Yellowfin [Hardcover]

Mark Brown (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In this follow-up to the simultaneously published Game Face , Hawaiian ex-cop Ben McMillen finds himself back on the Kona police force after a a brief retirement spent operating a Maui surf shop. When the badly mangled body of an aged Japanese man washes ashore on the Big Island, a tattoo identifies him as a former spy, and Ben is caught in a web of surprising secrets that stretches back to the days just prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor. A trail of clues leads him through the lush groves of Kona coffee and macadamia nut growers, as well as into the dangerous turf of the Kona Gold (marijuana) farmers. Ben's ultimate discovery of the dead spy's courageous humanistic actions changes his attitudes about WW II. Brown's ambitious second effort surpasses Game Face on most levels. Although Ben himself remains a bit stiff, portraits of the murder suspects and victims are more carefully drawn and considerably heighten the intrigue. Native island lore again infuses the action with a distinctive flair. Readers will forgive the slightly muddled plotting in light of the book's page-turning pace.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

The unique geological and cultural ethos of the Hawaiian islands permeates this second Ben McMillan mystery (published concurrently with the first, Game Face ), in which the half-Hawaiian Ben rejoins the Kona police force after his surf shop burns. He and mentor Tobi search for clues to the murder of an alleged World War II Japanese spy turned coffee-bean farmer, but before they make much progress, two more murders occur. The author infuses exotic scenery, old local sayings, triathalon training, and a jittery love relationship into his solid, cohesive tale. Traditional plotting with a rural island flair.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 250 pages
• Publisher: Ox Bow Pr (June 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0918024935
• ISBN-13: 978-0918024930
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,056,787 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars OVERALL SCORE: (B+), December 27, 2003

By 

Pequegnat (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Yellowfin (Hardcover)

"Yellowfin" by Mark Brown, is a fast paced thriller set in the seductive paradise that is The Big Island of Hawaii. This well written thriller has all that you could ask for in a mystery novel, action, suspense, a good plot, and some romance on the side.

Mark Brown captures much of the feel of Hawaii, the sights, sounds, and the feel of the tropical paradise. The only discordant note in this otherwise excellent novel, is the authors complete misunderstanding of race relations in Hawaii. A major theme is the racism of the white controlled police department only giving promotions to white officers, and how this effects this effects Ben McMillen the 'hapa' police detective and his mentor Tobi. This could not be further from the truth here in Hawaii, ( Hawaii Police Chief Lawrence Mahuna, Deputy Chief Harry Kubojiri, Hawaii Mayor Harry Kim, Council Chairman James Arakaki) the use of this tired and overused crutch of anti-white racism is getting old, especially when in Hawaii it's the other way around.

While I enjoy the Polynesian/Hawaii culture and history very much [their rich and vibrant history is an essential part of the seduction of Hawaii], Mr. Brown seems to have developed a sycophantic attraction to the indigenous people here.

OVERALL SCORE: (B+)
READABILITY: (A-), PLOT: (B), CHARATERS: (B), DIALOGUE: (B-), SETTING: (A+), ACTION/COMBAT: (B-), ANTAGONISTS: (B), ROMANCE: (B-), SEX: (Light), AGE LEVEL: (PG)

I would recommend; Charles Knief's Books Diamond Head, Green Flash, Sand Dollars, and especially Silversword, if you want GREAT Hawaii mystery/adventures!

Mahalo nui loa!

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just a great mystery - brings Hawaii closer to home, June 12, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Yellowfin (Hardcover)

This is just a good old fashioned mystery novel that grabs the reader in the first two pages. It is truly a wonder that more people have not found Mr. Brown's books. If you have traveled to the islands and long for the Pacific, palms swaying in the breeze, beautiful sunsets and Far East intrigue, read Yellowfin.