Georgina Donovan

The cover on this shows up as somewhat dark on my blog, the picture of it on Amazon is a lot clearer. I found the cover to be interesting, and tranquil overall.

I liked the beginning of the book, there's a glossary page for some of the words used throughout the book, this proved really helpful...I would have prefered the relevant word/translation to be on the bottom of the page it appeared on though, purely so I didn't have to keep flicking back to the start for an explanation (I read this ebook on my pc, I suspect reading it on an ereader would be easier if using the glossary).

The book itself is delightfully descriptive, in a wish-I-was-there way. As a reader I could feel the Hawaiian sun beating down through the pages of this book. There's a definate feeling of coming home for the main character, Hayley. I enjoyed the references to Magnum P.I., I enjoyed the re-runs of them ;p I am a fan of this kind of mystery book. It's an easy, gently paced read which kept me guessing all the way through. In many respects it's familiar, as I enjoy Agatha Raisen and Hamish MacBeth mysteries. It was a refreshing setting, with the plot weaving in Polynesian legends and both spiritual and heritage elements.

To begin with I have to admit I was puzzled by Hayley and Chases' relationship. Hayley on one hand is thinking of marriage and being with Chase, Chase is so laid back he's horizontal, but there's not much action, or confirmed passion, or love, up until the last chapter really, which is when we get a sense of what's happening in their relationship. I'm betting their relationship will develop leaps and bounds over the series, however I found their relationship to not hold much meaning in this one.

All in all, an enjoyable and relaxing read, gently paced until the action scenes. Most definalty a page turner for me, both to hear about the legends, and also to find out 'who dunnit!'… (altro)

I do not usually read these little mysteries but I liked the description of this book. This story catches you right from the beginning, when in San Diego, where Haley lives,she is run down while riding her bike on her way to work. She doesn't really think anything of it until she gets to her book store, Reads Like Murder, and sees that the shop has been vandalized. The only thing that seems to be missing is a fantasy type book. This is the start of an adventure that takes Haley to Hawaii where she is thrust into all sorts of intrigue and murder. After she arrives in Hawaii, she gets a call from a coworker that her condo has also been trashed. This is a suspenseful story with kidnappings and dead bodies.In Hawaii she meets Lieutenant Chase, who is a detective with the Hawaiian police department and grandson of her mentor Kana, who requested that Haley come to Hawaii.Upon landing in Hawaii Haley finds that Kana is missing and his book shop and home have been vandalized. Between Haley and Chase they work together in trying to find out what is going on and where Kana has disappeared to. To say any more reveals the rest of the story. Did I enjoy it? Yes I did very much so. It was a very fast read with enough suspense,humor and a little bit of romance.The descriptions of Hawaii were so very well written that kept me interested until the end, which was a surprise. If you like mysteries and suspense, you won't go wrong reading this book.… (altro)

Reads Like Murder in Honolulu by Georgina Donovan is the first in a mystery series. Haley Wyndham is an independent book store owner from San Diego. She is called by her friend Kana to come visit Hawaii as he has some thing very important to show her. The morning of her departure, Haley has some strange things happen to her. Then Haley travels to Honolulu only to find her friend missing and his shop trashed. Haley connects with one of Kana's relatives, Keoni Chase, who is also a local detective. Together they try to find out where Kana is and who is behind the murder of a local author and the disappearance of Kana.

I thought this book was mediocre. All of the events leading up to Haley's departure for Hawaii lead to a strong start. However, after about halfway through, I began wondering when we'd find out who the murderer was and where Kana was being kept or hiding. The story does redeem itself at the end, when Haley and Keoni must find their way home from a secluded island they are forbidden to leave.

I also was confused at times. The author kept changing how she referred to different characters, so at some points I wasn't sure who was being referred to. I feel it distracted from the story some to keep having to figure out who I was reading about.

This book is very tame. There is one kiss at the end, although the romantic tension is thick from the time Haley meets Keoni. I enjoyed that aspect of the story, as some authors do feel that sex sells. Donovan could certainly have decided to do that with this book, but I am very glad she didn't.

Another strong aspect of this book is the lovely descriptions of Hawaii. I've always wanted to travel there and this book only piqued my interest even further.

I give Reads Like Murder - In Honolulu a C. I do know that there is a sequel planned so I might think about reading that one, if only to see what happens between Keoni and Haley.… (altro)