Sunday, September 1, 2013

My Take On: CRY OHANA, Adventure and Suspense in Hawaii

The setting of CRY OHANA, Adventure and Suspense in Hawaii, encompasses the Hawaiian islands of O’ahu, Mau’i, and the Big Island of Hawaii, with much of the action occurring throughout O’ahu. Woven into a suspenseful tale is the story of family members on diverse journeys to restore relationships once diminished by neglect and deceit. It is evident that coauthors Rosemary and Larry Mild conducted extensive research prior to writing this novel.
 


Throughout CRY OHANA, the reader is treated to the emotional rollercoaster thrill of action-packed events. A rainbow of unforgettable characters are backlit with views of elite hot spots or back alleys, the exotic, and even the mundane.

Contrast is a key ingredient as protagonist and antagonist square off. At times they appear to create a balance before tipping the scales to the advantage of one, only to have a subtle shift benefit the other in a subsequent scene. An early line in the opening chapter might effectively describe both characters: “If you’re not winning big you’re desperate to get even.”

CRY OHANA is not a quick beach-read involving a sunny holiday destination, but rather a comprehensive story of a family devastated by tragedy, a situation to which many readers will relate on some level. The inevitable, plot-thickening struggles of the individual family members portrayed in the novel are overlaid with acts of murder, blackmail, domestic violence, and selfish indifference. The possibilities of salvation rest in the generosity of others.

While this mystery continually moves toward a satisfying solution, CRY OHANA also offers a journey as challenging and pleasurable as its anticipated destination.

Rosemary and Larry Mild are the coauthors of the popular Paco and Molly Mystery Series, as well as their most recent novel, Death Goes Postal, the first in the Dan and Rivka Sherman Mysteries. Their books can be found in print and eBook formats on the Internet and in bookstores. For full information, visit the Milds at their website:

www.magicile.com 
For local residents and visitors to Hawaii, CRY OHANA is now available on O’ahu, at Na Mea Hawai’i bookstore in Ward Warehouse.



Sunday, August 25, 2013

Meet Author Cheryl Linn Martin's Maile


Author Cheryl Linn Martin's third mystery in The Hawaiian Island Detective Club series is Ukulele Undercover.
 
 
Included in The Hawaiian Island Detective Club are Leilani, Kimo, Sam, and Maile. Featured in today’s interview is Maile. 

Maile, you just helped solve a third mystery for The Hawaiian Island Detective Club. Do you have a favorite memory?
Not really a favorite memory. I mean, I can laugh about it now, but at the time it was the grossest, wildest ride I’ve ever had in a truck. That old fishing bucket and empty milk carton smelled super yuck-o. And don’t even ask me about how we got out of there. I think I still have bruises! But at least we got some good evidence and discovered a few clues to help solve the mystery.

Were there any other gross moments for you? 
Oh, yeah! You see, someone was leaving threatening notes around the music school and me, Leilani and Sam were taking ukulele lessons with Kimo like undercover detectives. Anyway, some kid took one of the bad notes and threw it in the garbage. Of course Leilani wanted the note, but before we could get to it, another kid threw wet gunk all over it. (Maile scrunches her nose) And that garbage can really stunk big-time!

So, Maile, what do you think of Brandon?
New Guy? He’s totally cute and super nice. (Maile smirks) I think he likes Leilani and I’m pretty sure she likes him too.

How is it working with Leilani, Kimo and Sam on these mysteries?
Leilani is the best. She keeps me sane when I feel like totally freaking out. Even though Kimo irritates Leilani, he’s always a huge help with the mysteries. I hope Leilani makes him a real member of The Hawaiian Island Detective Club. Then there’s Sam . . . well, Sam’s a guy. Most of the time he’s funny and crazy, but so gross with all his eating and belching.

Some readers seem to think you like Sam.
(Maile shrugs and avoids eye contact) Sam’s cool.

(I cock my head and grin) Maile, this is the third mystery you kids have solved. You can tell me how you really feel.
(Maile sits up tall and sets her jaw) No comment.

(I chuckle) I understand, and thanks for visiting, Maile.
 
Look for all of Cheryl Linn Martin's The Hawaiian Island Detective Club novels at: