interesting insights into the construction and land development industry. It really captivated me from the first page.
I also really liked the author's style. Linguistically a bit more elegant than a lot of what I usually read in English. Very clear, structured expression, and yet very lively - perhaps I notice this more as a non-native speaker than other readers; I actually had to look up a few words, but it hardly affected the flow of the reading.
As the author, like her main character Maya, also worked as a freelance journalist, the feeling / atmosphere is of course authentic; that comes across perfectly.
Yes, everything was right for me here; there was a lot of action, a lot of local spirit in a dream setting, a lot of emotions - friends, family, and of course love - all thumbs up!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the review copy!
March 13, 2025
I enjoyed this book for multiple reasons: the mystery was compelling, I was interested in Maya's evolution as she reckoned with the home she fled from, and food descriptions that honestly made me grumpy because I didn't have immediate access to the dishes the author was describing.
Seriously, the food writing in this book was phenomenal. Phenomenal. I wish more authors would write so vividly about food. This book is more than a mystery, it's a love letter to the food culture in Hawaii, and I was there for it. My one quibble is I do wish diet culture hadn't crept in, but it wasn't super egregious. Still, I wanted to tell Maya just to enjoy the food--which, to be fair, she mostly does. Give me more fiction with women lusting over food as much as they lust over potential love interests.
I was much less annoyed by Maya's sometimes reckless behavior in this book, which is something that typically really gets under my skin when I read mysteries. However, unlike many mysteries I read, Maya doesn't come across as clueless, brainless, or witless, so when she does something that's not entirely safe, she's aware that she's taking the risk. I connect with this much more than I do with female characters who blithely do the stupidest things, as if women aren't conditioned to be constantly aware and vigilant. In general, I appreciated that Maya sees and connects dots in this book that all too often doesn't happen in other books in the genre.
To my surprise, since I don't always enjoy romantic subplots in mystery novels, I do wish I'd gotten more detail about what happened between Koa and Maya in the past. Still, I liked the complicated depictions of her working to reconnect with family and friends and to reckon with her past. I'd love to read another book about Maya, one that would hopefully flesh out these aspects more.
Seriously, the food writing in this book was phenomenal. Phenomenal. I wish more authors would write so vividly about food. This book is more than a mystery, it's a love letter to the food culture in Hawaii, and I was there for it. My one quibble is I do wish diet culture hadn't crept in, but it wasn't super egregious. Still, I wanted to tell Maya just to enjoy the food--which, to be fair, she mostly does. Give me more fiction with women lusting over food as much as they lust over potential love interests.
I was much less annoyed by Maya's sometimes reckless behavior in this book, which is something that typically really gets under my skin when I read mysteries. However, unlike many mysteries I read, Maya doesn't come across as clueless, brainless, or witless, so when she does something that's not entirely safe, she's aware that she's taking the risk. I connect with this much more than I do with female characters who blithely do the stupidest things, as if women aren't conditioned to be constantly aware and vigilant. In general, I appreciated that Maya sees and connects dots in this book that all too often doesn't happen in other books in the genre.
To my surprise, since I don't always enjoy romantic subplots in mystery novels, I do wish I'd gotten more detail about what happened between Koa and Maya in the past. Still, I liked the complicated depictions of her working to reconnect with family and friends and to reckon with her past. I'd love to read another book about Maya, one that would hopefully flesh out these aspects more.
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