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A Tiki Goddess Mystery #5

Hawaii Five Uh-Oh: The Tiki Goddess Mysteries

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Em and the Hula Maidens are on the case . . .
Em Johnson is prepping for the biggest catering gig she's ever booked, this time at the world famous Tiki Goddess Bar. Then she hears Kiki Godwin has just been released from the psych ward at Kukuoloko. If the unpredictable leader of the Hula Maidens isn't completely recovered from her PTMAD (Post Traumatic Monkey Attack Disorder), Em knows all hell could break loose at the upscale event.
But for once, Kiki isn't the problem. When the guest of honor's multi-million dollar paintings are stolen and a security guard turns up dead, Kiki's convinced the best way to get her mojo back is to capture the art thieves. Kiki and the girls come up with a plan to lure the felons out by staging a grand hoax. Their bait will be a cocktail party featuring paintings by the reclusive Alphonse Cappuccino, an "up and coming artist" who is none other than Kiki's furry nemesis.
"Hawaii Five Uh-Oh" is hilarious, non-stop action. So pour yourself a tropical beverage, kick back, and join Uncle Louie, Em, Sophie Chin, and the Hula Maidens at the always unpredictable, ever-entertaining, Tiki Goddess Bar.
""Too Hot Four Hula" is a fun, quick read with nary a lull in the engaging plot."-"Fresh Fiction"
"This book was truly hilarious."-"Open Book Society" on "Too Hot Four Hula"
"Smart and sassy, fun, and endearing."- Kristin Hannah, "New York Times" bestselling author
A seven-time Romance Writers of America finalist for the RITA Award, Jill Marie Landis also now writes The Tiki Goddess Mysteries (set on the island of Kauai, Hawaii, where she lives with her husband, actor Steve Landis.) Visit her world of tiki totems, hula maidens, and tropical fun at thetikigoddess.com.

218 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2016

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About the author

Jill Marie Landis

75 books255 followers
JILL MARIE LANDIS is the bestselling author of nearly thirty novels which have appeared on the NYT bestseller list, USA Today and other national bestseller lists. She has won numerous awards for her heartfelt characters and sweeping emotional historical romances that include SUMMER MOON and MAGNOLIA CREEK and the Irish Angels Series; HEART OF STONE, HEART OF LIES, and HEART OF GLASS. All of her Historical Romances are available in eBook format.

She is currently writing The Tiki Goddess Mysteries series which includes MAI TAI ONE ON, TWO TO MANGO, THREE TO GET LEI'D, TOO HOT FOUR HULA and HAWAII FIVE UH-OH! from Bell Bridge Books.

Toes in the sand and head in the clouds, she is living the dream in Hawaii with her husband, Steve. Jill Marie loves to spend hours at the beach reading or writing and she also loves dancing the hula.

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5 stars
98 (43%)
4 stars
75 (33%)
3 stars
47 (20%)
2 stars
4 (1%)
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3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
2,328 reviews39 followers
February 11, 2016

Em and the Hula Maidens are back with mystery, laughter, & fun characters. I was excited to see a new Tiki Goddess mystery out. Very entertaining.

Kiki has spent the last six weeks in a hospital for the trauma of being attacked by a monkey who pulled out some of her hair. She is scared and not herself.

The Hula Maidens are not the same without Kiki leading them. Most of the ladies are over 60 and love to dance the Hula. They are not natives either. They are a riot and accident prone. They perform at the Tiki Goddess bar.

Em has taken over managing the Tiki Goddess from her Uncle Louie who still makes up special drinks. She is dating Rolland the detective/ fire dancer. They also cater parties.

While everyone is working the party for a new neighbor is robbed of two famous paintings worth 30 million dollars. A security guard is killed. Kiki thinks if they solve the art theft crime she will get her mojo back.
Kauai, Hawaii is the setting for Hawaii five Uh-Oh!

This is a clean read. Lots of drinking and recipes for some special drinks in the back of the book.

I like this series, it is fun, good mystery and characters that you want to see again and again.

I was given this ebook to read for free by NetGalley and BelleBooks. In return I agree to give a honest review of Hawaii Five Uh-Oh!
Profile Image for Kathryn.
Author 83 books73 followers
March 27, 2016
Although the pacing in this book seemed a bit slower than in its predecessors, I continue to enjoy this series and to look forward to each new entry. The Tiki Goddess Mysteries have nearly everything I enjoy in a cozy mystery: appealing leads, tricky puzzles, quirky supporting characters, and an interesting setting--plus rum cocktails. Recommended for a fun, light read.
Profile Image for L Kate.
1,285 reviews6 followers
October 16, 2018
Who’s the artist?

During a very high profile party catered by The Goddess crew there is an art theft next door - how to flush out an art thief? No doubt The Hula Maidens will think of something. So much fun!
Profile Image for Kristi.
299 reviews3 followers
November 17, 2019
Monkey business this one is my favorite in this series

Actress Directors 🐱 wowan Art Monkeys New Age healing Kiki in nut house maidens trying to perform without their leader stolen art dead body and poor Wally everyone from series is in this book .Great mystery
Profile Image for Ellen.
791 reviews1 follower
July 2, 2023
Even if this wasn’t the last book in the series I would stop here. I found Kiki annoying and wanted more Em time. The answer to the mystery felt sudden and a little too neat. I did like the drumming in the moon and I’m going to make the cake recipe in the back tomorrow.
Profile Image for Janice.
1,489 reviews68 followers
March 5, 2017
That was my least favourite of the series. The sizzle of the romance interest fizzled. The ordeal of the lead Hula Maiden being traumatized by a monkey was lame. And the crime was bland.
Profile Image for Suzanne.
1,712 reviews99 followers
February 22, 2018
Not nearly as funny as previous entries in the series, but still a good time visiting the Tiki Goddess again.
Profile Image for Jennie.
41 reviews
June 8, 2020
This book cracked me up and had some fun twists.
Profile Image for Kelly.
1,136 reviews10 followers
October 28, 2026
Oh no! It’s the last hula maiden mystery…. I am bereft. Such a cute & zany series with colorful characters!!
Profile Image for Brenda.
547 reviews31 followers
January 22, 2016
Hawaii Five Uh-Oh is the fifth installment in the Tiki Goddess Mystery series. The series features Em Johnson who helps her Uncle Louie run his popular bar the Tiki Goddess on the Hawaiian island of Kauai.

Em has been hired by the flamboyant Wally Williams to cater a welcome to the neighborhood party for his new neighbor, Hollywood producer Cameron Delacruz. Em has brought employees, Sophie to act as overseer and Pat to tend bar and the (mostly stoned) Buzzy to act as a busser/security guard.

Of course the party wouldn't be a party without the Hula Maidens who will be performing for the first time without the guidance of their self proclaimed leader Kiki Godwin. Kiki has been in the psych hospital after being attacked by the capuchin monkey in the 4th installment of the series.

The night goes from bad to worse as the Hula Maidens performance goes horribly awry thanks to the uneven dance floor, Kiki makes a surprise appearance direct from checking out of the hospital and not only do the 30 million dollar Jackson Pollack paintings get stolen from the Delacruz estate but one of the hired security guards is found dead in the driveway.

Kiki now suffers from PTSD thanks to the monkey attack and is prone to screaming and running to hide under anything that's available at sudden noises or the mention of the M word. In an effort to get her life back on track, she decides that the Hula Maidens need to investigate the art theft and clear Buzzy's name, for it turns out he's been on the FBI's most wanted list for over 25 years and is now in lockup for the robbery.

In this book, Em mostly leaves the investigating up to Kiki and the Maidens, as she focuses on her budding relationship with Detective/Fire Dancer Roland Sharpe. Uncle Louis is still busy concocting new libations which he loves to test out on his parrot Letterman. The Estelle's have a big secret that they've been hiding from Kiki - they've adopted Alphonse, the attack monkey.

A fun, easy read with a quirky cast of characters. I'd read the first in the series but had skipped 2 - 4, while this book could read as a stand alone I'd advise new readers to start at the beginning of the series in order to get a full understanding of all of the characters.

I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley via Bell Bridge Books. While not required to write a review I am more than happy to share my honest opinion.
1,283 reviews67 followers
January 12, 2016
I had wanted to read this series for a while because it looked like it would be a light mystery with lots of humor. Maybe you had to read the first 4 books to find any humor. I think I half laughed once. What I think was supposed to be humorous was some old white women hula dancers falling apart without their leader and literally falling down on an uneven dance floor and one of the main characters, as mentioned in the blurb, having mental health issues resulting from a monkey attack in the previous book. I didn't find either event funny, not understanding (again, new to series) why these woman who we are told have performed A LOT are having such performance issues. The floor might be uneven, but they're dancing barefoot and hula dancing does not involve moving the feet up from the floor much. Kiki's mental healthy issues weren't funny, nor her reactions (nor were they written particularly tragically that I truly felt bad).

I wasn't sure who the main characters were supposed to be. It seemed in this one that Em and Kiki had equally large roles. Not a negative, it's just unusual for one character not to be more dominant. I'm not sure what's up with Roland the police character. Em's been burned in love before and she mentions she hasn't even been to his place before but he pressures her (lightly, but a couple of times) for sex always at her place. Why she's continuing a relationship with him without finding out more about his private life irked me. There is no sex or bad language (that I can recall) in this book for those that care.

The mystery element was fine with a twist or two.

Ultimately, I can only give Hawaii Five Uh Oh an ok rating. I felt it really didn't deliver on the humor as promised in the blurb and the rest was just average. The use of animals (drunk/crazed monkey and drunk bird) was not to my taste as well.

I have the first book in the series and will probably read it next time I want something short and quick with a little mystery, but wouldn't recommend the series based on this read. I suggest trying one from the library if possible.

I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Katy.
1,545 reviews8 followers
February 21, 2017
When I grow older, I will become Hula Maiden and dance at the Tiki Goddess!

Two original Pollacks are stolen during a party at the mansion of an obnoxious Hollywood director. Unfortunately, an elderly security died. The Hula Maidens, Em, Sophie, Uncle Louie and Roland work towards solving the mystery.
Profile Image for Laura.
481 reviews55 followers
January 7, 2016
Hawaii Five Uh-Oh! by Jill Marie Landis has plenty of laughs and smiles as the Hula Maidens attempt to track down an art thief and killer. This is the fifth book in the Tiki Goddess Mystery series.

Kiki is recently out of the mental hospital and still feeling the strain of her recent attack by Alphonse the monkey. She is suffering from PTMD - post-traumatic monkey disorder. Meanwhile, a big shot director from the mainland is welcomed to Kauai by his neighbor with Em and the Tiki Goddess staff catering the event. While the party is going on, some serious paintings he has in his home are stolen. Kiki, the leader of the Hula Maidens, gets the idea that trying to solve this crime will help her overcome her PTMD. Roland asks them to stay out of it as usual, but of course, they get involved.

The Hula Maidens are a delight as they try to solve the mystery and perform. Roland and Em's romance simmers with promise. Louie, the owner of the Tiki Goddess bar, is ever present making up new concoctions and legends to go with them. At the end of the book, you can find recipes for some of the cocktails as well as for some of Kimo's ono food.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. Hawaii Five Uh-Oh! is a fun read. It's even better if you like Hawaii. Either way, the book is a good read with a mystery, some comic relief, and a touch of romance.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
841 reviews10 followers
February 3, 2016
Lots of Very Funny Monkey Business!!

Em, Uncle Louie, Detective Roland Sharpe, the Tiki Goddess Bar, & of course all the Hula Maidens are back & in rare form! Head of the Hula Maidens, Kiki, has been finally released from the psych ward after suffering major PTSD from being savagely attacked by a capuchin monkey. She appears at an event being catered by Em & the Tiki Goddess when suddenly the party is shut down by a death & the theft of two multimillion dollar paintings. From there the over-the-top romp fest keeps you guessing till the end. The Hula Maidens are uproariously funny as usual & the situations they get into are outrageous & all kinds of crazy! Great book & fantastic series.
Profile Image for Ann.
6,262 reviews90 followers
January 24, 2016
Another cute addition to the Tiki Goddess Mystery series. Em and the rest of the staff are catering a large party for a Hollywood big wig who has just moved to the island. During the party he has art work stolen and a security guard dies chasing the thief. With Kiki back, she and the Hula Maidens decide to solve the crime. Funny and full of twists and turns, Hawaii Five Uh-Oh is a good story and a nice way to spend an afternoon.
Profile Image for Laura.
2,558 reviews
July 12, 2016
This is a great book written by Jill Marie Landis. This book is part of The Tiki Goddess Mystery series. This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night. This was such a great read and full of surprises. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author. A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
Profile Image for Jeanne.
1,144 reviews8 followers
June 16, 2016
Characters well defined and often quirky but never totally unbelievable. Plot that isn't obvious and the hula ladies of a certain age make for a fun read. I specifically like when the author uses Hawaiian words and expressions which truly are used by locals. With there were more 'lical' as regular characters
Profile Image for Tahleen.
655 reviews23 followers
July 27, 2016
Meh. Another fun little mystery, though with questionable characterizations and Hawaiian names (Kukuoloko for a mental hospital? No). And my word, is Pat lascivious. Otherwise, I like Em, I like Roland, I like Uncle Louie. I could use less of the Hula Maidens honestly. I mostly am reading these for the Hawaiian setting and because I don't have to think too hard when I read them.
Profile Image for Fiona.
367 reviews
February 4, 2016
I enjoy this quirky series I discovered several years ago on vacation. Fun and easy vacation read.
Profile Image for Debbie.
135 reviews4 followers
February 6, 2016
my initial review was that it is not as good as her previous books,but upon re reading this book I have changed my mind.It was fun,charming and just as good as the previous books in this series.
Profile Image for Vicki.
443 reviews
February 13, 2016
I have read the whole series, and I liked this one the best. I loved it, I love a fast fun read, and this fit the bill in every way.
164 reviews
April 9, 2016
Book # 5 of the Hula Maiden Series set in Kaui at the Tiki Goddess. Another fun story involving, Em, Uncle Louie, The Hula Maidens and Roland. Entertaining and fun books to read.
Profile Image for Melissa.
281 reviews
August 20, 2016
I enjoy Ms Landis' Tiki Goddess series. Good plots and fun, if a bit bizarre, characters.
19 reviews
October 9, 2016
I love this series. It's just a fun read and makes me want to go back to the islands!
Profile Image for Ming.
619 reviews4 followers
May 26, 2016
not the best in the series
Profile Image for Libby.
1,407 reviews
Read
February 11, 2018
(E-Lib) The whole PTMD deal with Kiki was a bit goofy, but this was still enjoyable enough.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews