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Dark Paradise Mystery #1
The Fire Thief
The scenery may be beautiful, but dangerous secrets are buried beneath paradise in this first thriller featuring Maui detective Kali Māhoe.
Under a promising morning sky, police captain Walter Alaka'i makes a tragic discovery: the body of a teenage surfer bobbing among the lava rocks of Maui's southeastern shore. It appears to be an ill-fated accident, but closer inspection reveals something far more sinister than the results of a savage wave gone wrong. Now that Alaka'i is looking at a homicide, he solicits the help of his niece, Detective Kali Māhoe.
The granddaughter of one of Hawaii's most respected spiritual leaders, and on the transcendent path to becoming a kahu herself, Kali sees evidence of a strange ritual murder. The suspicion is reinforced by a rash of sightings of a noppera-bō--a faceless and malicious spirit many believe to be more than superstition. When a grisly sacrifice is left on the doorstep of a local, and another body washes ashore, Kali fears that the deadly secret ceremonies on Maui are just beginning.
To uncover a motive and find the killer, Kali leans on her skills at logic and detection. But she must also draw on her own personal history with the uncanny legends of the islands. Now, as the skies above Maui grow darker, and as she balances reason and superstition, Kali can only wonder: Who'll be the next to die? And who--or what--is she even on the trail of?
Under a promising morning sky, police captain Walter Alaka'i makes a tragic discovery: the body of a teenage surfer bobbing among the lava rocks of Maui's southeastern shore. It appears to be an ill-fated accident, but closer inspection reveals something far more sinister than the results of a savage wave gone wrong. Now that Alaka'i is looking at a homicide, he solicits the help of his niece, Detective Kali Māhoe.
The granddaughter of one of Hawaii's most respected spiritual leaders, and on the transcendent path to becoming a kahu herself, Kali sees evidence of a strange ritual murder. The suspicion is reinforced by a rash of sightings of a noppera-bō--a faceless and malicious spirit many believe to be more than superstition. When a grisly sacrifice is left on the doorstep of a local, and another body washes ashore, Kali fears that the deadly secret ceremonies on Maui are just beginning.
To uncover a motive and find the killer, Kali leans on her skills at logic and detection. But she must also draw on her own personal history with the uncanny legends of the islands. Now, as the skies above Maui grow darker, and as she balances reason and superstition, Kali can only wonder: Who'll be the next to die? And who--or what--is she even on the trail of?
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 26, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
May 26, 2020
4.5 STARS
Kali Mahoe is the niece of the Police Captain and the grand-daughter of one of Hawaii's most respected spiritual leader. Now that her grandmother has passed, she has become the new kahu .. rooted in legends and healing. And she is also a Detective with local law enforcement.
When the Police Captain finds the body of a young surfer boy floating on Maui's shore. At first thought, this was an accidental drowning ... except there's no water in his lungs, he has a huge gash in his head, and inside that gash is a shark's tooth.
And that's not the only body that washes ashore.
To uncover a motive and find the killer, Kali leans on her skills at logic and detection. She finds she must balance superstition and reason, logic and detection. Kali can only wonder: Who’ll be the next to die? And who—or what—is she even on the trail of?
This is the first in what seems to be an exciting new series featuring an unusual detective in Hawaii. As a true Hawaiian, she has an entertaining background. I loved how stories of old, legends, superstitions are blended into this mystery. The author has done a great job in describing the beautiful scenery of the islands.
The mystery has twists and turns that revolve around secondary residents ....most who are quirky and a few with secrets. When another crime takes place, Kali manages to investigate both crimes as they begin to emerge as one. I look forward to following Kali into her next adventure.
Many thanks to the author / Kensington Books / Netgalley for the digital copy of this mystery. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Kali Mahoe is the niece of the Police Captain and the grand-daughter of one of Hawaii's most respected spiritual leader. Now that her grandmother has passed, she has become the new kahu .. rooted in legends and healing. And she is also a Detective with local law enforcement.
When the Police Captain finds the body of a young surfer boy floating on Maui's shore. At first thought, this was an accidental drowning ... except there's no water in his lungs, he has a huge gash in his head, and inside that gash is a shark's tooth.
And that's not the only body that washes ashore.
To uncover a motive and find the killer, Kali leans on her skills at logic and detection. She finds she must balance superstition and reason, logic and detection. Kali can only wonder: Who’ll be the next to die? And who—or what—is she even on the trail of?
This is the first in what seems to be an exciting new series featuring an unusual detective in Hawaii. As a true Hawaiian, she has an entertaining background. I loved how stories of old, legends, superstitions are blended into this mystery. The author has done a great job in describing the beautiful scenery of the islands.
The mystery has twists and turns that revolve around secondary residents ....most who are quirky and a few with secrets. When another crime takes place, Kali manages to investigate both crimes as they begin to emerge as one. I look forward to following Kali into her next adventure.
Many thanks to the author / Kensington Books / Netgalley for the digital copy of this mystery. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
June 2, 2021
The Fire Thief by Debra Bokur is the first book in the police procedural Dark Paradise Mystery series. While this mystery series has character development that carries over from book to book for those wanting to follow the entire series the cases involved are solved within so they could be read as a standalone if choosing to do so.
When the police captain, Walter Alaka’i, finds the body of a young teenage surfer he firsts suspects that the death is a surfing accident. However it begins to become clear that this death was no accident at all so Walter gives a call to his niece, Detective Kali Māhoe so she can begin to work the case. While Kali is a detective in Maui she is also is also a kahu which is a spiritual leader in her Hawaiian community so her methods can be a bit out of the ordinary but Kali is always determined to close her cases and find her killer.
I have to admit the first draw to this series was the fact it was set in Hawaii and if I can I love to pick up books set around the world as I have a love virtual travel and enjoying a setting as much as a story. This new series of course gives a look at a darker side to the islands but it did bring the setting to life so I was very glad of that. The main character in this one is certainly a character that stands out on her own and it was interesting getting to know her and follow along as she investigated. While this first book of the series landed at three and a half stars for me I feel like I was left wanting to know more and return for the next book.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
When the police captain, Walter Alaka’i, finds the body of a young teenage surfer he firsts suspects that the death is a surfing accident. However it begins to become clear that this death was no accident at all so Walter gives a call to his niece, Detective Kali Māhoe so she can begin to work the case. While Kali is a detective in Maui she is also is also a kahu which is a spiritual leader in her Hawaiian community so her methods can be a bit out of the ordinary but Kali is always determined to close her cases and find her killer.
