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Charlie Cates #3
The Burning Island
The newest haunting mystery from the beloved author of The Gates of Evangeline, featuring Charlie Cates, a headstrong heroine who must confront her unwanted supernatural gift and bring dark secrets to light if she ever wants to leave the Big Island . . .
Journalist Charlie Cates has always believed in facts, in what can be proved--her career depends on it. Which is why she has never truly accepted the supernatural visions that guide her to children in danger. After her work on a high-profile missing-child case brings unwanted fame, she reluctantly flees to the lush Big Island of Hawaii with her best friend, Rae. Determined to avoid her disturbing visions, Charlie begins writing what seems to be a harmless interview of a prominent volcanologist, Victor Nakagawa. But her hopes for a peaceful vacation are soon dashed by haunting dreams of a local girl who went missing six weeks earlier.
In the small and sleepy town of Kalo Valley, Charlie and Rae come to realize that even paradise has its ugly secrets, and the Nakagawa family is no exception. In order to find the missing teenager and stop a dangerous predator from striking again, Charlie is forced to embrace the gift she has always tried to conceal. Meanwhile, someone is watching her every move, and the closer Charlie gets to the truth, the more distant her chances of ever leaving the island alive.
With a deliciously eerie and fast-paced story told in vivid prose, all with an overlay of supernatural suspense, The Burning Island is a pulse-pounding mystery perfect for fans of Jennifer McMahon and Kate Atkinson.
Journalist Charlie Cates has always believed in facts, in what can be proved--her career depends on it. Which is why she has never truly accepted the supernatural visions that guide her to children in danger. After her work on a high-profile missing-child case brings unwanted fame, she reluctantly flees to the lush Big Island of Hawaii with her best friend, Rae. Determined to avoid her disturbing visions, Charlie begins writing what seems to be a harmless interview of a prominent volcanologist, Victor Nakagawa. But her hopes for a peaceful vacation are soon dashed by haunting dreams of a local girl who went missing six weeks earlier.
In the small and sleepy town of Kalo Valley, Charlie and Rae come to realize that even paradise has its ugly secrets, and the Nakagawa family is no exception. In order to find the missing teenager and stop a dangerous predator from striking again, Charlie is forced to embrace the gift she has always tried to conceal. Meanwhile, someone is watching her every move, and the closer Charlie gets to the truth, the more distant her chances of ever leaving the island alive.
With a deliciously eerie and fast-paced story told in vivid prose, all with an overlay of supernatural suspense, The Burning Island is a pulse-pounding mystery perfect for fans of Jennifer McMahon and Kate Atkinson.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published February 12, 2019
38 people are currently reading
2560 people want to read
About the author
Hester Young
7 books333 followersHester Young has lived in Boston, London, Tucson, Honolulu, and central New Jersey. A mother of two, she was a teacher for ten years before becoming a full-time writer. Her first novel, THE GATES OF EVANGELINE, was inspired by a family tragedy and a mysterious dream. Its sequel, THE SHIMMERING ROAD, will be released in February 2017.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
August 18, 2018
Charlotte "Charlie" Cates is a journalist with supernatural visions/abilities which help her to find missing children- both living and dead. When she locates a local missing child and reunites him with his family, she is thrown into the limelight and gets unwanted media attention. She has tried to keep her abilities under wraps, but now that her abilities have been made known, she is extremely uncomfortable with the interest and attention which she is receiving from the public. While the media is outside her home waiting for an interview, she decides to take her annual "girls’ trip" with her best friend, Rae.
The two women go to the big Island of Hawaii where Charlie will be able to have a working vacation. The magazine she writes for has asked her to interview the prominent volcanologist, Victor Nakagawa. While on the island, Charlie learns that Mr. Nakagawa's daughter, Lise has gone missing six weeks earlier. That would explain the visions she has been having about a missing local girl! Almost instantly Charlie is drawn to the case and she and her friend, Rae, decide to take matters into their own hands and attempt to learn the fate of the missing teen.
The women get a lot accomplished in a week including interviewing Mr. Nakagawa about his study of volcanoes and his iron-man training/participation; but they also get to tour the island, speak with those in the small town who knew Lise, and delve deeper into the teens disappearance. It becomes clear that many in this town have secrets, some have told lies and there are some who are not willing to face the truth.
This book is apparently the last in the series, but it worked extremely well as a stand-alone novel for me. I had no idea there were other books preceding this one! As the women experience Hawaii's natural beauty, it soon becomes apparent that such a beautiful place hides ugly secrets. This book has some twists and turns which move the story along at a nice pace. Like Charlie, I desperately wanted to know the fate of the missing teen. Did she run away? Is she still alive? Did someone harm her? Is someone hiding her? Who knows the truth?
I enjoyed how the Author unraveled the truth bit by bit. The twists and turns all felt real and nothing came out of left field. Everything made sense, and nothing felt as if it were thrown in for the shock value. There is one revelation in this book that is cringe worthy but even that is handled with care. I found that after reading two chapters, I didn't want to put this book down. I was along with Charlie and Rae as they attempted to gather information and learn the truth.
I found this book to be a very good mystery on the lighter side. By that I mean, there are no graphic scenes, nothing too disturbing, yet there is a feeling of dread and when they go walking in the forest at night, the book does take on an atmospheric feel, but the book does not feel heavy. The main character does have some abilities, but they fit naturally in the story and are not over the top.
Thank you to the publisher and Edelweiss who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com
The two women go to the big Island of Hawaii where Charlie will be able to have a working vacation. The magazine she writes for has asked her to interview the prominent volcanologist, Victor Nakagawa. While on the island, Charlie learns that Mr. Nakagawa's daughter, Lise has gone missing six weeks earlier. That would explain the visions she has been having about a missing local girl! Almost instantly Charlie is drawn to the case and she and her friend, Rae, decide to take matters into their own hands and attempt to learn the fate of the missing teen.
The women get a lot accomplished in a week including interviewing Mr. Nakagawa about his study of volcanoes and his iron-man training/participation; but they also get to tour the island, speak with those in the small town who knew Lise, and delve deeper into the teens disappearance. It becomes clear that many in this town have secrets, some have told lies and there are some who are not willing to face the truth.
This book is apparently the last in the series, but it worked extremely well as a stand-alone novel for me. I had no idea there were other books preceding this one! As the women experience Hawaii's natural beauty, it soon becomes apparent that such a beautiful place hides ugly secrets. This book has some twists and turns which move the story along at a nice pace. Like Charlie, I desperately wanted to know the fate of the missing teen. Did she run away? Is she still alive? Did someone harm her? Is someone hiding her? Who knows the truth?
I enjoyed how the Author unraveled the truth bit by bit. The twists and turns all felt real and nothing came out of left field. Everything made sense, and nothing felt as if it were thrown in for the shock value. There is one revelation in this book that is cringe worthy but even that is handled with care. I found that after reading two chapters, I didn't want to put this book down. I was along with Charlie and Rae as they attempted to gather information and learn the truth.
I found this book to be a very good mystery on the lighter side. By that I mean, there are no graphic scenes, nothing too disturbing, yet there is a feeling of dread and when they go walking in the forest at night, the book does take on an atmospheric feel, but the book does not feel heavy. The main character does have some abilities, but they fit naturally in the story and are not over the top.
Thank you to the publisher and Edelweiss who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com
December 13, 2018
The Burning Island is a fast paced, well written, slightly paranormal suspense novel that will knock your socks off!
Charlotte “Charlie” Cates is a journalist who believes in facts. This is why she hasn’t fully accepted the “fact” that she is having vivid dreams and visions of children who need her help. After her latest adventure, saving a young boy who was near death in the Arizona desert, all Charlie wants to do is get away – from the dreams, the drama and the press who are hounding her every move. When she has the opportunity to travel to Hawai’i for work, she takes along her best friend, Rae, in the hope that she will relax and have some quiet time away. Of course that doesn’t happen. Of course. She’s writing a story about a volcanologist whose daughter happens to be missing. Haunting dreams begin appearing to Charlie as soon as she arrives on the Big Island.
Hester Young has created an eerie, atmospheric novel that grabs you on the first page and does not let you go until the very end. The story takes you from green sand beaches, to the crater of a volcano and into lush dense woods as we follow along with Charlie on her quest to locate the missing girl before it is too late. The suspense is palpitating, the horror quite real. Although there is a touch of paranormal in The Burning Island, it is so well written that I never once doubted the believability of the story. There are a few surprises but, again, it was how the story played out and not done for the shock factor.
The Burning Island is the third book in the Charlie Cates series, but it works very well as a stand alone. In fact, I didn’t know until I had finished that there were books before this one. I’m now the proud owner of those first two books. I love the character that Hester Young has created in Charlie and enjoyed her style of writing as well. I cannot wait to read Charlie’s story from the beginning!
Thank you to #Edelweiss, G.P. Putnam and Sons and #PenguinBooks for my copy of The Burning Island.
Charlotte “Charlie” Cates is a journalist who believes in facts. This is why she hasn’t fully accepted the “fact” that she is having vivid dreams and visions of children who need her help. After her latest adventure, saving a young boy who was near death in the Arizona desert, all Charlie wants to do is get away – from the dreams, the drama and the press who are hounding her every move. When she has the opportunity to travel to Hawai’i for work, she takes along her best friend, Rae, in the hope that she will relax and have some quiet time away. Of course that doesn’t happen. Of course. She’s writing a story about a volcanologist whose daughter happens to be missing. Haunting dreams begin appearing to Charlie as soon as she arrives on the Big Island.
Hester Young has created an eerie, atmospheric novel that grabs you on the first page and does not let you go until the very end. The story takes you from green sand beaches, to the crater of a volcano and into lush dense woods as we follow along with Charlie on her quest to locate the missing girl before it is too late. The suspense is palpitating, the horror quite real. Although there is a touch of paranormal in The Burning Island, it is so well written that I never once doubted the believability of the story. There are a few surprises but, again, it was how the story played out and not done for the shock factor.
The Burning Island is the third book in the Charlie Cates series, but it works very well as a stand alone. In fact, I didn’t know until I had finished that there were books before this one. I’m now the proud owner of those first two books. I love the character that Hester Young has created in Charlie and enjoyed her style of writing as well. I cannot wait to read Charlie’s story from the beginning!
Thank you to #Edelweiss, G.P. Putnam and Sons and #PenguinBooks for my copy of The Burning Island.
February 17, 2019
In the third book about journalist Charlie Cates she goes with a gal pal to Hawaii. She needs some time away from home after newspapers have gotten to know that she has a supernatural talent; she can find lost children. And what better way is there then to accept an interview job on Hawaii? Well, she hardly has landed before she got the first dream vision of a child in trouble.
READ THE RES TOF THE REVIEW OVER AT FRESH FICTION!
READ THE RES TOF THE REVIEW OVER AT FRESH FICTION!
December 21, 2018
3.5 stars
Charlotte "Charlie" Cates is a journalist with a front page worthy secret: she has dreams/visions that allow her to find missing children.
"I have two young daughters. Less than five years ago, I buried a son. I know what it means to lose a child." *
When twelve-year-old Alex Rocio goes missing near her home in Tucson, she doesn't hesitate to hike dangerous Sabino Canyon, currently closed to the public, with her fiancee Noah.
"I dreamed of a boy's bicycle lying abandoned in a ditch, an orange Mongoose Ledge, just like in the newscast. I dreamed of his Nikes, blood-red against the mountains' muted greens and browns.
I felt his fever. I felt his thirst. And after years of seeing and feeling things with unsettling accuracy, I could not dismiss this dream." *
Charlie and Noah locate Alex and the police scrutinize their motives, believing they were possibly part of a child abduction gone wrong.
While Alex is able to exonerate them of any wrong-doing, the damage is done: Noah has told the police about Charlie's "abilities" and an officer digs into her past, learning she's helped locate several missing children over the years.
"We've seen it plenty of times these past few years: messages about children that come to me in waking dreams. Sometimes, under their guidance, I can make the difference. I can stop the little girl in Walmart from leaving with a hovering older man. I can break a window and call police when I find the toddler crying in a hot car. I can show up at a teenage boy's house, pretending to represent a local youth group, before he ends his life over a breakup. Those are the good days.
But sometimes my dreams are not enough." *
The journalist is now the front page story and the media is in a frenzy over her "psychic abilities" and the fact that she has suffered the tragic loss of a child of her own.
Eager to get away from the scrutiny, Charlie and her best friend Rae decide to turn their annual girls' weekend into a week-long vacation on the Big Island of Hawai'i.
With an Outdoor Adventures article due in three weeks, Charlie's editor has helpfully given her the name of Victor Nakagawa, local winner of the Ironman competition and a volcanologist at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, a perfect person to profile for the magazine.
It doesn't take long for Charlie to realize that her editor has ulterior motives: Victor Nakagawa's sixteen-year-old daughter Lise disappeared six weeks ago.
Charlie wants to distance herself from the abilities that have placed her in the spotlight but it's impossible to turn her back on the missing girl, especially after she has a disturbing vision of Lise being watched by someone in the woods.
"There's just one problem. My dreams are not always of things past. Sometimes they warn of what's coming. I spent an entire day wandering through Sabino Canyon because I knew there was a chance that Alex Rocio was alive, that he could still be saved. What about this girl? What if she's out there, too?" *
Charlie and Rae visit with Victor at the observatory and find it strange he doesn't discuss his missing daughter at all. Writing about Victor's impressive achivements will be easy but it seems impossible to get information about him that will add a personal layer to the article until he invites the women to have dinner at home with his family.
That's when Charlie learns that Victor has two daughters, Lise and Jocelyn ...and they're twins.
Charlie and Rae find themselves caught up in the lives and mysteries of two families on their search for answers about Lise and the answers are as bizarre and convoluted as a soap opera plot.
I've visited the Big Island several times in the past fifteen years and I loved reading about so many familiar places in this novel. While the author has created a fictional B&B called Koa House in a fictional area called Kalo Valley, every other location mentioned is in fact real and well-known to me. I enjoyed being swept into a familiar atmosphere that I could vividly picture!
The characters are well-developed and the story kept me in suspense because we're given new clues in small doses but I had to suspend my disbelief quite a bit as the story unraveled.
Charlie and Rae are only on the island for a week and in that short amount of time they're able to gather extremely personal information from people who have gone to a lot of trouble to keep their secrets hidden. Also, the Big Island, especially the small town of Pahoa, is a close-knit community that isn't going to open up about their residents to a couple haoles on vacation, especially when one is a journalist.
They conveniently solve the case the night before their return flight to the mainland.
The mystery was entertaining and well executed though some of the secrets revealed didn't feel necessary to the plot but more like soap opera twists.
I was surprised to learn after reading this that it's actually the final book in a trilogy. It worked very well as a stand alone since we're given Charlie's back story.
Overall, this was an entertaining mystery with an interesting female MC. I loved Charlie's back story, the atmosphere of the Big Island, and the pace of the story was pitch perfect to build suspense.
Thanks to G.P. Putnam's Sons and Edelweiss for providing me with a DRC in exchange for my honest review. The Burning Island is scheduled for release on January 22, 2019.
*Quotes included are from an advance readers copy and are subject to change upon final publication.
For more reviews, visit www.rootsandreads.wordpress.com
Charlotte "Charlie" Cates is a journalist with a front page worthy secret: she has dreams/visions that allow her to find missing children.
"I have two young daughters. Less than five years ago, I buried a son. I know what it means to lose a child." *
When twelve-year-old Alex Rocio goes missing near her home in Tucson, she doesn't hesitate to hike dangerous Sabino Canyon, currently closed to the public, with her fiancee Noah.
"I dreamed of a boy's bicycle lying abandoned in a ditch, an orange Mongoose Ledge, just like in the newscast. I dreamed of his Nikes, blood-red against the mountains' muted greens and browns.
I felt his fever. I felt his thirst. And after years of seeing and feeling things with unsettling accuracy, I could not dismiss this dream." *
Charlie and Noah locate Alex and the police scrutinize their motives, believing they were possibly part of a child abduction gone wrong.
While Alex is able to exonerate them of any wrong-doing, the damage is done: Noah has told the police about Charlie's "abilities" and an officer digs into her past, learning she's helped locate several missing children over the years.
"We've seen it plenty of times these past few years: messages about children that come to me in waking dreams. Sometimes, under their guidance, I can make the difference. I can stop the little girl in Walmart from leaving with a hovering older man. I can break a window and call police when I find the toddler crying in a hot car. I can show up at a teenage boy's house, pretending to represent a local youth group, before he ends his life over a breakup. Those are the good days.
But sometimes my dreams are not enough." *
The journalist is now the front page story and the media is in a frenzy over her "psychic abilities" and the fact that she has suffered the tragic loss of a child of her own.
Eager to get away from the scrutiny, Charlie and her best friend Rae decide to turn their annual girls' weekend into a week-long vacation on the Big Island of Hawai'i.
With an Outdoor Adventures article due in three weeks, Charlie's editor has helpfully given her the name of Victor Nakagawa, local winner of the Ironman competition and a volcanologist at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, a perfect person to profile for the magazine.
It doesn't take long for Charlie to realize that her editor has ulterior motives: Victor Nakagawa's sixteen-year-old daughter Lise disappeared six weeks ago.
Charlie wants to distance herself from the abilities that have placed her in the spotlight but it's impossible to turn her back on the missing girl, especially after she has a disturbing vision of Lise being watched by someone in the woods.
"There's just one problem. My dreams are not always of things past. Sometimes they warn of what's coming. I spent an entire day wandering through Sabino Canyon because I knew there was a chance that Alex Rocio was alive, that he could still be saved. What about this girl? What if she's out there, too?" *
Charlie and Rae visit with Victor at the observatory and find it strange he doesn't discuss his missing daughter at all. Writing about Victor's impressive achivements will be easy but it seems impossible to get information about him that will add a personal layer to the article until he invites the women to have dinner at home with his family.
That's when Charlie learns that Victor has two daughters, Lise and Jocelyn ...and they're twins.
Charlie and Rae find themselves caught up in the lives and mysteries of two families on their search for answers about Lise and the answers are as bizarre and convoluted as a soap opera plot.
I've visited the Big Island several times in the past fifteen years and I loved reading about so many familiar places in this novel. While the author has created a fictional B&B called Koa House in a fictional area called Kalo Valley, every other location mentioned is in fact real and well-known to me. I enjoyed being swept into a familiar atmosphere that I could vividly picture!
The characters are well-developed and the story kept me in suspense because we're given new clues in small doses but I had to suspend my disbelief quite a bit as the story unraveled.
Charlie and Rae are only on the island for a week and in that short amount of time they're able to gather extremely personal information from people who have gone to a lot of trouble to keep their secrets hidden. Also, the Big Island, especially the small town of Pahoa, is a close-knit community that isn't going to open up about their residents to a couple haoles on vacation, especially when one is a journalist.
They conveniently solve the case the night before their return flight to the mainland.
The mystery was entertaining and well executed though some of the secrets revealed didn't feel necessary to the plot but more like soap opera twists.
I was surprised to learn after reading this that it's actually the final book in a trilogy. It worked very well as a stand alone since we're given Charlie's back story.
Overall, this was an entertaining mystery with an interesting female MC. I loved Charlie's back story, the atmosphere of the Big Island, and the pace of the story was pitch perfect to build suspense.
Thanks to G.P. Putnam's Sons and Edelweiss for providing me with a DRC in exchange for my honest review. The Burning Island is scheduled for release on January 22, 2019.
*Quotes included are from an advance readers copy and are subject to change upon final publication.
For more reviews, visit www.rootsandreads.wordpress.com
June 25, 2025
4.5 Stars — THE BURNING ISLAND is the final book in the Charlie Cates trilogy, which follows a journalist who has supernatural visions of children in danger. Her latest assignment takes her to a small town in Hawaii to interview a renowned volcanologist for an article she's writing for an outdoor magazine. However, disturbing dreams soon turn her attention to the scientist's missing daughter.
I read the previous two books 8+ years ago, but it didn't take me long to remember why this series is so good. Charlie's psychic ability blends into the story well without overpowering it. This was a complex and intriguing mystery with some pretty shocking twists that made me gasp. I loved the Hawaiian setting, something different than what I usually read. Excellent conclusion to the series!
I would recommend all three books, starting with THE GATES OF EVANGELINE (Louisiana) and THE SHIMMERING ROAD (Arizona).
I read the previous two books 8+ years ago, but it didn't take me long to remember why this series is so good. Charlie's psychic ability blends into the story well without overpowering it. This was a complex and intriguing mystery with some pretty shocking twists that made me gasp. I loved the Hawaiian setting, something different than what I usually read. Excellent conclusion to the series!
I would recommend all three books, starting with THE GATES OF EVANGELINE (Louisiana) and THE SHIMMERING ROAD (Arizona).
February 15, 2019
3.5 imaginative stars
Charlie Cates has an amazing ability, one that let's her see events that either have occurred or will occur in the future. She is a journalist and when her secret ability is outed by her sensing where a young missing boy is, and ultimately finding him. It is decided that Charlie and her best friend, Rae, should head off to the big island of Hawaii to get away from the hubbub surrounding Charlie. People and reporters are clamoring for how or what Charlie is, so they plan an escape from the craziness where Charlie is to interview a well known volcanologist.
Little do they realize that Charlie has been set up by her publisher, for this scientist just so happens to have a missing daughter. The editor is hoping that Charlie will once again use her psychic powers and again draw the media and ultimately create a frenzy for her and her writing.
Charlie and her friend, Rae, get pulled into the mystery of the disappeared daughter who also has an identical twin. During the vacation, Charlie receives many visions and feelings as she seems to be looking through the eyes of perhaps the person who might have done harm to the missing twin. This creates a sense of fear and foreboding as she tries to interpret what she sees and feels.
Not only does Charlie have to contend with that, but the people who surround her, especially a mother and her sons, who live on the adjacent property to where Charlie is staying, have some dark secrets as well, one of which may be that one of the sons is the kidnapper, perhaps even the murderer of the missing girl. Part of a former religious cult, the boys and their mother seem a bit sinister and strange, very strange.
Will the missing teen be founds and if she is, is she even alive?
While there was quite a bit of action and things going on, it was a bit of a mixed bag. I did like the story and felt the author did a good job of keeping the suspense going, but I did think there was just too many elements of this tale. Sometimes an author just wants to incorporate so much, that the story can get a bit lost. However, all in all, this was a fine tale of intrigue, lies, and how the mind of some operate not always in the best interests of anyone but themselves.
This book is the last book in a trilogy.
Thank you to Hester Young, G.P. Putnam's Sons, and Edelweiss for a copy of this book.
Charlie Cates has an amazing ability, one that let's her see events that either have occurred or will occur in the future. She is a journalist and when her secret ability is outed by her sensing where a young missing boy is, and ultimately finding him. It is decided that Charlie and her best friend, Rae, should head off to the big island of Hawaii to get away from the hubbub surrounding Charlie. People and reporters are clamoring for how or what Charlie is, so they plan an escape from the craziness where Charlie is to interview a well known volcanologist.
Little do they realize that Charlie has been set up by her publisher, for this scientist just so happens to have a missing daughter. The editor is hoping that Charlie will once again use her psychic powers and again draw the media and ultimately create a frenzy for her and her writing.
Charlie and her friend, Rae, get pulled into the mystery of the disappeared daughter who also has an identical twin. During the vacation, Charlie receives many visions and feelings as she seems to be looking through the eyes of perhaps the person who might have done harm to the missing twin. This creates a sense of fear and foreboding as she tries to interpret what she sees and feels.
Not only does Charlie have to contend with that, but the people who surround her, especially a mother and her sons, who live on the adjacent property to where Charlie is staying, have some dark secrets as well, one of which may be that one of the sons is the kidnapper, perhaps even the murderer of the missing girl. Part of a former religious cult, the boys and their mother seem a bit sinister and strange, very strange.
Will the missing teen be founds and if she is, is she even alive?
While there was quite a bit of action and things going on, it was a bit of a mixed bag. I did like the story and felt the author did a good job of keeping the suspense going, but I did think there was just too many elements of this tale. Sometimes an author just wants to incorporate so much, that the story can get a bit lost. However, all in all, this was a fine tale of intrigue, lies, and how the mind of some operate not always in the best interests of anyone but themselves.
This book is the last book in a trilogy.
Thank you to Hester Young, G.P. Putnam's Sons, and Edelweiss for a copy of this book.
June 25, 2020
I believe I bought the first book in this series in an airport. A desperation buy, in other words.
“Psychic detective!” I sneered upon reading the publishers’ summary. Then I bought it anyway. Beggars, choosers, airports and all that.
What I ended up with was one of the biggest pleasant surprises in my reading history. This is a much smarter, funnier, and more complex series than I ever would have guessed given the seemingly gimmicky premise.
Each book in the series has been a delight to read, and The Burning Island is probably the best of the bunch so far.
This time Young sends Charlie (along with her best friend) to Hawaii, where a vision of a girl in the woods seemingly in peril intersects with an assignment from Charlie’s day job as a journalist for an outdoor hobby magazine.
What follows is a densely woven, compelling, and well-plotted mystery in which Charlie’s psychic ability is important but not at the forefront of her investigative work.
I really appreciate how Young uses the psychic visions as a jumping off point and a plot device rather than as the focus of the mysteries she writes. It allows readers like me to keep from labeling this as “fantasy” due to a lack of belief in psychic abilities, and keeps the solve from being a cheap one only possible for one who sees the future.
Toss in the sharp, witty dialogue, likable and interesting characters, and some good nuggets of Hawaiian history and atmosphere, and Young has another winning installment in this series.
In fact, this book had but a single flaw, and said flaw was mostly just hilarious. In describing private school students, Young mentions “rich kids with expensive iPods.” This book was written in 2019. iPods! In 2019! Remember iPods? I miss iPods.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
“Psychic detective!” I sneered upon reading the publishers’ summary. Then I bought it anyway. Beggars, choosers, airports and all that.
What I ended up with was one of the biggest pleasant surprises in my reading history. This is a much smarter, funnier, and more complex series than I ever would have guessed given the seemingly gimmicky premise.
Each book in the series has been a delight to read, and The Burning Island is probably the best of the bunch so far.
This time Young sends Charlie (along with her best friend) to Hawaii, where a vision of a girl in the woods seemingly in peril intersects with an assignment from Charlie’s day job as a journalist for an outdoor hobby magazine.
What follows is a densely woven, compelling, and well-plotted mystery in which Charlie’s psychic ability is important but not at the forefront of her investigative work.
I really appreciate how Young uses the psychic visions as a jumping off point and a plot device rather than as the focus of the mysteries she writes. It allows readers like me to keep from labeling this as “fantasy” due to a lack of belief in psychic abilities, and keeps the solve from being a cheap one only possible for one who sees the future.
Toss in the sharp, witty dialogue, likable and interesting characters, and some good nuggets of Hawaiian history and atmosphere, and Young has another winning installment in this series.
In fact, this book had but a single flaw, and said flaw was mostly just hilarious. In describing private school students, Young mentions “rich kids with expensive iPods.” This book was written in 2019. iPods! In 2019! Remember iPods? I miss iPods.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
March 8, 2020
It is the first book I read by this talented author, she did not disappoint me in the least. I plan to read books 1 and 2 soon as I really liked the main character, Charlie Cates. Miss Cates is dedicated to solving cases, sometimes she risks her life to be able to bring justice to the victims of the most corrupt and evil criminals. This time Charlie must travel to Hawaii to solve the case of a missing child. What she does not know is that she will be involved in a whole network of criminals, in which it will not be easy to discover those involved. A very entertaining book that captured my interest completely.
February 12, 2019
Review to come
October 24, 2023
During a girls' week with best friend Rae, journalist Charlotte's ability to "see" crime scenes derails their respite. Will they be able to find 16 year old Lise, who has been missing for weeks?
