Review by Tracy Condie
Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win an ebook copy of the book and a link to purchase it.
This is such an unusual series. A number of authors write for it, most of whom have multiple books in the series. What the books have in common are the resort and surrounding businesses, murder, and Detective Ray Kahoalani. The series takes place at the Aloha Lagoon Resort located on the island of Kauai in Hawaii. While this is not my first Aloha Lagoon mystery, it is my first time "meeting" Gabby LeClaire, the owner of Gabby's Island Adventures, a full-service travel agency. Gabby tells the story in the first-person point of view and shares how she left behind the hustle, bustle, and stress of the Chicago corporate travel scene with its pencil skirts and ankle-breaking high heels to be able to do her job at an island pace in comfortably tropical themed clothes.
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| Image Source Gemma Halliday |
This book thoughtfully explores a subject that I have struggled with at times––the challenge between helping someone and rescuing them from every consequence. Julie is surrounded by people who care deeply about her, especially Rick, but the story recognizes that constant protection can unintentionally keep a person from building confidence, judgment, and accountability. The most meaningful growth comes not from being shielded from mistakes, but from facing them, taking ownership, and choosing what to do differently afterward. This also plays a part in the motive of the killer who is identified early on but not located until it is truly time for the reveal.
In addition to this excellent life lesson reminder, there are well placed clues discovered by Gabby who is one gutsy gal, at least when it comes to solving a crime and facing down a killer. Now when it comes to committing to Rick, there is some fear brought on by past experience.
The cherries on the top of this cozy are the recipes for Momi's Brimstone Red Velvet Cookies and Loco Moco Broiled Teriyaki Salmon Salad.
To enter to win an ebook copy of Haunted Hula-ween, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line "hula-ween,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen October 24, 2026. US residents only and you must be 18 or older to enter. If entering via comment please include your email address so we can contact you. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & mystery short stories in our mystery section in Kings River Life and in our mystery category here on KRL News & Reviews. And join our mystery Facebook group to keep up with everything mystery we post, and have a chance at some extra giveaways. And check out our new mystery podcast which features mystery short stories and first chapters read by local actors!
Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.Tracy Condie is a paralegal by day and cozy armchair sleuth by night. When she is not working or reading, she enjoys preparing the recipes found in culinary cozies or researching recipes of meal items described therein and sharing reviews of both books and food on Instagram and on KRL. She lives in Corona, California with her husband and dog Zoolie, and looks forward to visiting with their grown sons when their time permits.
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