Murder on Kaanapali Beach

Leila Kahana Mysteries, Book 2

By: R. Barri Flowers

Narrated by: Jane Boyer

Length: 10 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's Summary

Murder on Kaanapali Beach is the highly anticipated sequel to the best-selling Murder in Maui by award winning crime writer R. Barri Flowers.

Maui County homicide detective and composite sketch artist Leila Kahana and her new partner, Detective Jonny Chung, take on the case of a beautiful college instructor found murdered on the island's famed Kaanapali Beach, even as Leila continues to be haunted by a frustrating case of serial murder.

Joyce Yashiro, estranged from her husband, was suffocated when she was forced face down into the soft sand on the beach. The case is anything but simple as the victim's life and those of the people around her are put under the microscope, with a killer watching every move the police make.

In a seemingly unrelated case, Detectives Rachel Lancaster and Trent Ferguson investigate the execution-style murder of businessman Parker Breslin in front of his Kihei home. It seems that more than one person may have wanted Breslin dead and someone made sure it happened.

As the two murder investigations progress with a myriad of suspects, a surprising connection between the cases and crimes emerge. But is there one killer or two?

As these cases move full steam ahead, there is also a brutal serial killer on the loose. Dubbed the "Zip Line Killer", he has been terrorizing women on the island, strangling them with a zip line, for over a year, while staying safely out of reach of the authorities.

Now he has struck again and Leila and Chung, along with their Lieutenant Blake Seymour, are determined to bring him down.

Do they finally have a break that can put this frightening killer behind bars before he strikes again? Or is he merely toying with them while sizing up his next victim?

©2015 R. Barri Flowers (P)2016 R. Barri Flowers

Complex detective mystery in a beautiful locale

I was all set to dislike this book based on the reviews, but I actually enjoyed it. The plot was was interesting and complex, as were the characters. The setting was enjoyable, as it took place in Hawaii. Most of the reviews I saw said that the book needed editing, but I listened to the Audible edition, and didn't find that to be the case. Also, the narrator was really good. I tend to prefer male narrators who have a greater vocal range, but this narrator also had a good range to her voice, and spoke with a kind of gritty voice that I like when reading detective stories. Also note that though this is the second book in a series, I think it can be read as a stand-alone novel. I did not read the first book in the series, and I don't feel like it hampered my enjoyment of this book (though I would read the previous book just because I enjoyed this one). If you like detective stories, give this one a try.

Engaging Multi-dimensional Mystery

This was a very enjoyable mystery with duel complex plot lines. It is book 2 in a series and I did not read book 1 but it didn’t matter as this is a stand alone book. Detective Leila Kahana is a likable detective and I thought all of the characters were well developed.

I received the Audible version of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. The narration by Jane Boyer was very good.

All and all this was an entertaining and enjoyable book to which I am glad that I listened. If you like mysteries, I would heartily recommend it!

Great listen!

I received this as a gift. I got immersed in the story straight away. I could actually visualize everything and each character. It was easy to follow, and I fell in love with Leila.
I highly recommend this audiobook, now I am hooked. I will have to purchase the first book. Easy listening, makes for a great companion in transit to and from work.
Mr. Flowers did it again. I love all his books, and this one did not disappoint me.

Cops in paradise

One just doesn't expect to find bodies on a resort beach while on vacation in one of the loveliest spots on earth. When a visiting doctor on his morning jog trips over the body of a well-known Maui resident, apparently strangled on her own morning run, homicide detective Leila Kahana is assigned the case. But it isn't just one murder, as a shooting happens quickly on the heels of the first, which might have been related to a serial series already under investigation. A fairly large cast of characters, including law enforcement personnel and a local journalist participate in the investigation. Just when things seem to be wrapped up, new complications arise. Nice sense of place, a fun description of the 30 something crowd in a resort community, and a wonderful narration by Jane Boyer. As another reviewer mentioned, the book is completely free standing.