What do you think?
Rate this book
Triple Threat Mysteries #2
Can You Hula Like Hilo Hattie?
The novice sleuths accept their first official detecting uncovering the "secret" of an elderly millionaire's pretty young wife. If they succeed, their newly founded business, The Triple Threat Investigation Agency, will prove a viable venture. The problem? The wife is found murdered along the sapphire shores of Oahu.And there's a secret all right, one of many, but the deceased woman is not the only one keeping them. As Jill, Rey and Linda try to fit the puzzle pieces together, they stumble across several more bodies. But who is the killer?
404 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2016
14 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
Tyler Colins
18 books110 followersTyler Colins is primarily a writer of fiction and blog posts, and a sometimes editor and proofreader of books, manuals, and film/television scripts. She’ll also create business plans, synopses, film promotion and sales documents.
Fact-checking and researching, organizing and coordinating are skills and joys (she likes playing detective and developing structure).
Her fiction audience: lovers of female-sleuth mysteries. Her genres of preference: mysteries (needless to say), women’s fiction, informative and helpful “affirmative” non-fiction.
She aims to provide readers with smiles and chuckles like the ever-talented Janet Evanovich and the sadly passed and missed Lawrence Sanders, the “coziness” of Jessica Fletcher, and a few diversions and distractions as only long-time pros Jonathan Kellerman and Kathy Reichs can craft.
Please feel free to visit her blog:
www.creativespider3me.com/creative-sp...
Friend her on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/tyler.colins.9
Follow her at Twitter:
Tyler Colins@UsBound3
Fact-checking and researching, organizing and coordinating are skills and joys (she likes playing detective and developing structure).
Her fiction audience: lovers of female-sleuth mysteries. Her genres of preference: mysteries (needless to say), women’s fiction, informative and helpful “affirmative” non-fiction.
She aims to provide readers with smiles and chuckles like the ever-talented Janet Evanovich and the sadly passed and missed Lawrence Sanders, the “coziness” of Jessica Fletcher, and a few diversions and distractions as only long-time pros Jonathan Kellerman and Kathy Reichs can craft.
Please feel free to visit her blog:
www.creativespider3me.com/creative-sp...
Friend her on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/tyler.colins.9
Follow her at Twitter:
Tyler Colins@UsBound3
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 17, 2020
Last year, I read the first book, The Connecticut Corpse Caper, in the Triple Threat Mystery series by Tyler Colins. Her second book, Can You Hula Luke Hilo Hattie?, is even better. Colins is one talented author who can weave a complex plot and help readers fully visualize a setting.
In this caper, our three heroines have formed a private eye agency in Hawaii. They'd solved the murders in the first book as regular citizens, so why not make it a full-time job? It was too much work in California or Connecticut to get their licenses, so Hawaii became the new home. Great idea! Fun backdrop. Hilarious characters. First, they need to bring home a runaway, hooked-on-ice teen. Second, they need to prove a man's wife is cheating. Unfortunately, it isn't your typical case, and when the wife turns up dead, the mystery is gonna be way more complex than our heroines thought.
Colins has created a bevy of intense and charming characters. I love 'Cash' who seems like a very cool dreamboat. Each time I got to know a new character, they end up getting killed off! Maybe it won't happen this time.... but like in her first book, the body count keeps rising. It's a fun way to keep readers on our toes. My favorite aspect of the author's writing style is her descriptions, whether of people or settings. It's way more than you'd normally see in a book, but it fits very well. I have a beautifully clear picture of who's talking or moving about the book. I find myself drawn to the action, too, but it's a very complex plot to keep focused on.
I also see strength in transitions between scenes. It's rarely over-simplified or brash. It ends in the right place, and I roll into the next scene without worrying what happened in between. I also find the dialog to be rather strong... quick puns, not wordy, direct but full of imagery and thought. I can't wait to see what third adventure the ladies find themselves embroiled in... no matter what the plot is, I'm sure it will create loads of fun and memories. Great job, Ms. Colins!
In this caper, our three heroines have formed a private eye agency in Hawaii. They'd solved the murders in the first book as regular citizens, so why not make it a full-time job? It was too much work in California or Connecticut to get their licenses, so Hawaii became the new home. Great idea! Fun backdrop. Hilarious characters. First, they need to bring home a runaway, hooked-on-ice teen. Second, they need to prove a man's wife is cheating. Unfortunately, it isn't your typical case, and when the wife turns up dead, the mystery is gonna be way more complex than our heroines thought.
Colins has created a bevy of intense and charming characters. I love 'Cash' who seems like a very cool dreamboat. Each time I got to know a new character, they end up getting killed off! Maybe it won't happen this time.... but like in her first book, the body count keeps rising. It's a fun way to keep readers on our toes. My favorite aspect of the author's writing style is her descriptions, whether of people or settings. It's way more than you'd normally see in a book, but it fits very well. I have a beautifully clear picture of who's talking or moving about the book. I find myself drawn to the action, too, but it's a very complex plot to keep focused on.
I also see strength in transitions between scenes. It's rarely over-simplified or brash. It ends in the right place, and I roll into the next scene without worrying what happened in between. I also find the dialog to be rather strong... quick puns, not wordy, direct but full of imagery and thought. I can't wait to see what third adventure the ladies find themselves embroiled in... no matter what the plot is, I'm sure it will create loads of fun and memories. Great job, Ms. Colins!
December 16, 2018
3.5 rounded up to 4. Can You Hula Like Hilo Hattie is the second book in a the "Triple Threat Mystery Series", however, I did not read the first book. This was not a problem as this book could be read as a standalone. There was enough information given through flashbacks and references to the first case that I was okay. Having said that, I will probably go back and read the first book as it sounds fun.
The detectives in this series are three intelligent, resourceful and brave females. We have Linda, Rey and Jill (JJ), one fun blond, one intelligent redhead and one organized brunette. They have moved to the Hawaiian Islands to open a detective agency at the behest of Rey. The ladies were looking for a change and boy was this a change. This story is fast paced and interesting with its many characters, suspects, and victims. It was written in such a way that it felt like you were there with the ladies, solving the puzzle, finding a murderer and enjoying the delicious food and drink.
The story is told from the POV of Jill, who seems to be the leader of the group. It is full of puns that make it a fast and fun read. It reminds me just a bit of Stephanie Plum with all the things that go wrong. The dialogue is also humorous and enjoyable. This book borders on a cozy mystery, but not quite. As the ladies travel into the drug world while trying to solve a string of murders, I read quickly to see what was going to happen. I enjoy mysteries where the main characters are actually private detectives by trade, not just a business owner helping a friend, although these ladies have had no training as of yet. This brings another dimension to the stories. One niggle was how Jill reacted whenever Cash came around. For a strong woman, her actions and reactions whenever he was around turn her into a simpering teenager. To be honest, when I first saw this book, I passed as the cover did not entice me at all. I guess it is important not to judge a book by the cover.
I received a copy of this book from the publicist to read and review. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
The detectives in this series are three intelligent, resourceful and brave females. We have Linda, Rey and Jill (JJ), one fun blond, one intelligent redhead and one organized brunette. They have moved to the Hawaiian Islands to open a detective agency at the behest of Rey. The ladies were looking for a change and boy was this a change. This story is fast paced and interesting with its many characters, suspects, and victims. It was written in such a way that it felt like you were there with the ladies, solving the puzzle, finding a murderer and enjoying the delicious food and drink.
The story is told from the POV of Jill, who seems to be the leader of the group. It is full of puns that make it a fast and fun read. It reminds me just a bit of Stephanie Plum with all the things that go wrong. The dialogue is also humorous and enjoyable. This book borders on a cozy mystery, but not quite. As the ladies travel into the drug world while trying to solve a string of murders, I read quickly to see what was going to happen. I enjoy mysteries where the main characters are actually private detectives by trade, not just a business owner helping a friend, although these ladies have had no training as of yet. This brings another dimension to the stories. One niggle was how Jill reacted whenever Cash came around. For a strong woman, her actions and reactions whenever he was around turn her into a simpering teenager. To be honest, when I first saw this book, I passed as the cover did not entice me at all. I guess it is important not to judge a book by the cover.
I received a copy of this book from the publicist to read and review. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
December 23, 2018
Full review: http://swiftcoffee.blog/2018/12/16/bl...
After reading the description, I wanted to read this book, though I have to admit that I became a bit discouraged when I saw the cover. I just... find it not so... nice. That being said, I rather listened to the blurb, so I ended up reading this mystery book!
Fortunately, this was a case of 'don't judge a book by its cover'. It took me some time until I became invested and really cared, but after that, I thoroughly enjoyed this journey with the three half-amateurish P.I-s! (This is their first official case.) This might be due to the fact that this is the second book in a series, though it was absolutely readable as a standalone. I understood everything, even though I haven't read the first book; the only thing this made me was even more curious about the other volumes.
The story kept me interested and I enjoyed the ride figuring out what the hell was happening in the background and why. This book had touches of lightness, in a kind of chick-lity way, because of the setting and the personalities of the three freshly starting detectives, but it doesn't get too much and is well-balanced with heavier, murder and investigation related stuff.
This book is well-written, and I found myself many times thinking 'wow, this is so nicely worded', though I learnt more about the clothing of every single character (major or minor) than I would've wanted to. The characters were very likable, and I couldn't help but wanting to read more about them. I loved their relationships, too, and I see potential there for the further novel (yes, I know it's already out, but I haven't read it, so... it's still only a potential for me). I liked the tension and the love and the aversion, and all the different kind of feelings that the different characters made me (and possible the main character Jilly...JJ.) feel. There's one thing, though, that I have to note: though I liked Cash's character, and in general his interactions with JJ were exciting and intriguing, there are aspects of their relationship (as in character relationship, development, etc.... don't ever think I'll spoil you like that!) that are rather worrisome. I don't want to say more because, well, spoilers, but I felt like I have to say this.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book, the mystery, the investigation, the characters. This is a fun one!
After reading the description, I wanted to read this book, though I have to admit that I became a bit discouraged when I saw the cover. I just... find it not so... nice. That being said, I rather listened to the blurb, so I ended up reading this mystery book!
Fortunately, this was a case of 'don't judge a book by its cover'. It took me some time until I became invested and really cared, but after that, I thoroughly enjoyed this journey with the three half-amateurish P.I-s! (This is their first official case.) This might be due to the fact that this is the second book in a series, though it was absolutely readable as a standalone. I understood everything, even though I haven't read the first book; the only thing this made me was even more curious about the other volumes.
The story kept me interested and I enjoyed the ride figuring out what the hell was happening in the background and why. This book had touches of lightness, in a kind of chick-lity way, because of the setting and the personalities of the three freshly starting detectives, but it doesn't get too much and is well-balanced with heavier, murder and investigation related stuff.
This book is well-written, and I found myself many times thinking 'wow, this is so nicely worded', though I learnt more about the clothing of every single character (major or minor) than I would've wanted to. The characters were very likable, and I couldn't help but wanting to read more about them. I loved their relationships, too, and I see potential there for the further novel (yes, I know it's already out, but I haven't read it, so... it's still only a potential for me). I liked the tension and the love and the aversion, and all the different kind of feelings that the different characters made me (and possible the main character Jilly...JJ.) feel. There's one thing, though, that I have to note: though I liked Cash's character, and in general his interactions with JJ were exciting and intriguing, there are aspects of their relationship (as in character relationship, development, etc.... don't ever think I'll spoil you like that!) that are rather worrisome. I don't want to say more because, well, spoilers, but I felt like I have to say this.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book, the mystery, the investigation, the characters. This is a fun one!
December 9, 2018
“Sometimes we made wrong choices; sometimes others made them for us. And sometimes life simply wasn’t fair.”
When I first picked up this book, my first intrigue was the title.
I thought it had a nice ring, but I was a good third of the way through when I realized hula was actually a word, Hilo Hattie a real person. I’m probably in a minority here, but for those of you who don’t know, according to google, hula means: “a dance performed by Hawaiian women, characterized by six basic steps, undulating hips, and gestures symbolizing or imitating natural phenomena or historical or mythological subjects.”
Another interesting thing I found about this book was the setting. Based in Hawaii, the descriptions of the islands, the people and the food were vivid and real, the kind that let me perfectly envision what the author wanted her readers to see.
Now, about the plot itself:
First let me say that this is a story of a start-up investigation agency called The Triple Threat agency, run by three wannabe detectives who take their job description seriously. It is, of course, a recipe for disaster, and although the three investigators, J.J, Linda and Rey do bumble a lot, they do good detective work. And the banter and dynamics between the three friends not only was fun to read, but felt effortless and real.
Their first job came from an old multi-millionaire tycoon who wanted to dig up dirt on his current trophy wife so he could divorce her without having to part with a few million. So far, so good. But when wife wash up dead, well, case closed, right? Wrong. Things start escalating from there. Every person the trio had linked to the deceased wife start falling like flies, and now they’re committed to get to the bottom and get to the killer before more bodies (or body parts) are found again… that is, or the killer gets to them first.
This is the second book on the Triple Threat series but can be read as a standalone, with some back story and occasional reference to the first book whenever necessary. The writing style is fast paced, though the book is long (not boring) and there’s a lot of fun moments and dialogues that made me smile.
We’re introduced to a lot of minor characters, and because the book was long (and I’m a scatter brain), I had to backtrack at times to jar the grey matter back to action. We discover who the killer is about two thirds of the way, but the whys and hows were really only revealed at the end.
The writing is economic, meaning there is no info dump, it’s colorful and there are a lot of Hawaiian lingo that was fun to learn.
I recommend it for those who enjoy a long book full of detective work and guessing ‘who did it’’.
When I first picked up this book, my first intrigue was the title.
I thought it had a nice ring, but I was a good third of the way through when I realized hula was actually a word, Hilo Hattie a real person. I’m probably in a minority here, but for those of you who don’t know, according to google, hula means: “a dance performed by Hawaiian women, characterized by six basic steps, undulating hips, and gestures symbolizing or imitating natural phenomena or historical or mythological subjects.”
Another interesting thing I found about this book was the setting. Based in Hawaii, the descriptions of the islands, the people and the food were vivid and real, the kind that let me perfectly envision what the author wanted her readers to see.
Now, about the plot itself:
First let me say that this is a story of a start-up investigation agency called The Triple Threat agency, run by three wannabe detectives who take their job description seriously. It is, of course, a recipe for disaster, and although the three investigators, J.J, Linda and Rey do bumble a lot, they do good detective work. And the banter and dynamics between the three friends not only was fun to read, but felt effortless and real.
Their first job came from an old multi-millionaire tycoon who wanted to dig up dirt on his current trophy wife so he could divorce her without having to part with a few million. So far, so good. But when wife wash up dead, well, case closed, right? Wrong. Things start escalating from there. Every person the trio had linked to the deceased wife start falling like flies, and now they’re committed to get to the bottom and get to the killer before more bodies (or body parts) are found again… that is, or the killer gets to them first.
This is the second book on the Triple Threat series but can be read as a standalone, with some back story and occasional reference to the first book whenever necessary. The writing style is fast paced, though the book is long (not boring) and there’s a lot of fun moments and dialogues that made me smile.
We’re introduced to a lot of minor characters, and because the book was long (and I’m a scatter brain), I had to backtrack at times to jar the grey matter back to action. We discover who the killer is about two thirds of the way, but the whys and hows were really only revealed at the end.
The writing is economic, meaning there is no info dump, it’s colorful and there are a lot of Hawaiian lingo that was fun to learn.
I recommend it for those who enjoy a long book full of detective work and guessing ‘who did it’’.
December 6, 2018
Can You Hula Like Hilo Hattie is the second book in a the series, but can be read as a standalone. I do wish I had read book one, because I think there was some background info I would have liked to have. Since I enjoyed this book so much, I will go back to read book one now!
I enjoyed these three quirky, fabulous characters in Triple Threat. This novel is told from the point of view of Jill, who takes on the leader role. This novem is riddled with puns which are funny, and I think the dialogue of the characters really moves this plot forward.
I’m a new fan of Tyler Colins. The writing is really great, the plot is fast-paced and fun, and the characters are very relatable. Overall, this was a fun book that I highly recommend checking out!
*I received a copy of this book as part of a blog tour. All opinions are my own.*
I enjoyed these three quirky, fabulous characters in Triple Threat. This novel is told from the point of view of Jill, who takes on the leader role. This novem is riddled with puns which are funny, and I think the dialogue of the characters really moves this plot forward.
I’m a new fan of Tyler Colins. The writing is really great, the plot is fast-paced and fun, and the characters are very relatable. Overall, this was a fun book that I highly recommend checking out!
*I received a copy of this book as part of a blog tour. All opinions are my own.*
November 30, 2018
A fun, fast paced mystery that I had the pleasure to read. The Trio detectives- Jill/JJ, Linda and Rey, reminded me of my Nancy Drew fascination days. And all the description of Hawaii, its islands, its food and the drinks, amidst the drug world backdrop and a string of murders that need to be solved, was a joy to read about. I enjoyed reading this and would recommend it to fans of detective mysteries :)
A huge thanks to the author and a friend, for sending me an ecopy of the book. I will be writing a detailed review on my blog soon, so don't want to put in any spoilers here (or there for that matter;)) hehe
A huge thanks to the author and a friend, for sending me an ecopy of the book. I will be writing a detailed review on my blog soon, so don't want to put in any spoilers here (or there for that matter;)) hehe
February 23, 2020
This is the first book by this author that I have read or listened to but I will be keeping an eye out for more books in the series because I enjoyed it. The author describes the setting very well and with help from tv shows it is very easy to picture the island despite never have been there. It was the characters that made it fun though, from the recognized weather girl to the b list movie star, each had there own quirks to bring to the table and get the fledgling detective agency off the ground. The mystery was good and took lots of twists with each body that dropped.
A millionaire hires the triple threat investigation agency to find evidence of his wife cheating on him. Things seem off with there knew client as he already know exactly where his wife is going to be at any given time but he is there first paying client. How hard can it be to follow a woman from charity events to expensive restaurants to the gym? It proves very hard when they stumble over her dead body. The husband still wants the three friends to find out the secret his wife was keeping and they dig deeper into the drug world. It seems miss innocent wasn't that innocent. Then the problem really start and witnesses start dropping before they can question them. Is someone cleaning up lose ends? Or has a killer got there own secret to keep hidden. With a killer on the lose, an ugly guru threatening them and a mystery man following Jill can she, Rey and Linda get to the bottom of there first case or will it prove to much for the trio.
I liked the narrator and thought she did a good job bringing emotion and excitement to the story.
A millionaire hires the triple threat investigation agency to find evidence of his wife cheating on him. Things seem off with there knew client as he already know exactly where his wife is going to be at any given time but he is there first paying client. How hard can it be to follow a woman from charity events to expensive restaurants to the gym? It proves very hard when they stumble over her dead body. The husband still wants the three friends to find out the secret his wife was keeping and they dig deeper into the drug world. It seems miss innocent wasn't that innocent. Then the problem really start and witnesses start dropping before they can question them. Is someone cleaning up lose ends? Or has a killer got there own secret to keep hidden. With a killer on the lose, an ugly guru threatening them and a mystery man following Jill can she, Rey and Linda get to the bottom of there first case or will it prove to much for the trio.
I liked the narrator and thought she did a good job bringing emotion and excitement to the story.
May 23, 2025
When I go to Hawai'i, I want to read a cozy murder mystery set in the Sandwich Islands. In that we were staying in Honolulu on Oahu, "Can You Hula Like Hilo Hattie?" was a perfect fit. It is set in Waikiki which is the area where we were staying. I don't avoid cozy murder mysteries with female protagonists nor am I compulsively attracted to them. This one has three: Rey, Jill, and Linda, known collectively as the “Triple Threat” Detective Agency. While I wouldn't describe this novel as "girly," one does feel extra-fully informed about each character's attire, accessories, make-up, and hair in every chapter. The descriptions of Hawai'i are fulsome if somewhat strained. Even at a distance, the reader already knows the sand is khaki, the palm fronds are green, and the humuhumunukunukuapua'a has blue lips. The plot reminds me (and other reviewers) of Nancy Drew for grown-ups. Note to Ms. Colins: If you are going to describe food and drink with such evocative detail, how about tucking a few recipes into an appendix?
December 15, 2019
Hilo Hattie is the 2nd book in the series but the first case for the The Triple Threat Investigation Agency.
I listened to the audiobook of The Connecticut Corpse Caper, the first book in the series (my review is posted), and I really enjoyed getting acquainted with the three leading ladies. Each one has a different personality that becomes highlighted when they work together. I also appreciated the writing style of the author - witty banter along with vivid descriptions of settings and actions. All in all, an enjoyable "read".
This second book is no exception. I love reading about strong, independent, smart women who also, importantly, possess a sense of humour. It is easy to get caught up with these three ladies and their investigations. The dialogue is fast paced and witty. I found myself laughing out loud several times and rereading certain passages just for the appreciation of the writing style.
I also love reading about Hawaii. I have always wanted to go, but the length and cost of the trip always deters me from booking a flight. However, the description of the various locales, the food and drink, and the way of life brings the islands to life for me.
I have ordered the third book in the series, Coco's Nuts, and am looking forward to reading more about JJ, Rey, Linda, and, of course, Cash.
I listened to the audiobook of The Connecticut Corpse Caper, the first book in the series (my review is posted), and I really enjoyed getting acquainted with the three leading ladies. Each one has a different personality that becomes highlighted when they work together. I also appreciated the writing style of the author - witty banter along with vivid descriptions of settings and actions. All in all, an enjoyable "read".
This second book is no exception. I love reading about strong, independent, smart women who also, importantly, possess a sense of humour. It is easy to get caught up with these three ladies and their investigations. The dialogue is fast paced and witty. I found myself laughing out loud several times and rereading certain passages just for the appreciation of the writing style.
I also love reading about Hawaii. I have always wanted to go, but the length and cost of the trip always deters me from booking a flight. However, the description of the various locales, the food and drink, and the way of life brings the islands to life for me.
I have ordered the third book in the series, Coco's Nuts, and am looking forward to reading more about JJ, Rey, Linda, and, of course, Cash.
February 29, 2020
The first body was the object of their investigation.
Three friends decided to be private investigators in Hawaii despite having no licenses, residence, or anything else that you would expect. Their first client is a very wealthy man who wants to divorce his current wife without any excess cost by proving that she is cheating on him. But she is the first body! It's a very punny story full of snarks and Hawaiian trivia. Fast paced and twisty, it moves along much quicker than I expected. Loved it!
Cindy Piller is the highly expressive narrator who adds to the general hilarity.
I won this audiobook in a giveaway!
Three friends decided to be private investigators in Hawaii despite having no licenses, residence, or anything else that you would expect. Their first client is a very wealthy man who wants to divorce his current wife without any excess cost by proving that she is cheating on him. But she is the first body! It's a very punny story full of snarks and Hawaiian trivia. Fast paced and twisty, it moves along much quicker than I expected. Loved it!
Cindy Piller is the highly expressive narrator who adds to the general hilarity.
I won this audiobook in a giveaway!
April 28, 2024
This one did not work for me. Too long, too many people to keep track of, and it just did not work for me on many levels.
You may really like this series if: you are into designer clothes and like knowing every article of clothing each person is wearing in every scene (and it's okay if you do!); you like reading about Hawaii and food and drink and locations there (and you might!); you don't cringe everytime someone "blows a raspberry"; you can accept that unarmed people would knowingly confront known killers... repeatedly... and live to tell about it (um, maybe call your detective friend on the police force?).
All those things -- just not me.
You may really like this series if: you are into designer clothes and like knowing every article of clothing each person is wearing in every scene (and it's okay if you do!); you like reading about Hawaii and food and drink and locations there (and you might!); you don't cringe everytime someone "blows a raspberry"; you can accept that unarmed people would knowingly confront known killers... repeatedly... and live to tell about it (um, maybe call your detective friend on the police force?).
All those things -- just not me.
October 10, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. I don’t know whether I enjoyed the first book in the series or this book more.
JJ and her friends are getting better as each book is written. It makes me wonder how well they will have progressed when I read the next installment.
JJ and her friends are getting better as each book is written. It makes me wonder how well they will have progressed when I read the next installment.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews