Ghosts of Waikiki

By: Jennifer K. Morita

Narrated by: Jennifer Robideau

In this atmospheric debut mystery, an out-of-work journalist and the homicide detective who broke her heart must cipher out a murder before the clock runs out, perfect for fans of Naomi Hirahara and Jane Pek.

After the newspaper she works for folds and the freelance assignments no longer pay the bills, Maya Wong reluctantly returns to her native Hawaiʻi to ghostwrite controversial land developer Parker Hamilton's biography. But when the Hamilton patriarch is found dead under suspicious circumstances, Maya is unwittingly drawn into the investigation.

Maya’s family and friends aren't happy about her work for Hamilton. And now, with her ex, Detective Koa Yamada, on the case, she’s forced to contend with the very person she was determined to avoid.

All too soon, Maya is dodging assailants and digging for clues while juggling girls’ nights out with her old BFFs and weekly family dinners. Convinced the police are after the wrong man, Maya is determined to stop the killer before it’s too late.

Exploring timely issues in Hawaiʻi, including locals getting priced out of paradise, Ghosts of Waikiki is an engrossing mystery in the vein of The Verifiers.

©2024 Jennifer K. Morita (P)2024 Spotify Audiobooks

The locale and use of some pidgin

I enjoyed the story as it unfolded. It was a fun read and flowed nicely.

you can't fake the pidgen

love the story and how it showcases Hawaii's culture in a smooth way. enjoyed hearing the pidgen as the reader spoke it.

Great twists and turns

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. There were many plot twists and turns especially when I thought I had it all figured out! The writing was tangible and visual and very descriptive! The narration also brought the story to life!

I felt like I was there in person.

I really enjoyed this book and find it amazing that this is Jennifer's debut novel. It took me a few minutes to get accustomed to the narrator and then she found her grove. Or maybe I did. When the narrator fades away and only the character and the story remains, it's perfect. So, yes I loved the book and by the end, the narrator too.

A Tourist in Hawaii

I have enjoyed my visits to Hawaii over the years. I saw this beautiful land as a tourist from Maui, Kauai and Oahu. But in this mystery I got to see Hawaii and the people from the inside.
This mystery really kept me guessing and the ending was really a surprise. I loved the main characters, Maya’s friends and love interests. This is a first time to listen to this author’s book and hopefully she has continued a series with these wonderful characters and islands.