Pele's Revenge

by J.M. Calverley

A world of drugs, deceit, and death awaits in paradise... After a near death experience, and burned out from working undercover vice, Detective Reef Kahili returns home to the Big Island of Hawaii to mend his heart and heal. But the first day on the job, paired with Detective Kalani Rogers he has to investigate the charred remains of the partially buried body in Madame Pele’s lava flow. He's instantly thrust back into the world he tried to leave behind. When he meets Hibby O’Neil, the mysterious assistant ME, he’s intrigued by her. But is there any truth in the rumors flying around the department about her and her late husband? The closer they come to the truth, the more things heat up on the island as deeper, more sinister layers of deceit are uncovered. Four generations of an influential Big Island family are caught up in a tightening web of honor and dishonor. Caught between solving a crime and his attraction for the enigmatic ME, Reef wonders who to trust. He’s driven by integrity and honesty, it’s why he became a cop, but now that’s also in question. Have his instincts let him down over Hibby? If you love a good murder mystery, 'ohana, the aloha spirit, and being immersed in the lush tropical feel of Hawaii, this adventure will appeal to you. *** PLEASE This was originally published under Kindle Worlds. It has been reedited and revised to reflect that.

212 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2018

Reviews

[U & A Shroff · Rating 3 out of 5]

I discovered the Reef Kahili stories after a holiday in Maui in 2019. The Aloha spirit of Hawaii, and the author’s love of the culture of the Pacific Islands shine through, the characters are likable and the mysteries are compelling. While I am enjoying the books immensely, the writing itself seems forced and stilted, and the books need proofreading. I find myself editing the prose in my head.

These novels have great potential, and I encourage Ms. Calverley to take time to polish the prose and edit her manuscripts more carefully.

I have become fond of Reef and his wonderful community, and look forward to visiting Ms. Calverley’s Big Island through Reef’s adventures. I wish the author success, and would love to have more people discover these uniquely Hawaiian stories.

[Bonnie Irwin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I definitely enjoyed getting to know Reef Kahili, and the cast of supporting characters in Pele's Revenge. A tight mystery that makes good use of Hawai'i Island culture and landscape, the author shows how the island is a place of lush beauty where each person is only 2 degrees of separation from everyone else. Lava, canoeing, and some cameos by favorite restaurants and bakeries make this especially fun for those familiar with East Hawai'i.

[Doreen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

This is not only a great murder mystery with interesting, unusual Detective Reef Kahili but a terrific tour and exploration of the Big Island of Hawaii! It has a wonderful, intricate plot with terrific characters, both good and bad. The weaving of Hawaiian culture, languages, and the many different people who live here make it a marvelous reading experience.

[Beth deAcosta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book....great read BUT I use Kindle Unlimited and did not research ahead of I would not have read it since the rest of series is not with KU. Lots of terrific books with KU so why pay more. Sorry!

[Michael P Noonan]

Basically lousy, could not finish this. The characters were totally unrealistic, most of the narrative was devoted to food consumption. The author needs to listen to actual people and their dialogue and maybe incorporate that into his writing.

[Cindy Hart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun quick read. I enjoyed all the descriptions of the Big Island. And reading about the culture. I will read more books in this series