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Hawaii Crime
Aloha Alibi: Waikiki Crime Wave
Trouble starts too early on a Monday morning in Waikiki when three 'floaters' are found at a popular beach. Before police detective Caitlyn Nakamura can even begin investigating the triple murder, she gets a call about a child missing from a school field trip at the zoo. While she waits for positive ID on the three stiffs at the beach, the news hits close to home when she learns the missing kid is a family friend. The race is on to find her, and Caitlyn quickly assembles a team of trusted colleagues to help with the search.
A lifelong friendship is tested, and a kid's life is at stake. She knows much heartbreak will pass before arrests are made, and Caitlyn's determination is tested every step of the way to the bittersweet end.
A lifelong friendship is tested, and a kid's life is at stake. She knows much heartbreak will pass before arrests are made, and Caitlyn's determination is tested every step of the way to the bittersweet end.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
April 27, 2024
Ever been to Ala Moana Mall in Honolulu?
How about the Ala Moana Beach in front of it?
Like well-paced and well-plotted police procedurals?
Strong female main character?
YES! I was excited to read this one because Kay Hadashi’s book ticked all the boxes for me within a few chapters. This author is Hawaiian-born and writes books set in Hawaii.
Detective Caitlyn Nakamura is the only police detective assigned to work the Waikiki precinct and her Monday morning gets off to an early start with a pickpocketing victim in front of the Ala Moana Shopping Mall. Normally, it wouldn’t be a big deal, but the victim, Alexandria Warner, is a self-proclaimed socialite and influencer. Losing her phone is like losing a limb. Her entitlement meets Nakamura’s unwavering sense of duty.
As she’s processing the claim streetside, she gets a call about three floaters on Ala Moana Beach. When she arrives, she discovers three businessmen in suits lying face down on the shore. With three common names and three different residences outside of Hawaii, she’s got a difficult task ahead of her. What was the motive?
Before she’s finished collecting evidence, she gets another call from the Zoo about a missing 10-year-old child. It’s not just any 10-year-old, it’s someone she knows and her parents, Steve Miller and Maile Spencer, are high profile. Apparently, Grade Five student, Nancy Miller never came out of the bathroom when her class stopped prior to entering the zoo.
When evidence points to Maile, Nancy’s stepmom, the missing child case proves to be difficult; her sense of duty is in complete opposition to her sense of justice. Nakamura needs to prove that her friend is not guilty by doing the job of a defense lawyer and a private investigator while still performing her sworn duties as a police detective.
I loved how Hadashi taught readers about her island through subtle directions (mauka/maki), referrals to haole and pidgin as well as food and fauna. I also learned procedures and vocab associated with her job; ie ‘diener’.
This was a tautly plotted police procedural that surprised me though it was following the evidence! The twists were great.
You must read this to discover why the detective called the three floaters ‘See No Evil,’ ‘Hear No Evil,’ and ‘Speak No Evil.’
This author’s backlist is extensive and all Hawaii-focused. I can’t wait!
How about the Ala Moana Beach in front of it?
Like well-paced and well-plotted police procedurals?
Strong female main character?
YES! I was excited to read this one because Kay Hadashi’s book ticked all the boxes for me within a few chapters. This author is Hawaiian-born and writes books set in Hawaii.
Detective Caitlyn Nakamura is the only police detective assigned to work the Waikiki precinct and her Monday morning gets off to an early start with a pickpocketing victim in front of the Ala Moana Shopping Mall. Normally, it wouldn’t be a big deal, but the victim, Alexandria Warner, is a self-proclaimed socialite and influencer. Losing her phone is like losing a limb. Her entitlement meets Nakamura’s unwavering sense of duty.
As she’s processing the claim streetside, she gets a call about three floaters on Ala Moana Beach. When she arrives, she discovers three businessmen in suits lying face down on the shore. With three common names and three different residences outside of Hawaii, she’s got a difficult task ahead of her. What was the motive?
Before she’s finished collecting evidence, she gets another call from the Zoo about a missing 10-year-old child. It’s not just any 10-year-old, it’s someone she knows and her parents, Steve Miller and Maile Spencer, are high profile. Apparently, Grade Five student, Nancy Miller never came out of the bathroom when her class stopped prior to entering the zoo.
When evidence points to Maile, Nancy’s stepmom, the missing child case proves to be difficult; her sense of duty is in complete opposition to her sense of justice. Nakamura needs to prove that her friend is not guilty by doing the job of a defense lawyer and a private investigator while still performing her sworn duties as a police detective.
I loved how Hadashi taught readers about her island through subtle directions (mauka/maki), referrals to haole and pidgin as well as food and fauna. I also learned procedures and vocab associated with her job; ie ‘diener’.
This was a tautly plotted police procedural that surprised me though it was following the evidence! The twists were great.
You must read this to discover why the detective called the three floaters ‘See No Evil,’ ‘Hear No Evil,’ and ‘Speak No Evil.’
This author’s backlist is extensive and all Hawaii-focused. I can’t wait!
December 27, 2023
This is a new author for me and the first book of this series. I am so impressed with the author's talent and the ability to write an incredibly good story that is SO VERY twisted!!! I really like Caitlyn and Bautista. I wouldn't ever want to come up against someone who could devise a plan like the one in this book. They would get away with it!! so I am really looking forward to reading the next book!!
July 4, 2025
Caitlyn Nakamura is a Detective for the Honolulu Police Department based in the Waikiki precinct. She is definitely an interesting character, worthy of future books, however the first half of the storyline was plodding and almost boring. Halfway through the story the pace picked up considerably and she was able to tie up all the loose ends of the two intertwined cases she had been working on.
February 5, 2023
Harsh I at her best.
Again Kay Hadashi spins a complex web of intrigue, finally tying together several plots from previous books. Island lore, suspense, and a positive ending for most. Another great Hadashi novel.
Again Kay Hadashi spins a complex web of intrigue, finally tying together several plots from previous books. Island lore, suspense, and a positive ending for most. Another great Hadashi novel.
January 9, 2024
A very twisted plot featuring a sharp tongued Det. Caitlyn Nakamura of the Honolulu P.D. who teams with a rookie officer. Together they investigate 3 murders at the beach and a child kidnapping from the zoo. Perseverance and dedication wins out in the end.
April 22, 2023
OMG! What a week.
Caitlyn can't get off this roller coaster of cases that tie her up in knots until she pulls all the threads loose
Caitlyn can't get off this roller coaster of cases that tie her up in knots until she pulls all the threads loose
January 27, 2025
excellent book
Always a surprise when I read these books. Just when I think I have it figured out the author has something different happening.
Always a surprise when I read these books. Just when I think I have it figured out the author has something different happening.
January 12, 2026
I really loved the Waikiki setting for this mystery- so different! Well done.
August 13, 2026
Quick and easy read that grabbed me from the first chapter! I'll be reading more from this author and her Waikiki Crime Wave series.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews