Moloka'i Lullaby

Islands of Aloha Mystery #7

by JoAnn Bassett

It’s less than a month before Maui wedding planner Pali Moon’s own wedding when she signs up one last client before taking a few months off. This one’s not going to be easy, though. The couple insists the nuptials take place on Moloka’i—a place Pali hasn’t been in over twenty-five years. But Pali figures, why not? After all, the island is part of Maui County, so it’s well within bounds of her “Let’s Get Maui’d” business zone. Getting vendors and top-quality supplies to the remote location may prove a bit tricky, but Pali’s never shirked from a challenge. The logistics prove difficult, but the bride’s downright insufferable. Pali relishes everything Moloka’i has to offer—the mule ride, the hot bread, the solitude—but by the time it’s over, a man is dead and Pali’s left wishing she’d never agreed to this “one for the road” wedding the first place.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy

308 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 2, 2015

About the author

JoAnn was born and raised in Seattle, but always preferred palm trees to pine trees. She wrote instructional books and videos for a living but dreamed of "making stuff up" once she put the working life behind her. In 1996, she and her husband bought a home on Maui. Best day ever. She loved living on the beach but her husband longed to get back to "normal" so they moved to Arizona. Now JoAnn writes about life in the islands as a way to stay connected. Her "Islands of Aloha" mystery series will feature a story set in each of the major Hawaiian islands, starting with Maui.

Reviews

[Mac Daly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not enough mystery

I really like this series. This one was not my favorite. It starts off promising with a mismatched couple as Pali Moon's last wedding to plan before her own but several starts lead no where. There's nothing close to a mystery until almost halfway through the book. Most of the story is about Pali's personal crises and the mystery seems to be an afterthought. I hope the next one is back up the quality of the first ones.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book!

I love the settings of all the Aloha books. Pali's character feels true to life and her character continues to expand in each book. The series is a good beach series, interesting, and a "light" read. The mystery portion has kept me in suspense for each book. A different mystery for each setting and each kept me guessing. I hate to finish the series, but I can't wait to read the next one. Mahalo.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story in this series

This series is like being like living in Hawaii being local. Learned slot about the this island in this story. History what it is like to live there. The storyline was great new characters a murder mystery with lot of twist then Fatah and her babies , along with Pali and her up coming wedding .

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series, and Pali Moon (I'm wondering whether her birth name might actually be Honey Moon). Each book has given me some of the "feel" of the island on which it takes place.

I was in Hawaii once, for a couple of hours in 1986, but all I saw was a view of Diamond Head out the window of the Honolulu airport. This is the closest I've come to going back. Thanks for the tour.

[Cheryl Bieber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Molokai

I liked reading about the island as I have admired it from the beach on Maui. Still hope to get there someday. Entertaining story.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The BEST!

This sequel was by far the best of series! I can hardly wait to read the next book to find out what happens next!!

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

One real tragedy, but everything else works out.

[Vivian · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have enjoyed the previous books in this series and always anxiously awaited the newest release, but that ended with this book - I am so disappointed. Pali was always catching a plane, waiting for a plane, missing a plane - when she wasn't doing that, she seemed to be driving all over creation with no real purpose. The way she treated her supposed "best" friend was atrocious - abandoning her during a medical emergency to help someone else she didn't even know? As for her fiancée - I realize not every book can have a HEA but these two sure went off the rails quickly since the last book - don't know the purpose of that storyline but it just made me sad. I can't say I got much reading enjoyment out of this book and will give the final book in the series a pass.

[Kilian Metcalf · Rating 1 out of 5]

I've enjoyed the other books in the series, but this one did not come up to their standard. Nobody showed any sense or good judgement in their actions or decisions. Pali had several opportunities to walk away from a bad wedding planning situation, but she stayed with the monstrous bride. Farrah, her best friend, is in the hospital with a high-risk pregnancy, and Pali is choosing to stay on Molokai with her troublesome client. There shouldn't be money enough in the world for her to make that choice.

Then there's her 'relationship' with a guy who is willing to make major life choices without consulting her. If my fiancee did that, I'd DTMFA, cut my losses and start looking for someone new.

I'm hoping the author gets herself together in the next book.

[Merla Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wedding Planner Pali Moon heads to Moloka'i to plan a wedding for a young diva and ancient, rich fiance. As usual, someone winds up dead with Pali in the middle of it. Volume 7 of the Islands of Aloha series by JoAnn Bassett. Fun reads; similar to the Stephanie Plum series. The characters in the Plum series are more colorful, but there is no comparing the geography of Hawaii to Jersey! All her books give some history of whatever island Pali is working at the time, and her description of the geography brings the islands to life. Very enjoyable series; very quick reads. I read this one in 2 sittings.

[Vicky]

i was certainly enjoying this book until page 178 when Pali chose a bridezilla over her best friend who just gave birth to twins who have complications, as well as their mother. now i am pissed and wonder if i will finish this book. now on page 184 Pali says she is "stunned" by lack of emotion. the next page she says it isn't on her nature to walk away from someone in need. which is exactly what she had done....without emotion for her best friend. so i finished the book and must say i was greatly disappointed in what has been a good series until this one.

[Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be a very pleasant read. One to be enjoyed sitting in the sun on the beach. Having lived in Hawaii and visiting Moloka'i twice, I found revisiting the island delightful. The mule ride was as exciting to read about as it was to actually experience. While reading this book, I found myself being a part of the local feel and alpha of the people themselves. I will reading the other books in the series.

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Of the series, this wasn't my favorite, but easy to read and great location descriptions as usual. The Pali/Hatch situation was annoying but probably common in couples marrying after having had independent lives for so long. Both were selfish and I didn't sympathize with the characters. Overall a good read and I will definitely read the last one "Hilo, Goodbye".

[Tula · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with every other book in the series, loved it!! The characters, the setting, her style of writing is all so enjoyable. Makes putting the book down very difficult. I'm anxiously awaiting what I think might be the last in this terrific series, I sure hope not!!

[Jeanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting

I enjoyed this one, again for the peripheral characters. Wish Steve was in the series more. Author seems to have reduced Pali to being less than she was from the first. Oh well. Still worth reading

[Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this series. The surprise ending got me this time. I can't wait for #8, although I fear it will be the last in this series.

[Bridget · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was thinking this was the last Pali Moon book, now I see I have to wait for "Hilo, Goodbye". Can't wait.

[Blakely · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another very enjoyable, quick read in the Pali Moon series! This is great if you're looking for something quick (about 3-4 hours) and fun.

[Darlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun books and I love the characters and of course the location.

[kc · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy these light mysteries and spending time with Pali in paradise.