After enjoying the creep factor in the first two in this series, The Gates of Evangeline (4 stars) and The Shimmering Road (4 stars) a year ago during spooky season, I was excited to read more about Charlotte! Just like the first two, I was immediately absorbed in the story, and I especially loved that it was set in Hilo, Hawaii and Volcanoes National Park since I've been there. I was intrigued by all of the characters and especially loved the friendship between Charlotte and feisty, fun Rae! Lastly, I'm super sad this is the last in the series... and that the author hasn't written anything since 2019. Spooky books aren't supposed to make me cry—booooo-hoo! Pun intended. ;)
Location: Tucson, Arizona and Hilo, Hawaii
After enjoying the creep factor in the first two in this series, The Gates of Evangeline (4 stars) and The Shimmering Road (4 stars) a year ago during spooky season, I was excited to read more about Charlotte! Just like the first two, I was immediately absorbed in the story, and I especially loved that it was set in Hilo, Hawaii and Volcanoes National Park since I've been there. I was intrigued by all of the characters and especially loved the friendship between Charlotte and feisty, fun Rae! Lastly, I'm super sad this is the last in the series... and that the author hasn't written anything since 2019. Spooky books aren't supposed to make me cry—booooo-hoo! Pun intended. ;)
Location: Tucson, Arizona and Hilo, Hawaii
April 16, 2023
I listened to THE BURNING ISLAND while doing laundry etc. and it was absolutely perfect for that -- fast-paced and engaging, with the reliable January LaVoy narrating.
My introduction to the series, I was a little disappointed that there was just one scene set in Tucson, though the Big Island was a great backdrop too. I didn't feel that I missed anything by starting with this book instead of the first in the series.
My introduction to the series, I was a little disappointed that there was just one scene set in Tucson, though the Big Island was a great backdrop too. I didn't feel that I missed anything by starting with this book instead of the first in the series.
July 2, 2019
A perfect ending to the trilogy.
June 12, 2019
Although The Burning Island is the third book in a series with the character Charlie Cates, it can be read as a standalone novel. I had not been familiar with these books or character prior but it didn't cause any confusion or issue while reading this novel.
Of course my lens while reading was only from a reader having read the one novel and so I can only speak to the one experience with this character and book.
I don't normally go for the psychic finds children trope but the author really made it work in this story. Additionally, I like that although Charlie was engaged, her fiancee and their relationship was not forced into the story. It was not needed, nor would it have made sense. Too many times this mistake is made. It is refreshing to see that not happen here.Slow burn mystery that ramps up at the perfect time
The main sidekick Rae is a delight! She is supportive and kind, while still being a real pistol whip. The setting of Hawaii is a stroke of genius, especially with a February release!
Without giving away too much about the mystery, it is built up over the last third or so of the book with real suspenseful intrigue and well placed jaw dropping pieces of information that lead right up till the gut wrenching end.
With this being the first book in the series I read I would definitely say that it hooked me into wanting to back and read the others.
Of course my lens while reading was only from a reader having read the one novel and so I can only speak to the one experience with this character and book.
I don't normally go for the psychic finds children trope but the author really made it work in this story. Additionally, I like that although Charlie was engaged, her fiancee and their relationship was not forced into the story. It was not needed, nor would it have made sense. Too many times this mistake is made. It is refreshing to see that not happen here.Slow burn mystery that ramps up at the perfect time
The main sidekick Rae is a delight! She is supportive and kind, while still being a real pistol whip. The setting of Hawaii is a stroke of genius, especially with a February release!
Without giving away too much about the mystery, it is built up over the last third or so of the book with real suspenseful intrigue and well placed jaw dropping pieces of information that lead right up till the gut wrenching end.
With this being the first book in the series I read I would definitely say that it hooked me into wanting to back and read the others.
December 30, 2018
Thanks to Penguin's First to Read for a digital ARC of this book.
This is the third in what I believe is to be a trilogy. Because I got this as an ARC with a limited timeframe to review, I didn't get a chance to read the first two in the series. I usually like to read series books in order because the character development is more nuanced and enjoyable. I wish I had read the others in this series--in fact, the first looks rather good--but this one does do well as a stand alone.
There were things I liked about this. I liked the use of supernatural; it was very limited and added a unique component to the story. I also liked the setting and how the author established it; most books that take place in Hawaii do so in a way that shows the money and the wealth, the resorts and the beaches. This book took us off the beaten path and helped the reader understand the background of colonized Hawaii and what that means to the people who have lived there for many, many generations. In fact, I'd have liked to see more of this history. I also liked the mythology that followed the story, though that too was rather tangential.
However, this book as a whole didn't work for me as well as I wanted it to. The almost moment-by-moment first person narration slogged down my reading. I was looking for more character development to help move the plot along. The best mystery or thriller books have subplots--usually character-driven ones--that give the reader more to focus on than just the mystery inquiry. Also, I didn't connect well with these characters and was often annoyed by them. All in all, I was ready for the main characters' week vacation to come to an end so the book could be finished and resolved.
Having said all of that, I think I would have enjoyed this more with the benefit of having read the previous two books. And I also can see why people would enjoy this. It was just a book a bit outside of my usual comfort zone and the gamble didn't pay off for me.
This is the third in what I believe is to be a trilogy. Because I got this as an ARC with a limited timeframe to review, I didn't get a chance to read the first two in the series. I usually like to read series books in order because the character development is more nuanced and enjoyable. I wish I had read the others in this series--in fact, the first looks rather good--but this one does do well as a stand alone.
There were things I liked about this. I liked the use of supernatural; it was very limited and added a unique component to the story. I also liked the setting and how the author established it; most books that take place in Hawaii do so in a way that shows the money and the wealth, the resorts and the beaches. This book took us off the beaten path and helped the reader understand the background of colonized Hawaii and what that means to the people who have lived there for many, many generations. In fact, I'd have liked to see more of this history. I also liked the mythology that followed the story, though that too was rather tangential.
However, this book as a whole didn't work for me as well as I wanted it to. The almost moment-by-moment first person narration slogged down my reading. I was looking for more character development to help move the plot along. The best mystery or thriller books have subplots--usually character-driven ones--that give the reader more to focus on than just the mystery inquiry. Also, I didn't connect well with these characters and was often annoyed by them. All in all, I was ready for the main characters' week vacation to come to an end so the book could be finished and resolved.
Having said all of that, I think I would have enjoyed this more with the benefit of having read the previous two books. And I also can see why people would enjoy this. It was just a book a bit outside of my usual comfort zone and the gamble didn't pay off for me.
February 27, 2019
I love this series!!!
September 9, 2020
Charlotte “Charlie” Cates and her fiancé Noah rescue a missing twelve-year-old boy. Charlie’s dreams lead her to Alex’s location and enable her to locate the missing boy. It’s not the first time Charlie’s dreams have helped her save a child, but this time her abilities have been made public by the media. She escapes the unwanted attention by spending a week in Hawaii on a working vacation with her best friend Rae. She has an assignment to write a profile about Victor Nakagawa who studies volcanoes. However, soon upon her arrival, Charlie begins dreaming of a local girl who has been missing for six weeks. Charlie learns the girl’s name is Lise and has a connection with the subject of the article she is writing. Charlie would like to just relax with Rae, but can’t ignore the fact that her gifts could help find the missing girl.
"The Burning Island" is the third in a series featuring Charlie Cates, but it reads like a standalone novel. I have read the prior two books, but it’s not necessary to read either of them to enjoy this one. The first book in the series is one of my favorite all-time mysteries, but the follow-up was disappointing. Although not as excellent as the first book, I enjoyed it much more than the last one. As much as I like Charlie and Noah as a couple, their immature interactions in the last book took away from the story. This time, the focus is on Charlie herself and she communicates mostly with Rae and the people they meet in Hawaii.
The setting of each of the books in the series have been very different (Louisiana, Arizona, and now Hawaii), but all have added to the story. The sometimes horrible things going on in this book seem worse somehow set against the backdrop of an island paradise. The mystery is very interesting and the novel works well because Charlies doesn’t only rely on her dreams and visions to search for Lise. She and Rae research and find people who knew Lise and ask them difficult questions. Charlie learns some truly horrendous things during her search for the missing teenager. It would have been easier for her to walk away, but as a mother who has experienced the loss of a child, she won’t allow herself to turn her back on the search.
I really enjoyed this book, especially seeing Charlie in a different setting and seeing the growth in her character. The reader is in store for many surprises before the book ends. Some are disturbing but are handled well by the author and by Charlie. In addition to the intriguing mystery, the book is as much about the search for Lise as it is about Charlie accepting her gifts and how to best help others while finding happiness for herself and her family. I don’t know if there will be additional installment in the series, but if not, this book ends on a hopeful note.
This review was originally written for the Smitten blog and review site. The book was provided to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
"The Burning Island" is the third in a series featuring Charlie Cates, but it reads like a standalone novel. I have read the prior two books, but it’s not necessary to read either of them to enjoy this one. The first book in the series is one of my favorite all-time mysteries, but the follow-up was disappointing. Although not as excellent as the first book, I enjoyed it much more than the last one. As much as I like Charlie and Noah as a couple, their immature interactions in the last book took away from the story. This time, the focus is on Charlie herself and she communicates mostly with Rae and the people they meet in Hawaii.
The setting of each of the books in the series have been very different (Louisiana, Arizona, and now Hawaii), but all have added to the story. The sometimes horrible things going on in this book seem worse somehow set against the backdrop of an island paradise. The mystery is very interesting and the novel works well because Charlies doesn’t only rely on her dreams and visions to search for Lise. She and Rae research and find people who knew Lise and ask them difficult questions. Charlie learns some truly horrendous things during her search for the missing teenager. It would have been easier for her to walk away, but as a mother who has experienced the loss of a child, she won’t allow herself to turn her back on the search.
I really enjoyed this book, especially seeing Charlie in a different setting and seeing the growth in her character. The reader is in store for many surprises before the book ends. Some are disturbing but are handled well by the author and by Charlie. In addition to the intriguing mystery, the book is as much about the search for Lise as it is about Charlie accepting her gifts and how to best help others while finding happiness for herself and her family. I don’t know if there will be additional installment in the series, but if not, this book ends on a hopeful note.
This review was originally written for the Smitten blog and review site. The book was provided to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
January 1, 2019
When I requested this book, I had no idea it was the third in a series or trilogy. Having said that, it worked fine as a stand alone. I had no problem following or enjoying this mystery/suspenseful story. Charlotte "Charlie" Cates is a journalist with two daughters and engaged to Noah. She has a gift where she dreams about children who are in trouble. Some are already dead and she is able to locate their bodies, but sometimes they are alive and she is able to save them. When she finds a young boy missing in the canyon, the media gets wind of her abilities and has a field day with her. To get out of the limelight, she and her best friend Rae, plan their annual girl's getaway in Hawaii. The two women go to the big Island of Hawaii where Charlie will be able to have a working vacation. The magazine she writes for has asked her to interview the prominent volcanologist, Victor Nakagawa, who is also an accomplished triathlete. While on the island, Charlie learns that Mr. Nakagawa's daughter, Lise went missing six weeks earlier and that was why her agent pitched this interview to her magazine. Almost instantly Charlie is drawn to the case and she and her friend, Rae, decide to take matters into their own hands and attempt to learn the fate of the missing teen.
Having travelled to Hawaii for my retirement trip, it was fun to read about some of the places I had seen and visited. As the women experience Hawaii's natural beauty, it soon becomes apparent that such a beautiful place hides ugly secrets. This book has some twists and turns which move the story along at a nice pace. I read quickly as I wanted to find out what happened to Lise. There was a nice mix of characters in the story, some of which gave me the creeps, but were harmless. Hester Young dished out clues bit by bit with some red herrings that had me thinking one thing, then completely changing my mind. There were also a couple of side stories that also added to the story as a whole. Everything made sense, and was completely believable, even the visions and dreams. This was an enjoyable mystery with no graphic violence, although the feeling of dread throughout some of the night scenes in the forest and Volcano Park gave the book an atmospheric feel. I will probably go back and read the first two books in this series to read about other children that Charlie saved. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book to read through the First To Read Program. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
Having travelled to Hawaii for my retirement trip, it was fun to read about some of the places I had seen and visited. As the women experience Hawaii's natural beauty, it soon becomes apparent that such a beautiful place hides ugly secrets. This book has some twists and turns which move the story along at a nice pace. I read quickly as I wanted to find out what happened to Lise. There was a nice mix of characters in the story, some of which gave me the creeps, but were harmless. Hester Young dished out clues bit by bit with some red herrings that had me thinking one thing, then completely changing my mind. There were also a couple of side stories that also added to the story as a whole. Everything made sense, and was completely believable, even the visions and dreams. This was an enjoyable mystery with no graphic violence, although the feeling of dread throughout some of the night scenes in the forest and Volcano Park gave the book an atmospheric feel. I will probably go back and read the first two books in this series to read about other children that Charlie saved. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book to read through the First To Read Program. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
January 13, 2019
As a huge fan of the first two books in the Charlie Cates series, I was thrilled to get this through Penguin First to Read for an honest review.
The book starts with Charlie and fiancé, Noah, out in the Arizona desert searching for a young boy that disappeared a few days ago. Charlie had a vision and is determined to find him regardless of this part of the desert being closed due to recent cougar attacks.
After she finds him, she and Noah are taken to the police station to find out how Charlie knew where to look. Noah, being the honest man he is, finally spills about Charlie being a psychic in the area of children.
After returning home, Charlie becomes the biggest story around.
She and Rae, her best friend who has no idea of Charlie’s visions, are due for their annual girls only week. Hawaii has always been there dream go to, and after a tip from her editor about an article she can write for Outdoor Adventures while there, off to Hawaii they head. The object of the article is one Victor Nakagawa, a volcanologist and iron man winner.
Already Charlie is having visions of a young girl and finds out it is of Victor’s daughter, Lise, that disappeared 6 weeks ago. Victor is very clinical and never discusses his daughter and believes she has run away as she has in the past.
In the meantime, Rae has discovered Charlie’s psychic secret and is thrilled to be along and help Charlie investigate the disappearance of Lise.
Most people are convinced her boyfriend, Elijah, has killed her. Elijah comes from a very odd family that live on the Wakea Ranch that abuts the Bed and Breakfast they are staying at.
Will Charlie and Rae be able to find Lise before it’s too late or have the visions of a stalker in the woods showing her Lise’s last moments?
Again I was so excited to see another book in this series come out. It’s been quite a few years since the second book came out. However this book just felt too forced and did not live up to the first two. I felt there were too many scenes that added nothing to the story itself and was quite disappointed. I did finish and by the end of the book felt a bit better about it but it almost felt like a totally different writer than the first two. By the ending, it seems to allude we will be reading more of Charlie and I will be reading it if in fact there is another book. I’m giving this book 3 stars compared to the other two books I believe I rated as 5 stars each. Again towards the end it picked up so maybe the author got her groove back but this book was a disappointment compared to the first two.
The book starts with Charlie and fiancé, Noah, out in the Arizona desert searching for a young boy that disappeared a few days ago. Charlie had a vision and is determined to find him regardless of this part of the desert being closed due to recent cougar attacks.
After she finds him, she and Noah are taken to the police station to find out how Charlie knew where to look. Noah, being the honest man he is, finally spills about Charlie being a psychic in the area of children.
After returning home, Charlie becomes the biggest story around.
She and Rae, her best friend who has no idea of Charlie’s visions, are due for their annual girls only week. Hawaii has always been there dream go to, and after a tip from her editor about an article she can write for Outdoor Adventures while there, off to Hawaii they head. The object of the article is one Victor Nakagawa, a volcanologist and iron man winner.
Already Charlie is having visions of a young girl and finds out it is of Victor’s daughter, Lise, that disappeared 6 weeks ago. Victor is very clinical and never discusses his daughter and believes she has run away as she has in the past.
In the meantime, Rae has discovered Charlie’s psychic secret and is thrilled to be along and help Charlie investigate the disappearance of Lise.
Most people are convinced her boyfriend, Elijah, has killed her. Elijah comes from a very odd family that live on the Wakea Ranch that abuts the Bed and Breakfast they are staying at.
Will Charlie and Rae be able to find Lise before it’s too late or have the visions of a stalker in the woods showing her Lise’s last moments?
Again I was so excited to see another book in this series come out. It’s been quite a few years since the second book came out. However this book just felt too forced and did not live up to the first two. I felt there were too many scenes that added nothing to the story itself and was quite disappointed. I did finish and by the end of the book felt a bit better about it but it almost felt like a totally different writer than the first two. By the ending, it seems to allude we will be reading more of Charlie and I will be reading it if in fact there is another book. I’m giving this book 3 stars compared to the other two books I believe I rated as 5 stars each. Again towards the end it picked up so maybe the author got her groove back but this book was a disappointment compared to the first two.
January 4, 2019
Thanks to the publisher, via Edelweiss, for an advance e-galley for honest review.
Probably 3.5ish stars, rounded.
The Burning Island is the third in the Charlie Cates series, and I'd recommend reading the first two for context as there are vague references to previous events in this book, but Charlie's backstory isn't thoroughly explained. Once again, Hester Young has set the story in a really vivid setting (Hawaii's Big Island), and the added danger of the ocean and volcanos plays a role in the mystery. Charlie came to the island hoping for a relaxing girls' vacation and easy journalism assignment after her secret skill has been revealed in the tabloids, but when she realizes the visions she's having are connected to the people she's met on the island, she ends up involved despite herself. The final reveals are a bit disturbing and it feels like Charlie leaves the island with a lot of unresolved pieces (and it felt, at times, like the paranormal/psychic aspect was just too convenient to Charlie's investigation), but I was kept intrigued all along. I'd certainly be interested in reading another in this series!
Probably 3.5ish stars, rounded.
The Burning Island is the third in the Charlie Cates series, and I'd recommend reading the first two for context as there are vague references to previous events in this book, but Charlie's backstory isn't thoroughly explained. Once again, Hester Young has set the story in a really vivid setting (Hawaii's Big Island), and the added danger of the ocean and volcanos plays a role in the mystery. Charlie came to the island hoping for a relaxing girls' vacation and easy journalism assignment after her secret skill has been revealed in the tabloids, but when she realizes the visions she's having are connected to the people she's met on the island, she ends up involved despite herself. The final reveals are a bit disturbing and it feels like Charlie leaves the island with a lot of unresolved pieces (and it felt, at times, like the paranormal/psychic aspect was just too convenient to Charlie's investigation), but I was kept intrigued all along. I'd certainly be interested in reading another in this series!
January 23, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley, G.P. Putnam’s Sons, and Hester Young for an ARC ebook copy to review. As always, an honest review from me.
My rating is actually 4.5 stars, but since there aren't half stars I always round up.
Like:
- The premise: woman who dreams about/get vibes from people who are in danger, missing or dead
- The supernatural/psychic elements are just enough to allow the story to happen, while still keeping the genre as mystery/psychological thriller
- Find my Phone App playing a vital role in the investigation
Love:
- Slow burn mystery that ramps up at the perfect time
- The main character’s friend, Rae: bold, supportive, kind, encouraging
- The setting of Hawaii … need I say more? But it’s obvious the author is familiar with the area
- The mystery, search for a missing girl, ends up being so much better than I thought
- The revelations at the last 1/3 of the story … OMG!
Dislike:
- Seriously messed up families —> But that’s also what makes the book great in a messed up kind of way
Wish that:
- There’s another book in the series, preferably a sequel to this story
- Learned more about the owners of the B&B
- We could learn what happens to the cultish family’s kids in the future
Overall, a wonderful mystery that’s written perfectly. A slow burn suspense that packs a big punch at the end. Definitely worth the read!
My rating is actually 4.5 stars, but since there aren't half stars I always round up.
Like:
- The premise: woman who dreams about/get vibes from people who are in danger, missing or dead
- The supernatural/psychic elements are just enough to allow the story to happen, while still keeping the genre as mystery/psychological thriller
- Find my Phone App playing a vital role in the investigation
Love:
- Slow burn mystery that ramps up at the perfect time
- The main character’s friend, Rae: bold, supportive, kind, encouraging
- The setting of Hawaii … need I say more? But it’s obvious the author is familiar with the area
- The mystery, search for a missing girl, ends up being so much better than I thought
- The revelations at the last 1/3 of the story … OMG!
Dislike:
- Seriously messed up families —> But that’s also what makes the book great in a messed up kind of way
Wish that:
- There’s another book in the series, preferably a sequel to this story
- Learned more about the owners of the B&B
- We could learn what happens to the cultish family’s kids in the future
Overall, a wonderful mystery that’s written perfectly. A slow burn suspense that packs a big punch at the end. Definitely worth the read!
February 27, 2019
I really enjoyed Hester Young's first two installments of Charlie Cates. The Burning Island, not so much.
I didn't think there was much meat to the story initially; it was all too contrived. You'll notice that lately I'm losing patience with authors who lean too heavily on "this could work" storylines. With The Burning Island, Charlie and her friend Rae go on a week's vacation to Hawaii to get in a vacation and for Charlie to interview an academic for an article. Miraculously, Charlie's editor has planned her article around the academic whose daughter has just disappeared. The editor thinks Charlie can write the article AND get fodder for another book. Even Charlie thinks that sounds bad.
The characters are stereotypical and very flat. Noah is an afterthought and is only present for maybe parts of five pages. Too much unnecessary descriptions of faces and scenes with little story movement. The ending is predictable, which I don't always dislike, but this time it was a big ole yawn.
Here's hoping #4 is way better.
I didn't think there was much meat to the story initially; it was all too contrived. You'll notice that lately I'm losing patience with authors who lean too heavily on "this could work" storylines. With The Burning Island, Charlie and her friend Rae go on a week's vacation to Hawaii to get in a vacation and for Charlie to interview an academic for an article. Miraculously, Charlie's editor has planned her article around the academic whose daughter has just disappeared. The editor thinks Charlie can write the article AND get fodder for another book. Even Charlie thinks that sounds bad.
The characters are stereotypical and very flat. Noah is an afterthought and is only present for maybe parts of five pages. Too much unnecessary descriptions of faces and scenes with little story movement. The ending is predictable, which I don't always dislike, but this time it was a big ole yawn.
Here's hoping #4 is way better.
May 2, 2019
I could not put this book down! I am typically a very slow reader (I can’t sit still for long, and often set books down for weeks at a time...) but I finished this in three days!
It was fun and riveting, my favorite so far in the series. The plot was very fast paced and full of surprises and twists. Every chapter ended with a cliffhanger.
I always enjoy how this series brings the setting to life. I think the author does a really great job with that. The details really made it feel like I was on the island - and it was evident that a lot of research went into this story!
Can’t wait for the next book, and highly recommend this series, and particularly this book, as a fun and fast read!
It was fun and riveting, my favorite so far in the series. The plot was very fast paced and full of surprises and twists. Every chapter ended with a cliffhanger.
I always enjoy how this series brings the setting to life. I think the author does a really great job with that. The details really made it feel like I was on the island - and it was evident that a lot of research went into this story!
Can’t wait for the next book, and highly recommend this series, and particularly this book, as a fun and fast read!
June 18, 2019
The development of this story made it so you would not have to read the first two in this series to really get into the mystery and suspense of this book. Coupled with the mystical element I often enjoy it kept me reading and reading. Loved how People magazine described it...”In this spooky thriller, everyone’s a suspect, and the plot twists will keep you guessing.” That it did!
January 22, 2019
4.5 stars.
The Burning Island by Hester Young is an engrossing mystery with slight supernatural elements. This third installment in the Charlie Cates series can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend the entire series.
Charlotte "Charlie" Cates escapes to Hawaii with her best friend, Rae Shapiro, to escape the media circus after her fiancé, Noah, spills the beans about her psychic dreams. She has utilized her unique ability to find endangered children or help solve their deaths but she has been reluctant for her gift to become public knowledge. Charlie's trip to the Big Island is a working vacation since she is interviewing Volcanologist and Iron Man competitor Victor Nakagawa for a magazine article. She is surprised to discover Victor's sixteen year old daughter Lise went missing about six weeks earlier. He is convinced Lise has run away from home and therefore, he is surprisingly unconcerned about her disappearance. Victor's wife, Sue, requests Charlie's help in finding out the truth about what happened to Lise. The police have zeroed in on Lise's ex-boyfriend Isaac as their only suspect, but their investigation has stalled due a lack of evidence. After realizing Lise is teenager she has been seeing in her dreams, Charlie and Rae try to find out the truth about the missing young woman.
Charlie has never felt comfortable with her psychic visions and she is not at all happy about becoming fodder for the media. Hoping her and Rae's Hawaiian vacation will allow time for her to fade from the public eye, she is not at all happy to become part of another missing person's case. She is frustrated by the lack of cooperation from Lise's family and the locals as she and Rae begin their investigation. Charlie is also a little confused about her dreams since they are not her typical visions.
Rae is quite helpful with the investigation even though Charlie does not always appreciate some of her ideas. One very memorable (and hilarious) plan finds the two friends joining two twenty-somethings who have ties to Lise. Although Rae is sometimes impetuous as she tries to help Charlie, she is occasionally the voice of reason as she tries to convince her friend to be more cautious during her attempts to right the wrongs they uncover.
With wonderful insight into Hawaiian culture and interesting folk lore, The Burning Island is a riveting mystery. Charlie's investigation in Lise's disappearance is interesting and takes some heartbreaking twists and breathtaking turns. Hester Young reveals the truth about what happened to Lise during a nail-biting conclusion that is mostly satisfying. This latest release wraps up the three book Charlie Cates series, but my fingers are crossed there are plans for future novels starring the likable psychic detective.
The Burning Island by Hester Young is an engrossing mystery with slight supernatural elements. This third installment in the Charlie Cates series can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend the entire series.
Charlotte "Charlie" Cates escapes to Hawaii with her best friend, Rae Shapiro, to escape the media circus after her fiancé, Noah, spills the beans about her psychic dreams. She has utilized her unique ability to find endangered children or help solve their deaths but she has been reluctant for her gift to become public knowledge. Charlie's trip to the Big Island is a working vacation since she is interviewing Volcanologist and Iron Man competitor Victor Nakagawa for a magazine article. She is surprised to discover Victor's sixteen year old daughter Lise went missing about six weeks earlier. He is convinced Lise has run away from home and therefore, he is surprisingly unconcerned about her disappearance. Victor's wife, Sue, requests Charlie's help in finding out the truth about what happened to Lise. The police have zeroed in on Lise's ex-boyfriend Isaac as their only suspect, but their investigation has stalled due a lack of evidence. After realizing Lise is teenager she has been seeing in her dreams, Charlie and Rae try to find out the truth about the missing young woman.
Charlie has never felt comfortable with her psychic visions and she is not at all happy about becoming fodder for the media. Hoping her and Rae's Hawaiian vacation will allow time for her to fade from the public eye, she is not at all happy to become part of another missing person's case. She is frustrated by the lack of cooperation from Lise's family and the locals as she and Rae begin their investigation. Charlie is also a little confused about her dreams since they are not her typical visions.
Rae is quite helpful with the investigation even though Charlie does not always appreciate some of her ideas. One very memorable (and hilarious) plan finds the two friends joining two twenty-somethings who have ties to Lise. Although Rae is sometimes impetuous as she tries to help Charlie, she is occasionally the voice of reason as she tries to convince her friend to be more cautious during her attempts to right the wrongs they uncover.
With wonderful insight into Hawaiian culture and interesting folk lore, The Burning Island is a riveting mystery. Charlie's investigation in Lise's disappearance is interesting and takes some heartbreaking twists and breathtaking turns. Hester Young reveals the truth about what happened to Lise during a nail-biting conclusion that is mostly satisfying. This latest release wraps up the three book Charlie Cates series, but my fingers are crossed there are plans for future novels starring the likable psychic detective.
March 2, 2020
I started reading Hester because of her first book which was set in Louisiana. I was so excited to find an author I liked whose books were set there. Silly me. Now apparently her books are set all over. Sigh...
March 27, 2019
It was definitely a book you can’t put down. Did not figure anything out. Definitely going to look into her other books
June 23, 2019
Another really enjoyable Charlie Cates novel!!! Perfect summer read. Great setting, interesting cast of characters and just enough mystery and suspense to keep you turning those pages!!!
February 26, 2022
Round up to 4.5 stars.
March 22, 2024
The book was a nice little short read. Good story and nice ending. Went a little long winded in the middle but is still recommend it for those wanting some easy and fun reading.
June 14, 2019
It was an okay read, but I didn't enjoy it as much as the others :( And I missed Noah.
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