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Ranger Makalani Pahukula #2
Hawai'i Rage
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.
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.
399 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 19, 2026
About the author
Tori Eldridge
19 books242 followersTori 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!
Find her online at ToriEldridge.com
Facebook @ToriEldridgeAuthor
Instagram @writer.tori
Twitter @ToriEldridge
Bookbub @ToriEldridge
Aloha and thanks for visiting!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
June 3, 2026
Hawai'i Rage is a compelling mystery that immerses the reader into the Hawaiian paniolo (cowboy) lifestyle.
Makalani Pahukula is a law enforcement national park ranger who grew up in Hawai'i and recently moved back from the mainland. I have not read the first book in this series, which is referred to enough to make me want to read it and provide Makalani's back-story without providing so much information that I feel like its outcome has been ruined for me. Makalani has taken a job at a national historic site on Hawai'i Island, not her first choice of location or positions since it isn't her home island and she has to spend a lot of time reading, to learn the relevant history, and won't be performing law enforcement duties. But it has gotten her bak to Hawai'i and her roots. Makalani has a cousin who lives locally and his wife, Rosie, is part of a local, well-established ranching family (the Hiapos). After Rosie's father dies in a freak accident involving a bull, she asks Makalani to keep an eye on on her 8-year-old son, Vinnie, who wants to be a paniolo and spends a lot of time at the family ranch. Makalani happily volunteers as a part-time paniolo for the Hiapo's on her days off from her day job, especially since she thinks the death of Rosie's father is suspicious and her instincts are to investigate. The story is unique and interesting and the characters are well fleshed-out. I enjoyed Eldridge's inclusion of native Hawaiian (ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi) and pidgin; a glossary is included at the end of the kindle version, but she always provides a translation for the former and the meaning of the latter is easy enough to work out. I'll be keeping my eye out for the next book in the series!
Makalani Pahukula is a law enforcement national park ranger who grew up in Hawai'i and recently moved back from the mainland. I have not read the first book in this series, which is referred to enough to make me want to read it and provide Makalani's back-story without providing so much information that I feel like its outcome has been ruined for me. Makalani has taken a job at a national historic site on Hawai'i Island, not her first choice of location or positions since it isn't her home island and she has to spend a lot of time reading, to learn the relevant history, and won't be performing law enforcement duties. But it has gotten her bak to Hawai'i and her roots. Makalani has a cousin who lives locally and his wife, Rosie, is part of a local, well-established ranching family (the Hiapos). After Rosie's father dies in a freak accident involving a bull, she asks Makalani to keep an eye on on her 8-year-old son, Vinnie, who wants to be a paniolo and spends a lot of time at the family ranch. Makalani happily volunteers as a part-time paniolo for the Hiapo's on her days off from her day job, especially since she thinks the death of Rosie's father is suspicious and her instincts are to investigate. The story is unique and interesting and the characters are well fleshed-out. I enjoyed Eldridge's inclusion of native Hawaiian (ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi) and pidgin; a glossary is included at the end of the kindle version, but she always provides a translation for the former and the meaning of the latter is easy enough to work out. I'll be keeping my eye out for the next book in the series!
May 19, 2026
I love the representation of Hawaiian culture in these books but sometimes it seemed like information dumps; at times, I felt that the author read a page of a textbook, then worked that information into the story, sometimes with no bearing on the story itself. The mystery, while the main focus of the book, got bogged down in all this information and, at times, I couldn’t remember exactly what it was she was investigating as I was introduced to so many people in the paniolo community. Additionally, the audiobook, narrated by the author, seems overacted at times and this took me out of the story. I wanted to love this, but it didn’t work for me. Fans of slow burn mysteries with great world building and complex relationships will love this.
Thank you to NetGalley, Brilliance Audio, and Thomas & Mercer for the review copy.
Thank you to NetGalley, Brilliance Audio, and Thomas & Mercer for the review copy.
June 14, 2026
This was a great mystery and there was so much about ranching in Hawai’i. The mystery and investigation are well done. It is hard to pick out who could be behind all of this and why. The full span of the mystery and bad guys was unexpected. We see the ranger and a detective investigating, so we get to see multiple pieces of information and perspectives. That really helps to build the universe of the book. It makes me want to read the next in the series to keep visiting the area. What a great mystery!
June 7, 2026
Great Story
I enjoyed learning about the Hawaiian culture through the eyes of a Hawaiian character. I appreciated the push and pull between the different types of rangering. I thought the pace was fun, interesting and exciting.
I enjoyed learning about the Hawaiian culture through the eyes of a Hawaiian character. I appreciated the push and pull between the different types of rangering. I thought the pace was fun, interesting and exciting.
June 3, 2026
Hawaiian Stephanie Plum!
If you love that series, you'll love this one! Excellent mysteries set in modern Hawaiian Culture rooted in historical lessons. Don't miss the audiobook narrated by the author! Full on pidgin li dat brah!
If you love that series, you'll love this one! Excellent mysteries set in modern Hawaiian Culture rooted in historical lessons. Don't miss the audiobook narrated by the author! Full on pidgin li dat brah!
May 23, 2026
Full disclosure. I'm a huge fan of Tori Eldridge's writings, beginning with the Lilly Wong series, through the Homerian "Dance Among the Flames," and now with the adventures of Makalani Pahukula, her fascinating interpretive ranger at the Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site.
Hawaii Rage is a beautifully layered story set in North Kohala on the Big Island, where the location itself is a richly drawn character in the story. When she learns of a death that everyone else seems to want to overlook, Makalani discovers family secrets that point in an ominous direction.
Tori's meticulous research weaves a tale of Hawaiian history, paniolo cowboy culture, genealogy, and language into a fascinating tale that holds your attention until the satisfying payoff at the end of an engaging, winding road.
If you enjoy character-driven mysteries with cultural depth and a vivid sense of place, Hawaii Rage is well worth the experience. Highly recommended.
Hawaii Rage is a beautifully layered story set in North Kohala on the Big Island, where the location itself is a richly drawn character in the story. When she learns of a death that everyone else seems to want to overlook, Makalani discovers family secrets that point in an ominous direction.
Tori's meticulous research weaves a tale of Hawaiian history, paniolo cowboy culture, genealogy, and language into a fascinating tale that holds your attention until the satisfying payoff at the end of an engaging, winding road.
If you enjoy character-driven mysteries with cultural depth and a vivid sense of place, Hawaii Rage is well worth the experience. Highly recommended.
May 18, 2026
Looking for your upcoming summer read?? Want a story about a paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) family ranch? With a murder mystery? And learn more about Hawaiian history, ‘Ōlelo Hawai’i and paniolo living?
🤠🐴 Hawai’i Rage by Tori Eldridge (PUB May 19), the second book in her Ranger Pahukula, now takes Makalani to the West side of Hawai’i Island, working at the Pu’ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site & at the Hiapo family ranch after the owner is killed during a cattle accident. Or is it?? We also follow Officer Kim, transferred from Honolulu Police Department and doubts the case is a simple close. Although parts of the story tend to wax on at times, the character work is top-notch!! I could clearly visualize each well-developed character and their dynamics with the other characters. I also loved learning about paniolo living and more history on the West side of Hawai’i Island!
This author and series have quickly found a way into my favorites, and I am now going to start on her backlist!
Mahalo to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for an e-ARC. All opinions are my own.
🤠🐴 Hawai’i Rage by Tori Eldridge (PUB May 19), the second book in her Ranger Pahukula, now takes Makalani to the West side of Hawai’i Island, working at the Pu’ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site & at the Hiapo family ranch after the owner is killed during a cattle accident. Or is it?? We also follow Officer Kim, transferred from Honolulu Police Department and doubts the case is a simple close. Although parts of the story tend to wax on at times, the character work is top-notch!! I could clearly visualize each well-developed character and their dynamics with the other characters. I also loved learning about paniolo living and more history on the West side of Hawai’i Island!
This author and series have quickly found a way into my favorites, and I am now going to start on her backlist!
Mahalo to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for an e-ARC. All opinions are my own.
May 15, 2026
Wow this was such an amazing read. The setting was beautiful and described so well. I loved her adapting the Hawaiian culture into the family story. The FMC was so intriguing and down to earth, and I felt like she was a regular person with her in abilities to make friends and always feeling on the outside except with her family. I felt like the mystery was really interesting and it kept me continuing to wonder who they suspect is every time I thought I figured it out I was wrong. The audiobook was really good. I felt like she narrated the different male voices very well, even though it was single narration, and she gave an individual voice to each person.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Tori Eldridge has created a beautiful story about family, Hawai'ian culture and cowboys.
A story that shows a deep love and understanding of Hawai'i.
A story where everybody could have been the killer or no one. Accident or perfect murder?
The plot is entertaining but in his aber bones it is nothing new. The strength of the story lies in Eldrigdes characters and the setting.
All her characters are fleshed out. They have strengths and flaws. You love them, hate them, mistrust them.
Even when some are toeing the line too being a little over the top. You want more of them. They leave you wishing and hoping for their innocence.
Makalani felt sadly like the weakest characte. Don't get me wrong she is loveable and you will root for her. But I feel like the story would have been a bit more intense, more gripping if it would have been told from the perspective of one of the side characters/family.
I would have also liked to see more of the lovers being lovers. They were mostly just showed as friends and even that was tense. Which was a hard contrast to other characters saying they should finally marry.
The Setting is done amazingly. Reading the story you'll gain insight into a new topic that is not often talked about. Managed to feel light and tense in a way. Reading about life on the ranch, heading cows. Showed the hardships but also the community that comes with it.
The Hawai'ian culture was beautifully woven into the story. It felt natural and real.
Can't wait to see which part of Hawai'i we'll get to see in the next installment of Ranger Makalani.
I would like to thank Thomas&Mercer and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for a honest review.
A story that shows a deep love and understanding of Hawai'i.
A story where everybody could have been the killer or no one. Accident or perfect murder?
The plot is entertaining but in his aber bones it is nothing new. The strength of the story lies in Eldrigdes characters and the setting.
All her characters are fleshed out. They have strengths and flaws. You love them, hate them, mistrust them.
Even when some are toeing the line too being a little over the top. You want more of them. They leave you wishing and hoping for their innocence.
Makalani felt sadly like the weakest characte. Don't get me wrong she is loveable and you will root for her. But I feel like the story would have been a bit more intense, more gripping if it would have been told from the perspective of one of the side characters/family.
I would have also liked to see more of the lovers being lovers. They were mostly just showed as friends and even that was tense. Which was a hard contrast to other characters saying they should finally marry.
The Setting is done amazingly. Reading the story you'll gain insight into a new topic that is not often talked about. Managed to feel light and tense in a way. Reading about life on the ranch, heading cows. Showed the hardships but also the community that comes with it.
The Hawai'ian culture was beautifully woven into the story. It felt natural and real.
Can't wait to see which part of Hawai'i we'll get to see in the next installment of Ranger Makalani.
I would like to thank Thomas&Mercer and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for a honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Hawai'i Rage follows Makalani as she adjusts to life back in the Hawaiian islands, this time on Hawai'i Island. She finds herself entangled in helping the Hiapo family with their ranch and unraveling the mystery of unfortunate accidents that have occurred recently. The Hiapos are well known paniolo in the community and when the family squares off with one another, Makalani is drawn to doing what she does best - getting involved!
Tori has this beautiful way of weaving together fiction and mystery with Hawaiian culture and history. This book is rich with Hawaiian history and Tori integrates issues that many Native Hawaiians face today. I truly appreciated the care and respect that was put into this story.
I was born and raised in Hawai'i, and even though it's not my current home, it will always be my first home. The pidgin and culture really wrapped me up in its pages and made me feel like I was home again. By the time I finished the book, I was homesick for the sand between my toes, the rush of the ocean waves pounding the shore, the taste of pipi kaula, and the warmth of family love.
If you are looking for a book that is going to keep you engaged with mystery and at the same time, enrich your understanding of Hawaiian culture and the challenges that kanaka maoli face, I highly recommend picking this book up!
Thank you Thomas and Mercer for the early copy. These are my honest thoughts.
Tori has this beautiful way of weaving together fiction and mystery with Hawaiian culture and history. This book is rich with Hawaiian history and Tori integrates issues that many Native Hawaiians face today. I truly appreciated the care and respect that was put into this story.
I was born and raised in Hawai'i, and even though it's not my current home, it will always be my first home. The pidgin and culture really wrapped me up in its pages and made me feel like I was home again. By the time I finished the book, I was homesick for the sand between my toes, the rush of the ocean waves pounding the shore, the taste of pipi kaula, and the warmth of family love.
If you are looking for a book that is going to keep you engaged with mystery and at the same time, enrich your understanding of Hawaiian culture and the challenges that kanaka maoli face, I highly recommend picking this book up!
Thank you Thomas and Mercer for the early copy. These are my honest thoughts.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I went in expecting a solid mystery, and yes—you definitely get that. There’s a suspicious death on a ranch in Hawaii, and literally everyone is a little bit shady, so I was constantly second-guessing who to trust. But what made this stand out for me was everything layered around the mystery.
The Hawaiian culture, the language, the history of the paniolo...it’s all woven in so naturally. It never felt like “here’s some info,” it just felt like you were fully dropped into this world. You can tell the author really knows and loves what she’s writing about, and it made the whole story feel more immersive and meaningful.
The author narrates the audiobook herself, and she does such a beautiful job. The Hawaiian language, the pronunciation, the emotion...it all felt so authentic and smooth. This is one of those times where having the author narrate actually elevates the entire experience.
The mystery itself is more of a slow-burning, piece-it-together vibe, which I liked. It kept me engaged without feeling rushed, and I was in it for the ride, trying to figure out what actually happened.
Overall, this felt like a mystery + a love letter to Hawaii at the same time, and I ate that up.
If you like atmospheric mysteries with strong cultural depth, I’d definitely recommend this one.
Thanks to Brilliance for the early listen!
The Hawaiian culture, the language, the history of the paniolo...it’s all woven in so naturally. It never felt like “here’s some info,” it just felt like you were fully dropped into this world. You can tell the author really knows and loves what she’s writing about, and it made the whole story feel more immersive and meaningful.
The author narrates the audiobook herself, and she does such a beautiful job. The Hawaiian language, the pronunciation, the emotion...it all felt so authentic and smooth. This is one of those times where having the author narrate actually elevates the entire experience.
The mystery itself is more of a slow-burning, piece-it-together vibe, which I liked. It kept me engaged without feeling rushed, and I was in it for the ride, trying to figure out what actually happened.
Overall, this felt like a mystery + a love letter to Hawaii at the same time, and I ate that up.
If you like atmospheric mysteries with strong cultural depth, I’d definitely recommend this one.
Thanks to Brilliance for the early listen!
May 18, 2026
Rating: 4★ | Mood: “Puzzle Masterpiece"
Tori Eldridge delivers a gripping, culturally rich contemporary Western mystery set against the rugged, atmospheric backdrop of a Kohala Mountain ranch on the Big Island. When a gruesome "accident" leaves a prominent rancher dead, Ranger Makalani Pahukula and Detective Rona Kim find themselves untangling a web of deep-seated family rivalries, generational secrets, and historical island treachery.
What Works Perfectly:
The Dual Investigation: The narrative excels by balancing Makalani’s boots-on-the-ground, intuitive ranger skills with Detective Kim’s relentless, dogmatic law enforcement style.
Fair-Play Clues: Eldridge plants clues meticulously within the authentic logistics of the paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) lifestyle. The puzzle is layered and complex, yet entirely fair to the astute reader.
Rich Atmospheric Tension: The isolated setting and escalating danger create a palpable, urgent sense of suspense that keeps the pages turning.
The Bottom Line:
More than just a standard procedural, Hawai'i Rage gracefully weaves Native Hawaiian heritage and blood-fraction politics into a shocking, logically sound thriller. It is a deeply satisfying, smart mystery that brilliantly honors both its characters and its setting.
Thank you Netgalley and Thomas and Mercer for this eARC.
Tori Eldridge delivers a gripping, culturally rich contemporary Western mystery set against the rugged, atmospheric backdrop of a Kohala Mountain ranch on the Big Island. When a gruesome "accident" leaves a prominent rancher dead, Ranger Makalani Pahukula and Detective Rona Kim find themselves untangling a web of deep-seated family rivalries, generational secrets, and historical island treachery.
What Works Perfectly:
The Dual Investigation: The narrative excels by balancing Makalani’s boots-on-the-ground, intuitive ranger skills with Detective Kim’s relentless, dogmatic law enforcement style.
Fair-Play Clues: Eldridge plants clues meticulously within the authentic logistics of the paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) lifestyle. The puzzle is layered and complex, yet entirely fair to the astute reader.
Rich Atmospheric Tension: The isolated setting and escalating danger create a palpable, urgent sense of suspense that keeps the pages turning.
The Bottom Line:
More than just a standard procedural, Hawai'i Rage gracefully weaves Native Hawaiian heritage and blood-fraction politics into a shocking, logically sound thriller. It is a deeply satisfying, smart mystery that brilliantly honors both its characters and its setting.
Thank you Netgalley and Thomas and Mercer for this eARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
READ MY FULL REVIEW AT Best Thriller Books
Hawai’i Rage is a crime novel wrapped within a love letter to Hawaiian culture and specifically the Hawaiian cowboy, known as Paniolo. It’s dramatic, suspenseful, emotional and captivating. Keeping you guessing while educating you on a side of Hawai’i that’s not on any tourist itinerary. A brilliantly executed novel with heart that pours out from the soul of author Tori Eldridge.
The blending of family, culture and crime works incredibly well in Hawai’i Rage, seamlessly weaving all storylines into a single narrative that results in a reading experience that’s both suspenseful and hopeful. It’s also dripping with authenticity and constantly dropping knowledge that grows your understanding of what we typically think of as paradise, but is first and foremost the home to a historic culture and people with cherished traditions.
A book that thrills and educates.
Hawai’i Rage is a crime novel wrapped within a love letter to Hawaiian culture and specifically the Hawaiian cowboy, known as Paniolo. It’s dramatic, suspenseful, emotional and captivating. Keeping you guessing while educating you on a side of Hawai’i that’s not on any tourist itinerary. A brilliantly executed novel with heart that pours out from the soul of author Tori Eldridge.
The blending of family, culture and crime works incredibly well in Hawai’i Rage, seamlessly weaving all storylines into a single narrative that results in a reading experience that’s both suspenseful and hopeful. It’s also dripping with authenticity and constantly dropping knowledge that grows your understanding of what we typically think of as paradise, but is first and foremost the home to a historic culture and people with cherished traditions.
A book that thrills and educates.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A wonderful second novel in the Makalani Pahukula series! Set on a cattle ranch on the Big Island (aka, Hawai'i Island), Eldridge perfectly captures the desolate beauty of the island's Kona side. She also clearly did her research about the ranching industry and lifestyle. As with Kaua'i Storm, all her complex characters feel completely realized. None more so than her great protagonist, Makalani. Having returned to her homeland from Oregon, she's not too thrilled with her new job, but loves volunteering at the cattle ranch owned by her somewhat distant cousins, the Hiapos. The intricate mystery revolves around the suspicious death of Larry Hiapo, the semi-retired father of Kenneth and Louie, who are polar opposites. Not only does Makalani have to work hard to fit into this complicated family she barely knows, she also finds herself trying to solve a murder, of course. Rona, a detective new to the island, lends a welcome hand. A big-hearted novel brimming with Hawaiian customs, great characters, lovely writing, strong action, and some nifty plot twists, Hawai'i Rage is a winner!
