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Mahu #7-11
Mahu 7-11
Five complete novels in the Mahu Investigations series: Natural Predators, Children of Noah, Ghost Ship, Deadly Labors, and Soldier Down. Honolulu homicide detective Kimo Kanapa'aka investigates crimes in the Aloha State, and in two of the books joins the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force. Sunshine and shadows and lots of aloha spirit.
1510 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 6, 2021
108 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
About the author
Neil S. Plakcy
238 books649 followersI have been a voracious reader all my life, mostly in mystery, romance, and science fiction/fantasy, though a college degree in English did push a lot of literary works into my list of favorites.
Quick note: sign up for my newsletter at plakcy.substack.com to get free prologues, epilogues and short stories.
I began writing seriously in high school after an inspiring assignment with A Separate Peace by John Knowles. I didn't know I was gay then, but I knew I was longing for an emotional connection with a best friend. That desire shows up across my writing, from romance to mystery to adventure. I am lucky to have found my special person, and I want to inspire readers to make those connections, to one person or a found family.
It took getting an MFA in creative writing to kick-start my career. That's where I honed my technical skills and began to understand what kind of storyteller I am.
I remember reading Freddie the Detective about a very smart pig inspired by Sherlock Holmes. I’ve always believed that dogs make the best detectives. They notice what humans miss — a faint scent, a subtle shift in body language, the hidden treat in your pocket. That belief inspired my Golden Retriever Mysteries, where Rochester helps his human, Steve Levitan, nose out the truth.
My passion is telling stories where community, loyalty, and sometimes love solve problems just as much as clues do. Whether it’s a cozy mystery in Bucks County, a thriller on the streets of Miami, or a romance unfolding under the Mediterranean sun, I want readers to feel the heartbeat of the place and the people.
I write because stories helped me feel less alone growing up, and now I want to give readers that same feeling: a companion, a puzzle, and maybe a laugh.
When I’m not writing, I’m probably walking one of my own goldens, teaching writing, or daydreaming about my next story.
Since then I've written dozens of books, won a couple of treasured awards, and enjoyed the support of readers.
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, the cobbled streets of Europe. I love exploring how communities work — from a café where dogs guide healing, to a fraternity house in South Beach, to a police unit in Honolulu.
My goal is simple: to write stories that feel grounded in real people and real places, but with enough twists, romance, or danger to keep you turning pages late into the night.
I hope you'll visit my website, where you can sign up for my occasional newsletter, and also follow my author page on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/neil.plakcy.
Quick note: sign up for my newsletter at plakcy.substack.com to get free prologues, epilogues and short stories.
I began writing seriously in high school after an inspiring assignment with A Separate Peace by John Knowles. I didn't know I was gay then, but I knew I was longing for an emotional connection with a best friend. That desire shows up across my writing, from romance to mystery to adventure. I am lucky to have found my special person, and I want to inspire readers to make those connections, to one person or a found family.
It took getting an MFA in creative writing to kick-start my career. That's where I honed my technical skills and began to understand what kind of storyteller I am.
I remember reading Freddie the Detective about a very smart pig inspired by Sherlock Holmes. I’ve always believed that dogs make the best detectives. They notice what humans miss — a faint scent, a subtle shift in body language, the hidden treat in your pocket. That belief inspired my Golden Retriever Mysteries, where Rochester helps his human, Steve Levitan, nose out the truth.
My passion is telling stories where community, loyalty, and sometimes love solve problems just as much as clues do. Whether it’s a cozy mystery in Bucks County, a thriller on the streets of Miami, or a romance unfolding under the Mediterranean sun, I want readers to feel the heartbeat of the place and the people.
I write because stories helped me feel less alone growing up, and now I want to give readers that same feeling: a companion, a puzzle, and maybe a laugh.
When I’m not writing, I’m probably walking one of my own goldens, teaching writing, or daydreaming about my next story.
Since then I've written dozens of books, won a couple of treasured awards, and enjoyed the support of readers.
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, the cobbled streets of Europe. I love exploring how communities work — from a café where dogs guide healing, to a fraternity house in South Beach, to a police unit in Honolulu.
My goal is simple: to write stories that feel grounded in real people and real places, but with enough twists, romance, or danger to keep you turning pages late into the night.
I hope you'll visit my website, where you can sign up for my occasional newsletter, and also follow my author page on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/neil.plakcy.
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 3, 2021
Aloha Kimo!
Aside from a few little continuity bumps through the series, I have to say, I was glued to the two box sets of Mahu Investigations for the past few days. It became my world. Each book is set approximately 12 to 18 months apart and it was great to see Kimo through his stages of life...and those of his family, too. 😞
Highly recommend this series, I loved it.
Aside from a few little continuity bumps through the series, I have to say, I was glued to the two box sets of Mahu Investigations for the past few days. It became my world. Each book is set approximately 12 to 18 months apart and it was great to see Kimo through his stages of life...and those of his family, too. 😞
Highly recommend this series, I loved it.
June 1, 2024
Kimo and Mike are settling into life together and helping their baby mommas raise the twins. Dakota has gone off to college and is now faced with how to deal with his mother as her prison sentence is approaching its end. Even when on leave between the FBI and Honolulu Police Kimo finds himself investigating a cold case and a cover-up. A very compelling series, and I look forward to the further instalments.
May 28, 2021
Well Worth Your Time
These books would merit a 4.5 rating from me if there were a way of bestowing that rating. He is a very good writer. The overall framework of this series is well done, the characterizations well written, and though each book can be read alone, the series forms a coherent whole. I highly recommend this author’s work
These books would merit a 4.5 rating from me if there were a way of bestowing that rating. He is a very good writer. The overall framework of this series is well done, the characterizations well written, and though each book can be read alone, the series forms a coherent whole. I highly recommend this author’s work
May 29, 2021
Very good read
I was interested in Hawaii, always wanted to go there. And wanted to have information on homosexual men. It was very well written and informative without being offensive.
I was interested in Hawaii, always wanted to go there. And wanted to have information on homosexual men. It was very well written and informative without being offensive.
June 3, 2021
Aloha - stories with love, happiness and excitement
A continuation of the Mahu Investigations books. Kimo and a cast of amazing characters build this saga over a decade and a whole world evolves.
A continuation of the Mahu Investigations books. Kimo and a cast of amazing characters build this saga over a decade and a whole world evolves.
December 30, 2023
I’m sad I read it all! I want to read more books
I love ALL the books! I just ordered more🥰🥰 Kimo is a real bad a$$! Somehow I missed when Kimo’s father died💔💔 It’s mentioned in passing!
I love ALL the books! I just ordered more🥰🥰 Kimo is a real bad a$$! Somehow I missed when Kimo’s father died💔💔 It’s mentioned in passing!
Want to read
April 10, 2021Free at Amazon 10 Apr 21
July 22, 2021
More please
Well written. Sensitive. Compelling stories and characters. Second of his series I've read so far and I've got no regrets. Thank you, Neil.
Well written. Sensitive. Compelling stories and characters. Second of his series I've read so far and I've got no regrets. Thank you, Neil.
July 29, 2021
Mahu 7-11
I have read all of the books up to this point in this series.. I have really enjoyed them! Great detective stories! I'm sorry to reach the end of them.
I have read all of the books up to this point in this series.. I have really enjoyed them! Great detective stories! I'm sorry to reach the end of them.
December 10, 2022
Page turning detecting
A really powerful collection of drama, family, and suspense. Keeps you turning pages to see where the story leads you.
A really powerful collection of drama, family, and suspense. Keeps you turning pages to see where the story leads you.
September 16, 2025
Another entertaining collection of Kimo's cases. Note that #8 is not included; that one is actually another anthology of short stories of Kimo's: Accidental Contact and Other Mahu Investigations.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews