BONES OF HILO

Murder on the Big Island brings tensions between Native Hawaiians and haoles to a boil in 2002.

Detective Kawika Wong gets a welcome reprieve from a case at Shark Cliff that’s making him nauseous. Someone’s been murdered at the Mauna Lani resort at South Kohala. The victim is resort developer Ralph Fortunato, run through with a Hawaiian spear on the resort’s golf course. Because of the nature of the crime, a Native Hawaiian investigator has been requested. Fortunato’s plan to open Kohala Kea Loa, another resort, provides an obvious motive. The vengeful reaction of the not-so-grieving widow confirms the animus between Hawaiians and her husband. The body was found by visiting journalist Patience Quinn, whom Kawika drifts into an affair with. The case becomes more complicated when a prime suspect commits suicide. Presented in very short chapters titled by location, this brisk series kickoff introduces a sharp if familiar supporting cast, including gruff police captain Tanaka, junior investigator Tommy, and rival detective Sammy Kā‘ai. There’ll be more murder, a complex scheme that stretches to Japan, and the involvement of the FBI. Redman provides several maps of the island, a pronunciation guide, and a platform for a deeper treatment of issues surrounding Native rights and cultural identity in the United States. His local color goes far beyond touristy tidbits to pieces of history, like the story of a famous Pinkerton detective.

The mystery plot is OK, its backstory fascinating and timely.