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Dark Paradise Mystery #2
The Bone Field
Kali Māhoe, Hawaiian cultural expert and detective with the Maui Police Department, has been called to a bizarre crime scene. In the recesses of a deep trench on Lana'i Island, a derelict refrigerator has been unearthed. Entombed inside are the skeletal remains of someone buried decades ago. Identification is a challenge. The body is headless, the skull replaced with a chilling adornment: a large, ornately carved wooden pineapple. The old field soon yields more long-buried secrets, and Kali is led along an increasingly winding path that brings to light an unlikely suspect, an illegal cock-fighting organization, and a strange symbol connected to a long-disbanded religious cult. Her task is to dispel the dark shadows lingering over the Palawai Basin plains, and to solve a puzzle that no one wants exposed by the bright, hot tropical light. To discover the answer, Kali will be drawn deeper in the mysteries of the island's ancient legends-stories that tell of an enraged rooster god and man-eating monsters. For Kali, a detective of sound logic and reason, it's not easy to consider the unknown for explanations for what appears to be a series of illogical links in a twisting chain of deadly events. Or safe. Because the dormant pineapple fields of Lana'i have yet to give up their darkest and most terrifying secrets.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 25, 2021
61 people are currently reading
226 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
July 7, 2021
The Bone Field by Debra Bokur is the second 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.
The first book of the Dark Paradise Mystery series introduced readers to Detective Kali Māhoe who is a detective in Maui. Kali 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.
This time around Kali is called into a case when a refrigerator containing skeletal remains is unearthed in a deep trench on Lana’i Island. While the remains seem to be decades old the manor in which they were buried makes this a curious case and Kalie immediately dives into the investigation following the clues around the islands.
I have read both of the books in this series with the first draw for me being the setting of Hawaii. As someone who likes to virtually travel through my reading I couldn’t resist and found that the darker side of the islands was still just as engaging. This second book seems to get even better for me as a reader now that I’ve gotten to know the protagonist and surrounding characters. I’m really becoming a fan of Kali’s unique personality and style and tagging alone while she solves these darker crimes in paradise. After finishing this one I’d definitely be interested in more from this series.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
The first book of the Dark Paradise Mystery series introduced readers to Detective Kali Māhoe who is a detective in Maui. Kali 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.
This time around Kali is called into a case when a refrigerator containing skeletal remains is unearthed in a deep trench on Lana’i Island. While the remains seem to be decades old the manor in which they were buried makes this a curious case and Kalie immediately dives into the investigation following the clues around the islands.
I have read both of the books in this series with the first draw for me being the setting of Hawaii. As someone who likes to virtually travel through my reading I couldn’t resist and found that the darker side of the islands was still just as engaging. This second book seems to get even better for me as a reader now that I’ve gotten to know the protagonist and surrounding characters. I’m really becoming a fan of Kali’s unique personality and style and tagging alone while she solves these darker crimes in paradise. After finishing this one I’d definitely be interested in more from this series.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
May 5, 2022
Kali is a young Hawaiian police officer who teams up with her uncle Walter for another very strange case along with what they thought would be merely pedestrian police work. Soon they find that their puzzling investigation involves a very strange cult. Some tourists have discovered a refrigerator containing a headless skeleton with the head having been replaced with a carved pineapple. Strange hardly covers this case. When more bodies are uncovered, they have to work even harder to figure out how they are all connected, who the killer could be and how this weird cult fits into it all. Although I found the head being replaced with the carved pineapple a bit over the top, I found it to be a fun read with equally as many red herrings as real clues to keep you guessing.
May 22, 2022
Great setting, sympathetic characters, interesting mystery. I liked how the culture & traditions influenced so much of the story. Looking forward to book 3--which received a starred review from Publisher's Weekly!
May 19, 2021
I went back and forth about this one quite a bit but I'm going to give this an even ⭐⭐⭐.5
The Bone Field is an adult thriller based around a series of odd and mysterious cult murders set on the island of Hawaii. Bokur starts the book off by thanking her friend for helping with the cultural aspects, which I appreciated, but I would still like to see native Hawaiians bring their take on accuracy and tropes here.
Still, the setting was vivid and engaging, it was just the characters I had a hard time with. When it comes to thrillers I'm wanting more of that sense of urgency, that twist in your gut that makes you crave more. Here, we sort of meandered around a body with our lead, Kali Māhoe, and her team in a way that felt a little stilted for me.
Now, I'm a sucker for cult stories as long as they're done well. As the plot itself unfolded, things definitely picked up. Though this is technically the second book in a series, it read alone well enough. There is intrigue in the mish-mosh that came with the angry podcaster, the haunted legends, and the disturbing imagery that followed the cult and its members. This was truly creepy in some aspects and even though the ending still left a lot to be explained (I'm not sure if another book is forthcoming that will) I definitely still came out of this entertained.
My thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for gifting me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The Bone Field is an adult thriller based around a series of odd and mysterious cult murders set on the island of Hawaii. Bokur starts the book off by thanking her friend for helping with the cultural aspects, which I appreciated, but I would still like to see native Hawaiians bring their take on accuracy and tropes here.
Still, the setting was vivid and engaging, it was just the characters I had a hard time with. When it comes to thrillers I'm wanting more of that sense of urgency, that twist in your gut that makes you crave more. Here, we sort of meandered around a body with our lead, Kali Māhoe, and her team in a way that felt a little stilted for me.
Now, I'm a sucker for cult stories as long as they're done well. As the plot itself unfolded, things definitely picked up. Though this is technically the second book in a series, it read alone well enough. There is intrigue in the mish-mosh that came with the angry podcaster, the haunted legends, and the disturbing imagery that followed the cult and its members. This was truly creepy in some aspects and even though the ending still left a lot to be explained (I'm not sure if another book is forthcoming that will) I definitely still came out of this entertained.
My thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for gifting me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 2, 2021
A very good mystery, set in Hawaii. The plot is believable, the main characters relatable and well fleshed out. I enjoyed the setting, the short forays into the history of Hawaii, and the action.
I understand that this is the second book in the series. I wish I would have read the first one prior to this one, but it doesn't really affect the reading much. I will be going back to read the first book, and look forward to reading more in the series.
And although the book stands well based on the plot and characters, how could you possibly go wrong in setting it in the paradise of Hawaii. I just cannot wait until we can travel there again!
I understand that this is the second book in the series. I wish I would have read the first one prior to this one, but it doesn't really affect the reading much. I will be going back to read the first book, and look forward to reading more in the series.
And although the book stands well based on the plot and characters, how could you possibly go wrong in setting it in the paradise of Hawaii. I just cannot wait until we can travel there again!
August 23, 2021
I found this book on the "new" shelf at the library and took a chance. I enjoyed the writing, the story, the characters and the setting, but especially the weaving of Hawaiian native culture into the story. In these days of limited travel, going to Hawaiian islands via a well written mystery is about my speed. I've since secured the prequel and plan to start it soon. Maybe today.
May 15, 2021
Native Hawaiian cultural expert and detective Kali Māhoe is called to an incredibly bizarre murder scene on Lana’i Island: a small skeleton has been found buried in a refrigerator with it’s head cut off and replaced with a statue of a pineapple. Things get weirder when more bodies are uncovered and a mysterious cult begins protesting uncovering the bodies. As Kali tries to uncover the mystery, she’s interrupted by talk of haunted legends, an irritating podcast host and other duties that require her detective’s attention, such as rooster fighting. As Kali gets closer to the answers, she puts herself in real danger. This is technically the second book in a series but it’s pretty easy to read as a stand-alone. I really loved how ancient legends of the Hawaiian people were described and I was really interested in Kali’s descriptions of her spiritual life, becoming essentially her family’s keeper of memories. I also really enjoyed the role that the cult played, because I love cults. Some of the dialogue, specifically surrounding Walter, was a little cheesy and had me rolling my eyes. Other than the slightest bit of cheese, I actually really enjoyed this fun, short mystery novel. It’s perfect for those who enjoy police procedurals that aren’t too graphic.
April 27, 2021
The Bone Field was a good mystery that hooked the reader from the beginning.
Two tourists manage to find an old refrigerator that was buried on an abandoned pineapple plantation with a headless skeleton in it. In place of the head was an ornate wooden pineapple, and sown in the pocket of the degraded clothing on the skeleton was a talisman..
Who is this? When did this happen? Why were they killed and disposed in such way? Are there more bodies to find? Are the killer(s) still on the Hawaiian Island and still killing? The more questions asked, the more clues found, the more danger lurks to find them!
Solid mystery. Strong characters. Good pace. Great Hawaiian history and background. However, for me, the ending, left answered questions.
Warning: NOT for those sensitive to cult - religious cult.
Thanks to NetGalley, and the publisher, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Two tourists manage to find an old refrigerator that was buried on an abandoned pineapple plantation with a headless skeleton in it. In place of the head was an ornate wooden pineapple, and sown in the pocket of the degraded clothing on the skeleton was a talisman..
Who is this? When did this happen? Why were they killed and disposed in such way? Are there more bodies to find? Are the killer(s) still on the Hawaiian Island and still killing? The more questions asked, the more clues found, the more danger lurks to find them!
Solid mystery. Strong characters. Good pace. Great Hawaiian history and background. However, for me, the ending, left answered questions.
Warning: NOT for those sensitive to cult - religious cult.
Thanks to NetGalley, and the publisher, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 7, 2023
Kali Mahoe is a Detective in Hawaii and is called on a case where they find a body buried in an old refrigerator. With her training and skills she needs to track down who the person might have been. Then they discover more bodies. They all appear to have a small silver anchor. There use to be a cult or commune that use to live near where this has taken place but they have moved on. She will need to keep her wits with this bizarre case as more bodies are uncovered. Good characters and a good plot.
July 25, 2022
Not bad but not enough to carry on with the series
February 26, 2021
This is not an unbiased review because I enjoyed the first one so much and eagerly awaited this one.
You don't need to read the other book first, but you'll probably want to read it afterward.
Amazing! Degreed cultural anthropologist/spiritual leader of her people/police detective Kali Mahoe and her team work the case of a skeleton buried on a former pineapple plantation and come up with more of the same and some other really disturbing things. The publisher's blurb is a really good hook, so no need to repeat it. I loved the imagery of the island lore as well as the personalities of the characters. Sometimes I'd get lost in the lore and have to go back to catch a thread of the investigation, but then I'm a history geek. The due diligence is frustrating and there are problems at home for Kali which all add up to some exceptionally realistic characters.
I requested and received a free temporary ebook copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
Because of the ethnic nature of the story I would like to get the audio rather than fuddle with correct pronunciations.
You don't need to read the other book first, but you'll probably want to read it afterward.
Amazing! Degreed cultural anthropologist/spiritual leader of her people/police detective Kali Mahoe and her team work the case of a skeleton buried on a former pineapple plantation and come up with more of the same and some other really disturbing things. The publisher's blurb is a really good hook, so no need to repeat it. I loved the imagery of the island lore as well as the personalities of the characters. Sometimes I'd get lost in the lore and have to go back to catch a thread of the investigation, but then I'm a history geek. The due diligence is frustrating and there are problems at home for Kali which all add up to some exceptionally realistic characters.
I requested and received a free temporary ebook copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
Because of the ethnic nature of the story I would like to get the audio rather than fuddle with correct pronunciations.
October 23, 2022
I enjoyed this second book featuring detective Kali Mahoe. I liked this one more thn the first book. I felt like I got to know the character more. And the mystery was more engaging. I will continue with the series.
May 27, 2021
I was drawn to this series because of the setting and I wasn't disappointed. Kali is a young Hawaiian police officer who teams up with her uncle Walter for another very strange case along with some very pedestrian police work. This time their puzzling investigation involves a strange cult. When tourists discover a fridge containing a headless skeleton - the head has been replaced with a carved pineapple, Kali and her team have their work cut out for them. Strange hardly covers this case.
When I started reading this, the second in the series, I put it on pause so I could get a copy of the first in the series so I could really get to know the character of Kali. She is not only a police officer but has a degree in cultural anthropology and is the next in line of a family of spiritualists. Add that to a great mystery full of local history and folklore, well I was reading well past my bedtime. There is a nice balance between her history and the present and the pace is perfect as is the touch of humor. This second entry was just as entertaining. Each can be read as a stand alone. I definitely want to save a space for any future books in this series.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
When I started reading this, the second in the series, I put it on pause so I could get a copy of the first in the series so I could really get to know the character of Kali. She is not only a police officer but has a degree in cultural anthropology and is the next in line of a family of spiritualists. Add that to a great mystery full of local history and folklore, well I was reading well past my bedtime. There is a nice balance between her history and the present and the pace is perfect as is the touch of humor. This second entry was just as entertaining. Each can be read as a stand alone. I definitely want to save a space for any future books in this series.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
December 27, 2021
2 stars = It was OK, and it was.
It would have helped to read book #1 in this 2-book series, but, as always mystifies me, libraries don't carry entire series for some reason. As a stand-alone, THE BONE FIELD had relationships and characters and situations that were already in progress. You could infer what was going on, but the feeling was you had picked up an empty shell, not a living, pulsing thing. In addition, the ongoing threads that were begun in the first book just slowed the main action and seemed like annoying digressions.
