Surfing Detective Double Feature, Vol. 1 Murder on Molokai'i - Kula

by Chip Hughes

“Everyone’s favorite surfing detective, Kai Cooke, is back . . .” Waterman’s Library.

Surfing Detective Double Feature, Vol. 1, contains two popular Hawai‘i mysteries in one volume:

In MURDER ON MOLOKA‘I Kai investigates a fatal plunge from the soaring cliffs above Kalaupapa’s fabled leper colony. Boston heiress Adrienne Ridgely claims her sister Sara’s fall from a mule on Moloka‘i was no accident but murder, perpetrated by Sara’s ex, developer J. Gregory Parke. Kai tracks tantalizing leads on Moloka‘i to an unlikely murder that, despite himself, he starts to believe in. Did Parke do it for vengeance, or Adrienne herself for an inheritance, as Parke alleges? Soon Kai uncovers a motive more noxious than either of these – entangling him in the shady dealings of big-time developers, corrupt politicians, and underworld thugs. As he seeks a pivotal clue, the clock ticks down on more than the PI’s case or even his own threatened life. The future of Moloka‘i itself is at stake.

In KULA Kai reluctantly traces the missing golden retriever of radio pitchman Barry Buckingham. Despite his qualms, Kai would seem a natural for the case, since the pooch named Kula is a famous surfing dog. With the help of Maile Barnes, ex-K9 cop and kindred spirit, he ventures into the dark underworld of animal theft in the islands. Then a questionable tip takes him to a late-night rendezvous, his tipster winds up dead, and the detective himself becomes a suspect. The PI tracks the illusive retriever from O‘ahu to the Big Island to Maui, but the killer is one step ahead. Can Kai clear his name and find the murderer before he strikes again?

Genres: Mystery

473 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 15, 2017

About the author

Chip Hughes learned to surf in San Diego in the late 1960s. He earned a Ph.D. in English at Indiana University in 1981 and taught American literature, film, writing, and popular fiction for nearly three decades at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. His
non-fiction publications include two books on John Steinbeck and numerous essays and reviews.

An active member of the Private Eye Writers of America, Chip launched the Surfing Detective mystery series in 2004 with Murder on Moloka‘i. Since 2011 the series has been published exclusively by Slate Ridge Press.

When not working on the series, Chip enjoys walking and running with his wife and companion of thirty-five years, surfing with his buddy, practicing the piano, getting together with Porsche club friends, and hanging out with his golden retriever. He tries to live "green" with recycling, solar panels, and an electric car. He generally eats vegetarian. Chip and his wife split their time between homes in Hawai‘i and upstate New York.

Reviews

[Evelyn Grabas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved both stories. And will Kai just tell Frank - 'it isn't her dog and she has no right to him. If I don't want him at her house, then he doesn't go to her house. Period, end of discussion.'

Have enjoyed this series immensely. Have only to get my hands on Vol 2, Double Feature and I will have read them all. Then all I have to do is wait for a new one to come out. Which I will do with bated breath.
I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves a good mystery, free of over-emphasized sex, bad assed attitudes, and hard-drinking, egotistical P.I.s Have enjoyed this series immensely and have placed Chip Hughes' name on my list of favorite authors.

[Catherine Purcell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder on Moloka'i Kula by Chip Hughes

Enjoyed the story not to much violence and no sex different storyline then some made it very interesting with a P I that looked for missing dogs with many other problems kidnapping, and murder combined

[Susan Lichtfuss · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much fun and mayhem in paradise

Love the main character. He is just normal enough and likeable enough to cheer him on. A definite good guy and you want him to get the good girl. Nice variety in the plot. Not what you expect and definitely fun!

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kula - Love dog hero stories.

Kai needed the work so took on the case to find a stolen golden retriever. Once he found out where the dog was he enlisted the help of an old friend who is a former K9 officer and now a pet retrieval investigator.

[Marybeth Lapilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed both of the stories in this book. Kia is a very likable guy. This book was interesting and did not need sex and filthy language. I am looking forward to ordering Volume 2 on payday.