I have to admit the first draw to this series was the fact it was set in Hawaii and if I can I love to pick up books set around the world as I have a love virtual travel and enjoying a setting as much as a story. This new series of course gives a look at a darker side to the islands but it did bring the setting to life so I was very glad of that. The main character in this one is certainly a character that stands out on her own and it was interesting getting to know her and follow along as she investigated. While this first book of the series landed at three and a half stars for me I feel like I was left wanting to know more and return for the next book.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
March 28, 2020
Under the wonderful atmosphere of Maui's setting, a Detective discovers the body of a young man in an apparent accidental drowning. Even Native Hawaiians can have surfing accidents as the Hawaiian Gods are fickle.
Except, it becomes almost immediately, this is a strange accident or possibly much worse. But who in the world would murder a smart college-bound young man? There is nothing that shows a reason. Except the Hawaiian Gods appear to be angry. There are ghostly spirits lurking and Hawaiian tales that seem to in progress.
Enter, Detective Kali - not only is she a Native Hawaiian Detective, and college educated with an cultural anthropology degree, but a trained or spiritual guide just as her Grandma was before her. She tries to make sense of the supernatural aspects of the case while navigating a convention police investigation intermixed with other cases the police have to investigate.
The reader gets a wonderful sense of Native Maui as well as the touristy trappings intermixed with historical bits, mythology, lore and wonderful beachy atmosphere.
Goodreads Giveaway
I agree with the Reviewer who felt the latter of the book wrapped up to quickly and unrealistically. But that is the only criticism.
Perfect novel for anyone completing the USA Mystery Challenge
Except, it becomes almost immediately, this is a strange accident or possibly much worse. But who in the world would murder a smart college-bound young man? There is nothing that shows a reason. Except the Hawaiian Gods appear to be angry. There are ghostly spirits lurking and Hawaiian tales that seem to in progress.
Enter, Detective Kali - not only is she a Native Hawaiian Detective, and college educated with an cultural anthropology degree, but a trained or spiritual guide just as her Grandma was before her. She tries to make sense of the supernatural aspects of the case while navigating a convention police investigation intermixed with other cases the police have to investigate.
The reader gets a wonderful sense of Native Maui as well as the touristy trappings intermixed with historical bits, mythology, lore and wonderful beachy atmosphere.
Goodreads Giveaway
I agree with the Reviewer who felt the latter of the book wrapped up to quickly and unrealistically. But that is the only criticism.
Perfect novel for anyone completing the USA Mystery Challenge
August 12, 2020
Full disclosure: I won a free ARC of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
The cover says this will be on sale in late May of 2020. I received it in late July or early August--don't exactly recall since I was finishing another book at the time. So it's not exactly Advanced. Then again, with the pandemic messing with release schedules and mail delivery, who knows if/when it's available in stores … if they're even open. If it's not currently available, it probably will be soon.
This is billed as “A Dark Paradise Mystery” and the “... First Thriller Featuring Maui Detective Kali Māhoe.” Hopefully it's the first of many, because Kali is a fine protagonist. I would definitely be up for reading more of her adventures.
The death of a local surfer and some missing solar panels are what initially catch the attention of Kali and her Uncle Walter, both detectives for the Maui Police Department. The few witnesses describe some sort of faceless ghost … It's a decent enough mystery, but the real point of the book is to introduce us to the characters and the setting.
In addition to being a detective, Kali is also a kahu, a spiritual leader for her community, a role that's traditionally passed down from grandparent to grandchild. Seems, to my untrained eye, to be a shaman of sorts. In this book, it mostly serves as a way to slip traditional Hawaiian lore into the story, giving it more depth and flavor. Kali is currently single, living with her dog, Hilo, in the house originally owned by her grandmother. She's still mourning the death of her fiancé, gunned down in the line of duty. We are introduced to at least a couple of potential romantic interests, and I’m sure we'll be seeing more of them in future volumes.
The setting seems exotic to me, living in Michigan as I do, though I'm sure it's routine for those who live there. I did appreciate how Debra Bokur takes the trouble to differentiate between actual Hawaii and the portions of it that tourists usually visit. It helped the setting come alive for me.
The Fire Thief is a promising beginning to what I hope becomes a successful series. Recommended!
The cover says this will be on sale in late May of 2020. I received it in late July or early August--don't exactly recall since I was finishing another book at the time. So it's not exactly Advanced. Then again, with the pandemic messing with release schedules and mail delivery, who knows if/when it's available in stores … if they're even open. If it's not currently available, it probably will be soon.
This is billed as “A Dark Paradise Mystery” and the “... First Thriller Featuring Maui Detective Kali Māhoe.” Hopefully it's the first of many, because Kali is a fine protagonist. I would definitely be up for reading more of her adventures.
The death of a local surfer and some missing solar panels are what initially catch the attention of Kali and her Uncle Walter, both detectives for the Maui Police Department. The few witnesses describe some sort of faceless ghost … It's a decent enough mystery, but the real point of the book is to introduce us to the characters and the setting.
In addition to being a detective, Kali is also a kahu, a spiritual leader for her community, a role that's traditionally passed down from grandparent to grandchild. Seems, to my untrained eye, to be a shaman of sorts. In this book, it mostly serves as a way to slip traditional Hawaiian lore into the story, giving it more depth and flavor. Kali is currently single, living with her dog, Hilo, in the house originally owned by her grandmother. She's still mourning the death of her fiancé, gunned down in the line of duty. We are introduced to at least a couple of potential romantic interests, and I’m sure we'll be seeing more of them in future volumes.
The setting seems exotic to me, living in Michigan as I do, though I'm sure it's routine for those who live there. I did appreciate how Debra Bokur takes the trouble to differentiate between actual Hawaii and the portions of it that tourists usually visit. It helped the setting come alive for me.
The Fire Thief is a promising beginning to what I hope becomes a successful series. Recommended!
May 21, 2020
3.5 stars
I enjoyed the first book in what I hope to be an ongoing series. Kali Mahoe is not only a detective with the Maui police but studying to be a kahu, a spiritual leader. The Hawaiian heritage and history really shines and is quite fascinating. I loved reading the myths and legends.
The mystery started with the discovery of a teen-age surfer. At first thought to be a surfing accident, a head gash with a shark's tooth embedded in it led to the conclusion it was murder. Walter Alaka'i is called to investigate and he brings in his niece, Kali. Also, there is a rash of solar power panels being stolen. An elderly woman is murdered during one theft. Are the two crimes connected?
