Dru’s Short Musing:
When her cousins go missing, Makalani takes it upon herself to search for them which opened a can of worms she didn’t know needed opening.
This was a well-written drama that I could not put down until the last page was read. The mystery was nicely defined and interspersed with family dynamics which set the tone for how this story was being told. Starting with Makalani’s return to her hometown, family, and friends, I was engaged throughout as the various situations played out which kept me glued to the pages as I had to know how this was going to end. There were a few red herrings that led the tale in different directions all to enhance my reading pleasure. With visually descriptive narrative Kaua’i and its history took center stage and played a pivotal role in this debut series. This was an enjoyable read and I look forward to more adventures with Makalani and her friends.
Series Name: A Ranger Makalani Pahukula Mystery | Book 1
Genre: Traditional Mystery
Release: May 20, 2025
Format: Print, Digital, Audio
Purchase Link
Book Synopsis:
Returning to Kaua‘i, park ranger Makalani finds her family divided and their way of life at risk in this rich and emotional adventure by the bestselling author of the Lily Wong series.
After ten years as a national park ranger in Oregon, Makalani Pahukula is back on Kaua‘i for her grandmother’s birthday. Having been gone for so long, Makalani finds the disconnect with her people and her struggles have never been more profound. Neither has her need to reacquaint herself with everything she left behind. When she reaches the homestead, she finds a bickering family and the disconcerting news that her cousins—a failed college football player and a rebellious teenage girl—have gone missing.
Makalani hopes they just ran off, too careless to realize the worry they’ve caused. But when hunters find a dead body in the Keālia Forest Reserve, Makalani fears something ominous is at play, and the search for her cousins grows more desperate. Although her help may not be welcomed by family and locals, Makalani is determined to solve a mystery that poses a greater risk than anyone imagines.
The investigation will open her heart, reawaken her love for the land she calls home, and strengthen her bond with her family. Because no matter how long she’s been away, for Makalani, Hawai‘i is in her blood.
FTC Full Disclosure – I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.