There are five bodies found, so I really don't care about some random druggie-girl who shows up pregnant and then disappears without contributing anything to the story. There were other similar intrusions that were meant to be bits that flesh out rather than detract.
Also, it didn't feel like much of a mystery. As soon as you're told, early on, that a cult lived next door to the field where the bodies are found, well....it's kind of easy to know how this is going to end.
The writing itself is fine. It didn't have any embellishment, so there were no illustrative turns of phrase, no poetic communication. Just okay writing.
Honestly, this would likely be a totally different review if the first book were available. Maybe.
It would have helped to read book #1 in this 2-book series, but, as always mystifies me, libraries don't carry entire series for some reason. As a stand-alone, THE BONE FIELD had relationships and characters and situations that were already in progress. You could infer what was going on, but the feeling was you had picked up an empty shell, not a living, pulsing thing. In addition, the ongoing threads that were begun in the first book just slowed the main action and seemed like annoying digressions.
There are five bodies found, so I really don't care about some random druggie-girl who shows up pregnant and then disappears without contributing anything to the story. There were other similar intrusions that were meant to be bits that flesh out rather than detract.
Also, it didn't feel like much of a mystery. As soon as you're told, early on, that a cult lived next door to the field where the bodies are found, well....it's kind of easy to know how this is going to end.
The writing itself is fine. It didn't have any embellishment, so there were no illustrative turns of phrase, no poetic communication. Just okay writing.
Honestly, this would likely be a totally different review if the first book were available. Maybe.
May 20, 2021
I had no idea that this was book 2 in a series, but I didn't have any problems following what was happening. I really liked this book so I will be reading the first book hopefully soon.
I loved the setting of Hawaii, and the mystery was really well done. While using a metal detector a couple of tourists uncover a long dead body, with no head. As Kali and her partner Walter begin their investigation more bodies are found, all linked by an object found on each of the victims.
As more bodies are uncovered they have to work even harder to figure out how they are all connected to each other, who would have wanted to kill them, and how does this weird commune/cult fit into it all?
I have never read any thing by this author before but I will definitely be in the future.
I loved the setting of Hawaii, and the mystery was really well done. While using a metal detector a couple of tourists uncover a long dead body, with no head. As Kali and her partner Walter begin their investigation more bodies are found, all linked by an object found on each of the victims.
As more bodies are uncovered they have to work even harder to figure out how they are all connected to each other, who would have wanted to kill them, and how does this weird commune/cult fit into it all?
I have never read any thing by this author before but I will definitely be in the future.
June 15, 2021
The Bone Field is the second book in the Dark Paradise Mystery Series. I read it as a stand alone with out any problems. It was a quick story filled with rich Hawaiian culture, information, and atmosphere.
🌺What I liked 🌺
🌺The Hawaiian Myths and Legends told through out the book.
🌺 The interesting information about Hawaii past and present.
🌺 The Creepy and disturbing Portrayal of the cult and it’s leader.
🌺 Unresolved relationship issues between the main character and her almost step daughter
This was a slow burn of a mystery that involves a lot of police procedural with out diving to deep. I enjoyed the story and thought the ending was perfect. I would definitely read the next book in the series.
🌺What I liked 🌺
🌺The Hawaiian Myths and Legends told through out the book.
🌺 The interesting information about Hawaii past and present.
🌺 The Creepy and disturbing Portrayal of the cult and it’s leader.
🌺 Unresolved relationship issues between the main character and her almost step daughter
This was a slow burn of a mystery that involves a lot of police procedural with out diving to deep. I enjoyed the story and thought the ending was perfect. I would definitely read the next book in the series.
May 26, 2021
A very good read.
I love s good mystery! The Bone Field by Debra Bokur deliciously fits the bill
Set in exotic Hawaii, detective Kali Mahoe is called to a murder scene because of his expertise in cultures. A refrigerator has been unearthed in an abandoned pineapple field. In it is a headless body adorned with a wooden pineapple for a skull. The author takes us on a winding journey with Kali as he tries to solve the mystery while horrendous secrets continue to bubble to the surface and confusing puzzles abound in the small island of Lanai. This novel is filled with suspense...a very good read!
I love s good mystery! The Bone Field by Debra Bokur deliciously fits the bill
Set in exotic Hawaii, detective Kali Mahoe is called to a murder scene because of his expertise in cultures. A refrigerator has been unearthed in an abandoned pineapple field. In it is a headless body adorned with a wooden pineapple for a skull. The author takes us on a winding journey with Kali as he tries to solve the mystery while horrendous secrets continue to bubble to the surface and confusing puzzles abound in the small island of Lanai. This novel is filled with suspense...a very good read!
September 30, 2021
3.8 I don’t think I have read any mystery stories centered in the Maui area. This story took place in Maui and Lana’s Pineapple Island. A little of the story talked about cock fighting. Most of the mystery was an area on Lana’s basin plain where a cult had once had a development. Buried in it were several bodies …now skeletons. Kate and Walter are on the trail of killer/killers. Kate, being a cultural expert is good at understanding the dark myths and legends of this island and Captain Walters from the Maui police has the legal arm of the law on his side! Slow start but good second half.
January 14, 2024
I didn’t read the first in the series so missed out on the connections between the characters but was still able to enjoy the action.
Set in Maui, the local police force look to solve the case of multiple murders. Several bodies are found buried in an abandoned pineapple farm field. Walter and Kali have to find connections between the unidentified bodies and things that happened many years before.
I thought it was a well written story with some interesting information about the local culture and history. Plus, there is a dog!
There are themes of rape, cults, abuse.
Set in Maui, the local police force look to solve the case of multiple murders. Several bodies are found buried in an abandoned pineapple farm field. Walter and Kali have to find connections between the unidentified bodies and things that happened many years before.
I thought it was a well written story with some interesting information about the local culture and history. Plus, there is a dog!
There are themes of rape, cults, abuse.
October 15, 2021
I actually really enjoyed this book even tho I didn’t read the first! I’m sure they gave a bit more background info and the main & supporting characters but otherwise it was a singular case and an interesting one at that. All characters are likable and believable (stepdad was born in Hawaii/I’ve been there) so I enjoy reading something based there. Case was somewhat obvious but still not quite sure where it would go (however aren’t most procedurals?).
November 20, 2021
I found The Bone Field to be an excellent mystery with the bonus of an exotic setting and a wealth of cultural and physical information about the Hawaiian Islands. The main character, Kali Mahoe, is interesting and strong. The writing is outstanding. I plan to pick up the first book in the series as soon as possible in preparation for book three.
November 23, 2021
Female detective novels are too rare, so it’s a delight to return to this second book in Debra Bokur’s “Dark Paradise” mystery series set in Hawaii. "The Bone Field" offers up the chills of creepy, cold-case murders without gratuitous violence. The characters are believable, and the tension is palpable. Can’t wait for the third book, out next spring!!! The only thing missing was a Mai Tai.
February 10, 2022
3.5 to 4 stars. A good, fast paced and fun read. The climax was too cliche though: woman gets kidnapped right as the mystery is about to unfold. It always feels like a cop out, like the detectives aren't going to solve the mystery the old fashioned way so the bad guy has to just reveal himself. A good read, and I hope the beginnings of a long series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2024
I liked this book overall. The plot was interesting with a few twists that weren’t exactly expected even if it wasn’t thrilling or shocking. I’ve never read a book set in Hawaii and I loved the descriptions and the cultural references. The ending was very abrupt and left some loose ends, but it didn’t seem intentional. It felt like the author just forgot to come back to those details.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2021
I struggled with this book and I think the real problem is I haven't read the first book. I was intrigued by the book being set in Hawaii and it is really well written. There were some twists, but in the end I don't feel like I was wowed.
May 4, 2022
Audio
A cult in Hawa'i, a dead body with a pineapple head in a refrigerator, what could go wrong? It may be a funk but I didn't connect with this one as much as I had hoped. I'd give the author another shot down the road but with so many other books on my TBR, it might be awhile.
A cult in Hawa'i, a dead body with a pineapple head in a refrigerator, what could go wrong? It may be a funk but I didn't connect with this one as much as I had hoped. I'd give the author another shot down the road but with so many other books on my TBR, it might be awhile.
January 17, 2023
Informative and interesting view into the Hawaiian cultures and law enforcement. Kali is a well rounded character with strength that overpowers the hurt she carries. She is believable and I want to learn more about her and skills as a detective.
October 1, 2023
The pace picks up after the cultural teaching in the first book, and this story is compelling. I thoroughly enjoy the kama'aina-view of the unique ways of the Islands. I look forward to reading more of this author's works.
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May 31, 2021Great follow-up to the Fire Thief. Excellent police thriller. Can't wait for book #3.
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June 27, 2021How to read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews