The Rainbow Connection

by Laurie Hanan

This is the story of one teenage girl’s disappearance, and another’s obsession.

Fans of Hanan's Louise Golden mysteries watched Emmeline grow from an effervescent ten-year-old in Almost Paradise, into a headstrong adolescent in Stairway to Heaven. Now, at seventeen, Emmy is faced with a mystery only she can solve.
In her senior year, Emmy transfers from an exclusive private school to a public charter school for “dropouts and misfits.” Just before graduation, her only friend in the new school disappears. Brett has run away before. The cops, and even Brett’s mom, are sure she’s done it again. Emmy doesn’t buy it. She knows how hard Brett has worked to graduate—and Brett would never ditch her super-hot boyfriend. Something terrible has happened to Brett, and Emmy must find out what.
Her search for Brett leads Emmy to a secretive pseudo-religious group with a charismatic leader and hundreds of devoted followers. She discovers political corruption, abuses of the Hawaiian Home Lands, and a brutal crime tidily buried beneath lies. Emmy risks danger and disillusionment in her search for Brett, while struggling with the daunting task of becoming an adult and making decisions demanded of her in this coming-of-age journey.

*May not be suitable for younger teens due to references to drugs, rape, and nudity.

237 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 4, 2016

About the author

Laurie grew up in the picturesque islands of the South Pacific. Her father pioneered air travel to many of the tiny islands, and Laurie often accompanied him on his flights. She moved to Seattle to study photography and dance at the University of Washington. While there, she discovered an interest in Jewish Studies, Hebrew, and Middle Eastern dance. She moved to Israel to pursue these subjects, earning her keep by working in the cotton fields of the Jezreel Valley. Laurie moved to London, then lived in several European countries, before returning to Israel. It was on this second trip to Israel that she met the love of her life. They eloped and were married in Cyprus. Laurie and her husband spent time exploring the Far East, before settling in Hawaii. Laurie had a career with the Postal Service, and raised three children. She retired in 2006 and started writing her Louise Golden mystery series. She also promotes animal rights and rescue, and practices yoga, meditation, and qi gong. Laurie lives on Oahu with her husband, two youngest children, a Westie and an alley cat.

Reviews

[A.J. Llewellyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all of Laurie Hanan's books and have followed Emmy from the first "Louise Golden" mystery to troubled teens in the later books. Now she has her own, compelling YA storyline in The Rainbow Connection. This is a fabulous read. I ache for Emmy. Her home life isn't perfect and Brett, the person she cherishes most is now missing. This is a convincing mystery and a touching coming-of-age tale I think would make a great movie. So much of the story - without giving away anything - feels real. These secret political/groups thrive in the islands and Emmy's love for her friend is at times heartbreaking. I loved this book and look forward to the sequel! I love this author's work.

[Rick Ludwig · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed every one of Laurie Hanan's wonderful stories, from full length novels to short stories. In this work she broadens her audience by writing from the point of view of a young woman knocking firmly on the partially open door of adulthood, despite a family that might like her to take things a little slower. But, as we know from Hanan's earlier works, this young lady is too brave and too intrigued by what she sees and others miss that she has to push headlong into solving a mystery despite the danger and disillusionment this may entail. She's growing up but she's never inconsistent. Hanan surrounds her familiar and vivacious main character with fascinating and distinctive individuals in the always breathtaking environment of the Hawaiian islands. Her ability to stay true to the unique nature of these islands and their inhabitants, while creating a story accessible and resonant with people around the globe is her great talent. I encourage readers of all ages to accept this newest gift of hers, "The Rainbow Connection" -- the lovers, the dreamers, and me.

[Lorna Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Young Emmie is trying to find herself. Little does she expect she'll also be looking for her best friend. The more she learns, the more questions she has. The surfing and Hawaiian lifestyle feel real, and Emmie feels like an authentic young woman on the brink of adulthood. This is a well-written coming-of-age story. Young people should be able to identify with Emmie's life--even if they don't live in Hawaii, go surfing, or own a polo pony. Her frustrations are the same as those shared by today's teens.

[Gail Baugniet · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this young adult story, Emmy is searching for her high school friend who has gone missing shortly before graduation. She doesn’t buy into the police department’s theory that her friend ran away from home. Following a tenuous lead, and engaging the help of her friend’s boyfriend, she experiences a hippie-like gathering deep within a Waianae forest. The mystery of her friend’s disappearance continues to grow until people begin to confide in her and the pieces slowly fall into place.

Hanan allows the story to unfold naturally around Emmy’s strained family life and her burden of responsibilities. Emmy struggles with the daunting task of becoming an adult and making decisions demanded of her in her coming-of-age journey.

Wrapped in the sights and sounds and fragrances of Hawai’i, this novel is a cross between a Waikiki beach read and an unchartered tour of the seamier side of paradise. Readers of Hanan’s Louise Golden mysteries will recognize Emmy in her role as Louise’s young neighbor, Emmeline, and a pivotal character in the novel, Stairway To Heaven.

[Kerstin Lampert · Rating 5 out of 5]

With insights into the Surfer culture of Oahu
and hippie culture of Hawaii
and helicopter parenting.....
Yikes!
All of this is enough to drive an 18 year old crazy. Thank goodness for her little dog Dazy who saves her life.
She's not crazy at all...
Emmeline (Emmy) Kaleiokalani Hanlin is observant; and when her best friend disappears, she knows it could mean trouble. But no one will listen to her.
After all, aren't girls being kidnapped, tortured, raped and worse? So it says on Facebook.
So, we travel with brave Emmy into the underworld of Oahu.......marijuana farms, deserted beaches, nightclubs....to look for her friend.

No spoilers, here....you'll have to read it to find out.
Meanwhile you'll get a good glimpse into life on Oahu, Hawaii through the eyes of a teenager.