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drblockbooks's review against another edition
Fun police investigator murder mystery. A bit gruesome in places. A quick read.
blogginboutbooks's review against another edition
3.0
I'm always drawn to books that bring the richness of Hawaii to life, drawing on its native beauty, culture, and traditions to create an intriguing, atmospheric setting. Bokur attempts to do this with THE FIRE THIEF, even if it feels like she's trying WAY too hard and falling far too short. Even still, the exotic Hawaiian backdrop is the best thing about this murder mystery. The characters are just not a very likable bunch. Even Kali and Walter come off as cold, crochety, and uncaring. Kali has the potential to be an appealing heroine, but Bokur tries so hard to make her tough (HOW many times can she possibly mention Kali's warrior tattoos??) and independent that the detective ends up feeling unapproachable, unsympathetic, and invulnerable. Not to mention completely unconvincing as either a cop or an anthropologist. As far as plot goes, THE FIRE THIEF moves on "island time" - it takes forever to get anywhere. The murder mystery quickly becomes a secondary plot that is overtaken by a MUCH less interesting hunt for stolen solar panels. Besides a melodramatic fight sequence at the end, there's little conflict or action to keep the tale exciting. In the end, then, I found THE FIRE THIEF to be a dull read marked by clumsy plotting, flat characters, and uneven storytelling. I only finished it because I'm trying to read a book set in every state and I needed Hawaii! If I could give this book 2 1/2 stars I would; since I can't, I'm rounding up.
marci_travels's review against another edition
informative
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I enjoyed the Hawai'i setting, and the careful way the characters weave in their life and story into their daily lives. We need more stories from unheard voices.
The island procedural takes back seat to the characters themselves, those who are from the island, those who come and make a home, and the tourists and those who never fit in no matter how long they stay. The story is very predictable, but it is the first in the series and I think the author is laying down the worldbuilding and defining the characters and their personalities for us. She does a great job of introducing Hawai'i to those who do not live there.
For fans of Tony Hillerman's Jim Chee Navajo stories, Margaret Coel's the Wind River mysteries, and the Dana Stabenow - Kate Shugak Aleut stories.
A quick easy read - it fit in well with my Sunday afternoon cozy mystery tradition.
The island procedural takes back seat to the characters themselves, those who are from the island, those who come and make a home, and the tourists and those who never fit in no matter how long they stay. The story is very predictable, but it is the first in the series and I think the author is laying down the worldbuilding and defining the characters and their personalities for us. She does a great job of introducing Hawai'i to those who do not live there.
For fans of Tony Hillerman's Jim Chee Navajo stories, Margaret Coel's the Wind River mysteries, and the Dana Stabenow - Kate Shugak Aleut stories.
A quick easy read - it fit in well with my Sunday afternoon cozy mystery tradition.
denaiir's review against another edition
3.0
unfortunately even though I was quite excited to read athriller set in Hawai'i, the characters were bland and I didn't care for it, I will not continue the series
silverwings95's review against another edition
Wasn't vibing with the characters or the premise. Everyone seemed miserable.
wendywbooksareawesome's review against another edition
4.0
Really liked this mystery, first of a series set in Hawaii. I really liked the settings, background and native legends woven into the story. Didn't know who the bad people were until the end, it wasn't too rushed.
ego8's review against another edition
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
l1brarygirl's review
3.0
Things that drew me to this book: that cover and the fact that it takes place on Maui!
Update after reading: I appreciated the research the author did in making sure Hawaiian customs and the area were accurate. The narrator also pronounced the Hawaiian words correctly. The story took me a while to get into but I liked it overall and will probably read the sequel.
Update after reading: I appreciated the research the author did in making sure Hawaiian customs and the area were accurate. The narrator also pronounced the Hawaiian words correctly. The story took me a while to get into but I liked it overall and will probably read the sequel.
littletiramisu's review against another edition
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
Really slow, and not really suspenseful. It felt more like an informative book about the Hawaiian culture. Many unnecessary and uninteresting scenes.