Hawai'i Rage

by Tori Eldridge

A suspicious death on a Kohala Mountain ranch draws ranger Makalani Pahukula into a tangled family tree in an emotional and suspenseful adventure by the bestselling author of the Lily Wong series.

Makalani Pahukula, interpretive ranger for Pu‘ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site, craves some rejuvenating hard work on Hawai‘i Island. When cousin-in-law Rosie offers Makalani a chance to help at the Hiapo family ranch, it’s the perfect opportunity. But something else weighs on Rosie’s mind. Her father recently died in a gruesome accident—trapped and cornered in a pit by an aggressive bull.

The wrong place at the wrong time? Rosie suspects something more sinister.

Not long into her work, Makalani’s suspicions rise too. The Hiapos aren’t as close as Makalani thought. All family members—the grandfather, the widow, the adversarial brothers co-running the ranch, the sister who wants anything but a paniolo life for her son, and the cowgirl who becomes Makalani’s friend—are hiding secrets from one another. And from Makalani.

When more dangerous accidents occur, Makalani has no choice but to follow the clues that lead her into the dark history of Hiapo Ranch and draw out the culprit before someone else dies.

Kindle Edition

Expected publication May 19, 2026

About the author

Tori Eldridge is the bestselling author of the Lily Wong mystery thrillers as well as a two-time Anthony Award nominee, Lefty and Macavity Awards finalist, and winner of the 2021 Crimson Scribe Award for Best Book of the Year. She penned the standalone Dance Among the Flames and will launch her new Ranger Makalani Pahukula mystery series with Kaua‘i Storm on May 20, 2025. In addition to novels, Tori's short stories have been featured in numerous literary, crime fiction, and horror anthologies. Born and raised in Honolulu—of Hawaiian, Chinese, and Norwegian descent—she lived in New York and Los Angeles before settling in Portland, Oregon, where her grandchildren live. Before writing, Tori performed on Broadway, television, and film; and holds a 5th degree black belt in To-Shin Do ninja martial arts.

Find her online at ToriEldridge.com
Facebook @ToriEldridgeAuthor
Instagram @writer.tori
Twitter @ToriEldridge
Bookbub @ToriEldridge

Aloha and thanks for visiting!

Reviews

[Shaina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Tori Eldridge for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Hawai'i Rage coming out May 19, 2026. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I love mysteries. I was especially excited this book was set in Hawai'i and written by a Hawaiian author. I have Polynesian heritage, so I’m always interested in reading more books. I would definitely check out more books by this author.

[GK Daffu · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Atmospheric Thriller with a Strong Sense of Place

Hawaii Rage delivers sharp pacing, vivid Hawaiian atmosphere, and a tough, compelling lead. The cultural detail and setting really stand out and add depth to the story. While a few moments felt familiar within the genre, the overall execution is confident and engaging. My first book by Tori Eldridge, and a strong introduction to her work. Thanks to the author and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Bekah Hubstenberger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for the e-arc. Full review to come.

First thoughts: As a mystery this was not the most surprising. I really enjoyed getting to learn about Hawaiian paniolo (cowboy) life although the story got bogged down with cultural craftsmanship and history in places.