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oregon_colette's review against another edition
4.0
Iced in Paradise is told from the perspective of Leilani Santiago. In her 20s, Leilani has left Seattle to return to her hometown of Waimea, on the island of Kauai. Her mother has been diagnosed with MS, and she has come to help her family run their shave ice business. One morning, Leilani arrives at work to find a young pro-surfer has been murdered in their shop. Soon, her father is the number one suspect, and Leilani sets out to find the true killer.
Iced in Paradise is a “cozy” mystery that is fairly light on the “mystery” part. It is an easy read, with a likeable young hero. As Leilani sets out to solve the mystery, you’ll get immersed into her family’s life, learn a little about land rights in Hawaii, and get introduced to an interesting cast of characters which will undoubtedly follow Leilani through a series of upcoming mysteries.
A word of caution, the characters in this book speak Pidgin English, with Japanese and Hawaiian mixed in. The author seamlessly added the definitions of some of the words into her descriptions and included a limited glossary in the back. I found the dialog enjoyable and it made the characters seemed more authentic; however, having known several young people from Hawaii, I am also slightly familiar with Pidgin.
I picked up my copy of Iced in Paradise at Talk Story Bookstore in Hanapepe, on the island of Kauai, and read the book while sitting on the beach. It was the perfect combination. But I think the story would also be enjoyable without the beach.
Iced in Paradise is a “cozy” mystery that is fairly light on the “mystery” part. It is an easy read, with a likeable young hero. As Leilani sets out to solve the mystery, you’ll get immersed into her family’s life, learn a little about land rights in Hawaii, and get introduced to an interesting cast of characters which will undoubtedly follow Leilani through a series of upcoming mysteries.
A word of caution, the characters in this book speak Pidgin English, with Japanese and Hawaiian mixed in. The author seamlessly added the definitions of some of the words into her descriptions and included a limited glossary in the back. I found the dialog enjoyable and it made the characters seemed more authentic; however, having known several young people from Hawaii, I am also slightly familiar with Pidgin.
I picked up my copy of Iced in Paradise at Talk Story Bookstore in Hanapepe, on the island of Kauai, and read the book while sitting on the beach. It was the perfect combination. But I think the story would also be enjoyable without the beach.
elkieb's review against another edition
4.0
Great fun read! The story and characters were interesting and fun to see develop!
boujeebookworm's review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
3.7/5
This was my first read by this author and it brought me back to cozy mysteries. I enjoyed the story and characters. I also enjoyed the usage of native dialect. The author made note that she researched and sought out advice from natives as she wanted the story to be authentic.
I thought I knew who killed Luke but wheewwww I was wrong. I actually like when I am because it kept me engaged in the story.
The family was complex but what family isn’t? Overall I enjoyed this read.
This was my first read by this author and it brought me back to cozy mysteries. I enjoyed the story and characters. I also enjoyed the usage of native dialect. The author made note that she researched and sought out advice from natives as she wanted the story to be authentic.
I thought I knew who killed Luke but wheewwww I was wrong. I actually like when I am because it kept me engaged in the story.
The family was complex but what family isn’t? Overall I enjoyed this read.
mysterymom40's review
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Racism, Murder, Infidelity, Alcoholism, and Cancer
Minor: Colonisation and Bullying
susanbrigid's review against another edition
4.0
I read this in 2 days. Escapist murder mystery set in Kauaʻi with characters of Hawaiian, Japanese, Filipino, and haole (white) backgrounds. Digs into native land rights and outside development pressures, alcoholism, complex family dynamics, as well as shave ice and surfing.
orla_chidge's review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
skjacksontum's review against another edition
4.0
I like her style of writing. The main character is flawed, but funny. I also like characters that are surrounded by interesting other characters. It isn't just a story about the character.
It was a quick read, and I hope there are more stories in the future.
It was a quick read, and I hope there are more stories in the future.
chelseylb1988's review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
lyssareadz's review against another edition
5.0
Wow, I cannot even put into words how much I loved this book. The fact that it was set on my side (west side is the best side) of my home island (Kauaʻi