Customer Reviews

Mahu Fire: A Hawaiian Mystery

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Plakey is getting better and better and making you feel like you are right there with the characters, he makes you feel for them and want to know more about their lives. I hope he continues writing this series and I look forward to his next one.

Since Hawaii police detective Kimo Kanapa'aka was outed during a previous investigation, resulting in lots of unwelcome publicity, he has had mixed feelings about being known primarily as "that gay police detective" rather than for his professionalism and dedication to his job, as well as loyalty to his friends and closeknit family. But when the apparent murder of a homeless man leads him into an investigation of a series of arson fires, bombings and a shooting targeting gay-friendly businesses, services and individuals, Kimo finds that his notoriety comes in handy, making him not just a target of those responsible for these crimes, but also a visible presence in the community to whom others can confide their suspicions. At the same time, Kimo deals personal issues, including the declining health of his father, the safety of some homeless gay teens he coaches at the local community center, and - in the middle of one investigation - the start of a promising relationship.

In the third of these Mahu/Kimo mysteries, Neil Plakcy shows the reader considerable growth in the characters involved, including new developments concerning friends introduced in the earlier books. Kimo is a nonstereotypical, strong character, whose gay pride is no more or less than the pride he also demonstrates in his work and in dealing with his family and friends. Though well written, the mystery's solution was fairly obvious from the beginning, which is the only negative I can see in the series, not just this book. Otherwise, well recommended, four stars out of five.

I am a dedicated fan of the Mahu books and despite another tepid, unbelievable mystery, Kimo Kanapa'aka still shines as a literary hero. Why unbelievable? I find it incredibly difficult to believe that the Honolulu PD would have one lone detective solving a case that involves multiple homicides and multiple arsons. Just too out there, even for fiction.

The bonus in this book is a compelling new boyfriend for Kimo and that makes up for a host of errors...

Mr. Plakcy has repeated his tendency to tell us the same things over and over and yet, mistakes are made constantly throughout the book.

For example, a cop in the first Mahu book was named Evan Gonsalves. His name is now inexplicably Eric in this one.

Evan/Eric's young son Danny's age slides from six to five and back again in different scenes.

Characters appear and disappear, for example Terri Gonsalves, Evan/Eric's widow is involved in the initial pivotal explosion scene. Kimo describes her as his best friend yet doesn't bother to make sure she's okay??? Weird!

His boss Sampson is present during a search at a house, yet has to ask Kimo what happened just a few hours later! Also weird!

I'm not sure why the author constantly reintroduces characters with full physical descriptions every time they make an appearance...trust me, we're paying attention.

I will read the next installment for sure, but just like Kimo prays for surf, I will pray for a stronger mystery tying these otherwise very engaging characters in a fully involving story.

Neil Plakcy writes interestingly and insightfully about Hawaii, its population and even his gay police detective protagonist, which kinda, sorta, almost makes up for an unconvincing plot and lame finish to the mystery story that is, in principle, the heart of the book.

Plakcy's descriptions of Honolulu, the multi-cultural population there and the hero's family relationships are delightful, authentic sounding and endlessly interesting (to me, at least). They really are the heart and soul of this particular book and reason enough to read it.

On the other hand, if you are a hardcore mystery fan looking for an intricate plot with a brilliant and "I-didn't-see-it coming" ending, you might want to take a pass on this one. Like the famous "Twinkie defense" of Dan White in the Harvey White murder case of a few years back, author Plakey wants us to accept insanity as the motivation for some very contrived murders in this story. It doesn't really wash and that ending detracts from an otherwise interesting study of characters and social behavior in one of the more intriguing parts of the United States.

Mahu Fire is a fabulous addition to the Kimo Kanapaka'a saga. If you haven't read the previous two novels, Mahu and Mahu Surfer, you can still read this one but I would definitely go back for the beginning of the story. There is murder, familial mayhem and that worldwide social torture event known as dating.

A fundraiser has been fire bombed. Local businesses are the victims of arson. The connection, the business owners are gay and the charity to support marriage equality. Who is targeting the community and what do they hope to gain? Kimo must answer these questions while dealing with his family as well as a possible new love interest that is even more inexperienced in being gay than he is, let alone being out. Kimo navigates these situations with respect, a little bravado and fortunately a healthy sense of humor. He also solves the case and gets the man.

These novels are exciting crime mysteries as well as entertaining exploration of relationships. Kimo is a believable and likable character. Relatable in that he is searching, like most of us are, for who he is and how to be happy. His acceptance of his sexual orientation and exploration of his options are thrilling to share. His interactions with family, friends, co-workers and the general public are hilariously familiar at times. Parents are parents and siblings are siblings, no matter who you are, no matter what you do for a living and no matter who you love.

Kimo's work with the local gay support groups is also an important example to all readers. A person's live or lifestyle is irrelevant, supporting those around you is everyone's responsibility and privilege. The more you give really does increase the more you get back.

I have read all three of these novels as well as a variety of short stories featuring Kimo. Mr. Plakey's work just keeps improving. I can't wait for more.

In the third Mahu installment, Kimo finally meets someone he can have a real relationship with! Yes, I'm excited for him!

While at a fundraiser for Hawaiian Gay Marriage, a bomb goes off and sets the building on fire. Kimo and his friends and family are all there but make it safely out. The only casualty is the Vice-Mayor, which puts this case on the hot-plate, so to speak. Fire Investigator Mike Riccardi (hot, hot, hot) arrives shortly thereafter and together with Kimo, investigates the trail of the bomb. They get together often - over dinner, drinks, and the burnt out building - to discuss the case and find they have a lot in common, including the fact that they're both gay and find each other attractive.

Fires are burning all over the island, but none are as hot as the one between Kimo and Mike! (Oh, so corny but it had to be said!) Start the series with Mahu and Mahu Surfer and you'll see why Kimo is such a great character and Neil S. Plakcy such a great writer.

i expected an interesting book but got a dull one instead. first, the main character is not hawaiian but a mixture of japanese, hawaiian, and mainly caucasian. and most of the cast is half caucasian as well. the story was no better. boring,repeated intros, tepid sex. just lame. if you must read it for yourself, then get it from your local library or if it's not available, see if your library has an interlibrary loan request service.

Innocent people are killed, a family friend dies and his bigger-than-life father's immortality all weigh heavily on Kimo as he takes the lead on a high profile case involving the gay community.

All of our favorite characters are back and a new love interest (firefighter, Mike Riccardi), is introduced in this well written "whydunit". It's clear early on who's behind the string of crimes - the "hows and whys" are the mystery.

I could detail Kimo's internal desire to "stay true" to his burgeoning relationship with Mike or how he unwittingly plays a role in his Lieutenant's daughter's involvement in the case. I might even describe an erotic scene in park restroom - but I'd rather not spoil the fun.

Read the book!

"A Hawaiian Mystery" by Neil Plakcy has quickly become one of my favorite series.

All I have to say is WOW! This book is the best in the series but maybe because I know understand and know the characters. This has become one of my favorite series and can not wait for the next one. Read this and enjoy the twist and turns that keeps the pages turning.

Mahu Fire is an excellent addition to Neil Plakcy's exotic Kimo Kanapa'aka series. Once again, the author hits all the right notes in his blend of well-crafted characters, sharp dialogue, and a taste of the Hawaiian tropics. It is fast-paced and entertaining in all the right ways, and should please not only existing fans, but will win him new ones as well.