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Mahu #1-3
Mahu Investigations 1-3: 3 gay police procedural mysteries in Honolulu
SURF AT DAWN, MURDER AT MIDNIGHT… THREE HAWAII POLICE PROCEDURALS
This gripping, action-packed box set introduces intrepid, handsome police detective Kimo Kanapa’aka. Kimo wants nothing more than to protect and serve his beloved, lush Honolulu--and he’s just nabbed his dream job as a detective on the police department’s homicide squad.
He handles treacherous drug busts, goes undercover to discover who's killing surfers on Oahu's North Shore, and battles a dangerous bomber. So... life should be perfect, right? But, as the series begins, Kimo has a secret that’s about to burst into the open: he’s a closeted gay man. Author Plakcy carefully weaves Kimo’s personal journey into a smoldering police procedural thriller, striking a rare balance of hard-boiled and soft-hearted.
Mahu
At 32, Kimo Kanapa'aka is now a detective on the Honolulu Police Department's homicide squad, based at the Waikīkī station. But when he sees someone leave a dead body in an alley, he’s forced into a decision that could damage his career—either admit he was at a gay bar, or report it anonymously. He may have made the wrong decision, but there’s still no stopping him: he follows the trail from the seamy underside of Chinatown to the elegance of million-dollar homes in Maunalani Heights. This twisty debut is a fast-paced adventure from start to finish.
Mahu Surfer
Author Plakcy’s second installment in the Mahu Investigations series forces Kimo Kanapa'aka to surf seriously again. A serial killer is on the loose, and three people have died. Kimo’s new boss asks the former competitive surfer to go undercover on Oahu's North Shore to find the killer. Kimo’s journey back to his old stomping grounds is not a day at the beach: he notices a variety of issues, from crystal meth abuse to sky-rocketing rents. Plus, Kimo re-unites with an old friend who reveals more of this secretive cop’s past...
Mahu Fire
Kimo’s back in Honolulu--and he’s now the town’s only openly gay homicide detective. But it’s going well, at first: he’s growing comfortable with his status as an advocate. He’s even mentoring a group of gay teens. Things change when Kimo and his loved ones attend a swanky charity event in support of gay marriage. In the middle of the shindig, a bomb detonates. Kimo’s on the case: he’s determined to track down whoever’s hateful enough to massacre gay people and allies. But it's possible that his own high profile will stand in the way of this thrilling investigation, called "a sharp whodunit" by Publishers Weekly.
This gripping, action-packed box set introduces intrepid, handsome police detective Kimo Kanapa’aka. Kimo wants nothing more than to protect and serve his beloved, lush Honolulu--and he’s just nabbed his dream job as a detective on the police department’s homicide squad.
He handles treacherous drug busts, goes undercover to discover who's killing surfers on Oahu's North Shore, and battles a dangerous bomber. So... life should be perfect, right? But, as the series begins, Kimo has a secret that’s about to burst into the open: he’s a closeted gay man. Author Plakcy carefully weaves Kimo’s personal journey into a smoldering police procedural thriller, striking a rare balance of hard-boiled and soft-hearted.
Mahu
At 32, Kimo Kanapa'aka is now a detective on the Honolulu Police Department's homicide squad, based at the Waikīkī station. But when he sees someone leave a dead body in an alley, he’s forced into a decision that could damage his career—either admit he was at a gay bar, or report it anonymously. He may have made the wrong decision, but there’s still no stopping him: he follows the trail from the seamy underside of Chinatown to the elegance of million-dollar homes in Maunalani Heights. This twisty debut is a fast-paced adventure from start to finish.
Mahu Surfer
Author Plakcy’s second installment in the Mahu Investigations series forces Kimo Kanapa'aka to surf seriously again. A serial killer is on the loose, and three people have died. Kimo’s new boss asks the former competitive surfer to go undercover on Oahu's North Shore to find the killer. Kimo’s journey back to his old stomping grounds is not a day at the beach: he notices a variety of issues, from crystal meth abuse to sky-rocketing rents. Plus, Kimo re-unites with an old friend who reveals more of this secretive cop’s past...
Mahu Fire
Kimo’s back in Honolulu--and he’s now the town’s only openly gay homicide detective. But it’s going well, at first: he’s growing comfortable with his status as an advocate. He’s even mentoring a group of gay teens. Things change when Kimo and his loved ones attend a swanky charity event in support of gay marriage. In the middle of the shindig, a bomb detonates. Kimo’s on the case: he’s determined to track down whoever’s hateful enough to massacre gay people and allies. But it's possible that his own high profile will stand in the way of this thrilling investigation, called "a sharp whodunit" by Publishers Weekly.
962 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 14, 2020
About the author
Neil S. Plakcy
518 books682 followersI’m Neil S. Plakcy, and I write mysteries and romances filled with humor, heart, loyalty, found family, complicated heroes, and, very often, dogs.
Readers may know me from the Golden Retriever Mysteries, featuring Steve Levitan and his clue-sniffing golden retriever Rochester; the Mahu Investigations, featuring Honolulu homicide detective Kimo Kanapa‘aka; the Have Body, Will Guard adventure-romance series with Aidan and Liam; the Angus Green FBI thrillers; and the Smiling Dog Café healing fiction.
I began writing seriously in high school after an inspiring assignment on A Separate Peace by John Knowles. I didn’t yet have the words for being gay, but I knew I was longing for deep emotional connection, friendship, and love. That longing still runs through my work, whether I’m writing mystery, romance, adventure, or suspense.
An MFA in creative writing helped me hone my technical skills and understand what kind of storyteller I am. Since then, I’ve written dozens of books, won a couple of treasured awards, and been lucky enough to find readers who care about my characters as much as I do.
I’ve also always believed that dogs make excellent detectives. They notice what humans miss: a faint scent, a subtle shift in body language, the hidden treat in your pocket. That belief helped inspire my Golden Retriever Mysteries, where Rochester helps Steve Levitan nose out the truth.
Every place I’ve lived has made its way into my fiction: the rolling hills of Bucks County, the neon heat of Miami, the beaches of Hawaii, and the cobbled streets of Europe. I love exploring how communities work, from a café where dogs help people heal to a police unit in Honolulu to a romance unfolding under the Mediterranean sun.
I write because stories helped me feel less alone growing up. Now I hope to give readers that same feeling: a companion, a puzzle, a sense of place, and maybe a laugh.
When I’m not writing, I’m probably walking one of my golden retrievers, teaching writing, reading, or daydreaming about my next story.
For free stories, bonus scenes, and new-release news, visit my website or join my newsletter at plakcy.substack.com. You can also follow my author page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/neil.plakcy.
Readers may know me from the Golden Retriever Mysteries, featuring Steve Levitan and his clue-sniffing golden retriever Rochester; the Mahu Investigations, featuring Honolulu homicide detective Kimo Kanapa‘aka; the Have Body, Will Guard adventure-romance series with Aidan and Liam; the Angus Green FBI thrillers; and the Smiling Dog Café healing fiction.
I began writing seriously in high school after an inspiring assignment on A Separate Peace by John Knowles. I didn’t yet have the words for being gay, but I knew I was longing for deep emotional connection, friendship, and love. That longing still runs through my work, whether I’m writing mystery, romance, adventure, or suspense.
An MFA in creative writing helped me hone my technical skills and understand what kind of storyteller I am. Since then, I’ve written dozens of books, won a couple of treasured awards, and been lucky enough to find readers who care about my characters as much as I do.
I’ve also always believed that dogs make excellent detectives. They notice what humans miss: a faint scent, a subtle shift in body language, the hidden treat in your pocket. That belief helped inspire my Golden Retriever Mysteries, where Rochester helps Steve Levitan nose out the truth.
Every place I’ve lived has made its way into my fiction: the rolling hills of Bucks County, the neon heat of Miami, the beaches of Hawaii, and the cobbled streets of Europe. I love exploring how communities work, from a café where dogs help people heal to a police unit in Honolulu to a romance unfolding under the Mediterranean sun.
I write because stories helped me feel less alone growing up. Now I hope to give readers that same feeling: a companion, a puzzle, a sense of place, and maybe a laugh.
When I’m not writing, I’m probably walking one of my golden retrievers, teaching writing, reading, or daydreaming about my next story.
For free stories, bonus scenes, and new-release news, visit my website or join my newsletter at plakcy.substack.com. You can also follow my author page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/neil.plakcy.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
August 8, 2022
Fast-paced detective stories with humorous and good feeling twists. Super insight into Hawaiian culture, family life and island vibes. I liked these three books better than Plakcy's dog mysteries, which seemed wishy-washy and too cozy. The Mahu tales are more realistic, less idealized, swinging in favor of family, friends and coping with disasters on many levels. A reward for doing what is right awaits Kimo.
Kimo Kanapa'aka is a native Hawaiian and Asian detective that has the cruelest 'coming out of the closet' experience made into a sensationalized news story all over the islands. Poor fellow, soon has a tough life in the limelight but is dutiful to his job even though at first he is in danger of losing it and the respect of his peers. The stories are heartfelt yet crusty getting to the crux of the mystery including Kimo's new life as an 'outed' gay man as he begins to explore those new experiences.
Not for those who are squeamish about gays, but good reads for broad-minded people accepting of other's lifestyles. Controversy abounds yet done with terse, true and honest responses. Some sweet love and infatuation among men as romantic leads and MMC heroes minus the female ideals. I liked these stories and the unique well-developed characters. Many are heroes (women too) despite what they feel inside or as they are perceived by criticizing peers. Good reads in all three tales! Thumbs up! I'm heading to the next group of Mahu stories!
Kimo Kanapa'aka is a native Hawaiian and Asian detective that has the cruelest 'coming out of the closet' experience made into a sensationalized news story all over the islands. Poor fellow, soon has a tough life in the limelight but is dutiful to his job even though at first he is in danger of losing it and the respect of his peers. The stories are heartfelt yet crusty getting to the crux of the mystery including Kimo's new life as an 'outed' gay man as he begins to explore those new experiences.
Not for those who are squeamish about gays, but good reads for broad-minded people accepting of other's lifestyles. Controversy abounds yet done with terse, true and honest responses. Some sweet love and infatuation among men as romantic leads and MMC heroes minus the female ideals. I liked these stories and the unique well-developed characters. Many are heroes (women too) despite what they feel inside or as they are perceived by criticizing peers. Good reads in all three tales! Thumbs up! I'm heading to the next group of Mahu stories!
October 26, 2021
Many detective mysteries
Well-written, a page turner. An excellent look into the trials and triumphs of gays and lesbians. I highly recommend this series. There are some that it will give a better understanding and some (too many, I fear) that it won't change their attitude and belief.
Well-written, a page turner. An excellent look into the trials and triumphs of gays and lesbians. I highly recommend this series. There are some that it will give a better understanding and some (too many, I fear) that it won't change their attitude and belief.
January 30, 2021
👍Great
A really well woven story. The psychological impact of our differences is threaded through out. The characters were extremely well developed. The plot twists were exquisite. I will continue to follow this author.
A really well woven story. The psychological impact of our differences is threaded through out. The characters were extremely well developed. The plot twists were exquisite. I will continue to follow this author.
November 17, 2023
I really enjoyed these three books and hope to find more of the series, but they don’t seem to be available in libraries.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews