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lynguy1's review against another edition
4.0
Robert B. McCaw showcases an unusual murder in his police procedural DEATH OF A MESSENGER. This is the first book in the Loa Kane Hawaiian Mystery series.
An anonymous 911 caller reports a dead body at the Army’s live-fire training area at Pohakuloa. Hilo Chief Detective Koa Kane meets the Army at the site after it has been cleared as safe. During the course of the investigation, he has to overcome a large number of impediments and complications to the case.
Detective Koa grows on the reader as the story develops. His pursuit of honor for a past action came through clearly. His dealing with budget cuts, a health problem, political pressure, and a friend asking for help during the course of a murder investigation made him feel more realistic. There were a large number of secondary characters, but I did not have any trouble keeping track of them. As the series continues, I expect some of these to re-occur and gain more depth.
The pace of the book was a little slow initially, but picked up rapidly and stayed accelerated until the dramatic conclusion. There are plenty of twists, turns, and complications as well as several sub-plots. The author did a great job of world-building and gave a strong sense of place. There was a good balance between the investigation and the cultural and historical aspects that were included. I never felt that the book was diverging away from the pursuit of the killer. My one quibble with the book is that the women in the book were largely portrayed as weak. I hope this changes in future books.
Overall, this an engaging story that transported me to Hawaii when I was enduring a snowstorm. What more could I ask? Well, I also learned some things about Hawaiian culture and history, archeology and astronomy.
The bottom line: If you enjoy police procedurals and crime thrillers with relatable characters, then I recommend you check out this series.
I won a digital copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
An anonymous 911 caller reports a dead body at the Army’s live-fire training area at Pohakuloa. Hilo Chief Detective Koa Kane meets the Army at the site after it has been cleared as safe. During the course of the investigation, he has to overcome a large number of impediments and complications to the case.
Detective Koa grows on the reader as the story develops. His pursuit of honor for a past action came through clearly. His dealing with budget cuts, a health problem, political pressure, and a friend asking for help during the course of a murder investigation made him feel more realistic. There were a large number of secondary characters, but I did not have any trouble keeping track of them. As the series continues, I expect some of these to re-occur and gain more depth.
The pace of the book was a little slow initially, but picked up rapidly and stayed accelerated until the dramatic conclusion. There are plenty of twists, turns, and complications as well as several sub-plots. The author did a great job of world-building and gave a strong sense of place. There was a good balance between the investigation and the cultural and historical aspects that were included. I never felt that the book was diverging away from the pursuit of the killer. My one quibble with the book is that the women in the book were largely portrayed as weak. I hope this changes in future books.
Overall, this an engaging story that transported me to Hawaii when I was enduring a snowstorm. What more could I ask? Well, I also learned some things about Hawaiian culture and history, archeology and astronomy.
The bottom line: If you enjoy police procedurals and crime thrillers with relatable characters, then I recommend you check out this series.
I won a digital copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
lynguy1's review against another edition
4.0
Robert B. McCaw showcases an unusual murder in his police procedural DEATH OF A MESSENGER. This is the first book in the Loa Kane Hawaiian Mystery series.
An anonymous 911 caller reports a dead body at the Army’s live-fire training area at Pohakuloa. Hilo Chief Detective Koa Kane meets the Army at the site after it has been cleared as safe. During the course of the investigation, he has to overcome a large number of impediments and complications to the case.
Detective Koa grows on the reader as the story develops. His pursuit of honor for a past action came through clearly. His dealing with budget cuts, a health problem, political pressure, and a friend asking for help during the course of a murder investigation made him feel more realistic. There were a large number of secondary characters, but I did not have any trouble keeping track of them. As the series continues, I expect some of these to re-occur and gain more depth.
The pace of the book was a little slow initially, but picked up rapidly and stayed accelerated until the dramatic conclusion. There are plenty of twists, turns, and complications as well as several sub-plots. The author did a great job of world-building and gave a strong sense of place. There was a good balance between the investigation and the cultural and historical aspects that were included. I never felt that the book was diverging away from the pursuit of the killer. My one quibble with the book is that the women in the book were largely portrayed as weak. I hope this changes in future books.
Overall, this an engaging story that transported me to Hawaii when I was enduring a snowstorm. What more could I ask? Well, I also learned some things about Hawaiian culture and history, archeology and astronomy.
The bottom line: If you enjoy police procedurals and crime thrillers with relatable characters, then I recommend you check out this series.
I won a digital copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
An anonymous 911 caller reports a dead body at the Army’s live-fire training area at Pohakuloa. Hilo Chief Detective Koa Kane meets the Army at the site after it has been cleared as safe. During the course of the investigation, he has to overcome a large number of impediments and complications to the case.
Detective Koa grows on the reader as the story develops. His pursuit of honor for a past action came through clearly. His dealing with budget cuts, a health problem, political pressure, and a friend asking for help during the course of a murder investigation made him feel more realistic. There were a large number of secondary characters, but I did not have any trouble keeping track of them. As the series continues, I expect some of these to re-occur and gain more depth.
The pace of the book was a little slow initially, but picked up rapidly and stayed accelerated until the dramatic conclusion. There are plenty of twists, turns, and complications as well as several sub-plots. The author did a great job of world-building and gave a strong sense of place. There was a good balance between the investigation and the cultural and historical aspects that were included. I never felt that the book was diverging away from the pursuit of the killer. My one quibble with the book is that the women in the book were largely portrayed as weak. I hope this changes in future books.
Overall, this an engaging story that transported me to Hawaii when I was enduring a snowstorm. What more could I ask? Well, I also learned some things about Hawaiian culture and history, archeology and astronomy.
The bottom line: If you enjoy police procedurals and crime thrillers with relatable characters, then I recommend you check out this series.
I won a digital copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
shreyas1599's review
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I coincidentally started reading this book on my trip to Hawaii. Overall impressions are that it’s a fast-paced novel with some level of character development. Anyone who reads a lot of plot-driven crime fiction could’ve predicted the ending and the events that lead up to the ending. Some examples.
When Koa is having a discussion with the chief and someone reports bad weather conditions at the observatory => there’s going to be a high-speed chase or a tense rescue in the end.
All the suspects don’t fit the bill and the only suspect not given a proper look - Masters.
The astronomy data that would later prove to be evidence plus the book about scientific. Isn’t too hard for the reader to guess what was going to happen.
I don't see these as grave shortcomings but nonetheless these guess-able pieces warrant a mention.
Some things I liked:
1. Lots of information on the Hawaii-an culture and the efforts to preserve their heritage.
2. The usage of Baxter to depict racist behaviour and his comeuppance (well not entirely but enough to satisfy a reader)
On the scientific explanations provided to justify parts of the story, I’m not entirely sure or competent to justify the veracity of the claims.
Overall, a fast-paced novel with a decentish plot. Curious to see how the rest of the series unfolds.
When Koa is having a discussion with the chief and someone reports bad weather conditions at the observatory => there’s going to be a high-speed chase or a tense rescue in the end.
All the suspects don’t fit the bill and the only suspect not given a proper look - Masters.
The astronomy data that would later prove to be evidence plus the book about scientific. Isn’t too hard for the reader to guess what was going to happen.
I don't see these as grave shortcomings but nonetheless these guess-able pieces warrant a mention.
Some things I liked:
1. Lots of information on the Hawaii-an culture and the efforts to preserve their heritage.
2. The usage of Baxter to depict racist behaviour and his comeuppance (well not entirely but enough to satisfy a reader)
On the scientific explanations provided to justify parts of the story, I’m not entirely sure or competent to justify the veracity of the claims.
Overall, a fast-paced novel with a decentish plot. Curious to see how the rest of the series unfolds.
constantreader471's review against another edition
4.0
4 stars for a fast paced police procedural. An anonymous caller reports a dead body inside a lava tube on the big island of Hawaii. Chief of Detectives for Hawaii county Koa Kane goes to the scene and discovers a body which has been gruesomely mutilated, so much so that it will be very difficult to identify the person. Koa does solve the case. There are many twists and turns.
Some elements in the book:
grave robbers, who steal precious artifacts from these graves for the black market.
sovereignty activists, angry about the US takeover of Hawaii and the prejudice against native Hawaiians
police westerners who are prejudiced against native Hawaiians
The author has done a great deal of research on native Hawaiian culture and history. This information, coupled with the mystery of the murder, makes for an enjoyable read. Both my wife and I recommend this series to police procedural fans.
One quote: "Far off to the west, trails of vaporous mist played eerily over the deeply shadowed valley where night had already fallen bewtween the Hawaiian mountains. Across the channel, Haleakala on Maui seemed to rise from the mists of some unseen netherworld. Hues of red, orange, yellow and pink glorified the darkening sky."
It was an Amazon purchase and I read it in 1 day while returning from Europe.
Some elements in the book:
grave robbers, who steal precious artifacts from these graves for the black market.
sovereignty activists, angry about the US takeover of Hawaii and the prejudice against native Hawaiians
police westerners who are prejudiced against native Hawaiians
The author has done a great deal of research on native Hawaiian culture and history. This information, coupled with the mystery of the murder, makes for an enjoyable read. Both my wife and I recommend this series to police procedural fans.
One quote: "Far off to the west, trails of vaporous mist played eerily over the deeply shadowed valley where night had already fallen bewtween the Hawaiian mountains. Across the channel, Haleakala on Maui seemed to rise from the mists of some unseen netherworld. Hues of red, orange, yellow and pink glorified the darkening sky."
It was an Amazon purchase and I read it in 1 day while returning from Europe.
nixbix_reads's review against another edition
2.0
While the ending of the story & the villain were a surprise, I didn't enjoy this book. For me, everything felt slighty off - I just can't quite put my finger on why, but it's there. I felt that the bad guys came across as Scooby Doo villains.
Thanks to Oceanview Publishing & NetGalley for the DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Oceanview Publishing & NetGalley for the DRC in exchange for an honest review.
annieb123's review against another edition
4.0
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Death of a Messenger is a modern murder procedural set in Hawaii and the first book in the Koa Kāne series by Robert McCaw. Originally released in 2015, this reformat and re-release by Oceanview is 336 pages and available in audio and ebook formats.
This is a well written procedural with an ensemble cast including a sympathetic protagonist with a very complex past. There's a great deal of archaeology and Hawaiian history written into the storyline as well as the complications arising from inter-departmental friction (the remains of a ritualistic murder victim were discovered on military land). I enjoyed Koa Kāne's competence and intelligence while his team are resolving the murder and related looting/antiquities crimes.
There is some rough language and a fair number of graphic descriptions (the original corpse is ritually mutilated and the author pulls no punches). The scenery and island historical background are well interwoven into the storyline and I found it compelling.
Four stars. Recommended for fans of modern procedurals, forensic mysteries, and the like.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Death of a Messenger is a modern murder procedural set in Hawaii and the first book in the Koa Kāne series by Robert McCaw. Originally released in 2015, this reformat and re-release by Oceanview is 336 pages and available in audio and ebook formats.
This is a well written procedural with an ensemble cast including a sympathetic protagonist with a very complex past. There's a great deal of archaeology and Hawaiian history written into the storyline as well as the complications arising from inter-departmental friction (the remains of a ritualistic murder victim were discovered on military land). I enjoyed Koa Kāne's competence and intelligence while his team are resolving the murder and related looting/antiquities crimes.
There is some rough language and a fair number of graphic descriptions (the original corpse is ritually mutilated and the author pulls no punches). The scenery and island historical background are well interwoven into the storyline and I found it compelling.
Four stars. Recommended for fans of modern procedurals, forensic mysteries, and the like.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
12roxy's review against another edition
3.0
Obvious plot but 5 stars for touching on - inaccurately but at least making a bit of a subject of - anthropology, astronomy, geology, Hawaiian history. Marked down for clunky and idiomatically incorrect dialogue, plot holes, telegraphing, and neck pain repeating so much it becomes a pain in the neck, plus sexism and an overblown finale.
megs2kool's review
4.0
Fun read with lots of twists and suspicious characters. I refused to trust anyone, and it's a good thing, as several characters were involved in different schemes throughout the book. I also learned that Hawaii can have blizzards in their highest mountains! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
steph1rothwell's review
3.0
My knowledge of Hawaii begins and ends with the remake of the TV series Hawaii 5-0. This book was a lot more detailed, more interesting and more entertaining than that series. As well as knowing little about Hawaii I have no knowledge of archaeology or astronomy, but it didn’t stop me enjoying this novel.
Whilst I have no knowledge of archaeology I found this aspect of the novel fascinating, I’m not sure I would like to discover some of the finds, they were a little creepy and intimidating but the author did a wonderful job of showing how important they were to those who have an interest. I enjoyed reading about the history of Hawaii, the way of life and the often antagonistic attitude between Hawaii and the United States. It was something I had never considered, but it was believable
Koa, the lead detective in this novel was a character I warmed to straight away. Like many before him he had a skeleton in his closet, but he lived his life trying to make amends for what he did. I found him to be devoted and protective towards his partner, loyal to his friends and respectful of Hawaiian history and culture.
There were plenty of red herrings, quite a few dubious characters who could have been the murderer and I liked trying to work out who it could be. I was incorrect but the ending worked perfectly.
Whilst I have no knowledge of archaeology I found this aspect of the novel fascinating, I’m not sure I would like to discover some of the finds, they were a little creepy and intimidating but the author did a wonderful job of showing how important they were to those who have an interest. I enjoyed reading about the history of Hawaii, the way of life and the often antagonistic attitude between Hawaii and the United States. It was something I had never considered, but it was believable
Koa, the lead detective in this novel was a character I warmed to straight away. Like many before him he had a skeleton in his closet, but he lived his life trying to make amends for what he did. I found him to be devoted and protective towards his partner, loyal to his friends and respectful of Hawaiian history and culture.
There were plenty of red herrings, quite a few dubious characters who could have been the murderer and I liked trying to work out who it could be. I was incorrect but the ending worked perfectly.