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Hawaii Thriller #3

The Kona Strangler

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Five real estate agents have been found strangled on the big island of Hawaii. The governor calls in Jessica Kealoha because of his lack of faith in the local PD to find the serial killer hunting women on the Kona side of the island. 


Jessica and her partner Gabbie Harris aren’t afraid to bend the rules to catch a serial killer. Together they must try to think like one before more victims show up.


 But when the killer sends letters to the newspaper with details of the murder of Jessica’s best friend when they were teenagers, the reality of a third serial killer that was never caught years ago becomes a reality that Jessica can’t live with. 

180 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 21, 2020

203 people are currently reading
62 people want to read

About the author

J.E. Trent

21 books25 followers
Aloha, I’m J.E. Trent, and I write Hawaii action adventure novels. I lived on the island of Hawaii for twenty-two years. During that time, I’ve met some fascinating characters there that have inspired the stories I write.
Follow me on Bookbub. https://www.bookbub.com/profile/j-e-t...

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Community Reviews

5 stars
93 (53%)
4 stars
44 (25%)
3 stars
25 (14%)
2 stars
9 (5%)
1 star
2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
271 reviews5 followers
July 5, 2020
Puzzled by all of the five star reviews

I simply cannot understand how The Kona Strangler has garnered so many five star reviews. I thought it was amateurish at best.
Profile Image for Judy Johnson.
839 reviews2 followers
August 25, 2020
No spoilers in my review here's what you get: A well-written thriller that not only gives you a good story but descriptions of Hawaii that are spot on (especially if you've ever visited or lived there). Interesting and well-developed characters and twists and turns that keep your attention till the end and leave you anxiously awaiting the next book in the series. Overall a captivating book that will make you glad you took a chance. I received a complimentary copy of this book and am providing my honest opinion to help you decide.
233 reviews1 follower
October 25, 2020
Too close for comfort!

Probably the best-written, most thought out in the series. Really enjoyed this one, not only for the plot, finding serial killers always a good one, but also delving more into Jessica's personal monsters. I have a feeling more will come to light in future books. The characters are well drawn, even though some not lhaving lengthy parts, and the relationship between Sam and Henry? I love it! Onward to book 4!
Before I sign off; I live in Hawai'i, and one of the most troubling has always been the murder, and/or the disappearance of young women Statewide. I wish their cases were finally solved as well. Sigh
Profile Image for Peggy Price.
454 reviews5 followers
July 7, 2020
This book. Disappointing. So fast paced with no time spent on setting up the story and developing characters. Very superficial. Not even a good airplane book.
36 reviews1 follower
April 18, 2020
The Kona Strangler is a wonderful third edition of the Hawaii Thriller Series. It expands the lives of Jessica, Sam, and their ohana while introducing more new and complex characters. The killing of real estate agents on the Big Island starts on the first page and the suspense builds to the end. Jessica and Gabbie, with Detective O’Halleran from Honolulu PD, form a task force dedicated to finding the murderer. As the bodies continue to pile up, the leads and suspects also mount. The murders are linked to more killings going back twenty years. The plot is exciting and intricate, moving through the beautiful beaches and locales of Hawaii island. The book has the perfect blend of mystery, high octane action, and a sprinkling of romance and Hawaiian culture that makes for a delicious read. Don't miss this one.
1,630 reviews
Read
July 11, 2020
Five real estate agents have been found strangled on the big island of Hawaii. The governor calls in Jessica Kealoha because of his lack of faith in the local PD to find the serial killer hunting women on the Kona side of the island.


Jessica and her partner Gabbie Harris aren’t afraid to bend the rules to catch a serial killer. Together they must try to think like one before more victims show up.


But when the killer sends letters to the newspaper with details of the murder of Jessica’s best friend when they were teenagers, the reality of a third serial killer that was never caught years ago becomes a reality that Jessica can’t live with.

Bad. Couldn't follow, didn't finish.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
59 reviews
April 18, 2020
I love this series and the latest by JE Trent does not disappoint. The story follows a serial killer of real estate agents, with a little twist relating to events from many years ago.

The book is very well written, the character development is great and it is just an all around fun read! I could not put this book down, I could not wait to see how it all turned out. Another bonus is picturing all of the beautiful locations in Hawaii.

Cheers to JE Trent, I think this is your best book yet!
7,766 reviews50 followers
April 18, 2020
When Jessica was called into investigate the killing or real estate agents, it became personal, for her sister was an agent. Then newspaper articles of the killing of her friend in the past, it became personal also, and he must be stopped this time.
The team work with Jessica and Gabbie is good. The settings he brings out of Hawaii’s add to the story. A good flowing plot and with added touch of .
Detective Halleran that helped them on the case.
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
86 reviews
February 6, 2021
I like the idea of a detective mystery set in Hawaii, but this one didn't pan out for me. One thinks Hawaii 5-0; but it wasn't. It is book three in the series, and I thought I would go back and read the first two if I liked it. I won't. The story is not fully drawn out and really whimpers to the end. For me hero as victim doesn't appeal unless it is a really well-written story. I hate to write a bad review, but I really was disappointed here.
Profile Image for Barbara Cosenza.
70 reviews
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July 10, 2020
Realtors at risk!

Being the best realtor in Kona could get you killed. Competition is fierce among the best realtors in this area. Who is killing them off? It's up to Jessica and Gabbie to find the culprit. Is the killer tied to murders committed 20 years ago? You have to read it to find out.
Profile Image for Deuce Naftel.
312 reviews3 followers
December 6, 2021
Oh to be able to leave negative stars. I grabbed this off a donation pile. I like Hawaii, I love mysteries, seemed like a good idea. I have never to my knowledge read a self-published novel before. Don't think I will again. This book was just terrible. It was like reading the first draft by a high school student.
885 reviews9 followers
May 3, 2020
Great story!
Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2020

Very well written characters involved in a twisting mystery within a perfect setting! What more do you need for a story? I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
716 reviews5 followers
May 16, 2020
Terrific story! Can't wait for more!

I sincerely hope that there will be more to this series! This author paints word pictures that make you believe you're in Hawaii. The characters are clever and well written for the storylines they follow. Well done!
4,417 reviews43 followers
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May 24, 2020
Much as I enjoy visiting Kona, I am very glad that I don’t sell real estate there. Thoughts that have bothered Jessica for years seem to be coming true. The bottom line is to not upset a serial killer. I enjoyed the story and recommend the book.
Profile Image for Barbara Harrison.
3,401 reviews84 followers
April 22, 2020
Real estate brokers are extremely competitive, especially in Kona. Spend most of a day with this NC17 procedural. I had an ARC and this voluntary review is my own opinion.
Profile Image for Sabina Carrara.
Author 4 books20 followers
May 10, 2020
another great instalment of the Hawaiian killings.
Its the third of the series, I read them all and can't recommend them more.
1,964 reviews
July 3, 2020
I enjoyed reading this book. Mr Trent has a nice, straightforward style of writing clearly and concisely,.
179 reviews1 follower
July 4, 2020
Murder on Hawaii Island

A good read. The author brings the islands to life in his talk story narrative. This book has twists and puzzles to hold interest. I highly recommend it.
29 reviews
July 4, 2020
Poorly written and simplistic, this tale needs more detail and intrigue.
sorry I cannot give it more.
24 reviews
July 26, 2020
Story too short-easy read

I wish the story had more depth and character development . I liked the story location . Want more to read.

2 reviews
February 3, 2023
Great book

Reading this while on vacation in Hawaii was even better than reading it at home on the mainland! Love his series and can't wait for more books.
967 reviews8 followers
April 24, 2020
With real estate agents dying on the island Jessica and Gabby are brought in on the case. Jessica worries because her sister Pua is a real estate agent. When one of the crimes reminds Jessica of her childhood friends murder she becomes even more invested in finding the killer!
I loved this book. It is the best in the series so far! I love the close friendship between Jessica and Gabbie. I’m really happy that Sam is becoming closer to Henry! It’s heartwarming to see them spending more time together. I enjoyed the new character O’Halleran. He’s an old school detective. I hope we see more of him. The story was original and fast paced. Just how I like my books. I couldn’t put this one down. I highly recommend this book and this series! Looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
Profile Image for Rosemary.
3,881 reviews71 followers
February 5, 2024
The Kona Strangler - a review by Rosemary Kenny

Hawaiian serial killers abound in J.E.Trent's magnificent A Jessica Kealoha Novel (Hawaiian Serial Killers), series - and never more so than in Book 3, The Kona Strangler.

Jessica's past is coming back to haunt her - not only in her dreams, but also when she sees the body-count rising, as it did almost two decades ago. Can she and Gabbie stay on the right side of the law they both previously swore to uphold no matter what? It comes down to the wire, as internal conflicts manifest in loss of trust and night terrors for our heroine.
How will the seemingly undiminished urge to kill of the eponymous Kona Strangler, develop? Who's the next victim?

Find out by getting your (eventually unclenched), hands on a copy of J.E. Trent's outstanding The Kona Strangler: A Jessica Kealoha Novel as soon as you can - it's guaranteed to be another 5-star winner for J.E. Trent!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews

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