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Trouble in Paradise #8
Maui Magic
The eighth Trouble in Paradise island mystery featuring senior sleuth McKenna and his PI-wannabe sidekick Chance Logan. Whatever happened to easy? McKenna had the perfect cover for his plan to propose marriage. He and his girlfriend Benni would help his elderly tenant, Mrs. Nakamura, fly to Maui for a visit with her pregnant granddaughter. Then, he’d take Benni for a walk on the beach. He had a ring, but did he have the courage to pop the question? The minute they land, McKenna’s perfect plan hits a snag. Mrs. Nakamura’s grandson-in-law is being accused of murder—and she wants her amateur sleuth landlord to investigate. Reluctantly, McKenna agrees to take the case with his friend Chance. They dive into an investigation that starts in a seedy hospitality club and goes straight downhill. Before they know it, the battle for Maui’s water is raging around the amateur sleuths and they have too many questions to answer. Why was the murder victim living under a fake identity? Why is their client claiming he committed the crime? And, who is the mystery man stalking them? On a dusty cane road, McKenna must answer the toughest decision of his life—live rich or die poor? There's no way it's the question he wanted to face, but if McKenna doesn’t think fast, he may never ask another.
318 pages, Paperback
Published May 27, 2017
About the author
Terry Ambrose
36 books313 followersTerry Ambrose started out skip tracing and collecting money from deadbeats and quickly learned that liars come from all walks of life. He never actually stole a car, but sometimes hired big guys with tow trucks and a penchant for working in the dark when “negotiations” failed.
A resident of Southern California, he loves spending time in Hawaii, especially on the Garden Island of Kauai, where he invents lies for others to read. His years of chasing deadbeats taught him many valuable life lessons including—always keep your car in the garage.
A resident of Southern California, he loves spending time in Hawaii, especially on the Garden Island of Kauai, where he invents lies for others to read. His years of chasing deadbeats taught him many valuable life lessons including—always keep your car in the garage.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 9, 2017
Terry Ambrose has once again taken us on a wonderful adventure in Maui Magic, the 8th book in the McKenna Mystery series. A trip to Maui for McKenna and his girlfriend, Benni, PI in training Chance Logan and his girlfriend was meant to be a pleasure trip. McKenna has planned to take the big step and ask Benni to marry him and even has the ring. Hower, McKenna's elderly tenant, Mrs. Nakamura is also on board the flight for a visit with her pregnant granddaughter and her husband and when they land they find out Mrs. Nakamura's son-in-law has been arrested for the murder of his co-chairperson of a committee to protect the rivers of Maui. I enjoyed this book very much and couldn't wait to find out how it ended. The characters were well developed and the description of the setting made me feel as if I was there with them. I am sure once you start this book you will not want to stop.
October 12, 2019
Reviewed by Marissa
Book provided by the author
I always look forward to the new McKenna books. Even though I live on Oahu, Ambrose has a way of bringing the area to life and I always find someplace new I want to see – whether it's a street in Chinatown or a whole other island. This book takes place on (surprise!) Maui, where McKenna takes his long-distance girlfriend for a romantic getaway. Instead, he finds himself involved in murder, a water-rights fight, and a fight for survival.
I loved the character of Mrs. Nakamura. I believe she's been a walk-through character in one or two previous books but this is the first time we get to see the former school teacher in action. She's feisty and noble and scary and heartwarming all at once. I'd love to know someone like her in real life and look forward to seeing her in future books. Lexie, Chance's girlfriend, also gets a larger role in this novel. While she had come across as very down to earth previously, here her character really shines through.
For me, it's interesting to find local controversies woven into fictional stories. Water rights on Maui have been an on-going issue for years and the spin that's given to such a heated argument has the power to evoke strong feelings as well as create further interest in what's going on in my “backyard”.
Book provided by the author
I always look forward to the new McKenna books. Even though I live on Oahu, Ambrose has a way of bringing the area to life and I always find someplace new I want to see – whether it's a street in Chinatown or a whole other island. This book takes place on (surprise!) Maui, where McKenna takes his long-distance girlfriend for a romantic getaway. Instead, he finds himself involved in murder, a water-rights fight, and a fight for survival.
I loved the character of Mrs. Nakamura. I believe she's been a walk-through character in one or two previous books but this is the first time we get to see the former school teacher in action. She's feisty and noble and scary and heartwarming all at once. I'd love to know someone like her in real life and look forward to seeing her in future books. Lexie, Chance's girlfriend, also gets a larger role in this novel. While she had come across as very down to earth previously, here her character really shines through.
For me, it's interesting to find local controversies woven into fictional stories. Water rights on Maui have been an on-going issue for years and the spin that's given to such a heated argument has the power to evoke strong feelings as well as create further interest in what's going on in my “backyard”.
January 21, 2021
I truly enjoy how each book can be read as a stand alone or as part of a series. The continual development of the characters is a extra plus to the writing. Wonderful descriptions of the scenery and locale make you want to visit Hawaii. You can always count on a great storyline when reading a book by Terry Ambrose. As always, I look forward to the next one. FYI, I was given an early copy for a fair and honest review.
February 8, 2018
Murder in Maui
Yet another good McKenna mystery! It seems as though he has great difficulty in not getting roped into solving a crime. Lots of twists in this one, another Kimu dream to figure out... Great read!
Yet another good McKenna mystery! It seems as though he has great difficulty in not getting roped into solving a crime. Lots of twists in this one, another Kimu dream to figure out... Great read!
November 3, 2020
Terrible boring book! I jumped at the end and quit reading it.
November 7, 2020
Fun and fast moving
Likeable and believable characters in an increasingly impossible situation. Very scary bad guys in a modern corrupt situation. I really enjoyed this book!
Likeable and believable characters in an increasingly impossible situation. Very scary bad guys in a modern corrupt situation. I really enjoyed this book!
November 11, 2020
Nice mystery set on Maui about a local group trying to retaining water rights from an international conglomerate, one of the controversies trying to be made right by native Hawaiians today.
November 20, 2020
Maui Magic c
Great read. Learn some about Hawaiian history and some words. Not too many characters so easy to follow. Good for evening or weekend reading
Great read. Learn some about Hawaiian history and some words. Not too many characters so easy to follow. Good for evening or weekend reading
May 31, 2021
Just not my type of read.
March 18, 2017
Thoroughly enjoyed the beginning and the end of this book. The middle was interesting, but not compelling reading. Always enjoy my "visits" to Hawaii.
March 5, 2017
[ I voluntarily reviewed this book in its ARC form]
"You have made me realize we must not stray far from the boundaries of our own limitations."
McKenna is off on another adventure, this time to Maui with Chance and his girl Lexie and of course his own girlfriend Benni. Under the guise of helping McKenna's tenant Mrs. Nakamura go see her grandson and the impending birth of her first great grandchild, the four of them are spending a few,days at a place McKenna and Benni had been before. And McKenna has ulterior motives that could change his future
Maui is a tropical paradise marked by an extremely nasty historical political atmosphere over water and its safety. And Mrs. Nakamura's grandson is smack in the middle of the controversy as a young woman involved who dealt with Hiseo is found dead. McKenna is about to learn how formatible a retired fourth grade teacher can be even though all the group wanted was a short vacation, not another mystery.
Peppered with current headlines of runaways, identity theft, political battles, money, influence and murder, Terry Ambrose quickly pulls you into the middle of what at times seems like a comedy of errors. Will they ever find their way out of this murkier and murkier mess they are in? And, if they don't, then how will McKenna live with Mrs. Nakamura?
"You have made me realize we must not stray far from the boundaries of our own limitations."
McKenna is off on another adventure, this time to Maui with Chance and his girl Lexie and of course his own girlfriend Benni. Under the guise of helping McKenna's tenant Mrs. Nakamura go see her grandson and the impending birth of her first great grandchild, the four of them are spending a few,days at a place McKenna and Benni had been before. And McKenna has ulterior motives that could change his future
Maui is a tropical paradise marked by an extremely nasty historical political atmosphere over water and its safety. And Mrs. Nakamura's grandson is smack in the middle of the controversy as a young woman involved who dealt with Hiseo is found dead. McKenna is about to learn how formatible a retired fourth grade teacher can be even though all the group wanted was a short vacation, not another mystery.
Peppered with current headlines of runaways, identity theft, political battles, money, influence and murder, Terry Ambrose quickly pulls you into the middle of what at times seems like a comedy of errors. Will they ever find their way out of this murkier and murkier mess they are in? And, if they don't, then how will McKenna live with Mrs. Nakamura?
February 22, 2017
Thank you for allowing me a early read of this book, I enjoyed it.
Another exciting addition (8th) to the Trouble in Paradise series featuring amateur sleuth McKenna. This one takes place on Maui (of course). The writer is very descriptive so you feel like you are really there, you can almost smell the flowers. It's a action packed plot with twists and a premonition dream with clues thrown in. There is another couple (including his friend PI wannabe Chance Logan) and McKennas girlfriend along for the ride (sometimes he's in the trunk of the bad guys car!). This book is good for young adults as well since the violence isn't too graphic. No graphic sex but there is love interest as he got his girlfriend a ring if she says yes (IF he gets the courage to ask). Customs of the islands are threaded throughout the book as well as local flavor.
Instead of a nice relaxing get away, this adventure finds McKenna and Chance trying to prove the innocence of a man who may be falsely accused of murder. On a lonely dusty road McKenna was offered the choice of a million dollars or being killed to get off the case. In the exciting finish they concocted a plot to trap the bad guys, but it didn't go exactly the way they planned. Read the exciting conclusion to find out what happens at the end of the caper! A won't want to miss McKenna mystery!
Another exciting addition (8th) to the Trouble in Paradise series featuring amateur sleuth McKenna. This one takes place on Maui (of course). The writer is very descriptive so you feel like you are really there, you can almost smell the flowers. It's a action packed plot with twists and a premonition dream with clues thrown in. There is another couple (including his friend PI wannabe Chance Logan) and McKennas girlfriend along for the ride (sometimes he's in the trunk of the bad guys car!). This book is good for young adults as well since the violence isn't too graphic. No graphic sex but there is love interest as he got his girlfriend a ring if she says yes (IF he gets the courage to ask). Customs of the islands are threaded throughout the book as well as local flavor.
Instead of a nice relaxing get away, this adventure finds McKenna and Chance trying to prove the innocence of a man who may be falsely accused of murder. On a lonely dusty road McKenna was offered the choice of a million dollars or being killed to get off the case. In the exciting finish they concocted a plot to trap the bad guys, but it didn't go exactly the way they planned. Read the exciting conclusion to find out what happens at the end of the caper! A won't want to miss McKenna mystery!
April 1, 2017
McKenna is going to propose to his girlfriend, Benni Kapuno!!!
He is planning to do so on a trip to Maui. Off they go with
McKenna's protege, PI wannabe Chance Logan and his
girlfriend, Lexie traveling along with them. Plus McKenna's
elderly tenant, Mrs Nakamura is also traveling with them on
the same plane. She is going to visit her pregnant
granddaughter and her husband.
But instead of a vacation, this visit to Maui ends up putting
McKenna's life on the line while trying to help solve a murder.
Arriving on Maui, Mrs Nakamura finds that her
grandson-in-law is being accused of murder and is not
defending himself. What is happening here? Who is the
dead person? Why was she using false identification?
Who and why are they being followed? What is McKenna's
dream trying to reveal to him? Will he be able to escape this
life threatening situation?
All the cast members are well developed, colorful, zany and
unique in their own characteristics. McKenna always
manages to find himself in unexpected waters....murkier
this time than usual.
The storyline is original and creatively written. There are
many puzzling twists and turns with danger, suspense and
intrigue mixed with some humorous shenanigans.
The author gives vivid descriptions of the various sections
of the island. You get to go to the beach, in the water, eat
in various surroundings, sightsee , meet various locals and
share island life.
This is book # 8 in the McKenna Mystery series. It can be
read as a stand alone.
An excellent read!!!
He is planning to do so on a trip to Maui. Off they go with
McKenna's protege, PI wannabe Chance Logan and his
girlfriend, Lexie traveling along with them. Plus McKenna's
elderly tenant, Mrs Nakamura is also traveling with them on
the same plane. She is going to visit her pregnant
granddaughter and her husband.
But instead of a vacation, this visit to Maui ends up putting
McKenna's life on the line while trying to help solve a murder.
Arriving on Maui, Mrs Nakamura finds that her
grandson-in-law is being accused of murder and is not
defending himself. What is happening here? Who is the
dead person? Why was she using false identification?
Who and why are they being followed? What is McKenna's
dream trying to reveal to him? Will he be able to escape this
life threatening situation?
All the cast members are well developed, colorful, zany and
unique in their own characteristics. McKenna always
manages to find himself in unexpected waters....murkier
this time than usual.
The storyline is original and creatively written. There are
many puzzling twists and turns with danger, suspense and
intrigue mixed with some humorous shenanigans.
The author gives vivid descriptions of the various sections
of the island. You get to go to the beach, in the water, eat
in various surroundings, sightsee , meet various locals and
share island life.
This is book # 8 in the McKenna Mystery series. It can be
read as a stand alone.
An excellent read!!!
April 2, 2017
This is #8 in this PI series that takes place on the island of Maui. I've grown to really love, enjoy, & learn, from this series
The team is back with another murder & Chance always seems to make me laugh the most. This cozy mystery I always learn something native in either language or culture in the area & at the same time, this series is a nice, light, funny & enjoyable cozy. I look forward to when the next in the series comes out because I know I'm in for a treat & some learning, effortless learning
I received a digital copy of this book as a beta reader from the author. In return I've written an honest review & I keep looking ahead for the next in the series. Also takes place in a nice warm location to chase away the winter blues
The team is back with another murder & Chance always seems to make me laugh the most. This cozy mystery I always learn something native in either language or culture in the area & at the same time, this series is a nice, light, funny & enjoyable cozy. I look forward to when the next in the series comes out because I know I'm in for a treat & some learning, effortless learning
I received a digital copy of this book as a beta reader from the author. In return I've written an honest review & I keep looking ahead for the next in the series. Also takes place in a nice warm location to chase away the winter blues
April 9, 2017
I was just soaking my sore bones in Epsom Salts listening to The Kingston Trio sing about The Reverend Mr. Black and I realized that McKenna did have to walk the lonesome valley by himself – for a while. Then he remembered what Benni’s great grandfather Kimu told him in his dream and he invited the rest of the group in. Kimu always tried to help the underdog – if you interpret the dream correctly! We have fracking messing up our groundwater; they have Atrazine in the water in Maui. Something has to be done! Good McKenna to the rescue – with the help of Kimu! Enjoy this book and the pictures of Maui. I enjoyed this book and recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews