The Fire Thief

Dark Paradise Mystery Series, Book 1

By: Debra Bokur

Narrated by: Emily Woo Zeller

Under a promising morning sky, police captain Walter Alaka'i makes a tragic discovery: the body of a teenage surfer bobbing among the lava rocks of Maui's southeastern shore. It appears to be an ill-fated accident, but closer inspection reveals something far more sinister than the results of a savage wave gone wrong. Now that Alaka'i is looking at a homicide, he solicits the help of his niece, Detective Kali Mahoe.

The granddaughter of one of Hawaii's most respected spiritual leaders, and on the transcendent path to becoming a kahu herself, Kali sees evidence of a strange ritual murder. The suspicion is reinforced by a rash of sightings of a noppera-bo-a faceless and malicious spirit many believe to be more than superstition. When a grisly sacrifice is left on the doorstep of a local, and another body washes ashore, Kali fears that the deadly secret ceremonies on Maui are just beginning.

To uncover a motive and find the killer, Kali leans on her skills at logic and detection. But she must also draw on her own personal history with the uncanny legends of the islands. Now, as the skies above Maui grow darker, and as she balances reason and superstition, Kali can only wonder: Who'll be the next to die? And who-or what-is she even on the trail of?

©2020 Debra Bokur Rawsthorne (P)2020 Tantor

Good story

I struggled a little with the start of the book and the narrators reading, but soon could not stop listening. Overall an entertaining listen.

Nice setting

For me, the setting added to my enjoyment of the story. The mystery was solid as well. I will look for others by this author.

Great feel for the spirit of Hawaii!

An intriguing story wrapped up in native spirituality and local vibes. Takes you to Hawaii and gives you an entirely different insight into customs and life. Can't wait for the next in the series! Highly recommended.

Fantastic Mystery

Very well written. Author kept the story very interesting throughout the book. Love all of the books so far.

Good read!

Hawai'i, law-enforcement, spiritism, cultural-exploration, murder-investigation, suspense*****

Amazing! Degreed cultural anthropologist/spiritual leader of her people/police detective Kali Mahoe works the case of a promising young man who was murdered and also the felonious thefts of solar panels by lore savvy thieves. I loved the imagery of the island lore as well as the personalities of the characters. Some nasty bits but no worse than some other ritualistic remains. Sometimes I'd get lost in the lore and have to go back to catch a thread of the investigation, but then I'm a history geek. There is exceptional due diligence recorded and the evidence is all trial ready. The publisher's blurb is a pretty good hook and I don't do spoilers, but I loved it and look forward to the next one!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
Bought the audio Feb. 2023