Yen For Murder

Natalie Seachrist Hawaiian Mystery #4

by Jeanne Burrows-Johnson

Honolulu journalist Natalie Seachrist experiences a vision of a Buddhist minister meditating at her altar. When a sharp sound crashes into her consciousness, Natalie watches as the woman falls to the floor. Later, while browsing through an antique auction brochure, Natalie and her life partner retired homicide detective Ke?oni Hewitt see a statue of an ancient Shakyamuni Buddha which he realizes was stolen during the now cold case that haunted the end of his career with the Honolulu Police Department. Soon Ke?oni and Natalie dive into the realm of international auctions and estate sales with the aid of Miss Una, Natalie' s fleet-footed feline companion. What prompted these crimes of murder and larceny? Was it the chance to acquire riches, or religious zeal at the thought of possessing such a rare religious artifact? Can the conjoined cases be solved, or will the scanty evidence simply be returned to HPD' s cold case files?

365 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 11, 2024

About the author

Authoring fiction and non-fiction, I embrace the performing arts, education, design and marketing consultation, and motivational speaking. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in history with distinction from the University of Hawaiʻi, where I subsequently studied Asian history during a teaching assistantship in World Civilizations. My professional memberships include: Phi Beta Kappa; Phi Alpha Theta; the National Writers Union; Arizona Authors Association; Sisters in Crime; Arizona Mystery Writers; and is a Lifetime Membership in the British Association of Teachers of Dancing, Highland Dance genre. The entertaining and educational Natalie Seachrist Visionary Hawaiian Mysteries offer the rich environs of Hawaiʻi, Island multiculturalism, pan-Pacific history...and the mesmerizing visions of semiretired journalist Natalie Seachrist. In her solving of unusual murders, Natalie is aided by private investigator Keʻoni Hewitt, his former partner, Homicide Detective Lt. John Dias of the Honolulu Police Department, and Natalie’s feline companion, the delightfully clever Miss Una. Book and project descriptions, the details of my background and writing samples are available at my new website/blog, JeanneBurrows-JohnsonsImaginings.com.

Reviews

[September Withers]

Yen For Murder is an engaging and atmospheric mystery that skillfully blends suspense, spirituality, and investigative intrigue against the rich cultural backdrop of Hawaii. Jeanne Burrows-Johnson crafts a layered story that draws readers into a world of cold cases, stolen artifacts, and unanswered questions while maintaining a steady sense of tension throughout.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is the partnership between Natalie Seachrist and Ke?oni Hewitt. Their dynamic feels natural and compelling, combining intuition, investigative experience, and emotional connection in a way that strengthens the narrative. Natalie’s vision at the beginning of the story immediately creates intrigue, setting the stage for a mystery that unfolds with depth and complexity.

The novel also stands out for its cultural and spiritual elements. The inclusion of Buddhist history, rare artifacts, and the world of international auctions gives the story a distinctive identity that separates it from more traditional murder mysteries. Jeanne Burrows-Johnson balances these themes with suspense and character driven storytelling, creating an immersive reading experience that feels thoughtful as well as entertaining.

Adding further charm to the story is Miss Una, the fleet footed feline companion whose presence brings warmth and personality to the investigation. With its blend of mystery, culture, and emotional depth, Yen For Murder is a compelling read for fans of intelligent crime fiction and internationally inspired mysteries.

[Eliana]

A fast-paced, intriguing mystery set in Hawaii. Yen For Murder blends murder, stolen artifacts, and spiritual intrigue with strong characters and a compelling plot. Natalie and Keʻoni make a great investigative duo, and the story keeps you hooked until the end. A smart, enjoyable read for mystery lovers.

[Nellie]

This book had the least happening yet it was the longest of the series. There isn't even a current murder, she's just solving a very old one. There are so many unnecessary details and talk about shopping for antiques, it really drags on. It was just boring.