Review: An enjoyable read
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 10 10, 2012
Livin' Lahaina Loca is Book 2 in the Islands of Aloha Mystery series.  The main character, Pali Moon, is a Maui wedding planner.  In this story, she is in the final stages of wedding preparations when a bridesmaid disappears.  After receiving what Pali believes is definite proof that something awful has happened to the young woman, she turns to the police for help.  She can't understand why they aren't taking her seriously, so she sets out to find the missing woman herself.  The police, her friends, and even the bridal couple believe the woman is fine and has simply left the island.  They all tell her she needs to let this go, but Pali's concern for others and her belief in justice won't let her give up the search.I like Pali.  She has a tough and confident exterior, but inside, she is a kind and caring person filled with the same insecurities we all have.  I enjoyed her interactions with her friend, Farrah, and with Steve, her roommate.  Hatch (from Bk 1) is back, and we are introduced to a new (possible) romantic interest.  (Can't quite decide how I feel about this new guy, though.)This is a well-paced story that quickly grabs you and doesn't let go.  The humor is subtle, the story is solid, and the ending was definitely unexpected.  I've just downloaded Bk 3--Lana'i of the Tiger (such fun titles!).  The author left Pali in a very tense situation, and I can't wait to see how it all plays out.  If you enjoy cozy mysteries with likeable characters and a great setting, give this series a try.  Happy reading!