I thought the murder was almost an after thought to the rich story of Hawaiian lore. I wish it had been integrated more and actually gave the reader a chance to solve it. Still it was a wonderful beginning to an intriguing new series.
I enjoyed the first book in what I hope to be an ongoing series. Kali Mahoe is not only a detective with the Maui police but studying to be a kahu, a spiritual leader. The Hawaiian heritage and history really shines and is quite fascinating. I loved reading the myths and legends.
The mystery started with the discovery of a teen-age surfer. At first thought to be a surfing accident, a head gash with a shark's tooth embedded in it led to the conclusion it was murder. Walter Alaka'i is called to investigate and he brings in his niece, Kali. Also, there is a rash of solar power panels being stolen. An elderly woman is murdered during one theft. Are the two crimes connected?
I thought the murder was almost an after thought to the rich story of Hawaiian lore. I wish it had been integrated more and actually gave the reader a chance to solve it. Still it was a wonderful beginning to an intriguing new series.
May 29, 2025
I dont know how i gained a copy of the fire thief, but hey..it's in my physical tbr, so let's give this a go.
the book starts off with trying to understand the death of a young surfer, turns out it's a murder, thats somehow linked to stolen solar panels from homes. than it detours to a police officers love life, family and friends.
the book is written by a full time traveller and you can easily tell.
how?
the way its written is talking about a) the spiritual ascepts of Hawaiian culture and b) so many references to the island that feels very luring of "this is why Hawaii is the perfect tourist location" even though the locals are begging for people NOT to visit due to damaging the island.
the book starts off with trying to understand the death of a young surfer, turns out it's a murder, thats somehow linked to stolen solar panels from homes. than it detours to a police officers love life, family and friends.
the book is written by a full time traveller and you can easily tell.
how?
the way its written is talking about a) the spiritual ascepts of Hawaiian culture and b) so many references to the island that feels very luring of "this is why Hawaii is the perfect tourist location" even though the locals are begging for people NOT to visit due to damaging the island.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2020
An engrossing and entertaining story with a great MC and a fascinating plot.
I loved the well thought characters, the plot that flows, the lore and history of Hawaii.
The mystery was solid and kept me guessing.
It was an intriguing read and I can't wait to read other stories in this series.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
I loved the well thought characters, the plot that flows, the lore and history of Hawaii.
The mystery was solid and kept me guessing.
It was an intriguing read and I can't wait to read other stories in this series.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
June 8, 2025
Debra Bokur's The Fire Thief takes advantage of the island setting by introducing Detective Kali Mahoe, a police detective and Hawaiian cultural expert. Bokur draws on Hawaiian culture and current island issues to increase readers' interest. The plot is based on several related incidents and crimes tied to the theft of solar panels. The panels are part of the direction island development is taking in relying on solar energy. The Hawaiian cultural issues come into play because historic Hawaiian weapons have been used in crimes and are clues to the perpetrators. The search for possible thefts of the weapons and the identities of collectors leads Kali and her associates to interviews of people who share historical cultural information. Even basic current information about Hawaii adds local color; the fact that Hawaii is made up of more than just a few islands and getting places can require boats and planes is something that may surprise readers. Expect deaths and nasty people; even an island paradise has killers.
November 23, 2020
The Fire Thief displays Hawaiian culture and interlaces Hawaiian language within the story. Debra Bokur artfully introduces Hawaiian phrases into the story. Detective Kali Mahoe, a Hawaiian spiritual leader, is a tattooed warrior. She aids the Police Captain, Walter Alaka’e in investigating crimes on the island and in determining what type of crime has been committed. The story begins with a death of a young surfer, and the stealing of solar panels on the island. Picturesque Hawaii is not Eden. Debra Bokur shows the drug problem, poverty on the island, and the influx of foreigners. The Hawaiian names are difficult to remember and I wish that Bokur had listed all the characters. The scenery and vegetation impel the reader to visit Hawaii.
March 15, 2022
Ein wunderbares Buch, das für mich realistisch und nicht zu utopisch das Hawaii Feeling eingefangen hat. Die Charaktere haben mich überzeugt und gefielen mir mit ihren Ecken und Kanten gut.
Es war nicht perfekt und am Ende hatte ich das Gefühl, alles ging ganz schnell. Aber andererseits, wie viel soll da dann kommen bei 288 Seiten? Und die Motive der meisten Verbrecher sind nun mal sehr simpel. Daher: realistisch, aber unspektakulär.
Trotzdem hat es mich gut unterhalten und ich würde es wieder lesen und empfehlen. Aber nur, wenn man sich auch ein bisschen für die Kultur Hawaiis interessiert. Sonst könnten einige Erklärungen und Einwürfe im Buch schnell überflüssig und nervig werden.
Es war nicht perfekt und am Ende hatte ich das Gefühl, alles ging ganz schnell. Aber andererseits, wie viel soll da dann kommen bei 288 Seiten? Und die Motive der meisten Verbrecher sind nun mal sehr simpel. Daher: realistisch, aber unspektakulär.
Trotzdem hat es mich gut unterhalten und ich würde es wieder lesen und empfehlen. Aber nur, wenn man sich auch ein bisschen für die Kultur Hawaiis interessiert. Sonst könnten einige Erklärungen und Einwürfe im Buch schnell überflüssig und nervig werden.
November 17, 2021
If it hadn't been set on Maui and had not included comments about Hawaiian culture, I don't know that I would have finished it. The central character, Kali Mahoe, is fairly well developed and is a moderately interesting character.
The murder mystery itself is not very interesting. If it's considered a police procedural, the investigation is low keyed with a couple of lucky breaks. There are in fact, two parallel investigations, neither of which demonstrate investigative skills. I think the slow pacing is intended to illustrate the slow pace of life on Hawaii. Of course, she makes a big deal of all the new construction and all the tourists. It certainly discourages one from wanting to visit Hawaii.
The best part of the book is the capture of the bad guys during a storm at sea. Since I don't think I've ever read anything quite like it, I enjoyed it. Very tense as the boat in question speeds towards the rocks in a storm and the Coast Guard and police (specifically Kali) try to board and prevent it from crashing into the rocks. Up until then, the book's only moderately entertaining.
The murder mystery itself is not very interesting. If it's considered a police procedural, the investigation is low keyed with a couple of lucky breaks. There are in fact, two parallel investigations, neither of which demonstrate investigative skills. I think the slow pacing is intended to illustrate the slow pace of life on Hawaii. Of course, she makes a big deal of all the new construction and all the tourists. It certainly discourages one from wanting to visit Hawaii.
The best part of the book is the capture of the bad guys during a storm at sea. Since I don't think I've ever read anything quite like it, I enjoyed it. Very tense as the boat in question speeds towards the rocks in a storm and the Coast Guard and police (specifically Kali) try to board and prevent it from crashing into the rocks. Up until then, the book's only moderately entertaining.
August 12, 2022
I pretty much was wrong every time I thought I knew what was going on! I didn’t love the way they talked about Makena and her substance use disorder, but to be fair, that’s how a lot of people talk and think about those who struggle. Overall it was interesting, and I loved the cultural aspect of it, wish there had been more of that.
July 27, 2020
This book is a cross between a police procedural and a cozy mystery. It is supposed to be at least; however, it works better as an immersive experience of Hawaiian culture. It has a dual person narrative which could have been tapered to a single person if the focus was only on the mystery, but that is where this book differs.
One of the narrations, the smaller part, is done by Walter. He is an older member of the community as well as law enforcement. It's through his eyes that we see the changes on the islands, the hierarchy and the interactional differences by people of a younger, more hip type (like his second in command). He provides context and introduces us to the case, but the story is all about his niece, Kali.
Kali is a contradiction that depicts the new age in Hawaii. She is part of the old as well as the new. With this distinction, she can show us a lot about the culture, the practices and the undercurrents in the people. It is more about her finding her footing in her roles. The mystery itself I will not go into because multiple parts may or may not come together towards the end. I liked visiting a whole new place and will come back for the next book. There is a lot of promise, but my rating reflects more about the lack of investment I had in the plot of the mystery. When the end was revealed, I did not feel anything for it. I was more interested in Kali's personal life and the possibilities for the next installment.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishes but the review is entirely based only on my own reading experience.
One of the narrations, the smaller part, is done by Walter. He is an older member of the community as well as law enforcement. It's through his eyes that we see the changes on the islands, the hierarchy and the interactional differences by people of a younger, more hip type (like his second in command). He provides context and introduces us to the case, but the story is all about his niece, Kali.
Kali is a contradiction that depicts the new age in Hawaii. She is part of the old as well as the new. With this distinction, she can show us a lot about the culture, the practices and the undercurrents in the people. It is more about her finding her footing in her roles. The mystery itself I will not go into because multiple parts may or may not come together towards the end. I liked visiting a whole new place and will come back for the next book. There is a lot of promise, but my rating reflects more about the lack of investment I had in the plot of the mystery. When the end was revealed, I did not feel anything for it. I was more interested in Kali's personal life and the possibilities for the next installment.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishes but the review is entirely based only on my own reading experience.
May 26, 2020
Thank you, Kensington Books and NetGalley for this arc.
I give this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. A young man was found dead that everyone thinks was an accident until detective Kali Māhoe was summoned by her uncle and came upon a conclusion of this being like sinister killing. As she began to investigate further, she will have to deal with her history and the many legends the islands have before more killings happen.
This book shows many Hawaii history that I haven’t heard of, so I was excited about that. I am fascinated by tons of references used and even the whole lore. I like Kali! I hope to see more of Kali’s adventure in this series. The story is captivating, and I enjoyed reading it.
I give this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. A young man was found dead that everyone thinks was an accident until detective Kali Māhoe was summoned by her uncle and came upon a conclusion of this being like sinister killing. As she began to investigate further, she will have to deal with her history and the many legends the islands have before more killings happen.
This book shows many Hawaii history that I haven’t heard of, so I was excited about that. I am fascinated by tons of references used and even the whole lore. I like Kali! I hope to see more of Kali’s adventure in this series. The story is captivating, and I enjoyed reading it.
June 30, 2021
It was just OK. Very light reading. Not my cup of tea so to speak.
April 6, 2022
Alles in allem war es ein sehr durchschnittliches Buch, würde ich sagen. Trotz dass die Handlung recht oberflächlich blieb und auf den nicht einmal 300 Seiten mehr erzählt werden sollte, als angenehm untergebracht werden kann, hat es doch viel Spaß gemacht zu lesen.
Was mich an dem Roman am meisten enttäuscht hat, war der versprochene Zusammenhang zwischen Mythologie und den Todesfällen. Zwar wurden die mythologischen und traditionellen Geschichten der Hawaiianer viel thematisiert, was ich wiederum super spannend und gut fand, doch letztlich hat das fast nichts mit dem eigentlich Polizeifall zu tun, der hier im Fokus steht. Vielmehr mit einer der zwei (oder drei) Kleinigkeiten, die neben dem Hauptfall noch abgehandelt werden.
Das Ende kam dadurch auch sehr schnell, fand ich. Schlag auf Schlag sollten dann irgendwie alle Sachen zusammengebracht werden, also hat man sich die Puzzleteile so zusammengelegt, dass es halt passt.
Aber nicht falsch verstehen, das Lesen hat trotzdem super viel Spaß gemacht und es wirklich ein sehr unterhaltsames Buch, von dem ich auch die Fortsetzungsteile (sofern sie übersetzt werden) lesen möchte. Vielleicht gibt es diese Schwächen auch gerade deswegen, weil es das Debüt der Autorin war? Der Schreibstil und das Tempo des Romans waren auch sehr angenehm (bis auf das erwähnte Ende), was gegen die übliche Debüt-Schwäche spricht.
Was mich an dem Roman am meisten enttäuscht hat, war der versprochene Zusammenhang zwischen Mythologie und den Todesfällen. Zwar wurden die mythologischen und traditionellen Geschichten der Hawaiianer viel thematisiert, was ich wiederum super spannend und gut fand, doch letztlich hat das fast nichts mit dem eigentlich Polizeifall zu tun, der hier im Fokus steht. Vielmehr mit einer der zwei (oder drei) Kleinigkeiten, die neben dem Hauptfall noch abgehandelt werden.
Das Ende kam dadurch auch sehr schnell, fand ich. Schlag auf Schlag sollten dann irgendwie alle Sachen zusammengebracht werden, also hat man sich die Puzzleteile so zusammengelegt, dass es halt passt.
Aber nicht falsch verstehen, das Lesen hat trotzdem super viel Spaß gemacht und es wirklich ein sehr unterhaltsames Buch, von dem ich auch die Fortsetzungsteile (sofern sie übersetzt werden) lesen möchte. Vielleicht gibt es diese Schwächen auch gerade deswegen, weil es das Debüt der Autorin war? Der Schreibstil und das Tempo des Romans waren auch sehr angenehm (bis auf das erwähnte Ende), was gegen die übliche Debüt-Schwäche spricht.
April 13, 2024
If you’ve been to Hawaii, reading this is kind of like looking through a photo album. Like the people who live there, this book is full of reverence for the land, the culture, the spirituality and vibe of the experience. It’s soothing, just like visiting the islands.
The story itself is nothing outlandish or gripping. A good whodunit with a handful of icky players. I’m not one to try too hard to speculate about plot lines, I like to experience the story as it plays out. For me, it’s not blatantly obvious where the story is going, and I like that.
Also, I’m sorry for being that tourist 🙋🏽♀️
The story itself is nothing outlandish or gripping. A good whodunit with a handful of icky players. I’m not one to try too hard to speculate about plot lines, I like to experience the story as it plays out. For me, it’s not blatantly obvious where the story is going, and I like that.
Also, I’m sorry for being that tourist 🙋🏽♀️
Read
April 28, 2020Could there be evidence of a ritual murder? Mahoe knows what a nightmare that could be. She holds a degree in cultural anthropology and prides herself on her deductive skills, but she is also the granddaughter of one of Hawaii’s most respected spiritual leaders, and on the path to becoming a kahu — a healer — herself. She knows how strong the old beliefs are — and how they can complicate a case.
Read our full review here: https://booktrib.com/2020/04/probing-...
Read our full review here: https://booktrib.com/2020/04/probing-...
April 11, 2023
This was a good introduction to Kali and her Uncle Walter in Hawaii. They are both detectives. Kali and Walter work on why and who stole the Solar Panels to homes. Also, a teenager has been killed as well because of what he might have seen along with an older woman who was bashed on the head. Kali must use both her logical skills along with her history of the legends to find out what is going on. To be honest this was a good start but I really liked the second book in this series.
May 13, 2021
3.5
The mystery is secondary to the place setting, culture and lore of Hawaii. I enjoyed it for those aspects. I liked the main characters and will read the next book in the series.
The mystery is secondary to the place setting, culture and lore of Hawaii. I enjoyed it for those aspects. I liked the main characters and will read the next book in the series.
July 24, 2022
Not too shabby lil detective story set in hawaii which was cool.
Read
January 31, 2023Fun police investigator murder mystery. A bit gruesome in places. A quick read.
September 22, 2025
"The Fire Thief" by Debra Bokur is an enjoyable mystery filled with twists and turns. The author beautifully incorporates Hawaiian folklore and captures the islands' charm. The main character, Kali, is steeped in tradition and excels at solving mysteries, making the story even more engaging.
April 11, 2020
I felt like this book was an okay read not a real page-turner. There were a few things I found to be a little bit lacking(her relationship) and one particular occurrence that I would have totally written differently (cat). I think the author does show promise for future novels to be much better. I might have considered putting a small glossary at the back of the book with correct pronunciation for some of the names and terminology with brief description.
April 12, 2021
SPOILER ALERT
Rich with the culture and spiritual heritage of Hawaii this first of the series with Detective Kali Mahoe, set on the island of Maui, is fascinating and interesting. It is also realistic in the clash of the laid back style of the original Hawaiians and the newly planted and greedy industrial magnates and the tourists who crowd the islands, causing crime and traffic snarls. Kali is a native Hawaiian who is also a "kaku" a spiritual leader for her people. She is just beginning her practice, and is unsure of her skills. She has a tattoo on her upper arm that is significant of her heritage. She is the niece of Capt Walter Alaka'i, of the Maui Police. In addition to being a member of the Maui Police, she has a degree in cultural anthropology, which puts her a position of specialist/expert of the cultural and spiritual traditions of Hawaii. They are also assisted by Officer David Hara. Kali was the fiance of Mike Shirai, a cop who was killed in the raid of a meth gang. She blames herself in part for his death, thinking she should have been able to protect him. Kali also has a companion in her dog Hilo, a half wolf hound, half Great Dane...huge and loveable. She lives in the partially renovated home she inherited from her grandmother, Pualani Pali, a scientist and spiritual leader.
The story begins with the discovery of the body of a high school boy, Kekipi Smith, who was granted a full college scholarship and loved surfing beyond all else. In his head is embedded a shark's tooth and a piece of very old wood. It seems that he may have been hit with an Hawaiian artifact war club. As Kali begins to research the source of such artifacts, she is also looking into the theft of numerous solar panels, a couple from her neighbors. When the thefts are being committed a couple of the homeowners see a ghost...a figure that has not face and is gray in color. In one of the thefts an elderly woman was struck down and eventually dies. Kali immediate neighbors, Birta and Elvar Elinsdottir, from Iceland, are brother and sister. He is an artist who forges knives and swords and other beautiful pieces for movies and collectors. Kali is attracted to the hunky man who is elusive and quiet. He is also temporarily a suspect as he hunts for very old wood and other articles from which to make items, including war clubs.
She also meets a PhD Jack Bader, a researcher of volcanos, while she is at a conference for alternative energy sources. The host of the conference is Green World America. She shows him the islands and the places and things he would not have been able to access while there. He may show up in future installments as he is applying for an appointment is Hawaii.
While interviewing the owners and manufacturers of solar panels for the furious building going on in the islands, and moving between the islands, she meets Harold Uru, whose receptionist is the daughter, Vanessa of another builder, Billy Shane. He was sleazy in his interview with her, and has a number of developments large and small being built. The police are also looking into the involvement of Poluna Husuka, a well-known pickpocket on the islands, who is also a member of the luau shows. He is also known to deal in artifacts. When they investigate his property they find evidence that he may be involved in the solar panel thefts. He is in the meantime delivering panels, and when done he is killed, because he had been filmed fighting. The murder is witnessed by Makena Shirai. She is the sister of Mike, and lives in the open all over the island, a druggie, a thief and a prostitute who Kali tries to help in remembrance of Mike. When she tries get money from the police for the information, and they refuse, then to blackmail Billy Shane to keep quiet, he and his psychopathic daughter Vanessa take her on their boat intending to kill her.
Kali gets wind of Makena's behavior and that the skipper of the boat from which Poluna's body had been thrown, they go after the boat, in a raging storm. Kali has to jump from the Coastguard boat to the other and to get the daughter who appears from below in the ghost costume with the war club that killed Kekipi Smith. Billy Shane is shot and killed by Makena, when the boat shifts in the storm and she gets ahold of his gun. During this climax when she reveals that she owes Mike the action she must take to save Makena, she is told that Mike died thinking he was protecting her, and that he had known from the beginning that the meth gang had a load of guns. Thus some of the guilt that Kali had been carrying is relieved. Vanessa Shane is a nasty woman who demonstrates the racial bias that is a part of the Polynesian/Hawaiian experience. She and her father are set on taking as much as they can from the natives, and establishing a compound on Kauai.
This mystery was full of eccentric characters and Hawaiian stories and myths. The development of Kali was well done, presenting a flawed yet intriguing woman, who takes her heritage very seriously. I only found the picture of Vanessa Shane a bit excessive, as she was described as one who tortured animals and other kids as a child, and was looking forward to committing untold torture on Makena. I look forward to the next installment. Though never having visited Hawaii, I love visiting in this novel, as my ex-husband was Hawaiian Chinese, and definitely fit the image of a native.
Rich with the culture and spiritual heritage of Hawaii this first of the series with Detective Kali Mahoe, set on the island of Maui, is fascinating and interesting. It is also realistic in the clash of the laid back style of the original Hawaiians and the newly planted and greedy industrial magnates and the tourists who crowd the islands, causing crime and traffic snarls. Kali is a native Hawaiian who is also a "kaku" a spiritual leader for her people. She is just beginning her practice, and is unsure of her skills. She has a tattoo on her upper arm that is significant of her heritage. She is the niece of Capt Walter Alaka'i, of the Maui Police. In addition to being a member of the Maui Police, she has a degree in cultural anthropology, which puts her a position of specialist/expert of the cultural and spiritual traditions of Hawaii. They are also assisted by Officer David Hara. Kali was the fiance of Mike Shirai, a cop who was killed in the raid of a meth gang. She blames herself in part for his death, thinking she should have been able to protect him. Kali also has a companion in her dog Hilo, a half wolf hound, half Great Dane...huge and loveable. She lives in the partially renovated home she inherited from her grandmother, Pualani Pali, a scientist and spiritual leader.
The story begins with the discovery of the body of a high school boy, Kekipi Smith, who was granted a full college scholarship and loved surfing beyond all else. In his head is embedded a shark's tooth and a piece of very old wood. It seems that he may have been hit with an Hawaiian artifact war club. As Kali begins to research the source of such artifacts, she is also looking into the theft of numerous solar panels, a couple from her neighbors. When the thefts are being committed a couple of the homeowners see a ghost...a figure that has not face and is gray in color. In one of the thefts an elderly woman was struck down and eventually dies. Kali immediate neighbors, Birta and Elvar Elinsdottir, from Iceland, are brother and sister. He is an artist who forges knives and swords and other beautiful pieces for movies and collectors. Kali is attracted to the hunky man who is elusive and quiet. He is also temporarily a suspect as he hunts for very old wood and other articles from which to make items, including war clubs.
She also meets a PhD Jack Bader, a researcher of volcanos, while she is at a conference for alternative energy sources. The host of the conference is Green World America. She shows him the islands and the places and things he would not have been able to access while there. He may show up in future installments as he is applying for an appointment is Hawaii.
While interviewing the owners and manufacturers of solar panels for the furious building going on in the islands, and moving between the islands, she meets Harold Uru, whose receptionist is the daughter, Vanessa of another builder, Billy Shane. He was sleazy in his interview with her, and has a number of developments large and small being built. The police are also looking into the involvement of Poluna Husuka, a well-known pickpocket on the islands, who is also a member of the luau shows. He is also known to deal in artifacts. When they investigate his property they find evidence that he may be involved in the solar panel thefts. He is in the meantime delivering panels, and when done he is killed, because he had been filmed fighting. The murder is witnessed by Makena Shirai. She is the sister of Mike, and lives in the open all over the island, a druggie, a thief and a prostitute who Kali tries to help in remembrance of Mike. When she tries get money from the police for the information, and they refuse, then to blackmail Billy Shane to keep quiet, he and his psychopathic daughter Vanessa take her on their boat intending to kill her.
Kali gets wind of Makena's behavior and that the skipper of the boat from which Poluna's body had been thrown, they go after the boat, in a raging storm. Kali has to jump from the Coastguard boat to the other and to get the daughter who appears from below in the ghost costume with the war club that killed Kekipi Smith. Billy Shane is shot and killed by Makena, when the boat shifts in the storm and she gets ahold of his gun. During this climax when she reveals that she owes Mike the action she must take to save Makena, she is told that Mike died thinking he was protecting her, and that he had known from the beginning that the meth gang had a load of guns. Thus some of the guilt that Kali had been carrying is relieved. Vanessa Shane is a nasty woman who demonstrates the racial bias that is a part of the Polynesian/Hawaiian experience. She and her father are set on taking as much as they can from the natives, and establishing a compound on Kauai.
This mystery was full of eccentric characters and Hawaiian stories and myths. The development of Kali was well done, presenting a flawed yet intriguing woman, who takes her heritage very seriously. I only found the picture of Vanessa Shane a bit excessive, as she was described as one who tortured animals and other kids as a child, and was looking forward to committing untold torture on Makena. I look forward to the next installment. Though never having visited Hawaii, I love visiting in this novel, as my ex-husband was Hawaiian Chinese, and definitely fit the image of a native.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2020
Listened to audiobook - actual rating 2.75/5 🌟 this book was very underwhelming. I was hoping for some great police procedural but it fell short. If you are looking for a lot of Hawaiian culture and a sprinkling of a mystery this is the book for you. Nothing wrong with that but not the book I was hoping to read.
September 21, 2020
Is there a next? Loved the narrator. Great job!
August 28, 2022
Book Blog | Bookstagram
RTC.
⭐⭐ | 2 stars
RTC.
⭐⭐ | 2 stars
March 28, 2022
Zum Inhalt verweise ich auf den Klappentext oder ggf Leseprobe
Ich bin durch Zufall auf das Buch aufmerksam geworden, das Cover und der Klappentext haben mich wahnsinnig neugierig gemacht. Leider konnte das Buch aber meine Erwartungen nicht erfüllen.
Was mir zwar gefiel, dass es gradlinig, ohne Geschnörkel geschrieben wird, allerdings hätte ich mir doch etwas mehr Hintergrund gewünscht, mehr zur Umgebung, mehr zu den Charakteren. Man ist zwar sofort im Geschehen, aber läuft trotzdem etwas ziellos durch die Geschichte. Ich konnte mir einfach kein Bild machen, weder von Umgebung, noch Charakteren, da alles irgendwie nur angedeutet wird und sich daraus auch nicht erschließt, ob es evtl wichtig sein könnte. Das schon am Anfang, da wird es dann schwer, sich überhaupt auf die Geschichte einzulassen. Da ich aber neugierig war, hab ich erstmal weitergelesen und mich etwas durchgequält, obwohl der Schreibstil schön flüssig ist und die Kapitel sehr kurz gehalten sind.
Die Handlung ist etwas konfus. Da gibt es zwei Handlungsstränge, den Mord und den Diebstahl. Leider hat sich mir bis zum Ende nicht erschlossen, ob die Fälle nun zusammenhingen und inwieweit. Der Mord musste dem Diebstahl in der Priorität weichen, was ich schon sehr merkwürdig fand. Leider bleibt die Spannung hier auch sehr auf der Strecke, am Anfang mit dem Mord war sie recht hoch, doch durch den plötzlichen Wechsel zum Diebstahl und das der Mord nicht mehr erwähnt wird, flacht sie immer mehr ab. Es gibt keine Tiefe in der Geschichte, keinen greifbaren Hintergrund. Am Ende läuft zwar einiges zusammen und ergibt ein Bild und löst einige Fragen, aber so richtig schlüssig ist es für mich nicht, zudem das Ende fast schon übereilt und kurz und bündig war. Die größten Fragen bleiben für mich leider ungelöst.
Von der Grundidee her ist die Geschichte an sich nicht unbedingt schlecht, ich hatte hier das Gefühl, dass die Autorin zu viele Ideen hatte und sich irgendwo verheddert hat und den roten Faden verloren hat. Die Ermittlungsansätze waren gut durchdacht und auch die generelle Themenvielfalt, nur wie gesagt, nicht gut umgesetzt, um mich als Leser wirklich zu fesseln. Hier gibt es auch viele Nebenschauplätze, wo ich einfach nicht einordnen konnte, wichtig oder nicht, dass hat oft vom eigentlichen Geschehen abgelenkt und sowohl den Lesefluss, wie auch die Spannung gestört.
Die Charaktere, grade Kali, ist sehr sympathisch und man erfährt auch vieles aus ihrer Vergangenheit und zu ihrer Familie. Wobei man da auch wieder nicht weiß, ist es wichtig, oder nur Hintergrundwissen. Mir gefiel ihre authentische Art und auch ihr Humor. Doch wie alle Charaktere ist sie mir nicht genügend ausgearbeitet, nicht richtig greifbar und schwimmt noch zu sehr an der Oberfläche. Auch das Ende bez Kali fand ich sehr unausgereift.
Generell war es schwer die Charaktere einzuordnen. Sind sie Nebencharaktere, sind sie wichtig?
Das alles zusammen hat es mir unheimlich schwer gemacht, mich in die Geschichte einzufinden.
Für mich leider ein Buch, was ich nicht unbedingt empfehle.
Ich bin durch Zufall auf das Buch aufmerksam geworden, das Cover und der Klappentext haben mich wahnsinnig neugierig gemacht. Leider konnte das Buch aber meine Erwartungen nicht erfüllen.
Was mir zwar gefiel, dass es gradlinig, ohne Geschnörkel geschrieben wird, allerdings hätte ich mir doch etwas mehr Hintergrund gewünscht, mehr zur Umgebung, mehr zu den Charakteren. Man ist zwar sofort im Geschehen, aber läuft trotzdem etwas ziellos durch die Geschichte. Ich konnte mir einfach kein Bild machen, weder von Umgebung, noch Charakteren, da alles irgendwie nur angedeutet wird und sich daraus auch nicht erschließt, ob es evtl wichtig sein könnte. Das schon am Anfang, da wird es dann schwer, sich überhaupt auf die Geschichte einzulassen. Da ich aber neugierig war, hab ich erstmal weitergelesen und mich etwas durchgequält, obwohl der Schreibstil schön flüssig ist und die Kapitel sehr kurz gehalten sind.
Die Handlung ist etwas konfus. Da gibt es zwei Handlungsstränge, den Mord und den Diebstahl. Leider hat sich mir bis zum Ende nicht erschlossen, ob die Fälle nun zusammenhingen und inwieweit. Der Mord musste dem Diebstahl in der Priorität weichen, was ich schon sehr merkwürdig fand. Leider bleibt die Spannung hier auch sehr auf der Strecke, am Anfang mit dem Mord war sie recht hoch, doch durch den plötzlichen Wechsel zum Diebstahl und das der Mord nicht mehr erwähnt wird, flacht sie immer mehr ab. Es gibt keine Tiefe in der Geschichte, keinen greifbaren Hintergrund. Am Ende läuft zwar einiges zusammen und ergibt ein Bild und löst einige Fragen, aber so richtig schlüssig ist es für mich nicht, zudem das Ende fast schon übereilt und kurz und bündig war. Die größten Fragen bleiben für mich leider ungelöst.
Von der Grundidee her ist die Geschichte an sich nicht unbedingt schlecht, ich hatte hier das Gefühl, dass die Autorin zu viele Ideen hatte und sich irgendwo verheddert hat und den roten Faden verloren hat. Die Ermittlungsansätze waren gut durchdacht und auch die generelle Themenvielfalt, nur wie gesagt, nicht gut umgesetzt, um mich als Leser wirklich zu fesseln. Hier gibt es auch viele Nebenschauplätze, wo ich einfach nicht einordnen konnte, wichtig oder nicht, dass hat oft vom eigentlichen Geschehen abgelenkt und sowohl den Lesefluss, wie auch die Spannung gestört.
Die Charaktere, grade Kali, ist sehr sympathisch und man erfährt auch vieles aus ihrer Vergangenheit und zu ihrer Familie. Wobei man da auch wieder nicht weiß, ist es wichtig, oder nur Hintergrundwissen. Mir gefiel ihre authentische Art und auch ihr Humor. Doch wie alle Charaktere ist sie mir nicht genügend ausgearbeitet, nicht richtig greifbar und schwimmt noch zu sehr an der Oberfläche. Auch das Ende bez Kali fand ich sehr unausgereift.