May 25, 2026
**Goodreads Giveaway**
Hawaii Rage by Tori Eldridge is an entertaining mystery that blends action, Hawaiian culture, and emotional family drama. Ranger Makalani Pahukula is a strong and likable main character, and the setting of Hawaii adds a unique atmosphere that makes the story stand out from other crime thrillers.
The novel moves quickly and keeps readers engaged with plenty of suspense and danger. Eldridge does a great job weaving cultural details and local traditions into the story, making the setting feel vivid and authentic. Makalani’s personal struggles and relationships also add depth to the plot.
However, some parts of the story feel a little predictable, and there are moments where the pacing slows down because of extra detail or side plots. While the mystery is interesting, the twists are not always surprising.
Overall, *Hawaii Rage* is a solid and enjoyable thriller with strong characters and a memorable setting. It may not be perfect, but it is a fun read for fans of mystery, action, and crime novels with cultural depth. 3.75 out of 5 stars.
Hawaii Rage by Tori Eldridge is an entertaining mystery that blends action, Hawaiian culture, and emotional family drama. Ranger Makalani Pahukula is a strong and likable main character, and the setting of Hawaii adds a unique atmosphere that makes the story stand out from other crime thrillers.
The novel moves quickly and keeps readers engaged with plenty of suspense and danger. Eldridge does a great job weaving cultural details and local traditions into the story, making the setting feel vivid and authentic. Makalani’s personal struggles and relationships also add depth to the plot.
However, some parts of the story feel a little predictable, and there are moments where the pacing slows down because of extra detail or side plots. While the mystery is interesting, the twists are not always surprising.
Overall, *Hawaii Rage* is a solid and enjoyable thriller with strong characters and a memorable setting. It may not be perfect, but it is a fun read for fans of mystery, action, and crime novels with cultural depth. 3.75 out of 5 stars.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC of this book for free from the author for review purposes.
Last year I read the first book in this series, Kaua’i Storm, and loved it, so I had to get my hands one the second one. This was a solid installment in the series!
What this series does so well is incorporating Hawaiian culture into the story. I loved that this book focused on paniolos (Hawaiian cowboys). I had never heard of them before so I am so glad this book showcased them. I learned so much. All the cowboy scenes gave me major Yellowstone vibes.
I also liked that the story took place on a different island than the first book. Book one was set in Kaua’i and this one was set on Big Island. I liked seeing the differences between the islands. I hope future books in the series continue to explore the other islands.
The mystery in this one didn’t hit quite as well as the first book. The mystery was fairly basic and didn’t require much guesswork on the reader’s behalf.
Like the first book, this includes a glossary and a list of the characters which made the story easy to follow and understand.
Overall, if you are interested in authentically Hawaiian stories, be sure to read this series!
Last year I read the first book in this series, Kaua’i Storm, and loved it, so I had to get my hands one the second one. This was a solid installment in the series!
What this series does so well is incorporating Hawaiian culture into the story. I loved that this book focused on paniolos (Hawaiian cowboys). I had never heard of them before so I am so glad this book showcased them. I learned so much. All the cowboy scenes gave me major Yellowstone vibes.
I also liked that the story took place on a different island than the first book. Book one was set in Kaua’i and this one was set on Big Island. I liked seeing the differences between the islands. I hope future books in the series continue to explore the other islands.
The mystery in this one didn’t hit quite as well as the first book. The mystery was fairly basic and didn’t require much guesswork on the reader’s behalf.
Like the first book, this includes a glossary and a list of the characters which made the story easy to follow and understand.
Overall, if you are interested in authentically Hawaiian stories, be sure to read this series!
May 22, 2026
If you enjoy an authentic depiction of the struggles Hawaiians face today, you will enjoy Hawai’i Rage. Set on the Big Island in the high country, we learn about the little-known life of the Hawaiian cowboys, or Paniola. The Hiapo family has worked their ranch and served the land for generations. The entire clan works hand in hand to bring their cattle to market. We met Ranger Mekalani Pahukula in the first book of this series, Kauai Storm. She has been assigned a desk job. To get outdoors, she spends time on the ranch with her cousin. The mysterious death of the Hiapo patriarch, trampled by a bull, sets the mystery in motion. It is a fun romp at times, with lots of camaraderie, but generational abuse lurks beneath the cover of humor. With so many characters in the Hiapo family, or ohana, it can get confusing. So, the author has kindly provided a cast of characters and a glossary of Hawaiian words at the back of the book. Hang on for a wild ride.
June 6, 2026
In this follow up to the ranger Makalani Pahukula mystery, we follow the ranger as she goes to help out a family ranch after their patriarch passed away after a supposed accident. Makalanu does her best as she searches for the truth, whilee digging up family issues that many would like to stay hidden. The descriptions were excellently executed, especially in detailing how the ranch is handled, the immense family aspects, and the wonderful culture and tradition of Hawai'i. The tensions were great throughout the novel as she dug to see if the former ranch head was murdered or if an accident occured. The lush setting of the big island was great but it was especially cool when it came to discussing paniolo culture, which predates Western cowboys. Overall, this sequel to the series did an excellent task of continuing her story while highlighting the unique culture of Hawai'i and determine the truth about the former ranch head's death.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Having fallen in love with Big Island - especially the Waimea area - on a visit a couple years ago, the setting of this story immediately caught my eye. The author provides so much detail involving cattle ranching and the Hawaiian language - native and pidgin - in this book that delved further than I've read in other Hawaiian set fiction; I especially appreciated the glossary of words used at the end of the book. The only thing that kept this from being a five star read for me was some of the details - procedure or the timeline - tied to the investigation/mystery aspect of the storyline (simply because of my professional experience) weren't quite how they'd be handled in real life. I look forward to reading other books in the Ranger Makalani Pahukula series.
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC edition of this book.
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC edition of this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’ve visited Oahu once years ago and simply loved the exotic beauty of it - plus the sun shone every day (when you live in a state where you only get 67% of the sun in a year, this seems miraculous). With that said, this book besides being a good thriller is a paean to Hawaiian culture and per one reviewer, the Hawaiian cowboy known an a paniolo. Makalani Pahukula has returned to her native Hawaii. She’s looking for a job and a relative offers her one on the family ranch. She drives head first landing herself into family drama which includes a gruesome murder and an eight year old with big dreams do being an authentic Hawaiian cowboy. The ranch has secrets and the murder is suspicious. Malakai follows the clues. This is an emotional, plosive better thriller. Malakai is a great character. I didn’t read the first book in this series but this book can standalone in the read. I’d like to thank NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for allowing me access to this ARC.
June 21, 2026
I was swept up in the rich culture of the book. I love nothing more than to learn as I read fiction. Native Hawaiian culture from a Hawaiian character.
The mystery surrounds the paniolo cowboy culture and felt authentic. There was a lot of information at times and I'd take a break to digest it, so this took me a little longer to listen to than my normal audiobooks in addition to it being a long one. I definitely wished I had the book at the time to make it an immersive read.
The mystery was layered and complex and never forgot the roots it was representing.
The author reads the audiobook and am not normally a fan of this, but she did an excellent job. You could feel her emotion with the story and the culture.
The mystery surrounds the paniolo cowboy culture and felt authentic. There was a lot of information at times and I'd take a break to digest it, so this took me a little longer to listen to than my normal audiobooks in addition to it being a long one. I definitely wished I had the book at the time to make it an immersive read.
The mystery was layered and complex and never forgot the roots it was representing.
The author reads the audiobook and am not normally a fan of this, but she did an excellent job. You could feel her emotion with the story and the culture.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Makalani was a law enforcement officer in a national park in Oregon. When she wanted to move home to Hawaii, the only opening was for a job which was basically a tour guide. Still, Makalani managed to get into several challenging situations, including rescuing a child trapped in a lava tube. She agrees to help her cousin's family with some ranching labor, and gets involved not only in a murder investigation, but also with some people who really don't want her there. There's a lot of interesting Hawaiian history and language as Makalani finds her place on the island. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Hawai‘i Rage is an engaging and atmospheric mystery set against the vivid backdrop of Hawai‘i Island. The story weaves together family dynamics, cultural depth, and a steadily building sense of suspense.
Makalani Pahukula is a compelling lead, and her investigation unfolds at a measured pace as layers of secrets within the ranch and its inhabitants begin to surface. The setting adds richness to the narrative, grounding the mystery in a strong sense of place.
A thoughtful and immersive read that will appeal to fans of character-driven mysteries with emotional depth and intrigue.
Makalani Pahukula is a compelling lead, and her investigation unfolds at a measured pace as layers of secrets within the ranch and its inhabitants begin to surface. The setting adds richness to the narrative, grounding the mystery in a strong sense of place.
A thoughtful and immersive read that will appeal to fans of character-driven mysteries with emotional depth and intrigue.
May 20, 2026
I think I enjoyed Hawai’i Rage more than the first book! The author, Tori Eldridge, not only wrote this, but also narrated this audiobook. She did another amazing job and this had me on the edge of my seat. I needed to know what happened! So many suspects, I definitely wasn’t right by the end of it. I love how Makalani is continuously challenged and always steps up to the plate. I hope there will be more of her adventures.
Thank you NetGalley, Brilliance Audio, and Brilliance Publishing for this ALC.
Thank you NetGalley, Brilliance Audio, and Brilliance Publishing for this ALC.
May 24, 2026
🎧 I really wanted to like this so much more than I did. I just couldn't get into it; I felt disconnected from the story. But my main issue was that I hated the narration. It sounded too theatrical and exaggerated. It was distracting and probably part of the reason why I had trouble getting into it. I also thought this felt extremely slow, and so much felt like needless filler, but I'm not sure how much of that was colored by the fact that I wasn't enjoying the narration. I think I might have enjoyed it a lot more if I had read a physical copy.
January 29, 2026
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I wanted to love this one. It's rare to see stories from my background and I thought highlighting the Hawaiian cowboy was an interesting choice.
I just struggled to get into this one. I can't explain why.
As a mystery, it's okay. You may be able to guess the reveal, but that's okay too.
If you want to read some mystery that is heavy on culture or you're a Hawaiian history enthusiast this might be for you!
I just struggled to get into this one. I can't explain why.
As a mystery, it's okay. You may be able to guess the reveal, but that's okay too.
If you want to read some mystery that is heavy on culture or you're a Hawaiian history enthusiast this might be for you!
June 15, 2026
I just finished Hawai’i Rage by Tori Eldridge. It’s a sequel to Kauai’i Storm. Both are wonderful, action packed stories about Ranger Makalani Pahukula.
Even if you never lived in Hawai’i but have experienced and appreciated the Hawai’i spirit you’re gonna love dis da kine mystery.
The pidgin is awesome but the Hawaiian history and love of the land and family exudes throughout both books.
Mālama I ka ‘ohana, mālama ka ‘ohana iā mākou. Care for the family, the family cares for us
Even if you never lived in Hawai’i but have experienced and appreciated the Hawai’i spirit you’re gonna love dis da kine mystery.
The pidgin is awesome but the Hawaiian history and love of the land and family exudes throughout both books.
Mālama I ka ‘ohana, mālama ka ‘ohana iā mākou. Care for the family, the family cares for us
May 25, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for an ALC.
This is my second book by the author and I truly appreciate learning deeper culture of the Hawaii culture. That certainly keeps me more interested than the thriller plot. I do think this book was slightly too long, but again a great insight into a culture I don’t hear much about!
May 30, 2026
Tori Eldridge has crafted another intriguing mystery set against the rich backdrop of Hawai‘i. With a compelling heroine, family secrets, and a suspenseful investigation, Hawai‘i Rage provides a captivating blend of culture, atmosphere, and danger. A wonderful addition to what is quickly becoming a standout mystery series.
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