Death of the Big Kahuna

Aloha Lagoon Mysteries, Book 6

By: Catherine Bruns

Narrated by: Amy Deuchler

From USA Today best-selling author Catherine Bruns comes an Aloha Lagoon mystery that proves that, sometimes, paradise isn't all it's served up to be.

New to both Hawaii and the Aloha Lagoon Resort, Carrie Jorgenson has big dreams of stardom. But, while she awaits fame and fortune, she's forced to accept a job waitressing at the resort's The Loco Moco Café. It isn't long before she discovers the dish on her new boss - also known to many as "The Big Kahuna".

Hale Akamu is rich, handsome, repulsive...and dead. When Carrie discovers Hale's lifeless body, she's suddenly forced into yet another role: amateur sleuth. With everyone, from Carrie to the saucy chef to the café's hot assistant manager under suspicion, Carrie needs to track a killer before she becomes his next main entrée! Recipes included in the audiobook.

About Aloha Lagoon: There's trouble in paradise. Welcome to Aloha Lagoon, one of Hawaii's hidden treasures. A little bit of tropical paradise nestled along the coast of Kauai, this resort town boasts luxurious accommodation, friendly island atmosphere...and only a slightly-higher-than-normal murder rate. While mysterious circumstances may be the norm on our corner of the island, we're certain that our staff and Lagoon natives will make your stay in Aloha Lagoon one you will never forget! Visit us at alohalagoonmysteries.com

©2017 Catherine Bruns (P)2019 Catherine Bruns

Another winner by Bruns and Deuchler............

Death of the Big Kahuna is the sixth book in the series, but the books are written by different authors and are completely standalone. I was already a big Catherine Bruns fan from her Cindy York series, and this book further cements my respect for her writing skills and vivid imagination. The book features Carrie Jorgenson, a recent transplant to Hawaii from the mainland. I wasn't certain if I was going to like Carrie because she seemed to be chasing after a worthless boyfriend and a pipe dream of stardom. However, quickly into the story, the author gives us more background into Carrie's difficult upbringing and romantic past. Given this rather sad history as well as her youth and naivete, all of Carrie's actions began to make more sense. By mid-way through the story, I was very impressed with both her personal growth and her ever increasing spunk.

While trying to retain her job as a waitress at the Loco Moco Cafe after her discovery of the dead body of the owner, Carrie decides to investigate his murder. Because her boss was such a jerk, she has plenty of suspects to consider and eliminate. With the assistance of several friendly coworkers and the resistance from the boss's hostile widow and multiple enemies, Carrie sticks with the challenge until the very end. I was completely surprised by both the identity of the murderer and the motive, and I grew to love the family Carrie was building with her new friends. With just a hint of romance on the horizon, I would love to see what adventures Bruns has in store for Carrie next.

Amy Deuchler's narration is as superb as always. She narrates many of the cozy mysteries by Catherine Bruns, and these two make a great team. Deuchler adds just the right amount of drama to her performance to increase the excitement without going over the top. Her delivery is flawless, she differentiates well between characters, and she has an all-around pleasing voice.

I received a copy of this audiobook at my request in exchange for this honest review.

Death of the Big Kahuna

Good story, Very enjoyable. Will recommend to friends.
"I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review."

Death of the Big Kahuna Rev

Summary:
Carrie Jorgenson has a lousy boyfriend but lands a waitressing job at a little café called the Loco Moco. It’s owned by a rich jerk who gets himself knocked off. Now everybody’s under suspicion, including Carrie.

Additional Comments:
- Series features different authors. It’s an interesting concept and probably a fun project to contribute to. Basically, I think the only thing linking the series is the locale and maybe some side characters. You can certainly experience each of the titles on their own without the others. Except the ones by Catherine Bruns here. Death of the Kona Man should be read after Death of the Big Kahuna because Carrie comes back and the events take place right after.
- The con to doing things this way is that it’s probably up to each author to get their own book made into an audiobook, so not every one of the titles is even available through audible.
- Carrie’s backstory is harped on a little too much, but I did enjoy the fact that it’s not a typical upbringing.
- Typical cozy mystery fare. Hapless girl gets in trouble, can’t resist a good mystery, finds killer, gets some things settled in her life, etc.
- Side Characters: Not going to lie here, a few of the side characters are blurring. Tad’s interesting. Keanu’s perfect. Lola? is the gossipy new bff.
- Amy Deuchler’s performance is good. She distinguishes the various characters and settles into the first person pov well.
- Wrapup is just okay. There’s quite a bit of info dumping at the end. Maybe that’s a cozy mystery thing I’m just not used to, but the bad guys tend to have long soliloquy type speeches wherein they layout why the MC must die, then of course get foiled somehow.
- The recipes at the end ticked me off, but I’m pretty sure I’m going to be in the minority here. Why include that in an audiobook? (I’ve included charts before…and yup, it was a mistake. People typically can’t absorb things that way – not to the point where they could use the recipe.) Unless you’ve got a stellar memory, you’re better off Googling it so you can re-check instructions and ingredients.
- Setting: I enjoy things set in Hawaii. It’s a great mix of familiar yet exotic.

Conclusion:
If you live and breathe by cozy mysteries, give this book a shot. They’re all standalones so I can’t vouch for any of the others.

*I received a free copy and have chosen to leave a review

Trouble In Paradise

Death of the Big Kahuna Aloha Lagoon Mysteries, Book 6, is a fun little mystery. The setting is Hawaii and a small café. The "Big Kahuna" is the not so nice owner of the restaurant. Things do not go well for him (think large knife).
The narrator, Amy Deuchler, is great. She set the tone for a good island story.
I was given a free copy of this book for an unbiased review.

A Stab in the Chest

Carrie Jorgensen had moved to Kauai to get away from her horrible family. Working at the Loco Moci Cafe is a way to earn money and dream of stardom in the islands. The her despicable boss is killed and since she found the body she’s the prime suspect. A great series and narration.