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Aloha Lagoon #9
Death of the Kona Man
From USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bruns comes the next deadly delicious Carrie Jorgenson adventure in paradise...
Carrie Jorgenson is living the dream in Hawaii. She has a steady job as a waitress at the Loco Moco Café, a hot new love interest in her manager, and the curtain’s about to rise on her role in a local theater production. But when she's asked to deliver food to a guest at the Aloha Lagoon resort—who then drops dead!—her dreams quickly become the stuff of nightmares.
World renowned food critic Randolph Cremshaw has no shortage of enemies. He's rude, patronizing, and famous for his one-star reviews. After the coffee Carrie delivers is discovered to have been poisoned, she and the café quickly rise to the top of the suspects list. A jealous co-worker, thefts at the restaurant, and a performance that threatens to blow up in Carrie's face only make things worse. With an already full plate, Carrie is also forced into making a decision that may change everything for her. But this all pales in comparison when she comes face to face with Randolph's killer and what might be the final curtain call…of her life.
Recipes included!
Carrie Jorgenson is living the dream in Hawaii. She has a steady job as a waitress at the Loco Moco Café, a hot new love interest in her manager, and the curtain’s about to rise on her role in a local theater production. But when she's asked to deliver food to a guest at the Aloha Lagoon resort—who then drops dead!—her dreams quickly become the stuff of nightmares.
World renowned food critic Randolph Cremshaw has no shortage of enemies. He's rude, patronizing, and famous for his one-star reviews. After the coffee Carrie delivers is discovered to have been poisoned, she and the café quickly rise to the top of the suspects list. A jealous co-worker, thefts at the restaurant, and a performance that threatens to blow up in Carrie's face only make things worse. With an already full plate, Carrie is also forced into making a decision that may change everything for her. But this all pales in comparison when she comes face to face with Randolph's killer and what might be the final curtain call…of her life.
Recipes included!
313 pages, Paperback
Published October 10, 2017
70 people are currently reading
632 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Bruns
61 books905 followersCatherine is the USA Today bestselling author of the Cookies & Chance mysteries. She lives in Upstate New York with her very patient husband, three sons and several spoiled pets. She holds a dual B.A. in English and Performing Arts and is a former newspaper reporter and press release writer. Catherine also writes the Italian Chef, Maple Syrup, and Cindy York mysteries. Her book, For Sale by Killer, won the Daphne du Maurier award for Mainstream Mystery/Suspense.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 15, 2021
It’s always a delight to be transported to the warm and sunny Aloha Lagoon Resort. This is the second book with Carrie Jorgenson as our amateur detective and once again her inquisitiveness and attention to detail help her uncover the truth and clear her own name in the process. I enjoyed reading more about her developing romance; it added a nice personal touch to her character. I also liked the unexpected hero of the story.
The author, Catherine Bruns, is good at stating the obvious clues to help you in your own attempt to solve the mystery. I am adept enough to pick up on these obvious clues, but not so skilled that I can quickly piece things together. I read it and think, hmmm, I know that’s important and means something, but what? Obviously my own detective skills need some work!
Whether or not I can figure out the mystery before I get to the end of the book is irrelevant for me, I simply enjoy the escape to the warm and sunny island of Kauai, even if “it seem[s] that Aloha Lagoon ha[s] a bit higher of a homicide rate than most towns in Hawaii.” (p 39) The Hawaiian culture comes through in the details, but it’s not overly done. It’s enough to make you want to plan a trip and discover Hawaii for yourself. As a bonus, this book offers 4 recipes to bring the taste of Hawaii to your own home: Loco Moco, Aloha Mix-up Cookies, Ahi Tuna, and Pineapple Cookies.
The author, Catherine Bruns, is good at stating the obvious clues to help you in your own attempt to solve the mystery. I am adept enough to pick up on these obvious clues, but not so skilled that I can quickly piece things together. I read it and think, hmmm, I know that’s important and means something, but what? Obviously my own detective skills need some work!
Whether or not I can figure out the mystery before I get to the end of the book is irrelevant for me, I simply enjoy the escape to the warm and sunny island of Kauai, even if “it seem[s] that Aloha Lagoon ha[s] a bit higher of a homicide rate than most towns in Hawaii.” (p 39) The Hawaiian culture comes through in the details, but it’s not overly done. It’s enough to make you want to plan a trip and discover Hawaii for yourself. As a bonus, this book offers 4 recipes to bring the taste of Hawaii to your own home: Loco Moco, Aloha Mix-up Cookies, Ahi Tuna, and Pineapple Cookies.
July 29, 2018
This is the continuing story of life at the Loco Moco Cafe, which is part of the Aloha Lagoon Resort on the island of Kauai. The first part was Death of the Big Kahuna, #6 in the overall series. This was a light, easy read, part mystery and part romance. Always a real pleasure to be immersed in a book set in paradise! A little simplistic in some ways but a very good story, nonetheless.
October 27, 2017
Murder in paradise is a great thing! For us readers of the Aloha Lagoon Mysteries that is. ;-)
Author Catherine Bruns has delivered another wonderful tale of mystery. One of my favorite authors, I’m always excited when I hear she has a new release available. She did not disappoint.
DEATH OF THE KONA MAN, like Bruns’ other books, was a fast paced, quick witted story that held me captivated from the first page to the last. With great characters, a lovely setting, and a plot that kept me guessing, I loved this tropical murder mystery treat.
So, kick off your shoes, fix a fruity drink along with one of the delicious recipes included, and settle in for a terrific read! DEATH OF A KONA MAN is one you’re not going to want to miss!
Author Catherine Bruns has delivered another wonderful tale of mystery. One of my favorite authors, I’m always excited when I hear she has a new release available. She did not disappoint.
DEATH OF THE KONA MAN, like Bruns’ other books, was a fast paced, quick witted story that held me captivated from the first page to the last. With great characters, a lovely setting, and a plot that kept me guessing, I loved this tropical murder mystery treat.
So, kick off your shoes, fix a fruity drink along with one of the delicious recipes included, and settle in for a terrific read! DEATH OF A KONA MAN is one you’re not going to want to miss!
January 7, 2020
“Death of the Kona Man” earns 5+/5 Cups of Kona Coffee Sans the Poison!
I really enjoy traveling back to the Islands reading Gemma Halliday Publishing’s Aloha Lagoon Mystery series penned by several favorite authors. A big personal favorite Catherine Bruns is back with “Death of the Kona Man.” This second adventure starts off with Carrie involved in dress rehearsals for a local production of “Little Women, the Musical.” She is nervous, flubbing a few lines, and the rumor that a Hollywood director would be attending the opening night performance has everyone on high alert. She learns from said director that a cut-throat food critic has arrived on the island and is staying at the Aloha Lagoon Resort. She fears he might pop in at the Loco Moco Café causing havoc too soon after the murder a couple of months ago had brought awkward press to the restaurant (“Death of the Big Kahuna”). Her worst fears are realized when Randolph Cremshaw, dubbed “The Kona Man” because of his well-known 10-cup a day coffee addiction, shows up in true obnoxious and demanding form. There’s the new somewhat inept waitress who seems to have eyes for Keanu, and with a lunch fiasco turning into a 1-1/2 star review, customers are staying away and Keanu’s dad, the new owner, is furious. Why can’t life just be easy for once! But, I loved it, and at least the obnoxious guy gets his ‘real kope’ (koh-peh; coffee) sweetened with a bit of cyanide!
I was totally engaged in this page-turner as Carrie and Keanu uncover a treasure trove of suspects for my inner ‘Sherlock’ to consider: more than a few disgruntled relatives, Keanu’s own parents, Carrie who found the body…again, and even hints of other victims of the man’s restaurant reviews all have motive to spike the man’s coffee. Carrie with her ‘Dr. Watson’ Keanu partner together to corroborate opportunity and means to find the killer and put there lives back on track. Exciting…I loved it! Catherine epitomizes the ‘cozy’ genre as she treats murder lightly focusing more on the clever mystery, strong characters, and lots of twists and turns that lead to a nail biting end that puts Carrie in personal jeopardy. Included to add a bit of realism we deal with the conflicts between Keanu and his parents, thefts at the café, performances at the theater, and the not-yet fully tested relationship between Carrie and Keanu. Catherine also treats us to some delightful Island delicacies with recipes from Chef Poncho’s kitchen at the Loco Moco Café: Loco Moco (Yeah!), Aloha Mix-Up Cookies, Ahi Tuna, and Pineapple Cookies.
You will love it! Don’t forget to check out book one “Death of the Big Kahuna” to complete your experience. Just add a cup of freshly ground Kona coffee, a plate of Pineapple cookies, and you are set for an Aloha adventure only Catherine Bruns can provide!
Updated 1/7/20
Audiobooks aren’t for everyone, but I always challenge readers to become listeners. I have always loved being read to by my parents, my teachers, my students, my husband, and now many narrators who go beyond the traditional reading to include accents, dialects, gender tones, and a wide range of emotions that keep me mesmerized. That’s what I love, and that’s what I get from Amy Deuchler in Catherine Bruns’s “Death of the Kona Man.” She has a delightful tone in her voice and performs well the emotions and different personalities. The biggest challenge for any female narrator is getting those male voices correct, and in this book there are several. Amy, however, does a great job from Poncho’s Mexican/Hawaiian accent to the detective’s and Keanu’s straightforward tone. The whole experience was very entertaining!
And the recipes are included! Catherine treats us to some Island delicacies straight from Chef Poncho’s kitchen at the Loco Moco Café: Loco Moco (Yeah!), Aloha Mix-Up Cookies, Ahi Tuna, and Pineapple Cookies!
I highly recommend this multi-author Gemma Halliday Publishing series, and with two thumbs up, I give high praise for Catherine Bruns’s books and Amy Deuchler’s narration.
I really enjoy traveling back to the Islands reading Gemma Halliday Publishing’s Aloha Lagoon Mystery series penned by several favorite authors. A big personal favorite Catherine Bruns is back with “Death of the Kona Man.” This second adventure starts off with Carrie involved in dress rehearsals for a local production of “Little Women, the Musical.” She is nervous, flubbing a few lines, and the rumor that a Hollywood director would be attending the opening night performance has everyone on high alert. She learns from said director that a cut-throat food critic has arrived on the island and is staying at the Aloha Lagoon Resort. She fears he might pop in at the Loco Moco Café causing havoc too soon after the murder a couple of months ago had brought awkward press to the restaurant (“Death of the Big Kahuna”). Her worst fears are realized when Randolph Cremshaw, dubbed “The Kona Man” because of his well-known 10-cup a day coffee addiction, shows up in true obnoxious and demanding form. There’s the new somewhat inept waitress who seems to have eyes for Keanu, and with a lunch fiasco turning into a 1-1/2 star review, customers are staying away and Keanu’s dad, the new owner, is furious. Why can’t life just be easy for once! But, I loved it, and at least the obnoxious guy gets his ‘real kope’ (koh-peh; coffee) sweetened with a bit of cyanide!
I was totally engaged in this page-turner as Carrie and Keanu uncover a treasure trove of suspects for my inner ‘Sherlock’ to consider: more than a few disgruntled relatives, Keanu’s own parents, Carrie who found the body…again, and even hints of other victims of the man’s restaurant reviews all have motive to spike the man’s coffee. Carrie with her ‘Dr. Watson’ Keanu partner together to corroborate opportunity and means to find the killer and put there lives back on track. Exciting…I loved it! Catherine epitomizes the ‘cozy’ genre as she treats murder lightly focusing more on the clever mystery, strong characters, and lots of twists and turns that lead to a nail biting end that puts Carrie in personal jeopardy. Included to add a bit of realism we deal with the conflicts between Keanu and his parents, thefts at the café, performances at the theater, and the not-yet fully tested relationship between Carrie and Keanu. Catherine also treats us to some delightful Island delicacies with recipes from Chef Poncho’s kitchen at the Loco Moco Café: Loco Moco (Yeah!), Aloha Mix-Up Cookies, Ahi Tuna, and Pineapple Cookies.
You will love it! Don’t forget to check out book one “Death of the Big Kahuna” to complete your experience. Just add a cup of freshly ground Kona coffee, a plate of Pineapple cookies, and you are set for an Aloha adventure only Catherine Bruns can provide!
Updated 1/7/20
Audiobooks aren’t for everyone, but I always challenge readers to become listeners. I have always loved being read to by my parents, my teachers, my students, my husband, and now many narrators who go beyond the traditional reading to include accents, dialects, gender tones, and a wide range of emotions that keep me mesmerized. That’s what I love, and that’s what I get from Amy Deuchler in Catherine Bruns’s “Death of the Kona Man.” She has a delightful tone in her voice and performs well the emotions and different personalities. The biggest challenge for any female narrator is getting those male voices correct, and in this book there are several. Amy, however, does a great job from Poncho’s Mexican/Hawaiian accent to the detective’s and Keanu’s straightforward tone. The whole experience was very entertaining!
And the recipes are included! Catherine treats us to some Island delicacies straight from Chef Poncho’s kitchen at the Loco Moco Café: Loco Moco (Yeah!), Aloha Mix-Up Cookies, Ahi Tuna, and Pineapple Cookies!
I highly recommend this multi-author Gemma Halliday Publishing series, and with two thumbs up, I give high praise for Catherine Bruns’s books and Amy Deuchler’s narration.
September 30, 2017
I enjoyed this book so much and would love to thank the author for grabbing my attention with the first sentence and taking me through to the end in tears. Carrie and Keanu's relationship is growing and Carrie continues to act as well as waitress at the Loco Moco Cafe. Her cat, Benny, has a very important part in the story. I think he helped endear me to this story. The author had me actually seeing Benny's facial expressions just as she described them. The love and friendship each of the characters have for each other really shines through onto the page.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
January 7, 2020
Death of the Kona Man earns 5+/5 Cups of Kona Coffee Sans the Poison!
Audiobooks aren’t for everyone, but I always challenge readers to become listeners. I have always loved being read to by my parents, my teachers, my students, my husband, and now many narrators who go beyond the traditional reading to include accents, dialects, gender tones, and a wide range of emotions that keep me mesmerized. That’s what I love, and that’s what I get from Amy Deuchler in Catherine Bruns’s “Death of the Kona Man.” She has a delightful tone in her voice and performs well the emotions and different personalities. The biggest challenge for any female narrator is getting those male voices correct, and in this book there are several. Amy, however, does a great job from Poncho’s Mexican/Hawaiian accent to the detective’s and Keanu’s straightforward tone. The whole experience was very entertaining!
One can’t forget that it always starts with the story. Catherine Bruns‘s well-written, steady paced, humor-laced cozy brings us Carrie Jorgenson, a delightful, young woman whose gaining confidence and independence after the end of a relationship. She is a waitress at the Aloha Lagoon Resort’s Moco Loco Café and learns that a cutthroat food critic has arrived on the Island. Her worst fears are realized when Randolph Cremshaw, dubbed “The Kona Man” because of his well-known 10-cup a day coffee addiction, shows up in true obnoxious, demanding form. A lunch fiasco turns into a 1-1/2 star review, customers staying away, and the owner furious. But, Karma does his worst, or best as you might hope, with coffee sweetened with a bit of cyanide!
This page-turner uncovers a treasure trove of suspects who all have motive to spike the man’s coffee: more than a few disgruntled relatives, the café owners, Carrie who found the body…again, and even hints of other victims of the man’s vicious reviews. Exciting…Catherine epitomizes the ‘cozy’ genre treating murder lightly and focusing more on the mystery, strong characters, and lots of twists and turns that lead to a nail biting end that puts Carrie in personal jeopardy. Included, to add a bit of realism, are side conflicts, thefts at the café, a theater performance, and a budding relationship for Carrie. And the recipes are included! Catherine treats us to some Island delicacies straight from Chef Poncho’s kitchen at the Loco Moco Café: Loco Moco (Yeah!), Aloha Mix-Up Cookies, Ahi Tuna, and Pineapple Cookies!
I highly recommend this multi-author Gemma Halliday Publishing series, and with two thumbs up, I give high praise for Catherine Bruns’s books and Amy Deuchler’s narration.
Audiobooks aren’t for everyone, but I always challenge readers to become listeners. I have always loved being read to by my parents, my teachers, my students, my husband, and now many narrators who go beyond the traditional reading to include accents, dialects, gender tones, and a wide range of emotions that keep me mesmerized. That’s what I love, and that’s what I get from Amy Deuchler in Catherine Bruns’s “Death of the Kona Man.” She has a delightful tone in her voice and performs well the emotions and different personalities. The biggest challenge for any female narrator is getting those male voices correct, and in this book there are several. Amy, however, does a great job from Poncho’s Mexican/Hawaiian accent to the detective’s and Keanu’s straightforward tone. The whole experience was very entertaining!
One can’t forget that it always starts with the story. Catherine Bruns‘s well-written, steady paced, humor-laced cozy brings us Carrie Jorgenson, a delightful, young woman whose gaining confidence and independence after the end of a relationship. She is a waitress at the Aloha Lagoon Resort’s Moco Loco Café and learns that a cutthroat food critic has arrived on the Island. Her worst fears are realized when Randolph Cremshaw, dubbed “The Kona Man” because of his well-known 10-cup a day coffee addiction, shows up in true obnoxious, demanding form. A lunch fiasco turns into a 1-1/2 star review, customers staying away, and the owner furious. But, Karma does his worst, or best as you might hope, with coffee sweetened with a bit of cyanide!
This page-turner uncovers a treasure trove of suspects who all have motive to spike the man’s coffee: more than a few disgruntled relatives, the café owners, Carrie who found the body…again, and even hints of other victims of the man’s vicious reviews. Exciting…Catherine epitomizes the ‘cozy’ genre treating murder lightly and focusing more on the mystery, strong characters, and lots of twists and turns that lead to a nail biting end that puts Carrie in personal jeopardy. Included, to add a bit of realism, are side conflicts, thefts at the café, a theater performance, and a budding relationship for Carrie. And the recipes are included! Catherine treats us to some Island delicacies straight from Chef Poncho’s kitchen at the Loco Moco Café: Loco Moco (Yeah!), Aloha Mix-Up Cookies, Ahi Tuna, and Pineapple Cookies!
I highly recommend this multi-author Gemma Halliday Publishing series, and with two thumbs up, I give high praise for Catherine Bruns’s books and Amy Deuchler’s narration.
January 4, 2018
Death of the Kona Man by Catherine Bruns is the 9th book in the Aloha Lagoon Mystery series. Each book in this series is written by a different author. You can pick up any of these books and get to know all about the island and the people who live, work, play .....and maybe die there !!
In Death of the Kona Man you hang around with Carrie Jorgenson. Carrie is someone that you will instantly like. She followed her boyfriend to Hawaii from Vermont but ended up single when she caught him cheating. That's okay.....she's in HAWAII !!! She works at the Loco Moco Cafe, which is an ocean front cafe in the Aloha Lagoon resort, she also has a role in the local theater production of Little Women and she has a new boyfriend.
The Loco Moco is visited by a famous food critic, Randolph Cremshaw, who sits in Carrie's section. Unfortunately someone put hot sauce in the ketchup containers and the food critic ends up with his mouth on fired and storms out. The critic trashes the cafe on his blog so the owners agree to provide free food for him in order to save the cafe's reputation. Unfortunately (again) when Carrie delivers his breakfast the coffee is cold so he sends her back to get fresh hot coffee. When she returns with the hot coffee, the critic is on the floor foaming at the mouth....and not in a good way !!!
Even though there are a lot of people who disliked Randolph and probably wanted him dead, the Loco Moco and Carrie are on the top of the suspect list. The owners don't care much for Carrie already because she is dating their son, Keanu, and this new development does not help matters any.
While continuing to work at the cafe, go to rehearsals and performance at the theater Carrie does some investigating of her own. She knows that she did not kill Randolph and no one in the cafe would either but who on the island would ?
As she investigates she finds out Randolph and his brother Richard went to college with Jeff who owns and is the director at the theater as well as Howie who is a Hollywood producer who is on the island. Randolph also has a daughter on the island that he wanted nothing with as well has his wife who was having an affair with his brother.
There are so many people that could have killed Randolph but when Carrie uncovers some things from his college days ......
Oh I can't tell you any more.... I mean I could but I really think you should read for yourself.
Gemma Halliday Publishing has done an AMAZING job putting together this series and the authors writing it. There is also a website that you can visit to better aquaint yourself with the people and places as you read the series.
Death of the Kona Man was the first book in the series that I have read but I guarantee that I will be going back and reading the rest of them. I didn't want to leave Aloha Lagoon. In her writing Catherine Bruns takes you away.... not only does she take you to paradise where there is a murder but she takes you down lovers' lane also........
In Death of the Kona Man you hang around with Carrie Jorgenson. Carrie is someone that you will instantly like. She followed her boyfriend to Hawaii from Vermont but ended up single when she caught him cheating. That's okay.....she's in HAWAII !!! She works at the Loco Moco Cafe, which is an ocean front cafe in the Aloha Lagoon resort, she also has a role in the local theater production of Little Women and she has a new boyfriend.
The Loco Moco is visited by a famous food critic, Randolph Cremshaw, who sits in Carrie's section. Unfortunately someone put hot sauce in the ketchup containers and the food critic ends up with his mouth on fired and storms out. The critic trashes the cafe on his blog so the owners agree to provide free food for him in order to save the cafe's reputation. Unfortunately (again) when Carrie delivers his breakfast the coffee is cold so he sends her back to get fresh hot coffee. When she returns with the hot coffee, the critic is on the floor foaming at the mouth....and not in a good way !!!
Even though there are a lot of people who disliked Randolph and probably wanted him dead, the Loco Moco and Carrie are on the top of the suspect list. The owners don't care much for Carrie already because she is dating their son, Keanu, and this new development does not help matters any.
While continuing to work at the cafe, go to rehearsals and performance at the theater Carrie does some investigating of her own. She knows that she did not kill Randolph and no one in the cafe would either but who on the island would ?
As she investigates she finds out Randolph and his brother Richard went to college with Jeff who owns and is the director at the theater as well as Howie who is a Hollywood producer who is on the island. Randolph also has a daughter on the island that he wanted nothing with as well has his wife who was having an affair with his brother.
There are so many people that could have killed Randolph but when Carrie uncovers some things from his college days ......
Oh I can't tell you any more.... I mean I could but I really think you should read for yourself.
Gemma Halliday Publishing has done an AMAZING job putting together this series and the authors writing it. There is also a website that you can visit to better aquaint yourself with the people and places as you read the series.
Death of the Kona Man was the first book in the series that I have read but I guarantee that I will be going back and reading the rest of them. I didn't want to leave Aloha Lagoon. In her writing Catherine Bruns takes you away.... not only does she take you to paradise where there is a murder but she takes you down lovers' lane also........
October 10, 2017
This is my first book of Catherine Bruns that I have read but not the first of the Aloha Lagoon Mysteries. I totally love reading this series of books each author brings you something that makes you just fall in love with Hawaii and want to go. Even though I have not read her first edition in this series, this book can still be stand-alone as the author gives you enough back story to know where all the characters fit into the story. I totally loved all the characters of the Loco Moco Café and their interaction with each other, found myself laughing at some of the things they said.
If you are a cat lover you will love “Benny” Carrie’s cat. I received an ARC copy of this book and have voluntarily written my honest review. If you have not read any of this series of books I would encourage you to pick this one or any of the others for some entertaining reads with murder, mystery, humor and great characters.
Full review can be read at www.readingfortheloveofbooks.com
If you are a cat lover you will love “Benny” Carrie’s cat. I received an ARC copy of this book and have voluntarily written my honest review. If you have not read any of this series of books I would encourage you to pick this one or any of the others for some entertaining reads with murder, mystery, humor and great characters.
Full review can be read at www.readingfortheloveofbooks.com
October 16, 2017
I love the Aloha Lagoon series and the way all the different authors fit their characters into the resort and frequently mention characters of other authors in their stories. The end result is a feeling that the Aloha Lagoon resort is a very real place. This is the second book about Carrie and Keanu and the Loco Moco Cafe. This time Carrie is in a theater production of Little Women as well as working at the restaurant. All of a sudden Aloha Lagoon is host to several people loosely connected to the theater. There is the big time movie producer, the big time restaurant critic, his brother and his soon to be ex wife. Somehow these people are all connected to the director of the production and theater owner.
Overheard conversations indicate things are not as smooth as they seem in the theater.
Meanwhile things are not going smoothly at the Loco Moco either. Money is being stolen from the register. Keanu's father does not like Carrie and feels she is beneath Keanu. The restaurant critic is served tabasco sauce instead of ketchup and storms out. The next day social media and his blog have exploded with critical comments about the restaurant, the food, the service, the waitress, and everything remotely connected to it. In an effort to smooth things over, Keanu's parents agree to send a complimentary breakfast to the critic's room, even though they do not do room service. And as requested by the critic, they make Carrie deliver it. Nothing suits the disgusting man, and he demands Carrie go back for more Kona coffee because it is not hot enough. When she returns with a fresh hot carafe, she is met by an open door and the critic on the floor...
If not for Keanu and his love for her, Carrie would not be able to function through the police questioning, the accusation by Keanu's father, and the horrific day. And things don't seem to be getting better anytime soon.
I loved this installment of the Aloha Lagoon for many reasons, including the way there were several mysteries all woven together in surprising ways. So many good things happened in this book as well. The pacing was quick but not rushed as we went from day to day in the restaurant as well as Carrie's personal life. It was a book that you hated to put down, but didn't want to read too fast, either. Because as much as I wanted to know how it turned out, I didn't want such a good story to be over too soon!
Overheard conversations indicate things are not as smooth as they seem in the theater.
Meanwhile things are not going smoothly at the Loco Moco either. Money is being stolen from the register. Keanu's father does not like Carrie and feels she is beneath Keanu. The restaurant critic is served tabasco sauce instead of ketchup and storms out. The next day social media and his blog have exploded with critical comments about the restaurant, the food, the service, the waitress, and everything remotely connected to it. In an effort to smooth things over, Keanu's parents agree to send a complimentary breakfast to the critic's room, even though they do not do room service. And as requested by the critic, they make Carrie deliver it. Nothing suits the disgusting man, and he demands Carrie go back for more Kona coffee because it is not hot enough. When she returns with a fresh hot carafe, she is met by an open door and the critic on the floor...
If not for Keanu and his love for her, Carrie would not be able to function through the police questioning, the accusation by Keanu's father, and the horrific day. And things don't seem to be getting better anytime soon.
I loved this installment of the Aloha Lagoon for many reasons, including the way there were several mysteries all woven together in surprising ways. So many good things happened in this book as well. The pacing was quick but not rushed as we went from day to day in the restaurant as well as Carrie's personal life. It was a book that you hated to put down, but didn't want to read too fast, either. Because as much as I wanted to know how it turned out, I didn't want such a good story to be over too soon!
September 24, 2017
Set in a tropical paradise, DEATH OF THE KONA MAN is the exciting tenth addition to the Aloha Lagoon Mystery series (written by various authors) and the second contribution by Catherine Bruns. The author captures the spirit of Hawaii accurately… the sun, the sand, the food… her descriptions will make you feel like you’re visiting the warm, tropical island while reading! Protagonist, Carrie Jorgenson, is a likeable and somewhat sympathetic character. A recent transplant from Vermont, Carrie has had a very difficult childhood and as a result, she is often filled with self-doubts and low self-esteem. To balance that, the author has connected Carrie romantically with her boss, Keanu Church, whose parents own the Loco Moco Café where they work. Keanu is an optimist and he is everything a girl could want in a boyfriend: caring, pretty hot, supportive, and generous with his time, compliments, and money. He allows Carrie to discover who she is and what she wants out of life, creating a caring environment for her to grow as a person.
The murder mystery surrounding who would want to kill Randolph Cremshaw, renowned food critic, is well plotted. Carrie is a suspect because she served him coffee and food from the café. Is someone setting her up or was she just in the wrong place at the wrong time? Randolph was known as the Kona Man because he drank up to 10 cups of Kona coffee a day… and no other coffee would do. In fact, he was quite obnoxious about his coffee and heaven help anyone who served him something sub-par. The conclusion and wrap up of the story holds some unforeseen surprises which will have the reader turning pages faster and faster while hoping that Ms. Bruns' next release in this series comes sooner than later!
I received an advance copy of this book with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The murder mystery surrounding who would want to kill Randolph Cremshaw, renowned food critic, is well plotted. Carrie is a suspect because she served him coffee and food from the café. Is someone setting her up or was she just in the wrong place at the wrong time? Randolph was known as the Kona Man because he drank up to 10 cups of Kona coffee a day… and no other coffee would do. In fact, he was quite obnoxious about his coffee and heaven help anyone who served him something sub-par. The conclusion and wrap up of the story holds some unforeseen surprises which will have the reader turning pages faster and faster while hoping that Ms. Bruns' next release in this series comes sooner than later!
I received an advance copy of this book with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 31, 2018
Any books by this author is sure to be a winner. This one is no exception!
In this installment of the Aloha Lagoon Mysteries, we find Carrie finally able to enjoy her life in Aloha Lagoon. She has a fantastic boyfriend, a job as a waitress at the Loco Moco Café, and has a role in the local theater. Everything is going great until she finds the restaurant critic dead in his hotel room while making a delivery to his room. I was hooked from page one! Join Carrie, Keanu, and the rest of the crew as they find a way to figure out who the real killer is. I can't wait for the next one!!
This is the 9th book in the Aloha Lagoon Mysteries. Each book is written by a different author but is set in the same place. I love this way of writing, you get to know different authors and the story stays fresh.
In this installment of the Aloha Lagoon Mysteries, we find Carrie finally able to enjoy her life in Aloha Lagoon. She has a fantastic boyfriend, a job as a waitress at the Loco Moco Café, and has a role in the local theater. Everything is going great until she finds the restaurant critic dead in his hotel room while making a delivery to his room. I was hooked from page one! Join Carrie, Keanu, and the rest of the crew as they find a way to figure out who the real killer is. I can't wait for the next one!!
This is the 9th book in the Aloha Lagoon Mysteries. Each book is written by a different author but is set in the same place. I love this way of writing, you get to know different authors and the story stays fresh.
October 10, 2017
This is a great book; this is the ninth book in the Aloha Lagoon Mystery Series written by Catherine Burns. Carrie Jorgenson is living the dream in Hawaii. She has a steady job as a waitress at the Loco Moco Café, a hot new love interest in her manager, and the curtain’s about to rise on her role in a local theater production. But when she's asked to deliver food to a guest at the Aloha Lagoon resort who then drops dead! Her dreams quickly become the stuff of nightmares. This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night. If you are looking for a great book, then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
December 30, 2017
This is the first book that I have read in this series, although it is the 9th book, and didn't feel like I was missing anything. I loved the descriptions of Aloha Lagoon, the sights, sounds, smells and the sky. It made me feel like I was in Kauai. I liked the main characters and how the staff at the Loco Moco Cafe' looked out for Carrie. It felt genuine. The mystery itself had many twists and turns since the person had made many enemies in his personal life and in his work life. I enjoyed the story and was surprised by who the killer turned out to be.
Thank you to Catherine Bruns for a copy of this book. This did not influence my review in any way.
Thank you to Catherine Bruns for a copy of this book. This did not influence my review in any way.
May 3, 2018
I loved this visit to warm Aloha Lagoon, Hawaii, where the characters are fleshed out and feel 'real' and the murder mystery plays out. The transplant from Vermont, Carrie, has her work cut out for her when she drops her cheating boyfriend, discovers her murdered boss, and meets a new interest who turns her on to auditioning for the local theater. Still, she tries to find the killer. The recipes look yummy--- especially the pineapple cookies. I am anxious to read the rest of this series.
I was gifted with a copy of this book, but my opinions and review are voluntarily given.
I was gifted with a copy of this book, but my opinions and review are voluntarily given.
October 18, 2017
Death of the Kona Man is the ninth book in the Aloha Lagoon Mysteries series. Each book is written by a different author but is set in the same place. Carrie finds herself neck deep in multiple mysteries, including a murder mystery, as a suspect. This story's twists kept me hooked, and I really enjoyed it.
September 26, 2017
I absolutely love taking trips to Hawaii with the Aloha Lagoon Mysteries! This installment did not disappoint! Catherine Bruns has created characters at the Loco Moco that I care about and want to see succeed.
October 12, 2017
I love everything about this series. This story was filled with such strong emotions. It moved me to tears more than once. I hope we get to see more of Carrie and Keanu in future books.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
February 22, 2018
Carrie Jorgenson has gotten caught up in another murderous fiasco. there are a few possible suspects but poor Carrie discovered the dead dude, yet again. written with humor, suspense and a touch of romance Death of the Kona man is a quick fun read.
October 10, 2017
I loved this fun read! Set in Hawaii, the murder of renowned food critic Randolph Cremshaw is shocking. Carrie is a suspect. This story flows well and is very enjoyable. A must read.
November 4, 2017
Fun Aloha Lagoon mystery
Enjoyed this second one with workers at local cafe. Makes me want to go to restore see all these wonderful people in this paradise resort
Enjoyed this second one with workers at local cafe. Makes me want to go to restore see all these wonderful people in this paradise resort
March 16, 2018
Another good Aloha Lagoon book
Thoroughly enjoyed this book like all of the other Aloha Lagoon books I’ve read. It held my interest and gave me a surprise ending.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book like all of the other Aloha Lagoon books I’ve read. It held my interest and gave me a surprise ending.
December 24, 2019
I enjoyed this book. This book is book nine in the Alpha Lagoon series and this is the second book by Catherine Bruns with the rest of the books written by different authors. I enjoyed the first book by Catherine so jumped at the chance to listen to next book, glad I did. It was more a romance between Carrie and Keanu but having met them in the first book it was fun catching up with again. The mystery was good, just got a bit lost. I did work out who the killer was but enjoyed the way Carrie got there. The characters are fun which makes the story a fun listen.
When a food critic arrives at the Loco Moco Cafe things don't go well and to avoid getting a bad review Keanu's dad, the keener of the cafe asks Carrie to take a new order of food to his hotel room. Things get even worse for Carrie and the cafe as when she arrives she finds him at deaths door. When it turns out he died from poisoning the police look closer at Carrie and the owners of the cafe that provided him with the poisoned coffee. Another reason for Keanu's dad not to like her. The food critic also had ties to the people who are putting on the show that Carrie is also performing in. Carrie starts to dig into his past but can she find out the real reason someone wanted him dead?
Amy Deuchler is a great choice for the narrator, as she does an excellent job bringing the characters to life and is a pleasure to listen too.
When a food critic arrives at the Loco Moco Cafe things don't go well and to avoid getting a bad review Keanu's dad, the keener of the cafe asks Carrie to take a new order of food to his hotel room. Things get even worse for Carrie and the cafe as when she arrives she finds him at deaths door. When it turns out he died from poisoning the police look closer at Carrie and the owners of the cafe that provided him with the poisoned coffee. Another reason for Keanu's dad not to like her. The food critic also had ties to the people who are putting on the show that Carrie is also performing in. Carrie starts to dig into his past but can she find out the real reason someone wanted him dead?
Amy Deuchler is a great choice for the narrator, as she does an excellent job bringing the characters to life and is a pleasure to listen too.
May 18, 2022
Somewhere in Holy Scripture, I think it is in a less-read portion of the Book of Leviticus, it says that one who is vacationing in Hawai'i is required to read a murder mystery set in Hawai'i while in Hawai'i. Wishing to conform to the Law of Moses in most regards, I read "Death of a Kona Man" on this trip. Catherine Bruns is an adequate writer who would benefit immensely from the services of a top-notch editor. Her story is a good one, not elaborate, well set in the islands, with several subplots for entertainment's sake. The female protagonist will be of greater interest to female readers than she was to me. How many times can she describe the muscles in her boyfriend's chest before it becomes tiresome rather than erotic? This novel is nested with other cozy murder mysteries by other novelists, all of which center around Aloha Lagoon, a small high-end resort town on the Island of Kaua'i. How clever to share a setting for completely different stories! As a sort of bonus, recipes referenced in the text (one of the characters is Poncho, an older Hawaiian cook) are included as an addendum. The one for Aloha Mix-Up Cookies looks good, but I will include the white chocolate chips, macadamia nuts, and dried pineapple while omitting the dried coconut because eating shredded coconut is too much like chewing on hay.
January 4, 2020
( Format : Audiobook )
"Was this the Bates Hotel in disguise?"
Carrie is now established as one of the more permanent servers at the Loco Moto despite the obvious dislike of the owner. And her clumsiness, eavesdropping and ability to discover read bodies. Could it be because the owner's son is in love with her? But there's an even madder waitress at the restaurant for a while, at ?easy and as well as the dead good critic, money is going missing and Carrie isfo!losing her dream to become an actress.
This is a very lightweight, but fun, story set in the sunshine of Hawaii - and we all need a little extra sunshine in our lives. Narration by Any Deuchler is, as always, good, easy on the ear, with fine intonation and reasonable voice definition despite her difficulty in presenting the male timbre. My thanks to the rights holder of Death of the Kona Man, who, at my request freely gifted me with a complimentary copy via Audiobook Boom. Too much romancing in this one for me, sad!y, but with enough of a mystery to keep the reader guessing. A book many cozy readers would enjoy.
"Was this the Bates Hotel in disguise?"
Carrie is now established as one of the more permanent servers at the Loco Moto despite the obvious dislike of the owner. And her clumsiness, eavesdropping and ability to discover read bodies. Could it be because the owner's son is in love with her? But there's an even madder waitress at the restaurant for a while, at ?easy and as well as the dead good critic, money is going missing and Carrie isfo!losing her dream to become an actress.
This is a very lightweight, but fun, story set in the sunshine of Hawaii - and we all need a little extra sunshine in our lives. Narration by Any Deuchler is, as always, good, easy on the ear, with fine intonation and reasonable voice definition despite her difficulty in presenting the male timbre. My thanks to the rights holder of Death of the Kona Man, who, at my request freely gifted me with a complimentary copy via Audiobook Boom. Too much romancing in this one for me, sad!y, but with enough of a mystery to keep the reader guessing. A book many cozy readers would enjoy.
January 19, 2020
I was gifted this audiobook with the understanding that I would leave an honest review.
This is book #9 in the Aloha Lagoon Mysteries by Catherine Bruns and the first in the series I have read. The book was okay and might have been a lot better if I had read the books before this one. Amy Deuchler is the narrator and she does a good job of narrating this audiobook. I enjoyed the book just was a little lost at times.
This is book #9 in the Aloha Lagoon Mysteries by Catherine Bruns and the first in the series I have read. The book was okay and might have been a lot better if I had read the books before this one. Amy Deuchler is the narrator and she does a good job of narrating this audiobook. I enjoyed the book just was a little lost at times.
October 29, 2022
An obnoxious food critic, meeting boyfriend's parents and getting a part in a play seems like more excitement than you need, add in a murder and the fun really begins. Lots of angles and ideas but not clue who the murderer really is, add in lots of surprises and a startling reveal at the end and you get one fabulous mystery you won't soon forget. Love the book and I highly recommend
November 16, 2022
This was an enjoyable read. I think it would have been better if I would have started into the series sooner. I liked it though.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
February 23, 2020
Cute mystery of a toxic food critic who has a Kona fetish. that obsession ends up killing him, casting blame on a local waitress and the restaurant she works for.
April 23, 2022
Always a good read! Aloha Lagoon has become my favorite place to visit!
November 26, 2022
Another fun book in the series.
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