Generell war es schwer die Charaktere einzuordnen. Sind sie Nebencharaktere, sind sie wichtig?
Das alles zusammen hat es mir unheimlich schwer gemacht, mich in die Geschichte einzufinden.
Für mich leider ein Buch, was ich nicht unbedingt empfehle.
April 29, 2022
Mit diesem Debütroman von Debra Bokur begeben sich die Leser in die sonnigen Regionen von Magnum und Hawaii-5-0, in den sonnigstens Bunndesstaat der USA. Es ist ein Krimi, der neue Landschaften in den deutschen Krimialltag bringt.
Hauptschauplatz ist die Insel Maui. An ihrem paradiesischen Strand wird eine männliche Leiche gefunden. Es ist der 17jährige Surfer Kekipi Smith. Alle denken im ersten Moment, dass es sich um einen tragischen Surfunfall handelt. Doch ein abgebrochener Haifischzahn in einer tiefen Kopfwunde scheint auf etwas anderes hinzudeuten.
Morgens am Strand von Hawaii – Tod im Paradies
Der Police Captain Walter ruft seine Nichte Kali Mahoe hinzu. Sie ist als Detective Kriminalpolizistin auf dem Revier. Außerdem ist sie Ureinwohnerin und Stammesheilerin. Sie kennt sich also bestens mit den hawaiianischen Mythen und Legenden aus. Das ist für die Ermittlungen von Vorteil, besonders, da erste Gerüchte um einen gesichtslosen Geist im Zusammenhang mit dem toten Surfer und den gestohlenen Sonnenpanels machen.
Debra Bokur hat das Lokalkolorit umfassend aufgegriffen und sehr schön präsentiert. Leser kommen bei der Lektüre an Informationen, die in unterhaltsamer Weise viel von Hawaii, dem Leben dort und den Mythen und Sagen der Urbevölkerung berichten. Exotisch anmutend sind die Ermittlungen selbst für mich, obwohl ich schon hunderte Krimis mit diesem Handlungsort gesehen haben. Dies war der erste Roman, auf den ich mich deshalb besonders gefreut hatte.
Das Cover des Buches finde ich ansprechend. Offenbar ist der Betrachter selbst im Wasser und blickt auf eine Insel.
Die Kriminalhandlung, die Debra Bokur für »Aloah. Tod im Paradies« geschaffen hat, tritt in weiten Teilen in den Hintergrund. Mehrere Stränge, die in unterschiedliche Richtungen weisen, werden am Ende befriedigend zusammengeführt. Aber manchmal hat man das Gefühl, als wären sie nur Mittel zum Zweck, um Hawaii mit allem Drum und Dran vorzustellen. Aber ich fand es nicht grundsätzlich verkehrt.
Schließlich hält das Ende noch eine große Überraschung bereit, mit der man zuvor nicht unbedingt gerechnet hatte.
Leser, die mit krimineller Unterhaltung neue Regionen kennenlernen wollen, sind bei diesem Roman genau richtig. Surfen an den Stränden von Maui oder O’hau, ohne dabei selbst nass zu werden. Menschen kennenzulernen, deren Namen anfangs unaussprechlich scheinen, dann aber doch immer selbstverständlicher werden. Hinter die Fassade der Inseln mit der ewigen Sonne zu blicken und deren dunkle Seiten zu erkunden.
Gerne empfehle ich diesen interessanten Hawaii-Krimi.
© Detlef Knut, Düsseldorf 2022
Hauptschauplatz ist die Insel Maui. An ihrem paradiesischen Strand wird eine männliche Leiche gefunden. Es ist der 17jährige Surfer Kekipi Smith. Alle denken im ersten Moment, dass es sich um einen tragischen Surfunfall handelt. Doch ein abgebrochener Haifischzahn in einer tiefen Kopfwunde scheint auf etwas anderes hinzudeuten.
Morgens am Strand von Hawaii – Tod im Paradies
Der Police Captain Walter ruft seine Nichte Kali Mahoe hinzu. Sie ist als Detective Kriminalpolizistin auf dem Revier. Außerdem ist sie Ureinwohnerin und Stammesheilerin. Sie kennt sich also bestens mit den hawaiianischen Mythen und Legenden aus. Das ist für die Ermittlungen von Vorteil, besonders, da erste Gerüchte um einen gesichtslosen Geist im Zusammenhang mit dem toten Surfer und den gestohlenen Sonnenpanels machen.
Debra Bokur hat das Lokalkolorit umfassend aufgegriffen und sehr schön präsentiert. Leser kommen bei der Lektüre an Informationen, die in unterhaltsamer Weise viel von Hawaii, dem Leben dort und den Mythen und Sagen der Urbevölkerung berichten. Exotisch anmutend sind die Ermittlungen selbst für mich, obwohl ich schon hunderte Krimis mit diesem Handlungsort gesehen haben. Dies war der erste Roman, auf den ich mich deshalb besonders gefreut hatte.
Das Cover des Buches finde ich ansprechend. Offenbar ist der Betrachter selbst im Wasser und blickt auf eine Insel.
Die Kriminalhandlung, die Debra Bokur für »Aloah. Tod im Paradies« geschaffen hat, tritt in weiten Teilen in den Hintergrund. Mehrere Stränge, die in unterschiedliche Richtungen weisen, werden am Ende befriedigend zusammengeführt. Aber manchmal hat man das Gefühl, als wären sie nur Mittel zum Zweck, um Hawaii mit allem Drum und Dran vorzustellen. Aber ich fand es nicht grundsätzlich verkehrt.
Schließlich hält das Ende noch eine große Überraschung bereit, mit der man zuvor nicht unbedingt gerechnet hatte.
Leser, die mit krimineller Unterhaltung neue Regionen kennenlernen wollen, sind bei diesem Roman genau richtig. Surfen an den Stränden von Maui oder O’hau, ohne dabei selbst nass zu werden. Menschen kennenzulernen, deren Namen anfangs unaussprechlich scheinen, dann aber doch immer selbstverständlicher werden. Hinter die Fassade der Inseln mit der ewigen Sonne zu blicken und deren dunkle Seiten zu erkunden.
Gerne empfehle ich diesen interessanten Hawaii-Krimi.
© Detlef Knut, Düsseldorf 2022
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